J.E. Rhodes Elementary School
Pre K - 3rd Grade
🐾 HOMECOMING WEEK — DAY 3: PREDATOR vs. PREY! 🦌🐊
Day 3 of Homecoming dress-up week had Vandal Land on the hunt! ❤️🤍
From Predator to Prey, our Vandals across all FOUR campuses showed up ready for another fun day of Homecoming spirit!
And while everyone else was choosing sides… 📸 our cameras were preying on all the SMILES! 😁
There really is nothing quite like Homecoming in Vandal Land! ❤️🏹
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #PreyVsPredator #VandalAdVANtage
Day 3 of Homecoming dress-up week had Vandal Land on the hunt! ❤️🤍
From Predator to Prey, our Vandals across all FOUR campuses showed up ready for another fun day of Homecoming spirit!
And while everyone else was choosing sides… 📸 our cameras were preying on all the SMILES! 😁
There really is nothing quite like Homecoming in Vandal Land! ❤️🏹
#VandalHomecoming #WeAreVan #VandalProud #PreyVsPredator #VandalAdVANtage
🦴🐴 HANDS-ON LEARNING IN FIRST GRADE! ❤️
Our J.E. Rhodes first graders had a very special visitor last week! Shanna Wiggins stopped by to give students an up-close look at a horse skeleton and turn their learning into an experience they could see, touch and explore!
There’s something special about watching curiosity come to life when students get the opportunity to learn beyond the pages of a book. Our first graders were able to examine the bones, ask questions and learn more about how a horse’s body is put together. 🐴🔎
A BIG thank you to Shanna for taking the time to share her knowledge and give our students such a memorable hands-on learning experience! We love the community members who help make learning fun in Vandal Land. ❤️
📸 Check out a few moments from their visit!
#WeAreVan #JERhodesElementary #HandsOnLearning #VandalProud #VandalAdVANtage
Our J.E. Rhodes first graders had a very special visitor last week! Shanna Wiggins stopped by to give students an up-close look at a horse skeleton and turn their learning into an experience they could see, touch and explore!
There’s something special about watching curiosity come to life when students get the opportunity to learn beyond the pages of a book. Our first graders were able to examine the bones, ask questions and learn more about how a horse’s body is put together. 🐴🔎
A BIG thank you to Shanna for taking the time to share her knowledge and give our students such a memorable hands-on learning experience! We love the community members who help make learning fun in Vandal Land. ❤️
📸 Check out a few moments from their visit!
#WeAreVan #JERhodesElementary #HandsOnLearning #VandalProud #VandalAdVANtage
❤️🌸 HOMECOMING TRADITIONS + HANDS-ON LEARNING! 🌸❤️
Some of our littlest Vandals received a little extra Homecoming spirit last week thanks to some of our biggest Vandals! 🥰
Students in the Van High School Floral Design classes put their creativity and skills to work creating Homecoming mums and garters for some very special elementary students. And judging by these smiles, we’d say they were a hit! ❤️🤍
We love seeing learning extend beyond the classroom—and we especially love when it creates connections between our campuses. From designing and assembling each piece to seeing them proudly worn by our younger Vandals, this was such a sweet way for our high school students to share a Texas Homecoming tradition with the next generation.
📸 Take a look at these little Vandals showing off their one-of-a-kind creations!
Big Opportunities. Small-Town Relationships. Ready for What Comes Next.
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #FloralDesign #CTE #VandalsSupportingVandals #VandalAdVANtage
Some of our littlest Vandals received a little extra Homecoming spirit last week thanks to some of our biggest Vandals! 🥰
Students in the Van High School Floral Design classes put their creativity and skills to work creating Homecoming mums and garters for some very special elementary students. And judging by these smiles, we’d say they were a hit! ❤️🤍
We love seeing learning extend beyond the classroom—and we especially love when it creates connections between our campuses. From designing and assembling each piece to seeing them proudly worn by our younger Vandals, this was such a sweet way for our high school students to share a Texas Homecoming tradition with the next generation.
📸 Take a look at these little Vandals showing off their one-of-a-kind creations!
