☕️ COFFEE & CONVERSATION THIS SATURDAY

Hornet Families and Vinita Community Members—start your weekend with us! You are cordially invited to join Superintendent Gabe Schmidt for our next Coffee & Conversation session this coming Saturday morning.

This is a casual, open-door opportunity to grab a cup of coffee, ask questions, share ideas, and discuss the bright future of Vinita Public Schools as we continue our journey together. No formal agenda—listening, learning, and community collaboration.

📍 Where: The Daily Brunch Cafe (109 W Canadian Ave, Vinita, OK)

📅 When: Saturday, May 23rd

Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Pull up a chair and let's talk about our schools and children together. We look forward to seeing you there!

#VinitaHornets #CoffeeAndConversation #ListeningAndLearning #LearningForAll

2 days ago, Vinita PS
Daily Brunch Coffee & Conversation on 5-23-2026
🚧 PARDON OUR PROGRESS: 2025 Bond Projects Underway 🚧 The idea for these projects started with a facilities review over two years ago, moved to our first Royal Blue Ribbon Committee meetings 18 months ago, and became a reality when our community passed the February 2025 Bond. Today, the heavy lifting officially began! Crews started internal prep and draining the HVAC lines at Vinita High School, signaling the start of a transformative chapter for our district. ⚠️ CRUCIAL LOGISTICAL UPDATES: - High School Parking: The parking lot on the North Side of the High School is now CLOSED to accommodate construction crews and equipment. Please plan alternative routes and parking accordingly. - Ewing Halsell Middle School: Upgrades are officially underway! The MS gym windows are getting a major face-lift. Power Outage Notice: In the near future, the Middle School will experience a temporary power shutdown. We are replacing a 75-year-old transformer to bring our power grid straight into the 21st century to support these new facilities. (We will share specific dates/times for the outage as soon as they are finalized.) Thank you, Hornet Nation, for your patience, support, and vision. We are building a better environment for our kids, one brick and one upgraded transformer at a time! 🐝🏗️ #VinitaHornets #PardonOurProgress #Bond2025 #BuildingTheHive #LearningForAll
4 days ago, Vinita PS
window replacement at the EHMS gym
VHS construction begins
Brewer Construction Management
🏁 Love the Game? Get Under the Lights! 🏈 Friday nights in Vinita are legendary, but the game can’t happen on Friday nights without the men and women in stripes. We are looking for community members who love football, value fair play, and want to give back to our Hornets by becoming a certified official! Why Put on the Stripes? Stay in the Action: It’s the best seat in the house. Give Back: Support our student-athletes and keep the game safe and fair. Earn Extra Income: Get paid to stay active and involved in the sport you love. 📢 Not Ready to Ref? You Can Still Support! If you aren't ready to blow the whistle, you can still be a "game-changer" from the stands. Official shortages are a reality across Oklahoma, and the best way to keep them coming back is with Hornet Hospitality. Respect the Call: Remember, these officials are often neighbors and fellow fans doing their best for our kids. Keep it Positive: Making Vinita the favorite destination for every officiating crew because of our sportsmanship and class. Ready to sign up? Visit the OSSAA website or contact our Athletic Department for more information on how to get started. It’s a great day to be a Hornet! #VinitaHornets #HornetPride #OKHighSchoolFootball #BecomeAnOfficial #SportsmanshipMatters #CommunityStrong
14 days ago, Vinita PS
become a football official
Help us celebrate the wonderful careers of Mrs Peggy Wells and Mrs. Lori Moss! 🎓✨ Please join us for a retirement reception on Monday, May 11 at 5:30 PM in the VHS Cafeteria. Let’s gather to share our favorite stories and thank them for their tireless commitment to our students and community.
16 days ago, Vinita PS
retirement reception for Peggy Wells and Lori Moss
Our "Listening & Learning" tour continues! After meaningful conversations at Clanton’s and Swift Bros. last week, Superintendent Gabriel Schmidt is heading to Eastside Coffee this Tuesday. Whether you have a specific question about our goals or just want to chat about the upcoming school year, we’d love to see you there. • When: Tuesday, May 5 • Time: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Where: Eastside Coffee We are committed to keeping the conversation going. Coffee is on us—the insight is on you!
19 days ago, Vinita PS
Eastside Coffee
Congratulations to Isaac Birkes and Xerek Hitchcock who signed scholarship offers for band from Oklahoma Baptist University today.
21 days ago, Matt Young
Isaac Birkes and Xerek Hitchcock sign scholarship offers from Oklahoma Baptist University

Team Lierle Returns to Vinita Public Schools

Vinita Public Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Brittani and Brandon Lierle for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

Mrs. Lierle will serve as the Director of Alternative Education and Virtual Vinita, focusing on expanding non-traditional learning opportunities for our scholars. Mr. Lierle will join to the district as a Middle School Mathematics instructor.

"Landing Team Lierle is a testament to the momentum we are building here in Vinita." says Superintendent Gabe Schmidt. "We are excited to see the impact they will have on our students and our community as they return home."

