🌟 November Board of Education Meeting Highlights | 11/19/2025 🌟

Last night’s Board of Education meeting was filled with celebration, gratitude, and outstanding talent within Van Buren County Schools!

We were proud to honor Mr. Tim Hodges, Chairman of the Van Buren County Board of Education, for an incredible 25 years of dedicated service. His long-standing commitment and leadership continue to make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community. Thank you, Mr. Hodges, for your unwavering support of our schools!

We also recognized Ms. Melinda “Goof” Walling, a beloved staff member whose passion for students extends far beyond the classroom. Her afterschool karate program has become a shining example of what happens when educators go the extra mile. Her students grow in confidence, discipline, and character every day.

Two of those amazing students, Brayton Evans and Collin Guy, joined Ms. Melinda during the meeting for an exciting karate demonstration! Their focus, respect, and skill were on full display, and the entire room was impressed. Powerful kicks, sharp stances, and big smiles—these students made us proud!

It was a night that truly showcased what makes Van Buren County Schools special: dedicated leaders, passionate staff, and students who rise to every opportunity.

#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 7 hours ago, Cassandra Binkley
Tim Hodges & Katina Simmons
katina simmons & Melinda Walling
Katina Simmons & Brayton Evans
Katina Simmons & Collin Guy
Brayton Evans
Collin Guy
📚✨ ELA Walkthrough Highlights! ✨📚

Our administrators conducted ELA walkthroughs today and were thrilled to see so many great things happening in classrooms across the district!

Check out Ms. Macy’s 2nd graders, who were hard at work learning about the key elements of a personal narrative. 📝💡 Their focus, creativity, and enthusiasm for writing were shining bright!

We love seeing our students grow as confident writers — keep up the amazing work, teachers & students! 👏💛
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
ELA Walk Throughs
🇺🇸⚔️ 2nd Grade Spotlight! ⚔️🇬🇧
Our 2nd graders wrapped up their latest knowledge unit on The War of 1812 with an exciting culminating activity!

Students were split into two teams — Team USA and Team Great Britain — and battled it out in a friendly game of dodgeball, with “cannonballs” flying just like in history! After five hard-fought battles, Team USA came out victorious and “won the war!” 🎉

We love seeing learning come to life in fun, active, and memorable ways! Great job, 2nd grade! 👏📚🔥
#Warof1812 #2ndGrade #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
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War of 1812 Activity
War of 1812 Activity
War of 1812 Activity
War of 1812 Activity
War of 1812 Activity
War of 1812 Activity
✨ Throwing it back to 1987! ✨
Check out this classic Spencer Elementary School staff photo! 😍📸

We love looking back at the faces, fashion, and memories that helped shape the foundation of our school community. So many dedicated educators, big smiles, and timeless moments captured in one picture!

If you spot someone you know (or maybe yourself!), drop a comment below and share a favorite memory from Spencer Elementary in the ’80s! 💛🖤
#WayBackWednesday #SpencerElementary #1987Throwback #VanBurenCountySchools
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
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National Education Support Professional Day – November 19th 🌟
Today, Van Buren County Schools is proud to celebrate the incredible team of Education Support Professionals who help our schools shine every single day!

From the moment our students step onto the bus in the morning to the final classroom sweep at the end of the day, our ESPs are there — guiding, supporting, caring, organizing, fixing, feeding, cleaning, and keeping our schools running smoothly. 💛🦅

Whether they’re greeting families in the front office, preparing delicious meals in the cafeteria, supporting teachers in classrooms, maintaining our buildings and grounds, managing technology, driving buses, or providing essential services behind the scenes… our support staff are the heartbeat of Van Buren County Schools.

We couldn’t do what we do without YOU.
Today we honor you. We appreciate you.
And we thank you for the countless ways you lift up our students, staff, and community every day.

🙌 Happy National Education Support Professional Day!
Help us celebrate by giving a shout-out to your favorite support staff member in the comments below! 💬
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBEagles #ThankYou #ESPs
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
Education Support Professionals Days
🎉 Big News for Van Buren County Schools! 🎉

We are excited to share that Van Buren County Schools was awarded $8,000 through the Healthier School Challenge – Platinum Level! 🏆🍎

The check was presented today at the TSBA Luncheon, and we couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment.

A big shoutout to the Van Buren County Board of Education for completing the challenge and to Ms. Kelly Lewis, CSH, for coordinating the entire process. Your hard work and dedication made this achievement possible!