Big Opportunities. Small-Town Relationships. Ready for What Comes Next.
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #Homecoming2026 #FloralDesign #CTE #VandalsSupportingVandals #VandalAdVANtage
Littles- Oct. 6 Bigs- Oct. 7 Order forms are coming home today! Online payments can be made here: https://bit.ly/4z5eJxG
🍂❤️ FALL BREAK REMINDER! ❤️🍂
As you’re planning your week, Vandals, be sure to make note of our upcoming Fall Break!
📅 Wednesday, September 30 — Student Holiday
📅 Thursday, October 1 — School Holiday
📅 Friday, October 2 — School Holiday
After a busy Homecoming Week in Vandal Land, we hope our students, staff and families enjoy a few days to rest, recharge and spend time together!
District Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/3pcd79kb
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #FallBreak
As you’re planning your week, Vandals, be sure to make note of our upcoming Fall Break!
📅 Wednesday, September 30 — Student Holiday
📅 Thursday, October 1 — School Holiday
📅 Friday, October 2 — School Holiday
After a busy Homecoming Week in Vandal Land, we hope our students, staff and families enjoy a few days to rest, recharge and spend time together!
District Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/3pcd79kb
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #FallBreak
❤️🤍 VANDAL PRIDE COMES IN ALL SIZES! 🤍❤️
From one of our littlest Vandals, Ana Pena, to one of our biggest Vandals, award winning offensive lineman Caleb Pickrell, there’s room for everyone in Vandal Land! 🏈
They may have a slight difference in height, but they have one very important thing in common—VANDAL PRIDE! ❤️🙌
We love seeing our students, from the littlest Vandals just beginning their journey to the big kids they look up to, sharing that special Vandal connection.
Big or small, once a Vandal, always a Vandal! ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalFamily #VandalPride #VandalAdVANtage
Photo Credit: Leah Rice
From one of our littlest Vandals, Ana Pena, to one of our biggest Vandals, award winning offensive lineman Caleb Pickrell, there’s room for everyone in Vandal Land! 🏈
They may have a slight difference in height, but they have one very important thing in common—VANDAL PRIDE! ❤️🙌
We love seeing our students, from the littlest Vandals just beginning their journey to the big kids they look up to, sharing that special Vandal connection.
Big or small, once a Vandal, always a Vandal! ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalFamily #VandalPride #VandalAdVANtage
Photo Credit: Leah Rice
New week = New Vandal Awards!! Congratulations to these Vandals for earning Vandal of the Week & the Music Award! ❤🎶
🎨🎶 Celebrating Arts in Education! 🎶🎨
We are so grateful for our wonderful elementary arts teachers, Mrs. Grace Roach, who teaches art, and Mrs. Jasmine Nicoson, who teaches music. They inspire creativity, encourage self-expression, and make learning fun for our students every day!
Thank you, Mrs. Roach and Mrs. Nicoson, for sharing your talents and helping our students grow through art and music. We appreciate all that you do!❤️
We are so grateful for our wonderful elementary arts teachers, Mrs. Grace Roach, who teaches art, and Mrs. Jasmine Nicoson, who teaches music. They inspire creativity, encourage self-expression, and make learning fun for our students every day!
Thank you, Mrs. Roach and Mrs. Nicoson, for sharing your talents and helping our students grow through art and music. We appreciate all that you do!❤️
🐹🐔🪲 CLASS PETS = BIG LEARNING AT J.E. RHODES! ❤️
There are some pretty special classmates at J.E. Rhodes Elementary who don’t show up on the class roster!
Yesterday, Mrs. Garcia’s second grade class welcomed its newest member — Zoey the guinea pig! 🐹 Mrs. Garcia was able to surprise her students with Zoey thanks to a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Hinton, grandparents of Layla Carroll.
And Zoey is already helping make learning a little more fun! The class’s first order of business was putting their letter-writing skills to work by composing thank-you letters to Mr. and Mrs. Hinton for their generous gift. ❤️
Zoey even has an awesome carrying case, which means she can travel around the school with her class. We have a feeling she is going to become a familiar face around J.E. Rhodes!
She even wore her Vandal shirt to school today to greet our Vandal Football players!
