🎉✨Family Engagement Night Coming Up! ✨🎉

Van Buren County Schools is excited to invite our families to our Family Engagement Events on Tuesday, October 7th! 💙

🎃 STREAMtober Family Involvement Night @ Spencer Elementary
🕓 4–6 PM | Playground Pavilion (weather pending)
Join us for a fun-filled evening with pumpkin chunking, creepy crawlers, spider/fly chase, and more! Students must be accompanied by an adult.

💡 Electrify Family Engagement Night @ Van Buren County High School
🕓 4–6 PM
Come take part in an “electrifying” evening of activities for the entire family! Together we’ll be “piecing” students, families, and the community to help students succeed.

💫 Both events are about connecting families, building community, and making learning fun! We can’t wait to see you there!

🛑Please note, there will be no LEAPS afterschool on this day

#VBCSchools #FamilyEngagement #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities

about 6 hours ago, Cassandra Binkley
SES Streamtober Family Involvement Night October 7, 4 to 6 PM
Electricity Family Engagement Night October 7, 4 to 6 PM
🌟 Feature Friday: Healthy Bodies, Bright Futures! 🌟

This week, we’re shining a light on the importance of healthy, active lifestyles as we get ready for Red Ribbon Week (October 27-31). Staying active through sports, exercise, and movement not only builds strong bodies—it also helps prevent substance abuse by promoting confidence, teamwork, and positive habits.

At Van Buren County Schools, we are proud to encourage students to make healthy choices and stay active for a brighter future! 💪✨

#FeatureFriday #RedRibbon #SubstanceAbusePrevention #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 8 hours ago, Cassandra Binkley
Cheerleading
Basketball
Football
Football
Baseball
🌟 Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day! 🌟

Today we celebrate the incredible custodians of Van Buren County Schools who work hard every single day to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and families. 💛

👏 A HUGE thank you to:
Gayla Clendenon, Hunter Carroll, Jacqueline Campbell, TJ Frady, Jessie Simmons, Nancy Sullivan, Luke Nash, Tammy Turner, and Cheryl Flatt.

Your dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts make a BIG difference in our “Small School, Big Opportunities.” 🍎✨

#SchoolCustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYou #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
School Custodian Appreciation Day October 2, 2025
🌟 Thriving Thursday Spotlight: Haidee (Cunningham) Ballew 🌟

Haidee’s journey is a true example of hard work and dedication! After graduating from VBHS in 2012, she began her career in healthcare at LifeCare Center of Sparta, working there from 2013–2018 while pursuing her nursing degree. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Tech University and went on to serve as an RN at Cookeville Regional Medical Center from 2018–2024 in the neurology and neurosurgery stepdown unit.

Her passion for patient care pushed her even further—Haidee completed her Master of Science in Nursing at TTU in 2024, and in 2025, she achieved her AANP certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has now begun her career at Cumberland Family Care, continuing to serve and care for her community.

We are so proud of Haidee and all she has accomplished! 💙💛
#ThrivingThursday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
Haidee Cunningham Ballew
✨ Wayback Wednesday ✨

We stumbled across this gem from Spencer Elementary — full of familiar Van Buren County school faces! We’re not exactly sure of the year, but it had to be before 1989. Maybe Mrs. Katina Simmons, Director of Schools, can help us out… she’s front and center in this picture! 🏫💙

Do you recognize anyone else? Drop a comment and share your memories with us!

#SESEagles #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #Throwback
2 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
SES Eagles

🍁🎃 Hello October! 🎃🍁

Van Buren County Schools is excited for a busy and fun-filled month! Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

✨ Monthly Recognitions
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Farm to School Month
National Principals Month
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

📅 Special Events & Dates
Oct. 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 5: World Teachers Day
Oct. 6: National Instructional Coaches Day
Oct. 7: STREAMtober @ SES + Family Engagement Resource Fair & FAFSA Frenzy @ VBHS
Oct. 8: National Stop Bullying Day
Oct. 9: VBHS PTO Leadership Team Meeting
Oct. 10: End of 1st Nine Weeks + World Mental Health Day
Oct. 13–17: 🍂 Fall Break (No School) 🍂
Oct. 20: America’s Safe Schools Week + National School Bus Safety Week
Oct. 21: Kids Night @ VBC Fair
Oct. 24: Report Cards
Oct. 25: SES/VBHS PTO Trunk or Treat 🎃 4–6 PM
Oct. 28–31: Red Ribbon Week ❤️

