Van Buren County FFA Members are shining bright at the Tennessee State Fair in Wilson County! 💙💛 Under the guidance of advisors Lance Smith and Kurt Maynard, several of our teams competed in various contests—and their hard work paid off:
🏆 Livestock Team – 5th place out of 92 teams
🏆 Forestry Team – 5th place out of 44 teams
🏆 Environmental & Natural Resources (ENR) – 19th place out of 49 teams
🏆 FFA Dairy Judging CDE– 13th place
These accomplishments are no accident—our students put in the work with early morning practices and extra time throughout the school day to be their very best. 👏💪
We are so proud of their dedication, teamwork, and success at the state level! 🌟
#SaturdayStudentSpotlight #VBCFFA #VBCSFamily #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
📚✨ Every Day Counts at VBCS! ✨📚
At Van Buren County Schools, we know that students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed in academics, graduate on time, and build the future they deserve. 💛
To support our families, we’ve provided this 2025-26 Planning for Families Calendar 🗓️—making it easier to schedule family trips and appointments around breaks and extended weekends. By planning ahead, we can work together to decrease student chronic absenteeism and give our students the best chance to thrive! 🌟
Thank you for partnering with us to make sure our students are in school, on time, every day. Together, we can help them reach their fullest potential! 🚀
#EveryDayCounts #AttendanceMatters #VBCSFamily #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
✨ Thriving Thursday: Constructing a Legacy ✨
This week we are proud to highlight Jr. and Kathy (Hodges) Johnson, Class of 1974 💙💛
Jr. and Kathy married in February of 1974, and just a year later in 1975, Jr. began building houses under the company name Johnson's Home Builders. A short time later the name was changed to Johnson's Builders. In 1992, he obtained his Tennessee State Contractors License, which opened many doors for their family and business. From carrying a crew of local workers to Nashville to frame apartments, to stepping into commercial construction, their journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
Over the years, they’ve had the opportunity to work with well-known businesses such as Western Sizzlin’, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, O’Charley’s, Map-Co, Logan’s, and most notably a 30-year adventure with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, which required contractor licenses in nine states.
Closer to home, Jr. and Kathy have proudly worked with the State of Tennessee on fire halls (including Spencer’s), public libraries, senior centers, health departments, and TDOT maintenance buildings. They’ve also partnered with ministries in constructing churches and multi-purpose facilities. Today, they are living out a lifelong dream of Kathy's—building custom and resale homes. 🏠
But through all the successes, they believe their greatest achievement has been intertwining their work with family, friends, and community. They openly share that their journey of 50 years has not always been uphill—but every valley strengthened their faith and commitment to the Lord. 🙏
Their advice to Van Buren students: “You may not know your path right now, but listen to that small voice inside you. It will guide you where you’re meant to be.” 💙💛
#ThrivingThursday #VBHSAlumni #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
A new week is the perfect time to focus on habits that help our students—and ourselves—thrive:
😴 Get enough rest to start each day with energy.
🥗 Choose nourishing meals & snacks to keep minds sharp.
🏃♂️ Move daily to boost mood and learning.
🧘 Manage stress with calm routines and positive coping.
🧼 Practice good hygiene—small habits make a big difference.
💖 Spread kindness—emotional health fuels success.
⚡ Let’s Power Up for a Healthy School Year!
🛝Check out some of our SES Students on the Move
#MotivationMonday #HealthyHabits #BackToSchoolSuccess #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on someone who has dedicated her life to the students of Van Buren County — Mrs. Phyllis Deweese!
Mrs. Deweese began her teaching career at the young age of 20, starting at Mountain View Elementary. Over the years, she taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, and also served as the Journalism/Yearbook advisor for many years.
After retiring from teaching, her love for students and learning brought her back to Spencer Elementary, where she now works in the library as an assistant. She has also been a devoted PTO officer for SES for many years.
A proud Class of 1976 graduate of Van Buren County High School, Mrs. Deweese also attended Cedar Grove School — making her truly a lifelong Eagle! 🦅💛🖤
When she started teaching, chalkboards ruled the classroom, typewriters clacked in the workroom, and “Google” was still just a number. 📏🍎 Her passion for education has kept pace through the decades, inspiring generation after generation of students.
Thank you, Mrs. Deweese, for your decades of dedication, your passion for education, and the countless ways you’ve enriched the lives of our students and community.