All the excitement over Zoey got us wondering... who else has an amazing class pet?
We didn’t have to look far! Mrs. Lawson’s class has a walking stick that keeps students fascinated and is even used to help students with transitions throughout the school day. 🪲
And last — but certainly not least — we’re still pretty excited about our J.E. Rhodes chickens! 🐔🥚 The gals continue to provide us with fresh eggs, while the eggs currently in the incubator even had a “sonogram” this week so students could get a peek at what’s happening inside!
It won’t be long now! Our first graders are getting to experience the entire life cycle firsthand, and if all goes according to plan, those baby chicks should make their grand entrance next week — just in time for Homecoming! 🐣❤️
From writing thank-you letters to practicing transitions to watching the life cycle unfold right before their eyes, these class pets are doing much more than making school fun. They’re creating hands-on learning experiences our little Vandals won’t soon forget!
Who knew some of the best teachers at J.E. Rhodes would have fur, feathers... or six legs? ❤️
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #JERhodesElementary #LearningIsFun #VandalAdVANtage
There are some pretty special classmates at J.E. Rhodes Elementary who don’t show up on the class roster!
Yesterday, Mrs. Garcia’s second grade class welcomed its newest member — Zoey the guinea pig! 🐹 Mrs. Garcia was able to surprise her students with Zoey thanks to a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Hinton, grandparents of Layla Carroll.
And Zoey is already helping make learning a little more fun! The class’s first order of business was putting their letter-writing skills to work by composing thank-you letters to Mr. and Mrs. Hinton for their generous gift. ❤️
Zoey even has an awesome carrying case, which means she can travel around the school with her class. We have a feeling she is going to become a familiar face around J.E. Rhodes!
She even wore her Vandal shirt to school today to greet our Vandal Football players!
All the excitement over Zoey got us wondering... who else has an amazing class pet?
We didn’t have to look far! Mrs. Lawson’s class has a walking stick that keeps students fascinated and is even used to help students with transitions throughout the school day. 🪲
And last — but certainly not least — we’re still pretty excited about our J.E. Rhodes chickens! 🐔🥚 The gals continue to provide us with fresh eggs, while the eggs currently in the incubator even had a “sonogram” this week so students could get a peek at what’s happening inside!
It won’t be long now! Our first graders are getting to experience the entire life cycle firsthand, and if all goes according to plan, those baby chicks should make their grand entrance next week — just in time for Homecoming! 🐣❤️
From writing thank-you letters to practicing transitions to watching the life cycle unfold right before their eyes, these class pets are doing much more than making school fun. They’re creating hands-on learning experiences our little Vandals won’t soon forget!
Who knew some of the best teachers at J.E. Rhodes would have fur, feathers... or six legs? ❤️
#WeAreVan #VandalProud #JERhodesElementary #LearningIsFun #VandalAdVANtage
Vandal Cheer: Homecoming themes!!! ❤️🔥🏈📣
❤️ GRANDPARENTS DAY AT J.E. RHODES — DAY 1! ❤️
“A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” — Unknown
There was a little extra love in the halls of J.E. Rhodes today! 🥰
We kicked off our Grandparents Day celebrations, and judging by these smiles, our Vandals were pretty excited to welcome some very special guests to school. ❤️
And the fun is just beginning! We’ll continue welcoming grandparents by grade level and class through Thursday, September 17. We can’t wait to see even more generations of Vandals together throughout the week!
Thank you to every grandparent and special guest who joined us today. Our kids are loved BIG, and today it showed. ❤️
📸 Enjoy a few candid moments from Day 1!
#GrandparentsDay #JERhodesElementary #WeAreVan #VandalProud
“A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” — Unknown
There was a little extra love in the halls of J.E. Rhodes today! 🥰
We kicked off our Grandparents Day celebrations, and judging by these smiles, our Vandals were pretty excited to welcome some very special guests to school. ❤️
And the fun is just beginning! We’ll continue welcoming grandparents by grade level and class through Thursday, September 17. We can’t wait to see even more generations of Vandals together throughout the week!
