🔬📚🎉 Please help us welcome Alisha Stone, Van Middle School's newest 5th Grade Science Teacher! ❤️🤍
To introduce Alisha to our Vandal family, we asked her a few questions! 👇
🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Learning and Technology from East Texas A&M University and am excited to be wrapping up my Master of Education in Educational Technology there as well, with graduation planned for August! 🎓✨
🍎 PREVIOUS JOBS?
My career path has been a little unique! I've worked as a lab technician, corporate administrative assistant, hotel desk manager, and accounting clerk before discovering my passion for education. 🧪💼🏨📊
For nearly nine years, I've served students in Wills Point, Grand Saline, and Lindale ISD, and I'm passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that help every student succeed. 📚❤️
🐶 FUN FACT?
I love making learning memorable! One year, I even incorporated my dog, Maverick, into a science lesson and brought him in for a classroom visit. 🐾🔬🐶
✈️👨‍👩‍👦 HOBBIES?
When I'm not at school, you can usually find me cheering on my sons at their games and sporting events, spending time with friends and family, playing with our two dogs, or planning our next travel adventure. ❤️⚾🏀🐶✈️
❤️ WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
I'm excited for the opportunity to continue serving students in the East Texas community while becoming part of a district that values relationships, collaboration, and student growth. I look forward to joining a school community with a strong tradition of investing in its students and helping them reach their full potential. 🍎🤝📚❤️
🎉❤️ Welcome to #TeamVISD, Alisha! ❤️🤍 We are so excited to have you join the Vandal family! We can't wait to see the positive impact you'll make in the classroom and in the lives of your students. 🔬📚🍎✨
#WeAreVan ❤️🤍

🥎🎉📚 Please help us welcome Mikaila Kenney, Van High School's newest Teacher and Head Softball Coach! ❤️🤍
To introduce Mikaila to our Vandal family, we asked her a few questions! 👇

🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
I graduated from Lamar University with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. 🎓🧡

🥎 PREVIOUS JOBS?
I've spent the past two years at Arp ISD as the Head Softball Coach. 🥎🍎

⭐ FUN FACT?
I played four years of Division I softball between Marshall University and Lamar University! 💚⚾🧡

🎳✈️ HOBBIES?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, bowling, and watching softball. ❤️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✈️🎳🥎

❤️ WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
I'm excited to join a district with a strong tradition of excellence and become part of the Van community. ❤️🤍 I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff while making a positive impact both in the classroom and on the softball field. 🍎📚🥎

🎉❤️ Welcome to #TeamVISD, Mikaila! ❤️🤍 We are so excited to have you join the Vandal family and can't wait to see the incredible impact you'll make in the classroom and as the leader of our Lady Vandal Softball program! 🥎🍎🎉
#WeAreVan ❤️🤍

🎉🍎❤️ Please help us welcome HOME VHS alumna, Kelsey Carpenter, the newest Kindergarten Teacher at J.E. Rhodes Elementary! ❤️📚✏️

To re-introduce Kelsey to our Vandal family, we asked her a few questions! 👇

🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
I graduated from The University of Texas at Tyler with my bachelor's degree in Education. 📚🎓

🍎 PREVIOUS JOBS?
I have nine years of teaching experience, including five years teaching second grade at Lindale ISD and four years teaching fourth grade at Van ISD. ❤️🤍 I’ve also had the opportunity to serve in several long-term substitute teaching roles. I’m excited to begin this new chapter in Kindergarten! ✏️📖🍎

🎉 FUN FACT?
I was born in Louisiana but have never actually lived there! 💜💛⚜️

📚🎨 HOBBIES?
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy crafting and reading. 📖🧶 Most importantly, I love spending quality time with my husband, daughter, and our two Goldendoodles. 🐶🐶❤️ Whether we're relaxing at home or making new memories together, family time is my favorite! 🏡✨

❤️ WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
I am excited to return to Van ISD and begin my kindergarten journey with such a supportive school community. 🍎 I look forward to building meaningful relationships with my students and their families, working alongside an incredible team, and helping my students develop a lifelong love of learning. 📚❤️ It is a privilege to play a small part in such an important year of their educational journey.

