Van Junior High School
7th - 8th Grade
Wild About Growth! 🌿🦒
What an incredible way to kick off the 2026–2027 school year!
Van ISD staff gathered for our annual District Convocation with this year's safari-themed focus: Wild About Growth. From the moment the day began, our campuses brought the energy! Staff embraced the theme with khaki, animal prints, and creative costumes as they battled it out in a spirited competition for the coveted Spirit Stick.
🏆 Congratulations to Van High School, who claimed this year's Spirit Stick and earned bragging rights for the 2026–2027 school year!
The fun didn't stop there! We were thrilled to welcome The Creature Teacher, who introduced our staff to some amazing animal friends—including lizards, a kangaroo, and a red tailed BOA that only a few brave adventurers were willing to hold!
A heartfelt thank you to Valley Church for providing lunch for our staff for the 12th consecutive year. Your generosity and faithful support of Van ISD continue to be such a blessing to our district.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Becky Bristol from The Flower Connection, and the many generous donors who helped make lunch even more special by providing wonderful gifts and prizes for our team. Your kindness and investment in our educators are deeply appreciated.
Finally, a huge thank you to our outstanding Van ISD Curriculum Team for creating another unforgettable convocation. Your hard work, creativity, and encouragement inspired us to begin the year with renewed purpose, excitement, and a shared commitment to helping every student grow.
Here's to a year of learning, leadership, and growth. The adventure begins now!
More photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1QTf
❤️🖤 #WeAreVan #WildAboutGrowth #TeamVISD
What an incredible way to kick off the 2026–2027 school year!
Van ISD staff gathered for our annual District Convocation with this year's safari-themed focus: Wild About Growth. From the moment the day began, our campuses brought the energy! Staff embraced the theme with khaki, animal prints, and creative costumes as they battled it out in a spirited competition for the coveted Spirit Stick.
🏆 Congratulations to Van High School, who claimed this year's Spirit Stick and earned bragging rights for the 2026–2027 school year!
The fun didn't stop there! We were thrilled to welcome The Creature Teacher, who introduced our staff to some amazing animal friends—including lizards, a kangaroo, and a red tailed BOA that only a few brave adventurers were willing to hold!
A heartfelt thank you to Valley Church for providing lunch for our staff for the 12th consecutive year. Your generosity and faithful support of Van ISD continue to be such a blessing to our district.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Becky Bristol from The Flower Connection, and the many generous donors who helped make lunch even more special by providing wonderful gifts and prizes for our team. Your kindness and investment in our educators are deeply appreciated.
Finally, a huge thank you to our outstanding Van ISD Curriculum Team for creating another unforgettable convocation. Your hard work, creativity, and encouragement inspired us to begin the year with renewed purpose, excitement, and a shared commitment to helping every student grow.
Here's to a year of learning, leadership, and growth. The adventure begins now!
More photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1QTf
❤️🖤 #WeAreVan #WildAboutGrowth #TeamVISD
Skyward Mobile App Update
Good news! The Skyward Mobile App issue has been resolved for most users.
If you're still experiencing problems, please try the following:
✅ Delete the Skyward Mobile App from your device.
✅ Reinstall the app.
✅ Log in using your same username and password.
If reinstalling the app does not resolve the issue, please contact your child's campus for additional troubleshooting assistance.
Please Note: At this time, J.E. Rhodes Elementary and Van Middle School student schedules are not yet available in Skyward. We are continuing to work with Skyward to resolve this remaining issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
#WeAreVan
Good news! The Skyward Mobile App issue has been resolved for most users.
If you're still experiencing problems, please try the following:
✅ Delete the Skyward Mobile App from your device.
✅ Reinstall the app.
✅ Log in using your same username and password.
If reinstalling the app does not resolve the issue, please contact your child's campus for additional troubleshooting assistance.
Please Note: At this time, J.E. Rhodes Elementary and Van Middle School student schedules are not yet available in Skyward. We are continuing to work with Skyward to resolve this remaining issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
#WeAreVan
📢 Important Announcement
Please note that all Van ISD district and campus offices will be temporarily closed this morning, Tuesday, August 4, as our staff gathers for our annual District Convocation.
🕤 Offices and phone lines will be unavailable beginning at 9:30 a.m.
📞 All district and campus offices will reopen at 1:30 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding as we come together to prepare for an incredible 2026-2027 school year. We can't wait to welcome our Vandals back soon! ❤️
Thank you for your continued support of Van ISD!
#WeAreVan
📚🎉 2026-2027 Class Schedules Are Beginning to Roll Out! ❤️
The wait is over for some of our Vandal families!
✅ Van High School schedules are now available in Skyward.
✅ Van Junior High schedules are now available in Skyward.
