WELCOME TO
VINTON-SHELLSBURG
HIGH SCHOOL!

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to a new school year at Vinton-Shellsburg High School! I am Matt Kingsbury, and I am honored to serve as your High School Principal. With 27 years in public education,14 of those proudly spent in the Vinton-Shellsburg School District, I remain deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

I believe education is a transformative force that empowers individuals to reach their full potential, both intellectually and personally. My educational philosophy centers on creating inclusive, student-centered environments that foster critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning. As a leader, I prioritize collaboration, transparency, and equity, striving to inspire and support educators while building a culture of continuous improvement. I lead by example, valuing diverse perspectives and data-informed decision-making to drive positive outcomes for all students.

Our building provides an engaging, supportive, and challenging educational experience for students.  As part of our continued growth, we are moving toward a standards-based grading approach. This shift will help us more accurately assess student learning, ensure clarity in academic expectations, and support all students in mastering essential skills and content. Our building also continues to use Universal Design for Learning, which is an educational framework that aims to make learning accessible and engaging for all students by providing flexible learning environments.

We are also proud of our ongoing partnership with Kirkwood Community College, which offers students a variety of opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school. These opportunities include both face-to-face and online concurrent enrollment courses, as well as robust internship and apprenticeship programs that connect students to real-world career experiences.

I encourage open communication and collaboration throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 319-436-5703 or matt.kingsbury@govikes.org.

Let’s work together to make this a positive, successful, and rewarding year for every student!

Go Vikes!

– Matt Kingsbury, VS HS Principal