Hello, Vanguards! 'Tis the season to be grateful. The happiest people in the world are the ones who express gratitude in all things. We are extremely grateful for a number of things here at Vanguard; our wonderful staff, students, parents, and community members. Here are just a few of the big things from this week that we are extremely grateful for.

Discovery Night was a great time to show off our programs, CTSO's and all the great things happening at Vanguard. Thank you 8th grade parents and students for coming. Don't forget the Interest Form closes on 12/20 at 11:59 pm!

Thank you, Mrs. Jackson, for coordinating the She's Got More Event. Be sure to scroll down to read more about this awesome event we had last week on our campus.

We are having STAAR retesting and make-ups on campus this week. If your student is testing, we wish them luck! Please make sure they have their charged chromebook, get a great night's sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast. Students who are testing have been given several notices from our Testing Coordinator, Mrs. Jensen.

Let's have a great week, Vanguards! Viam Ducemus - We WILL Lead!

Thanks to all the 8th grade parents and students who attended Discovery Night on December 5th, embracing the chance to learn about Vanguard's innovative programs and opportunities!

Attention Class of 2029: enrollment requests to attend Vanguard High School for the 2025-2026 school year are now open! Current MISD 8th grade students will find the interest form in their Skyward account. The deadline to request enrollment is Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM. Any MISD student in 8th grade may submit a request to attend VHS.

*Space is limited. If more students select a program than seats are available, a matrix will be used to rank all students on the same criteria for admission to limited enrollment programs.

In partnership with the Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, Powerade, and Girls Inc., Vanguard hosted the “She’s Got More” event for 200 girls on Wednesday, December 4. The highlight of the event was a special appearance by Mesquite, Texas native, Olympic Gold Medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Tara Davis-Woodhall! She led a track and field clinic with a few students and participated in a Q&A moderated by Vanguard Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas participants, April Bessent and Ava Goss. Tara’s husband, Paralympic Gold Medalist, Hunter Woodhall, joined us at Vanguard, as well.

Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas engages and inspires high school-aged girls with activities that allow them to explore topics such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and self-confidence.

In collaboration with Girls Inc., Mrs. Jackson helped initiate a new program, Operation EmpowHER, for junior and senior girls. If your student is a junior or a senior and is interested in learning more about financial literacy and refining skills such resume writing, giving elevator pitches, interviewing, networking with local female leaders, etc., have them reach out to Associate Principal, Mrs. Jackson.

Support the Vanguard High School Graphic Design department and help our students participate in SkillsUSA competitions by purchasing one of our hats! Choose from 3 options:

• Natural/Navy High Profile Hat (SnapBack)

• Light Khaki/Navy Ball Cap (Adjustable)

• Grey Hat (SnapBack)

Each hat features 3D puff embroidery and is available for $25 plus tax. The last day to order is Wednesday, December 18th.

To order, visit Intouch, click Items at Students School > High Schools > Vanguard High School > Graphic Design, and select your hat. Want to see the hats before buying? Check out our table setup during all lunches in the commons.

If using a phone turn it to the side to view the images online.

Reconnect is selling VHS gear for the winter season, similar to the t-shirts earlier this year. The link will be live until December 22nd. The shirts will be delivered in January when we return. Any proceeds will benefit the Class of 2025!

Please come join us for pizza Wednesday December 11, 2024 for a Vanguard Muslim Student interest meeting.

Mr. Villa’s Anatomy and Physiology students got creative today by crafting skin models using Kleenex boxes! These projects help bring textbook concepts to life, illustrating the layers and components of the skin in a fun, interactive way. Amazing work, future scientists!

Mrs. Powell’s PCT class had a busy day with stations this past week.

1. Learning venipuncture with juice for blood

2. Capillary stick to fill hematocrit tube

3. Bead bracelet to learn the order of draw

4. Flash cards to learn the tube additives

These talented students have been hard at work creating informational posters about various diseases of the body. Their dedication to detailed research and creative illustrations is truly impressive. Each poster showcases a deep understanding of the conditions and delivers vital health education in a visually engaging way. Great job, future medical professionals! Keep up the amazing work!

Student PL - November to December

With FAFSA, TASFA, and the CSS Profile growing in importance, we want to remind you that Ms. Spellmon and Mr. Mitchell are here to help as your College & Career Advisors! Whether you're looking for support with college applications, career exploration, or financial aid, we're here for all your questions and needs.

Seniors, Class of 2025, this is your time—let us help you make the most of it! Reach out anytime for guidance on your journey beyond high school. 🌟

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! 🎓💼

Students graduating from a Mesquite ISD school are eligible to apply for the Dallas Promise Scholarship which covers the cost of tuition that isn’t covered by their financial aid at certain participating schools and universities. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must complete the following 4 steps:

• Complete the Promise Path form (available now at Dallas County Promise).
• Apply to participating Dallas Promise schools/universities.
• Complete the FAFSA/TASFA Financial Aid Application (opening December 1.)
• Enroll in an eligible Dallas Promise school.

We are always looking for ways to partner with businesses in our community. There are opportunities to participate in person and with in-kind donations. As always, your donations are always appreciated and are tax-deductible. Email celsasser@mesquiteisd.org for more information.

Judges NEEDED! Business Professionals of America's Regional Leadership Conference is on January 18, 2025 at Vanguard High School in Mesquite. We are looking for volunteers to fill our judged events and assist us with our conference to review projects and presentations from the most outstanding young leaders in Texas. Winners will advance to the State Leadership Conference. For more info please click the attachment below! To register as a judge, click the link below!

Join us for THE GAP. A 5-session series crafted for MISD families with children in middle and high school. Together, we'll dive into the range of opportunities awaiting your child after high school and explore the resources MISD provides to guide them every step of the way.

Check out these events happening at the library in Balch Springs.

In order to keep our students at Vanguard safe we require student identification badges to be visible and on the outside of clothing at all times. If a student loses their Id they will be required to purchase a new one for $5.

• Wear your ID everyday.
• Make sure it is visible on the outside of your clothes.
• Do not cause intentional damage, put stickers, or mark over your photo. You will be required to replace the badge.
• Replacements cost $5.00.

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

Students, the 5:15 tutoring buses have started. 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 ride the tutoring bus if you're staying for actual tutoring with a teacher. Tutoring 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.

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.