🎉❤️ Welcome HOME, Kelsey! ❤️🤍 We are so excited to welcome you back to #TeamVISD and can't wait to see the incredible impact you'll make on our youngest Vandals! 🍎📚✏️

#WeAreVan ❤️🤍

🎉🍎 Please help us welcome Courtney Allin, the newest Kindergarten Teacher at J.E. Rhodes Elementary School! 📚✏️❤️

To help introduce Courtney to our Vandal family, we asked her a few questions! 👇

🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
I recently graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. 💜💛 Geaux Tigers!

💼 PREVIOUS JOBS?
Before pursuing a career in education, I spent 13 years with Walmart, working in a variety of roles across the company—from distribution centers to retail locations.

🥾 FUN FACT?
I love to travel and have a goal of hiking in every national park! 🌲⛰️ My ultimate dream is to complete the Pacific Northwest Trail. 🥾✨

📚 HOBBIES?
I enjoy reading, playing video games with my brother, and traveling whenever I get the chance! 🎮📖✈️

❤️ WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
I'm most looking forward to building relationships with students, families, and coworkers while becoming part of a community that is dedicated to helping every child succeed. 🍎❤️

🎉 Welcome to #TeamVISD, Courtney! ❤️ We are so excited to have you join the Vandal family and can't wait to see the difference you'll make in the lives of our youngest learners! 🍎📚❤️

#WeAreVan ❤️🤍

🎉📚 Please help us welcome Ruston Bult, the newest Teacher & Coach at Van ISD! ❤️🤍
To help introduce Ruston to our Vandal family, we asked him a few questions! 👇
🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
I played collegiate baseball at Texas A&M–Texarkana while earning my bachelor's degree. ⚾🎓
💼 PREVIOUS JOBS?
I spent the past three years as a teacher and coach at Rains ISD. 🍎
👶 FUN FACT?
My wife and I are expecting our first child this September! 💙🍼🎉
⛳ HOBBIES?
When I'm not at work, I enjoy golfing, spending time with my wife and our two wiener dogs, playing Xbox, working out, and fishing. 🎮🐶⛳💪🎣
❤️ WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
I'm excited to work alongside and learn from the outstanding leaders at Van ISD while building positive relationships with our students, staff, and community. 🍎🤝❤️
🎉 Welcome to #TeamVISD, Ruston! ❤️ We are so excited to have you join the Vandal family and can't wait to see the impact you'll make in our classrooms and athletic programs! 🤍🏈📚⚾
#WeAreVan ❤️🤍

Please welcome Jamie Bragg, the newest Pre-K Instructional Aide at J.E. Rhodes Elementary School! 🍎📚✨

To introduce Jamie to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:

🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
Trinity Valley Community College; Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

💼 PREVIOUS JOBS?
• 13 years at Brownsboro ISD
• 1½ years at Eustace ISD

⭐ FUN FACT?
Mary Poppins is my hero! ☂️✨

🐾 HOBBIES?
I enjoy reading my collection of Mary Higgins Clark books 📖, swimming 🏊‍♀️, and caring for my animals .

❤️💛 WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
I am looking forward to making new friends, both big and small. 😊 I plan to treat every school day like a quest filled with tiny heroes 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️, unexpected twists 🎭, and a little classroom magic ✨🍎.

🎉 Welcome to #TeamVISD, Jamie! We are so excited to have you! ❤️💛

#WeAreVan 🏫❤️ ✨

🎉❤️ Please help us welcome HOME VHS alumni Wyatt Batie, the newest Ag Mechanics teacher at Van High School! ❤️🎉

To introduce Wyatt to our Vandal community, we asked him a few questions:

🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
East Texas A&M University–Commerce

🔧 PREVIOUS JOB?
Commercial HVAC Technician

🏡 FUN FACT?
My wife and I are currently building our home ourselves on our family's property, where we live alongside several of our family members!

🦌🎣 HOBBIES?
Hunting, fishing, and traveling with my family.

❤️ WHY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK IN VAN ISD?
"I'm looking forward to getting to know the students and teaching them hands-on skills that no one can ever take away from them."

❤️🏡 Welcome home, Wyatt! We are so excited to have you back in Van and as part of #TeamVISD! We know you'll make a lasting impact on our students and our community.