⏳ J.E. Rhodes Elementary (PK-3) and Van Middle School (Grades 4-6) schedules will be released soon. Please stay tuned for updates from those campuses as they become available.
We know everyone is excited to see class assignments, and we appreciate your patience as each campus finalizes its schedules.
Here's to an amazing 2026-2027 school year! ❤️📚
#WeAreVan #TeamVISD
The wait is over for some of our Vandal families!
✅ Van High School schedules are now available in Skyward.
✅ Van Junior High schedules are now available in Skyward.
⏳ J.E. Rhodes Elementary (PK-3) and Van Middle School (Grades 4-6) schedules will be released soon. Please stay tuned for updates from those campuses as they become available.
We know everyone is excited to see class assignments, and we appreciate your patience as each campus finalizes its schedules.
Here's to an amazing 2026-2027 school year! ❤️📚
#WeAreVan #TeamVISD
✈️ Planning a family trip during the school year? Start here!
This handy guide puts all of our breaks, long weekends, and student holidays in one convenient place, making it easier to travel without missing valuable classroom time!
📅 Save it & share it: Which break are you already planning for? 👀
DISTRICT CALENDAR here: https://shorturl.at/HBcS4
#EveryDayMattersInVandalLand
🎉📚 NEW & RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 2026–2027 School Year! ❤️
⚠️ Please Note: The Skyward Mobile App is still experiencing technical difficulties. However, you should be able to complete registration using a web browser.
🆕 NEW STUDENTS
👉 https://shorturl.at/CDgmN
🔄 RETURNING STUDENTS
https://skyward.iscorp.com/p12eduvantx/web/fwemnu01.w
👉 Log in to Skyward Family Access to confirm or update your child's information.
📅 Student schedules and classroom assignments will be available in Skyward Family Access by August 3 for families who have completed registration and updated their information.
🔑 Need help accessing your Family Access account?
If you've forgotten your password or need assistance, please contact your student's campus registrar:
🏫 J.E. Rhodes Elementary – Littles Campus
📧 bertha.campa@vanisd.org
🏫 J.E. Rhodes Elementary – Bigs Campus
📧 stephanie.peterson@vanisd.org
🏫 Van Middle School
📧 julie.blalock@vanisd.org
🏫 Van Junior High School
📧 denna.perry@vanisd.org
🏫 Van High School
📧 wendy.russell@vanisd.org
We can't wait to welcome our Vandals back for another amazing school year! ❤️
#WeAreVan
⚠️ Please Note: The Skyward Mobile App is still experiencing technical difficulties. However, you should be able to complete registration using a web browser.
🆕 NEW STUDENTS
👉 https://shorturl.at/CDgmN
🔄 RETURNING STUDENTS
https://skyward.iscorp.com/p12eduvantx/web/fwemnu01.w
👉 Log in to Skyward Family Access to confirm or update your child's information.
📅 Student schedules and classroom assignments will be available in Skyward Family Access by August 3 for families who have completed registration and updated their information.
🔑 Need help accessing your Family Access account?
If you've forgotten your password or need assistance, please contact your student's campus registrar:
🏫 J.E. Rhodes Elementary – Littles Campus
📧 bertha.campa@vanisd.org
🏫 J.E. Rhodes Elementary – Bigs Campus
📧 stephanie.peterson@vanisd.org
🏫 Van Middle School
📧 julie.blalock@vanisd.org
🏫 Van Junior High School
📧 denna.perry@vanisd.org
🏫 Van High School
📧 wendy.russell@vanisd.org
We can't wait to welcome our Vandals back for another amazing school year! ❤️
#WeAreVan
🎉📚 Please help us welcome Jonathan Barrera, the newest History Teacher and Coach at Van Junior High! ❤️
To introduce Jonathan to our Vandal community, we asked him a few questions:
🎓 Where did you go to college?
I attended the University of Texas at Arlington.
🏀 What are your past job experiences?
I have experience in education, coaching, and youth development. Most recently, I worked as a Division Leader and Basketball Director at Bridgton Sports Camp.
🌟 Fun Fact
I am a first-generation college graduate.
🎯 Hobbies
I enjoy watching and playing basketball, staying active, spending time with my family, and following sports.
❤️ Why are you most excited to work at Van ISD?
I am looking forward to living in a new area, meeting new people, and becoming the best teacher and coach I can be.
Please join us in giving Jonathan a warm Vandal welcome! ❤️
Welcome to #TeamVISD, Jonathan! We are so excited to have you and can't wait to see the positive impact you'll make on our students and community.
#WeAreVan
To introduce Jonathan to our Vandal community, we asked him a few questions:
🎓 Where did you go to college?
I attended the University of Texas at Arlington.
🏀 What are your past job experiences?
