Dear Families,
Van Buren County Schools is proud to partner with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital to bring Telehealth Services directly to our schools! If your child gets sick during the school day, our school nurse can connect them to a healthcare provider through a secure video visit—with your consent. You can even join the call remotely. Providers can diagnose minor illnesses (like colds, flu, strep, or rashes), perform on-site testing, and send prescriptions to your pharmacy. This service saves you time and keeps our students healthy and in class. To learn more and register your student, visit dollychildrens.org/your-visit/school-telehealth-resources or contact your school nurse.
Van Buren County Schools is proud to partner with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital to bring Telehealth Services directly to our schools! If your child gets sick during the school day, our school nurse can connect them to a healthcare provider through a secure video visit—with your consent. You can even join the call remotely. Providers can diagnose minor illnesses (like colds, flu, strep, or rashes), perform on-site testing, and send prescriptions to your pharmacy. This service saves you time and keeps our students healthy and in class. To learn more and register your student, visit dollychildrens.org/your-visit/school-telehealth-resources or contact your school nurse.
📣 GREAT NEWS, VAN BUREN COUNTY FAMILIES! 🦅💛
The 2027–2028 school year calendar has officially been approved by the Van Buren County Board of Education! 🎉
Planning ahead helps our families prepare for important school dates, holidays, and breaks. You can view and download the official calendar here:
📅 2027–2028 SCHOOL CALENDAR
👉 https://aptg.co/KG6VR4
📚 THE POWER OF DAILY ATTENDANCE
Every school day matters! Consistent attendance supports student achievement, social development, confidence, and classroom success. Each day of learning builds on the last, helping our students stay engaged and on track.
As you plan for the upcoming school year, we encourage families to:
✈️ Plan family vacations during scheduled school breaks and holidays.
🩺 Schedule routine appointments outside school hours or on non-instructional days whenever possible.
🗓️ Plan around long weekends and holidays so students don't miss important classroom activities or assessments before or after breaks.
Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to helping our students succeed. Together, we can make every school day count! ❤️💛
Van Buren County Schools
Small Schools, Big Opportunities.
#VanBurenCountySchools #SchoolCalendar #EveryDayCounts #SchoolAttendance #SmallSchoolsBigOpportunities
The 2027–2028 school year calendar has officially been approved by the Van Buren County Board of Education! 🎉
Planning ahead helps our families prepare for important school dates, holidays, and breaks. You can view and download the official calendar here:
📅 2027–2028 SCHOOL CALENDAR
👉 https://aptg.co/KG6VR4
📚 THE POWER OF DAILY ATTENDANCE
Every school day matters! Consistent attendance supports student achievement, social development, confidence, and classroom success. Each day of learning builds on the last, helping our students stay engaged and on track.
As you plan for the upcoming school year, we encourage families to:
✈️ Plan family vacations during scheduled school breaks and holidays.
🩺 Schedule routine appointments outside school hours or on non-instructional days whenever possible.
🗓️ Plan around long weekends and holidays so students don't miss important classroom activities or assessments before or after breaks.
Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to helping our students succeed. Together, we can make every school day count! ❤️💛
Van Buren County Schools
Small Schools, Big Opportunities.
#VanBurenCountySchools #SchoolCalendar #EveryDayCounts #SchoolAttendance #SmallSchoolsBigOpportunities

Celebrate the dedication of our administrative team this National Principals Month! #PrincipalsMonth

🎉 MAKING HISTORY ON THE NATIONAL STAGE! ⚙️🛠️
Join us in wishing a massive GOOD LUCK to our incredible VBHS FFA Skills Team as they travel to Indianapolis tomorrow, October 20th, to compete in the National FFA Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE!
For the first time in school history, Van Buren High School is heading to nationals after taking 1st place in Tennessee back in April! 🏆✨
✨ Give it up for our State Champions:
🔹 Jacob Grissom
🔹 Creed Davis
🔹 Iziaiah Macmurchy
🔹 Caden Baughman
⚙️ WHAT THEY'RE FACING:
This isn't just any contest—our 4 team members will be tested on intense technical written exams, 5 individual skill stations, and a collaborative team problem-solving activity across five core systems:
🧱 Structures
🚜 Compact Equipment
🌱 Environmental & Natural Resources
⚙️ Machinery
⚡ Electricity
From mastering advanced agricultural technology and modern machinery to proving top-tier communication and critical thinking, these four have shown what true mastery, grit, and teamwork look like.
Our entire school district and community are behind you. Show Indianapolis what VBHS is made of! 💪🌾
#VBHSFFA #NationalFFA #StateChamps #NextStopIndy #AgMechanics #EaglePride #HistoryInTheMaking
Join us in wishing a massive GOOD LUCK to our incredible VBHS FFA Skills Team as they travel to Indianapolis tomorrow, October 20th, to compete in the National FFA Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE!
For the first time in school history, Van Buren High School is heading to nationals after taking 1st place in Tennessee back in April! 🏆✨
✨ Give it up for our State Champions:
🔹 Jacob Grissom
🔹 Creed Davis
🔹 Iziaiah Macmurchy
🔹 Caden Baughman
⚙️ WHAT THEY'RE FACING:
This isn't just any contest—our 4 team members will be tested on intense technical written exams, 5 individual skill stations, and a collaborative team problem-solving activity across five core systems:
🧱 Structures
🚜 Compact Equipment
🌱 Environmental & Natural Resources
⚙️ Machinery
⚡ Electricity
From mastering advanced agricultural technology and modern machinery to proving top-tier communication and critical thinking, these four have shown what true mastery, grit, and teamwork look like.
Our entire school district and community are behind you. Show Indianapolis what VBHS is made of! 💪🌾
#VBHSFFA #NationalFFA #StateChamps #NextStopIndy #AgMechanics #EaglePride #HistoryInTheMaking