Thank you to TSBA & Wellpoint for supporting student wellness and helping us continue building a healthier future for all learners. 💙👟🥗
Pictured: Katina Simmons, Director of Schools & Tim Hodges, School Board Chairman accepting check from Wellpoint & TSBA; 2nd Picture: Tim & Teena Hodges pictured with check.
#TSBA #HealthierSchoolsChallenge #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
3 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Check Presentation
Tim & Teena Hodges with Check
🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of Service! 🎉

Van Buren County Schools would like to congratulate Tim Hodges, Chairman of the Van Buren County Board of Education, on being honored at the TSBA Luncheon for an incredible 25 years of service.

Mr. Hodges has devoted countless hours to supporting our schools, advocating for our students, and helping shape the future of education in our community. His leadership and heart for Van Buren County shine through in everything he does.

We are truly thankful for his dedication, commitment, and unwavering service to our students, staff, and families.

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition! 👏💙📚
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #TSBA #VBCS
3 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Tim Hodges at TSBA
🦃 Get Ready, Van Buren! The Turkey Trot is Back! 🦃🏃‍♀️

The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back the Annual Turkey Trot on November 22, 2025 at 8 AM at Spencer City Park! Start your morning with a fun 5K run/walk and get your appetite ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

This is also a great opportunity for our staff and students to get some fresh air and have fun together! 🍂🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

👉 Turkey Trot – 5K
💲 $20 per person
📧 To reserve your spot: vbchamber2024@gmail.com

🦃✨ GOBBLE WOBBLE – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Perfect for kids, families, and casual walkers! Enjoy a relaxed mile around the city park walking trail.
💲 $5 per person
📧 Reserve your spot: vbchamber2024@gmail.com

Bring your family, lace up your shoes, and let’s kick off Thanksgiving Break the right way!

For more information, contact the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce at 931.946.7033.

🦃 See you at the starting line! 🦃
6 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Chamber of Commerce Turkey Trot & Gobble Wobble
🌟 Happy National Superintendents Day! 🌟
Today, we proudly celebrate and honor our very own Katina Simmons, Director of Van Buren County Schools.

Ms. Katina leads with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community. Every decision she makes reflects her dedication to providing the very best opportunities for our kids and supporting the educators who guide them each day.

Thank you, Ms. Katina, for your leadership, your passion for education, and the countless hours you pour into making Van Buren County Schools the best it can be. We are grateful for all you do—today and every day! 🦅📚✨

#NationalSuperintendentsDay #VBStrong #ThankYouSuperintendentSimmons #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
6 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Katina Simmons
📚✨ Spotlight on Ms. Angie Bouldin’s 5th Grade Library Class! ✨📚

Today, our 5th graders stepped into the world of storytelling as they brought “The Amazing Reader” play to life! 🎭💫

Students were assigned roles and read their parts aloud in front of their classmates — building confidence, expression, and teamwork with every line. After the performance, they wrapped up with thoughtful checks for understanding to make sure everyone truly connected with the story. ✔️🧠

We love seeing our students shine as readers, performers, and critical thinkers. Amazing job, 5th graders — and thank you, Ms. Bouldin, for creating such engaging and enriching library moments! 🌟👏📖
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #SESLibrary
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
5th Grade
5th Grade
5th Grade
🚗 Don’t Forget! Car Seat Check Today! 🚗

Stop by the Auxiliary Gym today until 5 PM to have your car seats checked by trained safety professionals. ✔️

This is an amazing free service provided by the Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Safe Journey Car Seat Program, and the Tennessee Occupant Protection Center.

Make sure your little ones are riding safely — we hope to see you there! 💙👶🛡️
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
Car Seat Safety Check
🚗👶 Child Passenger Safety Seat Check 👶🚗
Hosted by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office

📍 Van Buren County High School Auxiliary Gym
📅 Thursday, November 13, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Is your child’s car seat properly installed? Certified technicians will be on-site to:
✔️ Inspect and install child safety seats
✔️ Ensure seats are age and size appropriate
✔️ Provide helpful safety tips for the road

Parents — you can even stop by during parent pick-up to have your child’s seat checked! 🚙

🎁 Door Prize Drawing!
Everyone who attends will be entered for a chance to win a special prize!

Presented by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office —
Keeping our community’s children safe, one seat at a time. 💙

#VBCSheriff #CommunityPartner #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Child Passenger Safety Seat Check
🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨
Van Buren County Schools is now accepting applications for a Custodian position at Spencer Elementary School for the 2025–2026 school year.

If you’re hardworking, dependable, and take pride in keeping our schools clean and safe for students and staff, we’d love to have you on our team! 💪✨

📩 Applications will be received by Katina Simmons, Director of Schools, and accepted until the position is filled.
📧 Apply by emailing ksimmons2@vanburenschools.org
or
📞 Call the Board of Education at (931) 946-2242.

