Vista Ridge High School PTSA News
Vol. 24 • No. 2 • October 19th, 2026

Welcome to Issue 3 of the VRHS PTSA Newsletter!
Happy November, Ranger families!
As we welcome a new month, we have so much to be thankful for, especially our wonderful Ranger community! We are grateful for our families, teachers, staff, and volunteers who make Vista Ridge such a special place.
November is a time for giving thanks, and what better way to show our appreciation than by giving back? Our Staff Thanksgiving Feast is coming up on November 12, and we need your help to make it special! Whether you bring a dish, donate an item, or volunteer your time, every little bit makes a difference.
We also have some important school dates coming up, including picture retakes, our last fall pep rally, and Thanksgiving break. Be sure to check out this week's updates so you don't miss anything!
And don't forget to follow and share our PTSA social media pages with other Ranger families. Help us grow our community, spread the word, and encourage more families to get involved!
Let's make November a month full of gratitude, kindness, and Ranger spirit!
Together. We Rise.
Your VRHS PTSA Board
Meet Your 2026-2027 PTSA Executive Board
Paul Furiani
President
Laura Furiani
VP of Membership
Samantha Whalen
VP of Programs
Mariela Moya
VP of Communications
Patricia Steed
Treasurer
Bethany Burnham
Secretary
If you’re looking for a hands-on way to get involved, consider joining the board of the VRHS PTSA. You’ll collaborate with other dedicated volunteers and have a direct influence on the decisions and initiatives the PTSA undertakes. Your ideas, expertise, and enthusiasm help shape the future of our community.
We currently have open executive positions for interested parents, faculty. We also have open chair positions, some of which are also open to students! Whether you are looking to join immediately or in the upcoming year, we encourage you to reach out at president@vrhs-ptsa.org.
Thanks to our amazing Ranger community, Vista Ridge PTSA earned the Texas PTA Early Bird Achievement Award in October! Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this milestone!
Now, we have a new challenge for our Ranger families!
If you haven't joined PTSA this school year, take two minutes to become a member today! Already a member? Invite at least one friend, neighbor, or fellow Ranger parent to join this week!
Every new membership helps us support student scholarships, staff appreciation events, and programs that benefit our school.
You don't have to volunteer or attend meetings to be a member. Just joining makes a difference!
Let's see how many new members we can welcome this November!
Join Today: https://vrhs-ptsa.org/join
Track Our Membership Progress: https://vrhs-ptsa.org/membership
Let's celebrate our amazing teachers and staff on their special day! Don't forget to wish your favorite teacher or staff member a Happy Birthday! Want to make their day even sweeter? Click below to check out their Favorites List and find a little something they'll love!
Carrie Nance
English IV, AP English IV
Nov 6
Meri Carlson
Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness, Applied Nutrition & Dietetics
Nov 8
A big THANK YOU to all our talented Rangers who submitted entries for this year's National PTA Reflections program, "What My Culture Means to Me."
We're so proud of your creativity and wish you the best of luck as your entries move through the judging process!
Important Dates:
November 18: VRHS PTSA winners advance to LISD Council.
January 15: LISD Council results announced.
March 15: Texas PTA results announced.
May 1: National PTA results announced.
Stay tuned, and let's cheer on our Ranger artists!
November is all about giving thanks, and we can't think of a better way to show our appreciation than celebrating our wonderful teachers and staff at our Staff Thanksgiving Feast on November 12!
The school provides the main course, staff bring the sides, and we need our Ranger families to help make the rest happen!
Here's how you can help:
Donate: Plates, napkins, tablecloths, fall decorations, or drinks.
Volunteer: Help set up, serve during both lunch periods, or clean up.
Pick an item to bring or a shift that works for you! Paper goods and tablecloths can be dropped off at the front office a day or two early. All other items should arrive the morning of the feast.
Whether you donate an item or give a little of your time, your kindness helps us make this day special for the people who do so much for our kids.
Let's show our staff some Ranger love and gratitude!
Sara Butler
English I, Advanced English I
Rhonda Christman
Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Microbiology, AP Research
Stephanie Ellis
Advanced Spanish II, Spanish III
Amber Funderburgh
English I, Advanced English I
Jacob Hoffman
AP Biology, Advanced Bio, Scientific Research & Design
Nicole Mize
English I, Advanced English I
Vista Ridge teachers and staff are sharing what their classrooms need. Please take a moment to see how you can help. Items ship straight to teacher or staff member, so your part takes about as long as ordering socks!
Stay Connected with Your Ranger Community!
Have you had a chance to check out our new PTSA website? It's where you'll find upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, staff wish lists, membership, newsletters, and more!
Help us spread the word! Share our new website and social media pages with your Ranger friends and families.The more families we reach, the more we can come together to support our school!
Visit Our Website: https://vrhs-ptsa.org/