Let’s celebrate learning, community, and all things fall this October! 🍂
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBCSchools

3 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
October 2025 School Events Calendar
✨ Motivation Monday ✨

As we head into October, we’re looking forward to another month of healthy, delicious school lunches that keep our students fueled for success! 🍎🥗 Our food service teams work hard every day to make sure children have the balanced meals they need to stay energized, focused, and ready to learn.

Good nutrition is more than just food on a plate — it’s part of the foundation for academic growth and motivation. When students eat well, they’re better prepared to take on new challenges, stay engaged in the classroom, and make the most of every opportunity. 💪📚

Here’s to a new month filled with great meals, healthy habits, and motivated learners! 🧃🍽️

#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #OctoberLunchMeal #VBSchools
4 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
🌟 Staff Spotlight Sunday 🌟 This week we are proud to recognize Jill Bouldin and Dr. Denise Whittenberg, who were honored at the September Board of Education meeting for their incredible work with our Family Resource Center. 💙 Jill and Denise go above and beyond to support the families of Van Buren County, making sure students and parents have the resources they need to thrive. Their dedication and compassion make a lasting difference in our community, and we are so grateful for their service. Please join us in celebrating these two outstanding staff members for the impact they make every single day! 👏👏 #StaffSpotlightSunday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBCSchools
5 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
denise Whittenberg
Jill Bouldin
✨ Saturday Spotlight ✨ We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Jacob Grissom, a 12th grade student at VBHS, who was officially named as our Student School Board Member during the September Board of Education meeting. 🎉 Jacob will bring a student’s perspective to our board, representing his classmates and sharing valuable insights as we continue working to make Van Buren County Schools the best they can be. We’re proud of Jacob’s leadership and look forward to all he will accomplish in this role. 💙💛 #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBHS #StudentLeadership
6 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
student school board member
✨🎉 From Happy Easter to Happy Thanksgiving, from Merry Christmas to St. Patrick’s Day… today our teachers and staff went all out for their favorite holiday on the final day of Underground Staff Spirit Week! 🎄🐰🍀🦃 We hope you’ve enjoyed all of our crazy antics this week—bringing smiles, strange looks, laughter, and plenty of school spirit to brighten the halls. 💚💛 Until next time… thanks for joining in on the fun! 🎊
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
🌟 Feature Friday 🌟 This week we’re shining a spotlight on the Van Buren 4-H Chili Cook Off & Auction happening Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Van Buren Ag Learning Center! 🍲🔥 Events like this are more than just fun evenings with great food—they’re about the heart of our community. When we come together for cakewalks, chili tastings, and auctions, we’re not only making memories but also investing in the future of our youth. Proceeds from the night go directly to 4-H scholarships, helping open doors of opportunity for our students. 💚 ✅ Cakewalk & Samples: 6:00 PM ✅ Chili Judging: 6:15 PM ✅ Auction: 6:30 PM Only $8 for a full evening of chili samples, supper, sides, dessert, and a drink! 📞 Call 931-946-2435 or register online: https://tiny.utk.edu/4Hchilicookoff25 Let’s show up, support, and celebrate what makes Van Buren County so special—our people, our youth, and our community spirit. 💪❤️ #FeatureFriday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VanBuren4H #CommunityMatters #ChiliCookOff
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
chili cook off
🎃👻 Trunk or Treat 2025! 👻🎃

Get ready for a spooktacular evening of fun, candy, and community! 🕷️🕸️

📅 Date: October 25
⏰ Time: 4–6 PM
📍 Sponsored by SES and VBHS PTO
💧 Rain Out Date: October 31

✨ FREE entrance & FREE spot reservations!
🪙 Don’t forget to vote in the Pumpkin Penny Wars!