#StaffSpotlightSunday #VBHSAlumni #OnceAnEagleAlwaysAnEagle #ThankYouMrsDeweese #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
Meet Kayden, also known as “The Mayor of Spencer Elementary” 🏫👋. This nickname fits him perfectly because he loves talking to everyone and never forgets a name!
Always happy and full of joy, Kayden loves big, treats his peers with kindness, and makes sure to greet everyone individually whenever he sees them. His smile is contagious and his big heart makes our school a brighter place. 💛
When he’s not at school spreading positivity, you can find him enjoying the outdoors—riding 4-wheelers, zooming around in go-carts, or spending time on the boat. 🚤🏞️
We are so lucky to have students like Kayden who make our school feel like family. 💫
#SaturdayStudentSpotlight #MayorOfSpencerElementary #KindnessMatters #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
📅 When: Thursday, August 28, 2025 ⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Where: Front of Van Buren County High School
🎯 Why: Help Blood Assurance provide safe, lifesaving blood for patients in need across our communities!
💡 Bonus: Donate & get a $20 e-gift card 💌 from Blood Assurance (sent straight to your email)!
📲 How to Sign Up: Scan the QR code on the image OR click here 👉 Sign Up Here
Let’s roll up our sleeves 💪 and make a difference together! 🏥💖
#BloodDrive #SmallSchoolBigOpportunity #VBHSGivesBack
On Thursday, August 7th, the VBHS Class of 2026 gathered together to welcome their senior year in the most beautiful way — watching the sun rise on their final first week of high school. 🌞✨
Surrounded by friends and laughter, our seniors reflected on the memories they’ve made and the exciting year ahead. 🎓🦅💛🖤
Here’s to a year filled with new adventures, lasting memories, and bright futures. Soar high, Class of 2026 — your moment is here! 🌟
#VBHS #ClassOf2026 #SeniorSunrise #FeatureFriday #OnceAnEagleAlwaysAnEagle #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
🚨Thriving Thursday: From Saving Lives to Serving Highways: Captain RC Christian 🚓
From the hallways of VBHS to the highways of Tennessee, Captain RC Christian’s career has been defined by service, dedication, and a commitment to keeping others safe. A proud member of the Van Buren County High School Class of 1985, Captain Christian has served an incredible 36 ½ years with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
But his work didn’t stop there—he also served as an EMT with both Warren and White County EMS before becoming a member of the THP. His EMT certification required 25 hours of continuing education every two years, a commitment he embraced to ensure he was always ready to respond when his community needed him most.
Captain RC Christian’s journey is a reminder that true success is measured not just by the years you work, but by the lives you impact along the way.
Thank you, Captain Christian, for your decades of service and for inspiring us all to thrive in the work we do!
#THP #ThrivingThursday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBHSAlumni
Van Buren County Schools will hold its regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM at 293 Sparta St., Spencer, TN 38585.
For a full list of meetings and the board agenda, visit: www.vanburenschools.org
Small School, Big Opportunities
Talk about school spirit coming full circle! Seven members of the Van Buren County High School Class of 1997 are now shaping the next generation right here in our schools. 💛🖤
✨ Brandon Myers – SES Vice Principal
✨ Armindy Bigley – SES STEM Teacher
✨ Stephanie McCoy – 7th & 8th Grade Social Studies
✨ Monica Sullivan – School Psychologist
✨ Amanda Cronin – VBHS Vice Principal
✨ Kristy Dyer – Pre-K Teacher
✨ Margaret Pack – 6th Grade ELA Teacher
✨ Susan Measles – VBHS ELA Teacher
From classrooms to leadership roles, their dedication shows just how much our graduates believe in giving back to the community that raised them. 💪📚
#TogetherTuesday #VBCS #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #ClassOf97Pride
🎣 Attention Future Anglers! 🎣
Any students in grades 6th–12th interested in joining the Fishing Team for the upcoming school year 🎓🐟 need to meet in the auditorium on Wednesday, August 13th at 9:00 AM. 🗓️⏰
📌 Requirements to Join:
✅ You must have a partner 🤝
✅ You must have a boat captain 🚤
✅ You must have access to a boat 🛥️
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Tiffany Mooneyham 📩.
