By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

A large-scale expansion project at Vandegrift High School should soon help to ease overcrowding issues for the school, which has seen a rapid increase in enrollment since it first opened in 2009.

The construction project consists of four new science/flex labs and 20 new classrooms and should be completed by the end of March, said Jimmy Disler, executive director of capital improvements for Leander ISD.

The Vandegrift HS construction project should be completed by the end of March.
Photo by Linda Courtney

Disler said the additions are needed to deal with overcrowding and future growth at the school. Once completed, the additions will increase the campus capacity to 2,400 students. The school currently has 1,693 students enrolled. Continue reading →

By MAGGIE TATE, MARY JO FATKE

Girls Lacrosse is exploding nationwide, so it’s no surprise the sport is experiencing tremendous growth in Four Points too.

The girls high school team is in it’s second season at Vandegrift High School and beat Austin HS on Feb. 21, 14-4.

#96 is Maddie Claflin and #30 is Kriston Guerra
Photo by Erin Honts

This year, about 40 girls make up the Viper varsity and JV teams under the direction of Head Coach Katie Searle, JV Coach Lynette Gomez and Assistant Coach Jennifer Greenstreet.

Girls lacrosse is governed by the Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League (TGHSLL). Lacrosse is not a UIL sport and is designated an official Leander ISD club sport.

In addition to the high school teams, the Lady Vipers Lacrosse organization offers a middle school girls club program. Now in it’s fourth year, upwards of 50 girls comprise three teams under the direction of Rachel Coyne, Christine Hong and Alejandra Johnson.

In addition, Mikala Bonner, a goalie trainer, works with all the goalies from each team and eight VHS team members act as student trainers for the middle school teams. Continue reading →

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Vandegrift HS senior, Addison Stahl, founded Homework Help and the free tutoring service is gaining momentum in its second year. VHS students provide the tutoring, offering help to students of all ages.

“We’re trying to provide the high schoolers a chance to volunteer and at the same time give these kids a chance to excel at school,” said Stahl, who is involved in National Honor Society and is a volunteer with PALS or Peer Assistance and Leadership.

Homework Help operates from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cups & Cones in Steiner Ranch.

Addison Stahl, VHS senior and founder of Homework Help.
Photo credit: Sarah Doolittle

“You shouldn’t have to rely only on yourself. You shouldn’t have to put the world on your own shoulders. Because nobody can do that,” he said. “You need a support system. It’s healthy to look around and say, ‘Hey, we can come up together and we can be great.’”

Prospective tutors must complete a ten question application about their reasons for wanting to volunteer as well as their commitment to their studies. A teacher evaluation is also required. Continue reading →

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Concordia University Texas wants to launch a business incubator next fall to help foster entrepreneurs in Four Points.

Concordia’s College of Business received a $250,000 donation from a San Antonio donor who asked that the school “help people run good businesses and teach them how to do business well,” said Dr. Donald Christian, dean of Concordia’s College of Business.

Dr. Donald Christian, dean of Concordia University Texas College of Business, unveiled his local business incubator vision at last week’s Four Points Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Consultant Dr. Kathryn Davis, of Strategic Options, will help gather information to launch the idea in the weeks ahead.
photo by Lynette Haaland

Continue reading →

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

The Bhatt family of River Place was honored as the showcase family at a Dell Children’s Gala recently.

“They honored us by showcasing our family,” Kunjan Bhatt said.

The Bhatt family , which has fully recovered from an accident that hospitalized Roopal,
Sapna, now 7, and Devan, now 4, last summer, was honored as the showcase family at the Dell Children’s Gala recently benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Kunjan says their lives will never be the same.

This year’s gala was Jan. 25 and the theme was Storybook, in honor of all the stories and lives that Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas has been a part of and will continue to be. The hospital serves more than 142,000 sick and injured children each year from 46-counties.

The Bhatt family was a part of the evening and among 1,000 attendees as their story was shared. It is a story that changed their lives.

Continue reading →