📞 To register for a spot, call 931-946-2171

Come out for a fang-tastic night—you won’t want to miss it! 🧛‍♂️🦇
#TrunkOrTreat #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Trunk or Treat
💙 Team VBCS Goes to SCALI: Building Brighter Futures Together💙

💙 This week, our Van Buren County Schools School Counselors, Social Worker, and Mental Health Counselors attended SCALI (School Counseling and Leadership Institute) in Murfreesboro!

They spent time learning, collaborating, and gaining new strategies to better support our students and families. 🌟

We are grateful for their dedication to helping our students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally! 🙌

#VBCSchools #SCALI2025 #StudentSupport #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
SCALI
🎉🐂🥇 Congratulations to our amazing Livestock Judging Team! 🥇🐂🎉 This team placed 1st in the Livestock Judging Contest at CPC in Fountain Run, Kentucky! They brought home medals, a $250 check to split, and each received a JBL Bluetooth speaker. 💵🎶 We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and teamwork that led to this outstanding achievement. Way to represent us so well! 👏👏 #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #LivestockJudging #ProudMoment
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Livestock Judging

🍎🥪 Happy National Food Service Worker Day! 🥪🍎

Today we celebrate our amazing food service teams at SES and VBHS! 💙 Each day, they go above and beyond to make sure our students are welcomed with warm smiles, healthy meals, and a caring heart.

From early mornings to busy lunchrooms, our food service workers are the unsung heroes who help fuel learning and success. They don’t just serve food—they serve kindness, consistency, and love to our students and staff.

👏 Please join us in thanking our incredible food service workers for everything they do to keep our schools nourished and thriving!

#NationalFoodServiceWorkerDay #ThankYou #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities

8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Food Service Worker Day
Food Service Worker Day
🚍🔧 National Technician Appreciation Week 🔧🚍

This week, we want to shine a spotlight on Chad, who keeps our transportation department running strong! Chad is not only a talented and committed mechanic, but he’s also a trusted teammate to our bus drivers, earning their respect through his hard work and professionalism.

Most importantly, Chad cares about our students—his dedication ensures our buses run smoothly and safely every single day. Because of his efforts, families can count on safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

👏 Thank you, Chad, for all you do for our students, drivers, and community. We are grateful for you!

#NationalTechnicianAppreciationWeek #ThankYouChad #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
9 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Chad Boyd
📚✨ Our 5th grade Social Studies students have been hard at work on their cumulative projects!

Students are showcasing everything they’ve learned by creating engaging presentations that highlight their knowledge and creativity. 🌎🎤

We are so proud of the effort they’ve put into these projects! 👏👏

#SES #StudentSuccess #SocialStudies#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
9 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
5th Grade
5th Grade
🎉 Did you know VBHS has several different clubs that meet after school throughout the week? 🌟

One of those is our Game On Club! 🎮🧩 Students gather every Wednesday from 3:15–5:00 in Room 20 to connect, play, and have fun together.

Clubs are a great way to get involved, make friends, and try something new—so check them out! 🙌

#VBHSClubs #GameOn #StudentLife #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
9 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Game On Club
Game On Club
🌟 Together Tuesday: Stretching Minds & Bodies with Yoga! 🧘‍♀️✨

🌟 During September, students in the LEAPS After-School Program have the opportunity to participate in Yoga with Mrs. Laura Grissom! 🧘‍♀️

✨ This is a wonderful chance for students to learn about stretching, mindfulness, and the importance of physical activity while having fun together. 💪💜

#LEAPS #Mindfulness #HealthyHabits #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities

10 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
🎨✨ Creative Spotlight from VBHS Spanish I! ✨🎨

Our VBHS Spanish I students have been busy bringing culture and creativity to life through Huichol Yarn Paintings projects! Each student designed and created their own unique piece, showcasing both artistic skill and individuality. 💫

Take a look at these beautiful works of art — we are so proud of their hard work and creativity! 💙💛

#VBHSExcellence #StudentCreativity #SpanishClass
11 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Huichol Yarn Paintings
Huichol Yarn Paintings
Huichol Yarn Paintings