🚌 National Bus Safety Week is here! Every child deserves a safe ride to and from school. Whether you are behind the wheel or helping your student get ready in the morning, here is what you need to know about school bus safety in Tennessee:
🛑 Tennessee School Bus Traffic Laws (T.C.A. § 55-8-151)
Two-Lane Roads: Drivers in both directions must come to a complete stop when a bus extends its stop arm and flashes red lights.
Multi-Lane / Continuous Turn Lanes: On 4-lane roads or roadways with a center continuous turn lane, all traffic in both directions MUST stop. A center turn lane is NOT considered a barrier.
Divided Highways: Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a highway separated by an unpaved median (at least 5 feet) or a physical concrete barrier may proceed with caution. All traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Penalties: Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.
🚸 Key Safety Recommendations for Parents & Drivers
The 10-Foot Danger Zone: Teach students to stand at least 10 feet back from the curb and make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the bus.
Hands-Free Tennessee: Cell phone use in active school zones is strictly illegal in TN. Keep your eyes on the road and watch for young pedestrians near bus stops.
Yellow Light Warning: Flashing yellow lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop—never speed up to pass!
Let's work together to keep Van Buren County students safe every single day! 💛
#NationalBusSafetyWeek #SchoolBusSafety #DriveSafe #VanBurenCountySchools #StopOnRed
🛑 Tennessee School Bus Traffic Laws (T.C.A. § 55-8-151)
Two-Lane Roads: Drivers in both directions must come to a complete stop when a bus extends its stop arm and flashes red lights.
Multi-Lane / Continuous Turn Lanes: On 4-lane roads or roadways with a center continuous turn lane, all traffic in both directions MUST stop. A center turn lane is NOT considered a barrier.
Divided Highways: Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a highway separated by an unpaved median (at least 5 feet) or a physical concrete barrier may proceed with caution. All traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Penalties: Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.
🚸 Key Safety Recommendations for Parents & Drivers
The 10-Foot Danger Zone: Teach students to stand at least 10 feet back from the curb and make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the bus.
Hands-Free Tennessee: Cell phone use in active school zones is strictly illegal in TN. Keep your eyes on the road and watch for young pedestrians near bus stops.
Yellow Light Warning: Flashing yellow lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop—never speed up to pass!
Let's work together to keep Van Buren County students safe every single day! 💛
#NationalBusSafetyWeek #SchoolBusSafety #DriveSafe #VanBurenCountySchools #StopOnRed

Van Buren County Schools would like to honor and recognize the veterans in our community during our upcoming Veterans Day program.
We invite our local veterans and active-duty service members to join us for a special recognition breakfast prior to the event. Please help us spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors!
We invite our local veterans and active-duty service members to join us for a special recognition breakfast prior to the event. Please help us spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors!

Add some color to the cold season! 🌼 Van Buren FFA has Winter Pansies available now for $12.00 per flat.
Call 931-946-2442 to order yours today! Limited quantities available—thank you for supporting Van Buren FFA students! 🌾
Call 931-946-2442 to order yours today! Limited quantities available—thank you for supporting Van Buren FFA students! 🌾

Reminder:
Middle school girls flag football tryouts will be tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22nd, at the high school baseball field, from 3-4:30. The girls will need to wait in the front lobby of the high school to walk over to the field with the coaches.
NOTE: the softball & football seasons are both in the spring so girls playing softball cannot play flag football.
Middle school girls flag football tryouts will be Tuesday, September 22nd, at the high school baseball field, from 3-4:30. The girls will need to wait in the front lobby of the high school to walk over to the field with the coaches.
📢 Parent Teacher Conferences are THIS Thursday, Sept 17th (3:30–7:00 PM)!
Join us across both campuses for updates, resources, and delicious food options:
👥 Meetings & Workshops: Title I & Family Engagement (4 PM @ SES), Financial Aid Night by Ayers Foundation (4 PM @ VBHS Auditorium), and Community PreK Advisory Council (5:30 PM @ Preschool Playroom).
🌮 Food & Treats: Jr. Class Meal (Loaded Nachos & Taco Salads @ VBHS Cafeteria), Sweet Treat Silent Auction (VBHS Lobby), and SES Bake Sale!
⚠️ Notice: No afterschool programs will run on Thursday.
Check out the full flyer for locations and times—we look forward to seeing everyone there! 🏫
Join us across both campuses for updates, resources, and delicious food options:
👥 Meetings & Workshops: Title I & Family Engagement (4 PM @ SES), Financial Aid Night by Ayers Foundation (4 PM @ VBHS Auditorium), and Community PreK Advisory Council (5:30 PM @ Preschool Playroom).
🌮 Food & Treats: Jr. Class Meal (Loaded Nachos & Taco Salads @ VBHS Cafeteria), Sweet Treat Silent Auction (VBHS Lobby), and SES Bake Sale!
⚠️ Notice: No afterschool programs will run on Thursday.
Check out the full flyer for locations and times—we look forward to seeing everyone there! 🏫