❤️ #WeAreVan #TeamVISD #VandalPride #WelcomeHome

🎉🐾 Please welcome Emmalee Fishman, the newest AG Science teacher at Van Junior High! 🌾🐄

To introduce Emmalee to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:

🎓 WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
I earned my Bachelor's degree from Fresno State in California's Central Valley and worked on my Master's degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

🍎 PREVIOUS JOBS?
I have taught agricultural science for the last 15 years, most recently in Forney ISD. Before moving to Texas, I taught ag in Napa and Hanford, California.

🦒 FUN FACT?
I went on a safari hunt in South Africa! I'm the proud owner of a record-sized impala I've named Paul. 😄

⚾🐖 HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and three kids. You're most likely to spot us at a baseball game or a livestock show!

❤️ WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AT VAN ISD?
I am excited to build meaningful connections with my students, their families, and members of the Van community!

🎉 Welcome to #TeamVISD, Emmalee! We are so excited to have you and can't wait to see the impact you'll make at Van Junior High! ❤️🤍

#WeAreVan

Please welcome Macie Chaney, the newest teacher at J.E. Rhodes Elementary School!
To introduce Macie to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:
🎓 Where did you go to college?
The University of Texas at Tyler
💼 Previous jobs?
After completing my student teaching at Van in December, I had the opportunity to serve as a long-term substitute teacher in third grade and later in second grade.
🎉 Fun fact?
I was born and raised in Van Zandt County!
🌳 Hobbies?
I love writing and spending time outdoors, especially on the water.
❤️ What are you most excited about in Van ISD?
I am most excited about being part of such a tight-knit community.
Welcome to #TeamVISD, Macie! We are so excited to have you as part of the Vandal family!
#WeAreVan

Please welcome YaLonda Perkins back as the newest 4th grade teacher at Van Middle School!

To introduce YaLonda to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:

📚 Where did you go to college?
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)

💼 Previous Jobs:
• 5 years teaching in Terrell ISD
• 5 years teaching in Kaufman ISD
• 20 years teaching in Van ISD
• Cosmetologist
• Hospital Nurse Assistant

🎉 Fun Fact:
My children's first home was in the Hall Supervisors Apartment at SWOSU. Also, my husband, Jon, and I built our house ourselves!

🔨 Hobbies:
DIY projects

Welcome back to #TeamVISD, YaLonda! We are so excited to have you back! ❤️

#WeAreVan

🏀 Please welcome Matt Wingo, the newest Head Boys Basketball Coach at Van High School! 🏀

To introduce Matt to our Vandal community, we asked him a few questions:

🎓 Where did you go to college?
University of Jamestown (North Dakota)

📚 Previous jobs?
I spent seven years at Lone Oak High School, one year at Forney High School, and two years at Quinlan Ford.

🎉 Fun fact?
My two sons are already Vandals!!

⛳ Hobbies?
Spending time with family, golfing, and watching movies.

❤️Why are you most excited to work in Van ISD?
I am excited to join a well-established district and basketball program while building meaningful relationships within this great community.

Welcome to #TeamVISD, Matt! We are so excited to have you!

#WeAreVan

🎭 Please welcome Holden Guinn, the newest Theatre Arts Teacher at Van Junior High School!
To introduce Holden to our Vandal community, we asked him a few questions:
🎓 Where did you go to college?
Stephen F. Austin State University
📚 Previous jobs?
This will be my seventh year in theatre education. I spent the last four years teaching at Malakoff ISD.
🎉 Fun fact?
I'm getting married in November!!
🏈 Hobbies?
I enjoy watching football, Marvel movies, and acting in community theatre.
🎭 Why are you most excited to work in Van ISD?
I'm excited to work with Mr. Healey and the Vandal Theatre Company! I'm ready to create stories, inspire students, and make lasting memories.

Welcome to #TeamVISD, Holden! We are so excited to have you!
#WeAreVan

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former Van ISD teacher, Nicole Allen.

Mrs. Allen joined Van Intermediate School in 2024, bringing with her a love for learning and a passion for children that had grown through years of service in education.

She was especially passionate about gardening, farming, traveling, reading, and caring for her many beloved animals.