I have experience in education, coaching, and youth development. Most recently, I worked as a Division Leader and Basketball Director at Bridgton Sports Camp.
🌟 Fun Fact
I am a first-generation college graduate.
🎯 Hobbies
I enjoy watching and playing basketball, staying active, spending time with my family, and following sports.
❤️ Why are you most excited to work at Van ISD?
I am looking forward to living in a new area, meeting new people, and becoming the best teacher and coach I can be.
Please join us in giving Jonathan a warm Vandal welcome! ❤️
Welcome to #TeamVISD, Jonathan! We are so excited to have you and can't wait to see the positive impact you'll make on our students and community.
#WeAreVan
VJH Vandal Theatre:
Hey there! I will be serving as the junior high theatre/assistant high school theatre director! Here’s a little more info about me with a little more information to follow!
Looking forward to seeing you all during meet the teacher!!
📣 Attention Parents of Incoming 7th Graders!
Have you submitted your student's updated immunization record yet?
All 7th grade students are required to have proof of the following vaccines:
💉 Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
💉 Meningitis (MCV4)
✅ Submit your updated immunization record by clicking the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewghqVJ1qrJvjZgc9P8A8GTlbe0LTfRWv_-dFuKo5JZ3VMlQ/viewform
Help us ensure your student is ready for a healthy and successful school year! Questions? Email Nurse Williams at
Kristen.Williams@vanisd.org
Have you submitted your student's updated immunization record yet?
All 7th grade students are required to have proof of the following vaccines:
💉 Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
💉 Meningitis (MCV4)
✅ Submit your updated immunization record by clicking the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewghqVJ1qrJvjZgc9P8A8GTlbe0LTfRWv_-dFuKo5JZ3VMlQ/viewform
Help us ensure your student is ready for a healthy and successful school year! Questions? Email Nurse Williams at
Kristen.Williams@vanisd.org
🗓️ Mark your calendars for a girl's athletics parent meeting.
If you are unable to to attend, please email Coach Oliver at: saidee.oliver@vanisd.org
Parent parking will be at the front of the school
If you are unable to to attend, please email Coach Oliver at: saidee.oliver@vanisd.org
Parent parking will be at the front of the school
🏈 Mark your calendars for equipment pick-up. Students who cannot pick up equipment during the designated times will be given equipment on the first day of school.
✅ Incoming students that did not participate previously in athletics are required to have a physical on file before schools starts in order to practice.
📚 First day of school: Thursday, August 13th.
✅ Incoming students that did not participate previously in athletics are required to have a physical on file before schools starts in order to practice.
📚 First day of school: Thursday, August 13th.
🚨 Skyward Enrollment Update 🚨
We want to make you aware of a widespread Skyward system outage that is currently impacting school districts across the region. Unfortunately, this outage is preventing us from opening student enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year as scheduled.
We sincerely apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience and understanding. We know many families are eager to complete enrollment, and our staff is ready to open the process as soon as Skyward restores service.
We will notify all families immediately through our website, Facebook page, and email as soon as enrollment becomes available.
#WeAreVan
We want to make you aware of a widespread Skyward system outage that is currently impacting school districts across the region. Unfortunately, this outage is preventing us from opening student enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year as scheduled.
We sincerely apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience and understanding. We know many families are eager to complete enrollment, and our staff is ready to open the process as soon as Skyward restores service.
We will notify all families immediately through our website, Facebook page, and email as soon as enrollment becomes available.
#WeAreVan
FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR ALL VAN ISD STUDENTS! ✂️🖍️📓✏️📚
For the 12th year in a row, we are excited to provide FREE school supplies to all Van ISD students!!! These supplies will be waiting for students in their classrooms on the first day of school.
👉 Van ISD did NOT provide school supply lists to any retail stores.
🎒 Backpacks are NOT included in the free supplies.
#WeAreVan
For the 12th year in a row, we are excited to provide FREE school supplies to all Van ISD students!!! These supplies will be waiting for students in their classrooms on the first day of school.
👉 Van ISD did NOT provide school supply lists to any retail stores.
🎒 Backpacks are NOT included in the free supplies.
#WeAreVan
📌 Mark your calendars!
Meet the Teacher is Monday, August 10! 🎉
🏫 J.E. Rhodes Elementary
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
🏫 Van Middle School
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
🏫 Van Junior High
🕟 4:30–6:00 PM
🎓 Van High School
📲 Student schedules will be available in Skyward on Monday, August 3.
