Van Independent School District
After High School Comes Opportunity
🎉❤️ 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
REMINDER: The last day of school is this Thursday, May 21, 2026, and it will be an early release day for all Van ISD campuses to kick off summer break! ☀️
Students will be dismissed 3 hours earlier than their regular dismissal times.
Thank you for a great school year, Vandals! Wishing everyone a safe, restful summer ahead. ❤️
Students will be dismissed 3 hours earlier than their regular dismissal times.
Thank you for a great school year, Vandals! Wishing everyone a safe, restful summer ahead. ❤️
⚾ BASEBALL UPDATE ⚾
Tonight's baseball game has been canceled due to the weather. It will now be tomorrow night, April 22nd, at 7:00 PM.
Tonight's baseball game has been canceled due to the weather. It will now be tomorrow night, April 22nd, at 7:00 PM.
Reminder: Tomorrow, April 3rd, is a school holiday. Classes will resume on Monday, April 6th. Have a great three-day weekend, Vandals!
⚽ SOCCER UPDATE!! ⚽ The boys' soccer playoff game was moved to LINDALE tomorrow night!!! The game will start at 8:00 PM, and Van is the home team!! Good luck, Vandals!!
Join us in wearing RED this Friday to support one of our very own Vandals! ❤️
Friday is an important day for 6th grader Ryder Shaw as he receives test results and continues treatment in his fight against leukemia.
Let's come together as a district to show Ryder and the Shaw family that they are surrounded by love and support, because no Vandal fights alone! 💪 #WeAreVan
Friday is an important day for 6th grader Ryder Shaw as he receives test results and continues treatment in his fight against leukemia.
Let's come together as a district to show Ryder and the Shaw family that they are surrounded by love and support, because no Vandal fights alone! 💪 #WeAreVan
Reminder: Tomorrow, March 6th, is a Student Holiday/Staff Work Day, and next week (March 9-13) is SPRING BREAK! We’ll see everyone back on campus Monday, March 16th! 🎉☀️
