🦃 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! 🦃
about 2 hours 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
about 5 hours 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
1 day 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! 💙👶🛡️
1 day 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
1 day 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
1 day 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
1 day 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
1 day ago, Cassandra Binkley
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty Vanwinkle
Ty
Ty
🚗👶 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
2 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!
2 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
2 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.

2 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
2 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Family Resource Center
💛 Community Spotlight: Little Food Pantries 💛

During these times, we know that some of our students, families, and community members may need a little extra help. Van Buren County is blessed to have several Little Food Pantries located throughout the area — open for anyone to take what they need or leave what they can.

We’re working to spread the word about these resources so that no one in our community goes without.

🫶 Check out the list below to see the Little Food Pantry locations across Van Buren County.
If we’ve missed one, please add it in the comments so we can keep this list up to date!

#VanBurenCounty #CommunityCares #LittleFoodPantries #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
2 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Little Food Pantries
✨ Wayback Wednesday! ✨

We’re taking it back to the Class of 2016 — can you believe it’s been nearly a decade? Time sure flies! 🎓💙

Take a look at this blast from the past and see if you can spot a few familiar faces… 👀 Several of our current Van Buren County Schools staff members are in this photo!

Drop a comment if you recognize anyone or share a favorite memory from your VBHS days! 💭
#WaybackWednesday #VBHSClassof2016 #OnceAnEagleAlwaysAnEagle #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
2 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
🇺🇸 Veterans Day Program Update 🇺🇸 Due to Van Buren County Schools being closed for weather, our Veterans Day Program has been rescheduled to Wednesday, November 12, 2025. 📅 Schedule for the day: ⭐ 8:00 AM – Breakfast for Veterans & their families (VBHS Cafeteria) ⭐ 9:00 AM – Veterans Day Program (VBHS Gymnasium) We look forward to honoring all who have served and sacrificed for our country. Thank you for your understanding and support as we adjust for the weather. ❤️🤍💙 #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #VBCSchools
3 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Veterans Day program update
🇺🇸 Honoring All Who Served 🇺🇸 Today, we pause to recognize and remember the bravery, service, and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. Van Buren County Schools proudly thanks all Veterans for their dedication to protecting our freedom. Happy Veterans Day! ❤️🤍💙 #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #VBCSchools
3 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
 Veterans Day
Good Evening! Van Buren County schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 due to current weather and road conditions. The Veterans Day program scheduled for tomorrow will be rescheduled for Wednesday, November 12. Breakfast will begin at 8 AM and the Veterans program at 9 AM. Thank you and stay safe during this winter weather.
4 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
closed 11/11/2025

Van Buren County Schools will be CLOSED today, November 10, 2025, due to the Winter Weather Advisory that has been issued for our area indicating the potential for snow and hazardous road conditions. Thank you!

4 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Closed 11/10/2025
🌟 Student Spotlight Saturday! 🌟 This week we’re celebrating Lyla McCoy! 💫 Lyla is an active member of SLT-4 and the 4-H Honor Club, always stepping up to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. You can often find her at local craft fairs, sharing her creativity and community spirit. Lyla is known for her polite and happy personality, brightening every room she walks into. She’s a wonderful example of a dynamic student leader who gives her best in everything she does. Keep shining, Lyla! 💚👏 #StudentSpotlightSaturday #VBExcellence #CommunityProud #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
6 days ago, Cassandra Binkley
Lyla McCoy