Reminder:
Middle School baseball tryouts will be tomorrow, Tuesday, 9-15-26, 3:00-4:30. Students will need to wait to walk across the street with Coach William.
Middle School baseball tryouts will be Tuesday the 15th, 3:00-4:30. Students will need to wait to walk across the street with Coach William.
Attendance matters every day!

REMINDER: High School Baseball tryouts will be tomorrow (Tues, 9-1-26) and Wednesday this week from 4:00-6:00 at the high school baseball field.
Reminder: Middle School softball open practice this Thursday for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls. Open practice will be from 5:00-7:00 at the softball field. If you have any questions please contact head coach Cody Huddleston at 931-254-2247.
Van Buren County Schools is conducting ongoing Child Find activities in accordance with state and federal law to identify, locate, and evaluate children and young adults ages 3 through 21 who may have disabilities and are in need of special education and related services.
Children eligible for services may include, but are not limited to, those with visual or hearing impairments, intellectual or physical disabilities, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, developmental delays, health impairments, autism, emotional disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.
If you are the parent or guardian of a child — or know of a child — who may qualify for special education services and is not currently receiving services, please contact:
Tonya Pettit, Director of Special Education
Van Buren County Board of Education
293 Sparta Street
Spencer, TN 38585
(931) 946-2242, Ext. 22
Van Buren County Schools conducts Child Find activities throughout the school year in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Please see attached flier.
Children eligible for services may include, but are not limited to, those with visual or hearing impairments, intellectual or physical disabilities, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, developmental delays, health impairments, autism, emotional disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.
If you are the parent or guardian of a child — or know of a child — who may qualify for special education services and is not currently receiving services, please contact:
Tonya Pettit, Director of Special Education
Van Buren County Board of Education
293 Sparta Street
Spencer, TN 38585
(931) 946-2242, Ext. 22
Van Buren County Schools conducts Child Find activities throughout the school year in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Please see attached flier.

Dear Families,
We want to reassure you that there is no emergency at our schools.
Our local fire departments have identified the source of the concern and have cleared the building for normal operations. We are grateful to our emergency personnel and school staff for their quick response and careful attention to the situation.
It is always better to proceed with caution when the safety of our students and staff is involved. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Schools will resume normal operations.
Thank you for your continued support
Van Buren County Schools Update
Families, please be advised that Van Buren County Schools is participating in an evacuation as a precaution due to an error with the fire alarm panel. There is no emergency at this time.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We will provide an update as soon as possible with additional information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
🎉 Big news and even bigger congratulations! 🎉
Yesterday, our Director of Schools officially graduated from the Certified County Finance Officer (CCFO) Program! 🎓✨
This intensive program—developed by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and administered by UT’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS)—requires completing 11 specialized courses covering budgeting, grants management, purchasing, internal controls, and governmental accounting.
Completing this rigorous coursework highlights not only her dedication to professional excellence, but also our school system's deep commitment to strong fiscal stewardship, transparency, and putting every tax dollar to work for our students and community. 💙📚
Please join us in celebrating her hard work and achievement in the comments below! 👇
#LeadershipInAction #FiscalResponsibility #ExcellenceInEducation #SchoolBoard #TennesseeEducation #ProudMoment
Yesterday, our Director of Schools officially graduated from the Certified County Finance Officer (CCFO) Program! 🎓✨
This intensive program—developed by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and administered by UT’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS)—requires completing 11 specialized courses covering budgeting, grants management, purchasing, internal controls, and governmental accounting.
Completing this rigorous coursework highlights not only her dedication to professional excellence, but also our school system's deep commitment to strong fiscal stewardship, transparency, and putting every tax dollar to work for our students and community. 💙📚
Please join us in celebrating her hard work and achievement in the comments below! 👇
#LeadershipInAction #FiscalResponsibility #ExcellenceInEducation #SchoolBoard #TennesseeEducation #ProudMoment
Girls elementary basketball tryouts will be tomorrow, Tuesday the 11th from 3:00-4:30. Tryouts are open to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Pickup will be in the back by the playground. Permission slips must be turned in to be able to tryout.