👉 Learn more at www.vanburenschools.org

#VanBurenCountySchools #WeAreHiring #SpencerElementary #JoinOurTeam #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
We're Hiring Custodian at Spencer elementary school
📣 Come out and cheer on our Spencer Elementary Basketball Teams as they compete in tournament play! 🏀

🏀 Girls take the court tonight, Thursday, November 13th at 5:00 PM
🏀 Boys play tomorrow, Friday, November 14th at 6:15 PM

All games will be held at White County High School.
Let’s pack the stands and show our Eagles some love and support! 🦅💛
#GoEagles #VBCPride #SES #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
🇺🇸 Thriving Thursday Spotlight: 2nd Lieutenant Ty Vanwinkle 🇺🇸

In honor of Veterans Day, this week’s Thriving Thursday shines a spotlight on 2nd Lieutenant Ty Vanwinkle, a proud 2017 graduate of Van Buren County High School.

After graduation, Ty enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where his commitment and leadership quickly set him apart. During his time of service, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy, one of the most prestigious institutions in the nation. In May 2025, Ty proudly graduated and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Ty’s journey from a Van Buren County Eagle to a Marine Corps Officer is a powerful story of dedication, perseverance, and patriotism. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and deeply grateful for his service to our country.

Please join us in celebrating 2nd Lt. Ty Vanwinkle—an inspiring example of what it means to be a thriving Van Buren County alumnus and a true American hero. 💙❤️🤍

#ThrivingThursday #VBHSAlumni #VeteransDay #ProudToServe #VanBurenStrong #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
7 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
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Ty Vanwinkle
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Ty
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🚗👶 Child Passenger Safety Seat Check 👶🚗
Hosted by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office

📍 Van Buren County High School Auxiliary Gym
📅 Thursday, November 13, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Is your child’s car seat properly installed? Certified technicians will be on-site to:
✔️ Inspect and install child safety seats
✔️ Ensure seats are age and size appropriate
✔️ Provide helpful safety tips for the road

Parents — you can even stop by during parent pick-up to have your child’s seat checked! 🚙

🎁 Door Prize Drawing!
Everyone who attends will be entered for a chance to win a special prize!

Presented by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office —
Keeping our community’s children safe, one seat at a time. 💙

#VBCSheriff #CommunityPartner #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Child Passenger Safety Seat Check
🎉 No Vape November: Escape the Vape! 🚭

Our 5th grade students had an exciting time participating in the “Escape the Vape” activity with Ms. Ashley Al-Hasan from the Department of Health! 🧩✨

Students worked together to read clues, solve puzzles, and collaborate as teams to figure out how to escape the vape! They also received goody bags filled with helpful information for both students and parents about the harmful effects of vaping and nicotine use.

A huge thank you to Ms. Ashley and the Department of Health for being such awesome partners in our school’s drug prevention efforts — which often begin with educating students about vaping. 💙

#NoVapeNovember #EscapeTheVape #DrugFreeKids #HealthyChoices #DepartmentOfHealth #Teamwork #PreventionInAction

📸 Check out the photos below!
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
No Vape November
No Vape November
No Vape November
No Vape November
No Vape November
No Vape November
No Vape November
No Vape November
🌼 Mrs. Monica’s Kindergarten Class is buzzing with excitement! 🐝

As part of their Plants Knowledge Unit, students learned all about pollination — how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators help flowers grow and make new plants! 🌸

Through hands-on activities and fun discussions, these young scientists discovered the important role pollinators play in nature. 🌻💛

We love seeing curiosity bloom in Mrs. Monica’s classroom! 🌿✨

#SES #LittleLearners #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class
Ms. Monica's Class

📅 Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting

The Van Buren County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Van Buren County High School Library (337 Sparta St., Spencer, TN).

For a full list of meeting dates and to view the Board Agenda, please visit the Van Buren County Schools website at www.vanburenschools.org.

8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
School Board Meeting 11/19/25 at 5:30 PM
💛 Van Buren County Schools Family Resource Center 💛

Did you know our Family Resource Center is here to help support families in our community? The center offers a variety of free services to meet essential needs, including:

👕 Clothes for children & adults
👟 Shoes (as available)
🧴 Personal hygiene products
🧺 Laundry supplies (washer & dryer available to use)
🚿 Shower facility
🧽 Household cleaning supplies
🥫 Food – both perishable & nonperishable
🤝 Other community supports

📍 Location: 66 Sparta St., Spencer, TN 38585
📞 Contact: Jill Bouldin or Denise Whittenberg at (931) 946-2242

The Family Resource Center is dedicated to helping our students and families thrive. Please reach out if you or someone you know could benefit from these services — we’re here for you! ❤️

#VanBurenStrong #CommunitySupport #FamilyResourceCenter #VBCSchools
8 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Family Resource Center