Thank you to every grandparent and special guest who joined us today. Our kids are loved BIG, and today it showed. ❤️
📸 Enjoy a few candid moments from Day 1!
#GrandparentsDay #JERhodesElementary #WeAreVan #VandalProud
Congratulations to our Vandals of the Week and PE All-Stars! Keep up the great work Vandals! ❤🎉
This year, we’re adding a little extra fun to our staff celebrations with a monthly attendance drawing! Staff members who are present throughout the month are entered for a chance to win a special little something extra.
We’re excited to announce Mrs. May as our August winner! 👏✨
Thank you, Mrs. May, for your dedication to J.E. Rhodes. We appreciate you and are so happy to celebrate you! ❤️
We’re excited to announce Mrs. May as our August winner! 👏✨
Thank you, Mrs. May, for your dedication to J.E. Rhodes. We appreciate you and are so happy to celebrate you! ❤️
🎉 We are so excited to celebrate our September Employee of the Month, Mrs. Merritt Brown! 🎉
Mrs. Brown plays a pivotal role in both of our buildings and is loved by so many. She is kind, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile and a positive attitude.
As our Littles’ librarian, she creates a welcoming place for our children, who absolutely adore her! We are incredibly grateful for everything she does and so proud to have her here at J.E. Rhodes.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Merritt Brown on this well-deserved recognition!
Mrs. Brown plays a pivotal role in both of our buildings and is loved by so many. She is kind, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile and a positive attitude.
As our Littles’ librarian, she creates a welcoming place for our children, who absolutely adore her! We are incredibly grateful for everything she does and so proud to have her here at J.E. Rhodes.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Merritt Brown on this well-deserved recognition!
We’re a little late celebrating last week’s Good News Phone Call of the Week, but we definitely didn’t want to miss the chance to recognize Ellie! 💕
Ellie is such a kind, caring, and thoughtful young lady. She is always well-mannered and respectful, never forgetting her “please” and “thank you,” “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am.” Those little things say so much about her character!
She is also a wonderful helper and a natural leader in her classroom. Ellie is always willing to lend a hand, set a great example for her classmates, and brighten the day with her sweet spirit. We are so proud of the young lady she is! 🥰
Congratulations, Ellie, on being our Good News Phone Call of the Week! Keep being the kind, caring, and amazing leader you are!
Ellie is such a kind, caring, and thoughtful young lady. She is always well-mannered and respectful, never forgetting her “please” and “thank you,” “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am.” Those little things say so much about her character!
She is also a wonderful helper and a natural leader in her classroom. Ellie is always willing to lend a hand, set a great example for her classmates, and brighten the day with her sweet spirit. We are so proud of the young lady she is! 🥰
Congratulations, Ellie, on being our Good News Phone Call of the Week! Keep being the kind, caring, and amazing leader you are!
Give it up for our Vandals of the Week and Art Award Winners! Keep up the great work! 🎉🎉🎉
🐣 THE CHICKEN CHRONICLES | DAY 1 🐣
Are you following our Chicken Chronicles at J.E. Rhodes?! 🐔❤️
Today felt a little like Christmas morning in the first-grade hallway because the countdown has officially begun!
🥚 Day 1 of 21.
Our first graders are beginning an incredible hands-on study of the life cycle of a chicken, which is part of our first-grade TEKS. Today, a representative from each first-grade class carefully placed an egg into our incubator, which is housed in the library so our students can watch, wonder, ask questions, and experience the process together.
And this isn't just a 21-day lesson. Our chickens are staying at J.E. Rhodes! 🐥
That means our first graders won't just study the life cycle in a book—they'll experience it right here at school. They'll watch their chicks hatch, grow, and change throughout the year. By the time these students are getting ready to move on to second grade, the tiny chicks they're waiting on today will be growing up right alongside them—and eventually laying eggs of their own! 🐔🥚
But our favorite part of Day 1 might just be the curiosity and wonder on their faces. ❤️ That spark—the excitement to see what happens next, the questions already being asked, the anticipation of discovering something new—is where some of the very best learning happens.
This is science they can see, touch, experience, and remember.
A special thank you to Brian McCawley for being on hand today to help us get our Chicken Chronicles started!