🚗 Schedule Changes & Parking Permits
⭐ Seniors: Wednesday, August 5 | 8:30–12:00 PM & 1:30–3:30 PM
⭐ Juniors & Sophomores: Thursday, August 6 | 8:30–11:30 AM & 1:30–3:30 PM
📚 Freshman Orientation
📅 Thursday, August 6
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 VHS Cafeteria
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another great year! ❤️
#WeAreVan
Meet the Teacher is Monday, August 10! 🎉
🏫 J.E. Rhodes Elementary
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
🏫 Van Middle School
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
🏫 Van Junior High
🕟 4:30–6:00 PM
🎓 Van High School
📲 Student schedules will be available in Skyward on Monday, August 3.
🚗 Schedule Changes & Parking Permits
⭐ Seniors: Wednesday, August 5 | 8:30–12:00 PM & 1:30–3:30 PM
⭐ Juniors & Sophomores: Thursday, August 6 | 8:30–11:30 AM & 1:30–3:30 PM
📚 Freshman Orientation
📅 Thursday, August 6
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 VHS Cafeteria
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another great year! ❤️
#WeAreVan
🍽️ 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
Thinking about subbing this school year? Or already on our sub list? Join us at our Substitute Orientation!
📅 When: August 11th
🕙 Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Where: VHS, Chevron Room
It’s a great chance to get info, ask questions, and meet the team. Whether you're a returning sub or just curious, we’d love to see you there!
💬 Spread the word and tag a friend who might be interested! #WeAreVan
👇🏻RSVP HERE:
https://forms.gle/oTUwTLjwKJNqSRyq6 See less
📅 When: August 11th
🕙 Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Where: VHS, Chevron Room
It’s a great chance to get info, ask questions, and meet the team. Whether you're a returning sub or just curious, we’d love to see you there!
💬 Spread the word and tag a friend who might be interested! #WeAreVan
👇🏻RSVP HERE:
https://forms.gle/oTUwTLjwKJNqSRyq6 See less
🤯🤯 DID YOU KNOW our Van ISD Grounds Crew maintains more than 300 ACRES EVERY WEEK?! 🌱🚜
And we're looking for a GROUNDSKEEPER to join this hardworking crew in the Van ISD Maintenance Department! 💪❤️
Ready to join #TeamVISD? Apply online today! 👇
🔗 Apply here: vanisd.org/o/visd/page/careers
#WeAreVan #TeamVISD
And we're looking for a GROUNDSKEEPER to join this hardworking crew in the Van ISD Maintenance Department! 💪❤️
Ready to join #TeamVISD? Apply online today! 👇
🔗 Apply here: vanisd.org/o/visd/page/careers
#WeAreVan #TeamVISD
🚌❤️ WE’RE HIRING BUS DRIVERS! ❤️🚌
Join #TeamVISD for the 2026-2027 school year! Van ISD is looking for dedicated bus drivers to help safely transport our students each day.
✅ Sign-on bonus available for drivers NEW to the district!
👉 Apply NOW! https://www.vanisd.org/o/visd/page/careers
#WeAreVan
Join #TeamVISD for the 2026-2027 school year! Van ISD is looking for dedicated bus drivers to help safely transport our students each day.
✅ Sign-on bonus available for drivers NEW to the district!
👉 Apply NOW! https://www.vanisd.org/o/visd/page/careers
#WeAreVan
❤️ Please join us in welcoming Emma Boggs, the newest teacher and coach at Van Junior High! ❤️📣
To help introduce Emma to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:
🎓 Where did you go to college?
"I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas."
💼 Previous jobs?
"I was an intern with the Tarleton Athletic Communications Department and served as a Graduate Assistant in the Tarleton Kinesiology Department."
🍌 Fun fact?
"I worked at a Texas Tailgaters Banana Ball game in Round Rock, Texas."
🎣 Hobbies?
"I love spending time with my husband and our puppy. You'll probably find us hunting, fishing, or cheering on our favorite teams at a sporting event."
❤️ What are you most excited about at Van ISD?
"I am excited to be part of a great community and build meaningful connections with my students."
❤️ Welcome to #TeamVISD, Emma! We're thrilled to have you join the Vandal family and can't wait to see the positive impact you'll make on our students and community!
#WeAreVan
To help introduce Emma to our Vandal community, we asked her a few questions:
🎓 Where did you go to college?
"I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas."
💼 Previous jobs?
"I was an intern with the Tarleton Athletic Communications Department and served as a Graduate Assistant in the Tarleton Kinesiology Department."
🍌 Fun fact?
"I worked at a Texas Tailgaters Banana Ball game in Round Rock, Texas."
🎣 Hobbies?
"I love spending time with my husband and our puppy. You'll probably find us hunting, fishing, or cheering on our favorite teams at a sporting event."
❤️ What are you most excited about at Van ISD?
"I am excited to be part of a great community and build meaningful connections with my students."
❤️ Welcome to #TeamVISD, Emma! We're thrilled to have you join the Vandal family and can't wait to see the positive impact you'll make on our students and community!
#WeAreVan
🎉🐾 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