Let’s make this year a reel success! 🐠💛🖤
#FishingTeam #VBCS #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #HookedOnSuccess
Our amazing teachers spent last week in inservice, preparing their classrooms, learning new strategies, and collaborating with teammates — all to make sure our students have the very best start to the school year! 🍎📚✏️
From professional development sessions to hands-on planning, their dedication and hard work set the stage for a year full of learning, growth, and success. 💪✨
Here’s to a strong start and an incredible year ahead! 🙌💛
#MotivatingMonday #VBCS #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #TeachersRock
We want to inform you that there may be changes to our school menu during the first few weeks
of the school year. As we transition to a new food vendor and adjust to current food availability,
some items listed on the menu may be substituted or temporarily unavailable.
Please know that we are doing everything we can to ensure all meals continue to meet nutritional
standards and provide students with healthy, balanced options each day. We appreciate your
understanding and patience as we work through this transition.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our school nutrition office@ 931-946-
1047.
Thank you for your continued support. Small School, Big Opportunities!!
Sincerely,
Christy Troglen, Director of Nutrition
We’re excited to announce that the Dental Sealant Program will be available this year for all Van Buren County students in Pre-K through 12th grade!
This is a FREE preventive dental service designed to help protect your child’s teeth and promote long-term oral health.
✅ Every student will receive a dental sealant form.
📝 Parents must complete and return the consent form in order for their child to participate.
We only have this program every 3 to 5 years so don’t miss out on this great opportunity to keep those smiles healthy and strong! 😁
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kelly Lewis, CSH Coordinator, at 931-946-7371!
👏 Ben Lomand Connect – Thank you for providing a delicious lunch on Thursday!
👏 VBCS Nutrition Department – We appreciate the wonderful lunch on Wednesday!
☕ TN-True North Real Estate (Mika Davis & Taylor Robinson)– Thursday morning coffee was the perfect pick-me-up!
🥤 UT Extension, Van Buren County –Shelby Boyer – Thank you for the refreshing mid-morning drinks on Thursday!
We are so grateful for your kindness, generosity, and continued support for our staff and schools! 💛💙 #VBCS #CommunityStrong #ThankYou #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
It’s almost time!
Van Buren County Schools’ first day of school is Friday, August 8th for the 2025-26 school year!
🚌 School Drop-off Begins: 7:30 AM
Start Times:
🕗Spencer Elementary: 8:00 AM
🕗VBHS Middle School: 7:50 AM
🕗VBHS High School: 8:00 AM
Please be patient and allow extra time during drop-off the first few mornings as everyone adjusts to the new school year. We also encourage you to have your child arrive early so they grab breakfast and their supplies before heading to class.
Let’s make it a great year—Small School, Big Opportunities! 🦅
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBCS #TogetherTuesday
📣 Exciting News for Van Buren County Families! 🎉
The LEAPS Afterschool Program is BACK and better than ever! 🦅
🗓 Starts September 2nd
🎓 For students in Grades K–12
📍 Sign up at Open House
Join us for engaging, fun, and enriching activities that support student success beyond the classroom! 💡🎨📚
Visit 👉 www.vanburenschools.org
🔹 Small School, Big Opportunities
#VanBurenSchools #LEAPS #AfterschoolFun #StudentSuccess #BackToSchool2025
Thriving Thursday: From VBHS to Alaska’s Icy Waters — Delaney Sullivan is Proving “Adventure Is Out There!”
Meet Delaney Sullivan, a proud 2016 graduate of Van Buren County High School who’s proving that “Adventure is out there!” — just like she painted on her senior parking spot.
After earning her Associate’s Degree in Biology from Motlow State, Delaney transferred to Tennessee Tech, where she majored in Biology with an emphasis in Marine Biology. Her studies took her all the way to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to complete her marine coursework, and she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in 2022.
Her journey didn’t stop there! In 2023, Delaney worked as a seasonal Observer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. She returned to Alaska in the winter of 2025 for another seasonal role with Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation at the Main Bay Hatchery near Whittier.
And now? As of July 2025, Delaney has accepted a full-time position as a Fish Culturalist with Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association at Neet’s Bay Hatchery near Ketchikan, Alaska.
From the halls of VBHS to the icy waters of Alaska, Delaney is living proof that hard work and a spirit of adventure can take you anywhere. 💙🐟
#ThrivingThursday #VBHSAlumni #AdventureIsOutThere #VanBurenProud