Now we wait... 20 days to go! 🐣⏳
#ChickenChronicles #Day1 #HandsOnLearning #JERhodesElementary #WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalAdVANtage
Are you following our Chicken Chronicles at J.E. Rhodes?! 🐔❤️
Today felt a little like Christmas morning in the first-grade hallway because the countdown has officially begun!
🥚 Day 1 of 21.
Our first graders are beginning an incredible hands-on study of the life cycle of a chicken, which is part of our first-grade TEKS. Today, a representative from each first-grade class carefully placed an egg into our incubator, which is housed in the library so our students can watch, wonder, ask questions, and experience the process together.
And this isn't just a 21-day lesson. Our chickens are staying at J.E. Rhodes! 🐥
That means our first graders won't just study the life cycle in a book—they'll experience it right here at school. They'll watch their chicks hatch, grow, and change throughout the year. By the time these students are getting ready to move on to second grade, the tiny chicks they're waiting on today will be growing up right alongside them—and eventually laying eggs of their own! 🐔🥚
But our favorite part of Day 1 might just be the curiosity and wonder on their faces. ❤️ That spark—the excitement to see what happens next, the questions already being asked, the anticipation of discovering something new—is where some of the very best learning happens.
This is science they can see, touch, experience, and remember.
A special thank you to Brian McCawley for being on hand today to help us get our Chicken Chronicles started!
Now we wait... 20 days to go! 🐣⏳
#ChickenChronicles #Day1 #HandsOnLearning #JERhodesElementary #WeAreVan #VandalProud #VandalAdVANtage
🎉 Make Plans to Join the 2026 Vandal Homecoming Festivities! ❤️🤍
Theme: Huntin' for a Vandal Victory!
🏆 HOMECOMING PARADE
📅 Wednesday, September 23rd
🕢 7:00 PM
Have a group that wants to participate? Apply here:
https://tinyurl.com/4rx6z7am
📌 Parade applications due FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19.
✅ Once accepted, parade passes and lineup info will be emailed.
🚫 No walkers — floats only.
🎤 COMMUNITY PEP RALLY & 🔥 BONFIRE
📍 Field across from the Van ISD Administration Building (end of parade route)
Questions: grace.moseley@vanisd.org
🏐🏈 HOMECOMING GAMES
📅 Friday, September 25th
Lady Vandal Volleyball vs. Mabank – 4:30 PM
Vandal Football vs. Atlanta – 7:30 PM
There's no place like Vandal Land! ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan #VandalPride #VandalAdVANtage
Theme: Huntin' for a Vandal Victory!
🏆 HOMECOMING PARADE
📅 Wednesday, September 23rd
🕢 7:00 PM
Have a group that wants to participate? Apply here:
https://tinyurl.com/4rx6z7am
📌 Parade applications due FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19.
✅ Once accepted, parade passes and lineup info will be emailed.
🚫 No walkers — floats only.
🎤 COMMUNITY PEP RALLY & 🔥 BONFIRE
📍 Field across from the Van ISD Administration Building (end of parade route)
Questions: grace.moseley@vanisd.org
🏐🏈 HOMECOMING GAMES
📅 Friday, September 25th
Lady Vandal Volleyball vs. Mabank – 4:30 PM
Vandal Football vs. Atlanta – 7:30 PM
There's no place like Vandal Land! ❤️🤍
#WeAreVan #VandalPride #VandalAdVANtage
Reminder: Friday, September 4th, will be an early release day. School will be dismissed three hours before regular dismissal time.
Monday, September 7th, is a school holiday.
Classes will resume Tuesday, September 8th.
Happy Labor Day, Vandals!❤️
#WeAreVan
Monday, September 7th, is a school holiday.
Classes will resume Tuesday, September 8th.
Happy Labor Day, Vandals!❤️
#WeAreVan
We had some special guest welcome our Vandals this morning! Van Basketball boys kicked off our first Dudes at the Door for this school year!! 🎉🏀
Thank you Coach Wingo for letting us borrow your players for the morning!!
Thank you Coach Wingo for letting us borrow your players for the morning!!
