It's going to be another great week at Vanguard!! JROTC will be preparing for their JPA Annual Inspection. Last year they did outstanding by receiving a score of 98%. I'm sure they will have another high score, they are ALWAYS well prepared!

Congratulations to all the students that participated in National History Day especially to Yaneli Valdovinos for presenting, "Shaping Society Through Exclusion: How the White Australia Policy Restricted Rights to Create National Identity." Her presentation received second place and the opportunity to compete at the Dallas area Regional History Day on February 22nd!

Next week kicks off our Black History Month celebrations! Our Black History Month Committee has worked hard coming up with theme dress days and activities. Be on the lookout and prepare for all the exciting days they have planned.

To align with our professional goals, remember cell phones need to be turned in at the beginning of class, earbuds should be out during class, students should be in standard dress with their student ID badge and be on time to class. By being consistent with these things our students will be better prepared for their future.

Would you please take a few minutes to fill out our Community Events survey? Click the link above!

Let's have another great week, Vanguards! Viam Ducemus!

Vanguard hosted its 2nd-ever Cafecito Talks in Mexican American Studies, bringing together over 15 inspiring speakers, including nurses, business owners, college representatives, and other professionals. Students engaged in personal, in-depth conversations about life after high school, exploring topics like adulthood, college life, and career navigation. This culturally rich event featured pan dulce, hot chocolate, and coffee, creating a warm and welcoming environment for students to connect with career adults from diverse backgrounds. A truly enriching experience fostering knowledge, culture, and community! Thank you to Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Lugo, and Mrs. Pita for creating engaging activities for our students to participate in!

Huge shoutout to our amazing district nurses, Lisa-Marie Rainwater and Pam Sherrill, for taking the time to teach our Medical Assistant students how to perform vision and hearing exams!

Thanks to their guidance, our students are now equipped with essential skills they’ll use during their upcoming internships at schools across the district. These future healthcare professionals are one step closer to making a difference in their communities!

Yearbook picture day for our CTSOs, Clubs, and Organizations was on Thursday, January 23rd! We're grateful for our hardworking Yearbook staff along with Mrs. Tate, who are collaborating to create a yearbook that will be treasured for years to come.

This is the last week to guarantee a yearbook for yourself. You can go to Jostens.com or pay in the front with Mrs. Hernandez or through the MISD payment portal. There is no guarantee will have extra yearbooks to sale after January 31st.

Your hard work is paying off, and we want to celebrate every milestone with you! 💫 Whether it’s a college or career school acceptance, scholarships you’ve been awarded, or your FSA Student Aid Report (SAR) or Financial Award Letter – we’re here to cheer you on! 🎉

Now’s the time to share your amazing achievements so we can keep track of all your successes and tally up your awards throughout the year. Let’s show everyone just how much the Class of 2025 is accomplishing! 🏆✨

Upload your acceptances, scholarships, and SARs using the QR Code or Class of 2025 Classroom – we can't wait to see what you’ve earned! 🎓💼

Last weekend Vanguard High School, J.H. Florence Elementary and Motley Elementary competed in the Mesquite Flashpoint State Qualifier Archery Tournament. Our students did a great job competing and they are waiting results. Thank you to Coach Hunt, Coach Williams and Coach Davis for providing this opportunity for our students.

💕 Looking for the perfect way to spread love this Valentine’s Day? 💌

HOSA is bringing the charm with a Valogram delivered straight to your special someone! Valograms are the cutest way to make someone’s day. Valograms will be delivered on Friday, Feb. 14 during 4A.

Vanguard BPA our next meeting will be on Thursday, January 30th, after school in the Lecture Hall. Be there to see if you've earned enough Member Points to qualify for your Letter Jacket and Graduation Cords & Stole!

Attention Vanguard students! The Muslim Students Association invites you to an engaging event titled 'What Is Islam?' Learn about the core beliefs, values, and traditions of Islam in an open and welcoming environment. Join us on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 4:30 PM in H210 (Ms. Mu’min’s room) for a thoughtful discussion. All students are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!

The next Vanguard HOSA Blood Drive will be February 7th from 9am to 2pm. If you are 16 and over you are eligible to donate. To get started, scan the Carter Blood Drive posters posted around school and get a time slot. If you are 16 also come by B120, Ms. Clay's classroom and get the form. This form should be signed by your parents and brought back on the day of the blood drive. If you are 17 you do not need a form, however please let your parents know you plan on donating.

Any Seniors interested in attending UTA, please see the announcement from Ms. Roth in the Vault. There are some great opportunities a representative of the school would like to share with our Vanguard Seniors.

