The Vandegrift Vipers take to the field for an early morning practice in mid-August.

Sept. 1 @ 7 p.m. Odessa Permian

By SCOTT W. COLEMAN
Four Points News

As temperatures climbed to near 100 degrees by 9 a.m., players clad in black practice jerseys and black helmets braved the heat, sweat running off their faces in rivers, to show the Vandegrift coaching staff they’re ready to take the field come opening night.

“It’s exciting, this time of year,” said Drew Sanders, who is entering his eighth season coaching the Vipers. “It’s busy, but it’s fun.”

After a productive spring camp, no quarterback emerged to replace two-year starter Alex Fernandes, who signed to play at UTEP starting this fall. Senior Justin Moore, who stepped in for an injured Fernandes last year, would appear to have the edge headed into the season, though junior Davis Beal and sophomore Dru Dawson have all taken snaps in practice over the spring and fall to challenge Moore.

Regardless who takes the snaps, a quality receiving corps will be waiting, led by Peyton Ausley and Justin Florence. Both seniors this year, the pair combined for more than a thousand receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season.

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The Vandegrift band gives a private concert in the Burks Lane cul-de-sac on Saturday.

The Vandegrift band and Vision Dance Company marched for more than three miles during its 9th annual March-A-Thon through the streets of Steiner Ranch on Saturday.

There were 14 concerts performed and more than half of the $40,000 fundraising goal was raised. Pledges are still coming in.

“This year’s March-A-Thon was a huge success,” said Mike Howard, VHS director of bands. “It’s a wonderful event that brings the community together and gets everyone’s Viper spirit going as we move into the new school year.”

Some 350 students, staff and approximately 75 band parents and family members worked to put on the March-A-Thon, which started and ended in John Simpson Park. The event was led by a fire truck for the first portion, and a Travis County Sheriff’s Office escort through the the entire route.

“I’m so proud of all of the students and parent volunteers for the organization and performance at this event,” Howard said.

The band also participated in Concert in the Park later on in the day. This report includes some photos from that event.

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Leander ISD trustees voted unanimously to call a $454.4 million bond election at their regular meeting Thursday.

Early voting Oct. 23- Nov. 3, Election day Nov. 7

By KIM ESTES
Four Points News

A proposed $454.4 million bond that would increase student capacity — including the expansion of Vandegrift High School — improve safety measures and provide major facility maintenance district-wide is now in the hands of Leander ISD voters, who will cast ballots for or against it this fall.

District trustees unanimously called for the referendum at their regular meeting on Thursday.

Four Points specific

If voters approve the bond, the most significant changes in Four Points’ facilities will be at VHS and Steiner Ranch Elementary.

Specifically, VHS would gain 14 classrooms, expansion of Monroe Stadium grandstands and a barn for agriculture, as well as Career and a Technical Education Incubator classroom.

The proposition also includes $3 million for design and mitigation costs tied to the construction of an additional access road to Vandegrift and Four Points Middle School.

SRE would be spruced up with major maintenance work including paint, carpeting, lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.

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Earns STEM ranking

By KIM ESTES
Four Points News

Vandegrift High School has been ranked as a science, technology, engineering and math school in U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools rankings, earning the 199th spot after placing as one of the top 500 public high schools in the nation.

Schools had to rank in the top 500 of 22,000 high schools nationwide to be eligible for the STEM ranking. VHS came in at #280 of the total, for which it also earned its 4th gold medal in four years and 47th place among state rankings of 589 Texas high schools. Rankings data was from the 2014-2015 school year.

Two other Leander ISD schools, Vista Ridge High School and Cedar Park High School, were awarded silver medals in the U.S. News rankings report. VRHS was ranked #754 in the nation and 89th in the state. CPHS was #814 in the nation and #99 in the state.

“On behalf of the staff and students, I want to thank you all for this community effort to make Vandegrift the best high school possible,” said Charlie Little, VHS principal.

“I think this is the first time we’ve been ranked as a STEM school; 199 is awesome,” Little said.

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