Vinita Public Schools
Home of the Hornets
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.
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.
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
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!
❄️ NO SCHOOL: Tuesday, January 27 ❄️
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
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.
🐝 CELEBRATING OUR ARCHITECTS OF EDUCATION 🐝
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
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
What a high-energy start to the week at Vinita Public Schools! 🎸🍎
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
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
Winter Break Schedule and Return Dates
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!
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!
Community Partners Making a Difference! ❤️🧥
A huge THANK YOU to Sun Stoppers of NE Oklahoma and Brian Webb for their incredibly generous donation of new coats for our students!
These boxes of new coats were delivered today and will go directly to helping keep students warm at:
🐝 Ewing Halsell Middle School
🐝 Will Rogers Elementary
🐝 Hall-Halsell Elementary
We are so grateful for community partners who step up to support our Hornets.
📸 Pictured from left to right: Tiffany Floyd (VPS Nurse), Roxie Vail (WRE Principal), and Brian Webb (Sun Stoppers).
#VinitaHornets #CommunitySupport #SunStoppersNEOK #ThankYou #LearningForAll
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! 👇
A Decade of Dedication: Thank You, Sammie Prince!
Last night, Vinita Public Schools proudly recognized Board of Education member Sammie Prince for her incredible tenure of 12 years and 8 months of service to our district and community.
Sammie is an unwavering advocate for every student in Vinita, dedicating countless hours to ensure the success of our "Learning for All" mission.
We thank Sammie for her exceptional leadership and tireless commitment over the years!
#VPS #SchoolBoard #VinitaHornets #ThankYou
Ribbon Cutting Event Highlights Strong Ties Between VPS and Vinita Businesses
Vinita Public Schools was honored to host the Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce today for a special ribbon-cutting event. We were joined by many dedicated community and business leaders who support our mission of Learning for All.
This ceremony reaffirms the vital connection between our classrooms and the local economy. Our ongoing partnership with the Vinita Area Chamber helps us ensure that the education our students receive aligns with the skills Vinita businesses need.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended! We look forward to a successful year of collaboration and growth, guided by our shared vision for the future of Vinita.
#VPS #LocalPartnership #VinitaOK #FutureReady
Tonight, Vinita Public Schools proudly recognized our exceptional site Teachers of the Year! 🎉
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented, committed group of educators leading our students every day. Congratulations to these amazing Hornets!
• Hall-Halsell Elementary: Ms. Terri Bowzer
• Will Rogers Elementary: Mr. Anthony "Tony" Nash
• Ewing Hallsel Middle School: Mrs. Shea Roper
• Vinita High School: Mr. Matt Young
Thank you for everything you do for our students and for exemplifying the best of VPS! #HornetsLeading #TeacherOfTheYear #VinitaPublicSchools
Hornet Fans: Score a Touchdown for Our Families! 🏈 Friday, October 31st, we're teaming up with Vinita Hornet Athletics for a special Food Drive. Donate non-perishable items to support our local families, and you'll get a FREE bag of popcorn or face painting at the concession stand. See the list for high-protein and easy-prep items. Let's show our Hornet pride by supporting our community!
We might be biased, but we're confident we have the best principals around!
Happy Principal's Month to the leaders in our schools who make each day run smoothly, support students and staff and bring heart to everything they do. We're so grateful for you!
#VinitaHornets
Happy Principal's Month to the leaders in our schools who make each day run smoothly, support students and staff and bring heart to everything they do. We're so grateful for you!
#VinitaHornets
Vinita Public Schools Announces 2025 Ratcliff, Hartley, Cresap Scholarship Recipients
Vinita Public Schools is thrilled to announce the 13 recipients of the 2025 Ratcliff, Hartley, Cresap Scholarship! Each of these outstanding students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their future academic endeavors.
This scholarship recognizes the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our alumni. The selection committee faced a difficult challenge this year, with an impressive group of applicants who demonstrated great attention to detail in meeting the scholarship requirements.
Hornet Highlight: Mrs. Shea Roper
This week, we're shining a spotlight on one of our dedicated team members, Mrs. Shea Roper!
Shea has been a valued part of our Vinita Public Schools family since she and her husband moved to Vinita in 2016. For Shea, it was important to be able to work and live in the same community, and we are so glad she chose to be a Hornet.
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Shea shared this: "Surround yourself with friends who bring out the best in you and love you through the ups and downs."
Thank you, Shea, for being a wonderful example of kindness and commitment to our students and community. #VinitaHornets