Seniors and parents are invited to our FAFSA/TASFA application workshop on Tuesday, February 4 from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. Come and let us help you get money for college!

Bacterial Meningitis Clinic Drive *RSVP-Only*
📅 Date: Thursday, February 6th
🕘 Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
📍 Location: North Mesquite High School
Texas colleges require proof of a bacterial meningitis vaccine for enrollment. If you haven’t taken care of this yet, take advantage of this clinic drive to get your vaccine and meet this important college entry requirement.
📌 Important Reminders:

• Bring your student ID
• RSVP for the event if required! The link is attached below.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions or need more information! Let’s finish strong, Class of 2025! 💪🎉
- Ms. Spellmon

Dallas College is coming to Mesquite ISD! Students and families are invited to come learn about Dallas College’s programs and how they can help you launch or advance your career.
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¡Dallas College viene a Mesquite ISD! Todos estudiantes y sus familias están invitados a asistir y aprender sobre los programas que ofrece Dallas College y cómo pueden ayudarle a iniciar o avanzar en su carrera.

Click the link below to see all the courses offered this spring for student professional learning!

Come have some fun at Vanguard High School on Saturday, February 1, from 9:00-1:00!

Any student in Mesquite ISD (especially Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors) are invited to attend and would need to sign up via the link below. We will have breakout sessions including Etiquette, Financial Literacy/Planning and basic Automotive lessons. We will end with a student panel Q&A which is always interesting and interactive!!

Breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided.

🚨 The student ID policy is still in effect! Student IDs must be worn and visible at all times while on campus.

Families, here’s how you can help:

✅ Remind your student to wear their ID every day.

✅ Encourage students to find a consistent spot, like their backpack, to store their ID to avoid losing it.

💡Parent Tip: Check for your student’s ID before they head out the door each morning. Your partnership helps ensure a safe environment for students and staff.

Thank you for helping us with this important safety measure!

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance safety for students and staff members, please note that Mesquite ISD's clear bag and backpack policy remains in effect for the 2024-25 school year.

For more details, click here to visit our FAQ page. Only clear backpacks, purses, and totes will be allowed for students on campus.

Please make sure you are dropping off and picking up students in the rear of the building. Drivers will circle around the perimeter of the student parking lot to the rear door of the building, drop off or pick up students, and then circle around the perimeter of the parking lot to exit back to McKenzie Road. The gates for dismissal pick-up open at 3:45 pm. Please do not enter the back until that time.

ONLY BUSES will be permitted to use the entrance of the school (where the flag pole is located) on Faithon P. Lucas Sr. Blvd. during arrival and dismissal times.

As an alternative, parents may choose to drop off/pick up students in the Mesquite Girls Softball Complex parking lot, located at the intersection of Faithon P. Lucas Sr. Blvd./Mercury Road and McKenzie Road. From this location, it is a short walk to/from the front entrance of the campus.

Thank you for helping keep our premises safe and secure!

To enhance student focus and minimize disruptions, personal electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and Bluetooth headphones/earbuds will not be permitted in the classroom for the 2024-2025 school year. Campus expectation is that students power down devices and put them up prior to entering the classroom.

Please refer to the Student Handbook for further details on this policy. Any non-compliance can result in the confiscation of the device, which will be held in the office until the end of the day. If you need to reach your child during school hours, please contact us at 972.882.0000, and we will assist you accordingly. We are excited to work together with you this academic year.

Vanguard shuttle bus times for each high school location:

Horn High School: Back of JHHS

8:10am, 8:20am and 8:30am

West Mesquite High School:

West Side of Building (covered porch area)

8:10am, 8:20am and 8:30am

Mesquite High School: Back by small gym

8:10am, 8:20am and 8:30am

Poteet High School: Back behind the gym

8:10am, 8:20am and 8:30am

North Mesquite High School: Front of building

8:10am, 8:20am and 8:30am

Stay connected and informed this school year with the MyAYO app! 📲 Receive notifications and reminders from your child’s school and teachers, engage in classroom and extracurricular activities, and communicate directly with educators.

Everything you need in one place to support your child’s educational journey! Download MyAYO today from your App Store or Google Play.

Students, the 5:15 after school tutoring/activities buses run Monday - Thursday ONLY! You must secure a pass from your teacher in order to ride the buses. The bus drivers will not allow you to ride unless you present your pass and it's fully filled out. You can only utilize this PM transportation if you're staying for tutoring or staying with an organization and/or sponsor. Buses will drop you off at your original feeder high school. Please ask your teachers or Mrs. Jackson any questions that you may have about the 5:15 buses.