Though her time at Van ISD was brief, Nicole's gentleness, kindness, and dedication to her students made a lasting impression on those who knew her. She was excited to become part of the Van community, and we are grateful she chose to share a portion of her journey with us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nicole's family, friends, students, and colleagues as they navigate this difficult loss.
Once a Vandal, always a Vandal. ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan

Please welcome Payton Dover, the newest athletic trainer at Van ISD!

To introduce Payton to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:

🎓 Where did you go to college?
I attended UT Tyler and Stephen F. Austin State University.

🏃 Previous jobs?
I've worked with the cross country program at UT Tyler and at Mineola ISD.

🐼 Fun fact?
Pandas are my favorite animal!

📚 Hobbies?
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, sewing, and reading.

❤️ Why are you most excited to work in Van ISD?
I'm most looking forward to meeting the students and building a student athletic training program.

Welcome to #TeamVISD, Payton! We are so excited to have you!
#WeAreVan

Please help us welcome back VHS alumna Morgan Dunn, the newest educational diagnostician at Van ISD!

To introduce Morgan to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:

🎓 Where did you go to college?
I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from Lamar University.

📚 Previous jobs?
Throughout my career in special education, I have had the opportunity to support learners in a variety of roles, including paraprofessional, special education teacher, and, most recently, educational diagnostician. These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping students reach their full potential and ensuring families feel supported throughout their educational journey.

🏡 Hobbies?
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy tackling DIY projects around my home and staying active by playing and coaching a variety of sports. Most importantly, I value spending quality time with my husband and our two children.

❤️ What are you most excited about when it comes to working in Van ISD?
I am excited to return to the Van community, where I was raised, and I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces. It is an honor to have the opportunity to provide guidance, support, and advocacy for students and parents as they navigate educational plans, set goals, and celebrate achievements together!

Welcome home, Morgan! We are so excited to have you on #TeamVISD! ❤️
#WeAreVan

Van ISD is excited to announce that Mrs. Liz Hinch has been selected as our new Marketing & Communications Coordinator! 🎉

For the past two years, Mrs. Hinch has been a member of #TeamVISD, and we are excited to see her take on this new opportunity. We know she will do an outstanding job connecting with our community and sharing the incredible stories happening across Van ISD each day! 🎒✏️📚📸

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mrs. Hinch into her new role! ❤️👏

#WeAreVan

STAAR scores are now available in Skyward Family Access!

To view your child’s STAAR scores, please follow the steps below:

⭐️ Log in to Skyward Family Access (use a desktop browser or, if using the mobile app, tap “Open in Browser”)
⭐️ Click on “District Links”
⭐️ Select “STAAR Scores” from the dropdown menu

If you experience any difficulty accessing Skyward, please contact your child’s campus for assistance.

🍎 Meet the J.E. Rhodes Elementary Leadership Team! 🍎
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, we're excited to introduce the leadership team serving our newly unified J.E. Rhodes Elementary campus, which will now serve students in Pre-K through 3rd grade.
⭐ Regan Mort, Principal
⭐ Courtney Batres, Assistant Principal
⭐ Sara Farris, Assistant Principal
Together, this team will lead one campus across two buildings, supporting students, staff, and families while creating a positive learning environment where every Vandal can thrive.
We are excited for this new chapter at J.E. Rhodes Elementary and look forward to welcoming our youngest Vandals back this fall! ❤️
#WeAreVan #TeamVISD

🍽️ Join the Van ISD Food Service Team! 🍽️

We are seeking full-time and substitute Food Service team members to help keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day! 🥗🍎

👉 Apply NOW! https://www.vanisd.org/o/visd/page/careers

#WeAreVan #TeamVISD

HAPPY GRADUATION WEEK! 🎓🎉❤️

We are hopeful to hold Friday night’s graduation ceremony at 8:00 PM as scheduled and will continue to closely monitor the weather.

If weather conditions do not allow us to safely hold the ceremony on Friday night, the backup plan is to move graduation to Saturday at 10:00 AM.

Stay tuned to official communications from Van ISD—including email, text alerts, and our Van ISD Facebook page—for all official updates. If you do not receive an update, please plan for graduation to proceed as scheduled on Friday night at 8:00 PM.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 and hope to see everyone Friday night! 🎓✨

#WeAreVan