The Viking View

In art, the teacher will highlight various black artists and their contributions to the world of artistic expression. Each artist is an expert in the mediums that are covered during the Spring semester (clay, fibers, self-portraiture, and acrylic paint). Specifically, Art I students will create papier-mâché masks that are based on a Paul Laurence Dunbar poem. Art 2 students will create abstract wire sculptures after learning about Simone Leigh, as well as other various contemporary sculptors. Last, but not least, our Art 3 students will create Kehinde Wiley inspired Pet Portraits.

In social studies classes, students will receive additional information related to the contributions of some lesser known African American leaders.

Ms. Hainlin, our campus librarian, has gathered a collection of wonderful reads from prominent black authors. Students are able to visit the library before and after school and during Viking Time to check out these books. Additionally, other information featuring prominent black authors in history and modern day are on display in the library.

Through advisory class, students are invited to work independently on various activities to learn about Black History Month. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in the essay writing contest (details below).

Weekly announcements through the month of February will feature the contributions of black leaders, authors, and changemakers.

Additional campus activities and lessons will be highlighted through the month of February!

Students may select from one of the prompts listed below and write a 5-paragraph essay. Prizes will be awarded for the top three essays, and winners will be announced on Friday, March 3rd. The deadline to submit the essay to the front office is Tuesday, February 28th at 4 p.m. There will be a drop box located in the front office reception area.

Writing Prompt #1: Why do we celebrate Black History Month?

Writing Prompt #2: How did the civil rights movement change the world?

Writing Prompt #3: Write about the contributions of a famous Black American (e.g. author, inventor, scientist, activist).

Monday, January 30th

8 Period Day

• Advisory

3 Week IPR Deadline

Track Season Begins

Tuesday, January 31st

8 Period Day

• Viking Time - ILA Priority

Spring Picture Day (Tennis)

Art Club Meeting

• 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

UIL OAP

• 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 1st

Wear RED Every Wednesday During February

World Read Aloud Day

Block Schedule (Periods 1,3,5,7)

• Viking Time History Priority

Thursday, February 2nd

Block Schedule (Periods 2,4,6,8)

• Viking Time - Math Priority

UIL OAP

• 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday, February 3rd

Spirit Day - VMS, Liberty or Emerson Spirit Wear w/ Jeans

8 Period Day

• Viking Time - Science Priority

UIL OAP

• 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 4th

Region Choir Camp

• Fowler Middle School
• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• A Team
• Reach Out to Coach Siess for Details

February

6-10 National School Counselor Week

6-10 Valentine's Dance Tickets on Sale (All Lunches)

6 UIL Eligibility

6 PTA Spirit Night @ Chuy's

6 UIL OAP

6 Orchestra Pre-UIL @ Liberty

7 One Act Play Public Performance - The Outsiders

8 HERO Redemption Day

9 Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

9 UIL OAP

9 UIL Pre-Assessment

9 Cheer Parent Meeting

9 HERO Redemption Day

10 UIL OAP Zone Tech Rehearsal

10 Spring Valentine's Dance

On behalf of the faculty and staff and the Vandeventer MIddle School PTA Executive Board, we would like to congratulate the following students for receiving an award for this year's National PTA Reflections Program. The theme this year was Show Your Voice! Students submitted their artwork in one of several categories: dance, film production, literature, music competition, photography, and visual arts.

Visual Arts (Special Arts Category)

6th Grade - Nehit Saini - Award of Distinction

Photography

6th Grade - Brady Baumgardner - Award of Excellence

8th Grade - Madhumitha Vijay - Award of Distinction

Literature

7th Grade - Vaibhavi Kabra - Award of Distinction

Student Council will be selling Carnation Grams at lunch January 23- February 13. For $1.00 you can purchase a carnation flower and write a message to a friend, parent, or teacher. The Carnation Grams will be delivered at the end of the day February 14th. Look for STUCO members at lunch and make someone's day by sending them a carnation gram!

Mark your calendar for the Vandeventer Middle School end-of-year activities and events:

Tuesday, May 9th - 8th Grade Field Trip (Zoo)

Wednesday, May 10th - Senior Breakfast; Vandeventer MS Library @ 7:45 a.m.

Friday, May 12th - Ninja Nation (All Grades/All Day Event Sponsored by the VMS PTA)

Tuesday, May 16th - 6th Grade Award Assembly; Vandeventer MS Gym @ 9 a.m.

Tuesday, May 16th - 7th Grade Field Trip (Rough Riders)

Tuesday, May 16th - 8th Grade Award Assembly; Liberty High School Auditorium @ 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 17th - 7th Grade Award Assembly; VMS Gym @ 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 18th - 8th Grade Field Day

Friday, May 19th - 8th Grade Walk

The above referenced list is not all inclusive. Athletics, fine arts, and some clubs and organizations may also have end-of-year activities for student participants. All dates/times are tentative and will be confirmed in late-April or early-May.

1. School dress code applies at all school events.
2. Students should remain in the stands to watch the games and limit their trips to the concession and restroom areas to halftime and between games. Students are not allowed to loiter/hang out around the concession and restroom area at any time.
3. Students and other spectators are not to bring food or drink into either of the gyms (volleyball/basketball). Bottles of water are allowed in the gym.
4. Once students leave the game, they are not allowed to return.
5. Students’ conduct should promote sportsmanship and reflect their team in a positive and respectful manner. Conversations should be appropriate, and profanity is prohibited.
6. Students should not have the following items or similar items with them: football, soccer ball, tennis ball, skateboard, scooter, etc. Please leave items such as these in the car or at home. These items will be confiscated if brought to the stadium/gym.
7. Students must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after the conclusion of the game to attend future extracurricular events. Students are encouraged to call their parent/guardian at the beginning of the last quarter/last set rather than waiting until the game is over. Administrators will wait with students until they are picked up to ensure student safety, so please ensure that your student has a ride immediately following the game.
8. Students not meeting these expectations may be asked to sit with their parents (if parents are present), or to call their parents to pick them up. Students may also not be allowed to return for future extracurricular events.

Ms. Taylor began her career in education in 1997 with Irving ISD after receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. After several years as a teacher and coach, she obtained her master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas and continued in Irving as a middle school assistant principal. In 2006, she transitioned to Dallas ISD where she worked in various leadership roles until moving to the Frisco area five years ago. This is Ms. Taylor's fourth year as the Viking principal, and she looks forward to another great school year!

Elizabeth Murray grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She started her teaching career in 2006 as a 6th grade math teacher at Clark Middle School and then spent the next 14 years teaching all grade levels of math at Fowler Middle School. During the 2021-2022 school year, she was selected as an Administrative Intern for Staley Middle School. Mrs. Murray will be join Vandeventer Middle School this year and she is so excited to be a Viking!

Marla Smith got her start in marketing and public relations, but found her true calling in education with the Dallas ISD in 2002. She taught RLA for 10 years and was a master teacher before transitioning to Central Office and School Leadership for another 7 years. Mrs. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Howard Payne University and her Masters degree in Education Technology from Lamar University. She has a husband and two teenagers. Mrs. Smith is excited to begin her fourth year at Vandeventer Middle School.

Email: vandeventer@friscoisd.org
Website: https://schools.friscoisd.org/campus/middle-school/vandeventer/home
Location: 6075 Independence Parkway, Frisco, TX, USA
Phone: 469-633-4350
Facebook: facebook.com/VandeventerMiddleSchool
Twitter: @VandeventerMS