☕️ 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







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."

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



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.

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

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

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!

