Today we celebrate the men and women who keep Vinita moving! Our bus drivers are the first smiling faces our students see in the morning and the last ones they see before heading home.
Thank you for your commitment to safety, your patience on the road, and your unwavering support of our students. Next time you see your driver, be sure to give them a "thank you" for all they do!
#VPS #SafeTravels #HornetPride
At Vinita Public Schools, safety is our priority, yet it’s the relationships that make the difference. Today, we want to recognize our incredible School Resource Officers (SROs): Troy Messick, Jim Curry, and Benny McCord.
These gentlemen do a phenomenal job of living out the "SRO Triad"—serving as public safety educators, mentors, and law enforcement officers all in one. Their approach balances tactical safety with proactive mentorship, fostering positive relationships with our students, families, and staff every single day.
Whether they are in the hallways giving high-fives, in the classroom teaching safety, or simply being a trusted adult our students can turn to, Troy, Jim, and Benny are essential threads in the fabric of our Hornet community.
Thank you for keeping us safe and for investing in the future of our scholars!
#VinitaHornets #LearningForAll #SRO #SchoolSafety #CommunityMentors
Save the Date: Family Health Fair @ WRE! 🩺✨
We’re bringing the community together for our families! Join us at Will Rogers Elementary on Feb 26th from 4-6 PM to meet with local health partners and explore wellness resources available right here in our community. Let’s work together for a healthier day ahead!
#VinitaHornets #WREHealthFair #StrongerTogether #VinitaPublicSchools
VINITA, OK — The Vinita Public Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlotte Thulin to Board Seat #5. Mrs. Thulin was sworn in during the regular February meeting on Monday night and will serve in the unexpired term for the seat.
A long-time advocate for Vinita students and 2001 graduate, Mrs. Thulin has been involved in district support organizations, including the Will Rogers & Hall-Halsell PTO and the Vinita Band Boosters. Her professional background includes extensive experience in program oversight, policy development, and over two decades of dedicated work in youth and children's ministries.
"We are excited to welcome Charlotte to the board," said Superintendent Gabe Schmidt. "Her experience as a parent and a community volunteer, combined with her professional leadership skills, makes her an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to her perspective as we continue to invest in our facilities, our staff, and the success of every student in Hornet Nation."
Mrs. Thulin’s appointment comes at an active time for the district as VPS moves forward with 2025 bond projects, including major facility upgrades.
For more information on the Vinita Board of Education and upcoming meeting dates, please visit the Board of Education page on our district website.
When students ask “What if,” our school counselors help them explore options and find a path forward. During National School Counseling Week, we’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated team across the district—from elementary to high school—who listen, encourage, and assist our students and families navigate both challenges and possibilities.
Our "Counselor Crew" is always ready to:
Listen with an open heart.
Navigate academic and personal paths.
Support Hornet families and students every step of the way.
#VinitaHornets #NSCW26 #HornetNation #SchoolCounselors
Vinita Public Schools in Session Tomorrow, January 29
Dear VPS Families,
Vinita Public Schools will be back in session tomorrow, Thursday, January 29th. We look forward to bringing our students and staff together again!
Road Conditions & Transportation:
While road conditions have improved significantly, please be aware that there may still be limited areas along certain bus routes that remain inaccessible. Our drivers will do their best to transport all students safely, but safety remains our top priority.
Bus Rider Information: If your specific area is affected and the bus cannot safely reach your stop, families may:
Transport their children to school directly.
Contact their specific school direct for additional information.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to get everyone back to learning safely. Go Hornets!
VPS Weather Alert: School Closed Wednesday, Jan 28
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, Vinita Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the City of Vinita, Craig County, as well as our incredible maintenance and transportation teams. These individuals are working relentlessly in the cold to clear our paths and monitor the safety of our routes. We truly appreciate their dedication to our students and community.
Stay warm, stay safe, and Go Hornets!
Stay tucked in, Hornets! Due to current road conditions and the continued cold, Vinita Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27.
This is the chance to bundle up with a blanket and a good book. 📖 If you want a front-row seat to the hard work happening across our state, you can actually watch our ODOT crews live as they work to clear the paths and make roads safer for everyone: 🚜❄️ Watch the Snowplows Here: https://oksnowplows.org/
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the snow day! 🐝 #VinitaHornets #HornetPride #SnowDay
SCHOOL CLOSED: Monday, January 26, 2026
Vinita Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather and road conditions.
All Activities Canceled: All scheduled school activities are canceled for the day.
Traditional Snow Day: Please note that this is a traditional snow day. There will be no remote or virtual learning requirements for students.
The safety of our Hornet families and staff is our top priority. We encourage everyone to stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the day!
Remember, there will be no school on Monday, Jan. 19 due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. All school and district offices are closed as well. Enjoy your weekend and we will see you back in school on Tuesday.
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
January is School Board Recognition Month, and we are taking a moment to honor the dedicated local leaders who guide the ship here at Vinita Public Schools!
Our Board of Education members are more than just volunteers—they are the architects of our district’s direction. They manage a budget that supports 1,200+ students, 170 employees, and 4 school facilities. 🏢📚
Please join us in thanking:
📍 Dianna Just (Seat 1)
📍 Tim Williams (Seat 2)
📍 MaryAnne Boyd (Seat 3)
📍 Jim Shelton (Seat 4) 📍 (And currently working to fill Office 5)
With tenures ranging from 2 years to 35 years of service, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and a deep love for the Vinita community to the table.
Superintendent Gabe Schmidt shares: "They volunteer their time, bring valuable perspectives to the table, and work together to support the continued progress of our district. We appreciate their commitment to Vinita Public Schools." 🐝💛
Drop a "THANK YOU" in the comments below to show your appreciation for their selfless service! 👇
#VinitaHornets #SchoolBoardRecognitionMonth #PublicEducation #VinitaOK #SchoolBoardHeroes
On Monday, our teachers were treated to a wonderful breakfast hosted by our friends at Welch State Bank. There’s no better way to kick off in-service than with good food and even better company.
The morning got even brighter when our very own Mark Chamberlain took the stage, welcoming everyone back with his guitar and some fantastic music. It was the perfect note to start our year! 🎶
We hope all of our students and families enjoyed a great first day of school today. We know our dedicated teachers were better prepared and more inspired thanks to the incredible support of our community partners.
Together, we’re making this the best year yet! 💙🤍
#VinitaPublicSchools #HornetPride #CommunitySupport #BackToSchool #WelchStateBank #EducationMatters
Vinita Public Schools will be closed for Winter Break beginning Monday, December 22, 2025.
Administrative offices and classrooms will resume normal schedules for students on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Faculty and staff will report on Monday, January 5th, for a district-wide Professional Learning day.
We wish all of our VPS families a blessed Christmas and a productive start to the New Year!
We have exciting news for the Vinita High School community! Vinita Public Schools is proud to announce the recommendation of Mr. Joseph Bryson as our next HS Assistant Principal. Mr. Bryson will formally begin serving our students and staff in January, bringing his experience and passion for educational leadership to our team with his new role. This appointment is pending formal Board approval at the meeting on December 18th. Join us in extending a warm, early welcome!
🐝 HORNET HIGHLIGHT! 🐝
Meet the legendary Mrs. Karen Long! She has been a staple of Hall-Halsell Elementary & across Vinita Public Schools since 1989 and proves every single day that #OnceAHornetAlwaysAHornet!
From starting as a PE teacher to becoming our beloved counselor, she has guided generations of Hornets with wisdom, energy, and heart. She asks, "Am I too old to be here?" and our answer is a resounding NO! We are lucky to have her!
Check out her timeless advice on believing in yourself below! 👇