24 days ago, Vinita PS
Team Lierle

We had such a great time connecting last week that we’re adding a second stop this week! Superintendent Gabriel Schmidt is hitting the streets to hear from YOU. Whether you’re a family, a business owner, new to Vinita, or a proud Hornet alum, we want to hear your perspective on our district’s journey.

This week's schedule:

Tuesday Morning (April 28) Join us at Clanton's Cafe for Coffee & Conversation from ⏰ 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

💈 Wednesday Afternoon (April 29) Join us at Swift Bros. Barbershop ⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM for Happy Hour

No formal agenda—just open doors and honest conversation. Let’s keep moving Vinita forward together!

#VinitaPublicSchools #TheHornetStandard #ListeningAndLearning #LearningForAll #VinitaHornets

26 days ago, Vinita PS
Clanton's Cafe Coffee & Conversation on 4-28 from 7-10am with Superintendent Gabriel Schmidt
Swift Bros. Barbershop Happy Hour from 2-4pm on 4-29 with Superintendent Gabriel Schmidt
Vinita students Xerek Hitchcock and Jayde Carson qualified for and performed at state instrumental solo contest in Stillwater. Xerek received a rating of Superior and Jayde a rating is Excellent.
29 days ago, Vinita Public Schools
Xerek Hitchcock and Jayde Carson at state solo contest
"Ms. Bible is passionate about her subject matter. Not only that, she creates high expectations for student writing skills and she maintains a good rapport with students in her classes." - Mrs. Melissa Williams, VHS Principal

Teacher Proud Tuesday Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/JHUfAfynSt9hg4LX6

Vinita Schools is excited to be celebrating Teacher Proud Tuesday on (at least) the second Tuesday of every month. The purpose of the Teacher Proud Tuesday campaign is to lift up and celebrate the profession and those currently serving, to recruit and inspire candidates to consider teaching, and to inform communities, business leaders and policymakers the importance of public education.

We need your help in selecting teachers to spotlight each month. To nominate an outstanding teacher please submit the form below. Nominate as many teachers as you'd like and keep in mind that the nominations will roll from one month to the next, so there is no need to repeat your nominations.

Join the celebration! On the second Tuesday of each month, watch for the #TeacherProud hashtag and share the celebrations.
about 1 month ago, Vinita PS
Ms. Bible Teacher Proud Tuesday
🎨 Hornets Downtown: Art Meets Community!

Come see Vinita Main Street this afternoon! As you enjoy the festivities and stop by local businesses, be sure to check out the beautiful updates downtown created by our very own Art Club students.

A huge thank you and congratulations to Ione Cox, Jaycee Hensley, and Ella Terrell for their hard work and creativity in helping prepare for today's celebration of the City of Vinita.

We are so proud of the way our students are leaving their mark on our community! 🐝✨

#VinitaHornets #VinitaMain Street #HornetPride #CommunityStrong #StudentArtists
about 1 month ago, Vinita PS
Main Street in Vinita with Art Club

Are you passionate about education and dedicated to student success? Vinita Public Schools is seeking talented and enthusiastic individuals to join our team. From the front of the classroom to the baseline, your impact starts here.

✅ Focus on student success
✅ Competitive pay
✅ Supportive community

Apply TODAY to join the Hornet team: https://www.vinitahornets.com/page/career-opportunities

#VPS #Hiring #HornetWay #VinitaOK

about 1 month ago, Vinita PS
We are hiring at Vinita Public Schools
Celebrating Our Road Warriors! 🚌

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
3 months ago, Vinita PS
VPS Bus Driver Appreciation
Celebrating Our Vinita School Resource Officers 🛡️🐝

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
3 months ago, Vinita PS
VPS School Resource Officers

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

3 months ago, Vinita PS
WRE Health Fair Graphic
Thank you, Hornet Families! We want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our families who joined us for our Spring Conferences this evening (and will until 9:30pm). Your partnership is what makes "Learning for All" possible at Vinita Public Schools. We truly value the time spent discussing your students' progress and success. Reminder of the coming days: • Friday, February 13: Schools will be CLOSED for Conference Break. • Monday, February 16: Schools will be CLOSED in observance of President’s Day. We look forward to welcoming all our students back to the classroom on Tuesday, February 17. Enjoy the long weekend, Hornet Nation! P.S. Save the Date: 2/26 Community Health Fair from 4-6pm at Will Rogers Elementary.
3 months ago, Vinita PS
thank you families and important dates
Vinita Board of Education Appoints Charlotte Thulin to Seat #5

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.
3 months ago, Vinita PS
Mrs. Thulin - Seat #5 Appointment
National School Counseling Week: Celebrating Our Hornets 🐝

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
4 months ago, Vinita PS
School Counselors

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:

  1. Transport their children to school directly.

  2. 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!

4 months ago, Vinita PS

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!

4 months ago, Vinita PS
VPS Snow Day 1-28-26