❄️🎄 DECEMBER IS ALMOST HERE! 🎄❄️
Van Buren County Schools is excited to share our December 2025 School Calendar filled with special events, celebrations, and important dates as we wrap up the first semester!
🌟 Highlights this month include:
• Inclusive Schools Week
• Computer Science Education Week
• Fall EOCs/SDC
• MS/HS Final Exams
• DARE Graduation
• VBHS Winter Formal
• Abbreviated Day on Dec. 19
• Christmas Break: Dec. 22nd – Jan. 2nd (No School)
Plus—it's Learn a Foreign Language Month and Read a New Book Month! 📚🌍
And don’t forget—our 12 Days of Christmas runs December 3rd–18th!
Wishing all students, staff, and families a joyful and productive December. Let it snow! ❄️☃️
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #December #VBCSchools
Van Buren County Schools is excited to share our December 2025 School Calendar filled with special events, celebrations, and important dates as we wrap up the first semester!
🌟 Highlights this month include:
• Inclusive Schools Week
• Computer Science Education Week
• Fall EOCs/SDC
• MS/HS Final Exams
• DARE Graduation
• VBHS Winter Formal
• Abbreviated Day on Dec. 19
• Christmas Break: Dec. 22nd – Jan. 2nd (No School)
Plus—it's Learn a Foreign Language Month and Read a New Book Month! 📚🌍
And don’t forget—our 12 Days of Christmas runs December 3rd–18th!
Wishing all students, staff, and families a joyful and productive December. Let it snow! ❄️☃️
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #December #VBCSchools
First time home game tonight. High school students get in free if they're dressed in the student section theme. Tonight is black out! Game starts at 5:00!
📣 Coat Check Time at Spencer Elementary! ❄️🧣
Do any of these jackets look a little familiar? 🤔
Our Lost & Found is bursting with stylish hoodies, fuzzy sweaters, and even a camouflage or two! 🕵️♂️🧥
Parents — we might just have that missing favorite sweatshirt hiding right here! 😂
Students — don’t forget to take a peek and reunite with your long-lost layers! 💖
Let’s get these coats back home before they decide to start their own club! 👚➡️🏠
Come check soon — they miss you!
#SpencerElementary #LostAndFound #CoatRescueMission #WarmAndCozyCrew 🧥✨
🌟 Happy Substitute Teacher Day! 🌟
November 21, 2025
Today, we celebrate the incredible substitute teachers who step in, step up, and keep learning moving forward in Van Buren County Schools! 💛🖤
Our substitutes bring flexibility, patience, and heart into every classroom they enter. Whether it’s a last-minute call or a long-term assignment, they make sure our students feel supported, engaged, and cared for.
To all of our amazing substitute teachers — THANK YOU for the vital role you play in our students’ success. Your dedication truly makes a difference every single day! 🍎✨
Drop a “thank you” in the comments to show our substitutes some love! 🙌💬
November 21, 2025
Today, we celebrate the incredible substitute teachers who step in, step up, and keep learning moving forward in Van Buren County Schools! 💛🖤
Our substitutes bring flexibility, patience, and heart into every classroom they enter. Whether it’s a last-minute call or a long-term assignment, they make sure our students feel supported, engaged, and cared for.
To all of our amazing substitute teachers — THANK YOU for the vital role you play in our students’ success. Your dedication truly makes a difference every single day! 🍎✨
Drop a “thank you” in the comments to show our substitutes some love! 🙌💬
🦃🍂 Thanksgiving Break Reminder! 🍂🦃
Van Buren County Schools will be closed Wednesday, November 26th– Friday, November 28th so our students and staff can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
We hope everyone has a safe, restful, and joy-filled break! 💛
We’ll see our Eagles back on Monday, December 1st, ready to finish the semester strong! 🦅✨
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #Thanksgiving #VBCS
Van Buren County Schools will be closed Wednesday, November 26th– Friday, November 28th so our students and staff can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
We hope everyone has a safe, restful, and joy-filled break! 💛
We’ll see our Eagles back on Monday, December 1st, ready to finish the semester strong! 🦅✨
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #Thanksgiving #VBCS
🌟 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
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
📚✨ 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! 👏💛
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! 👏💛
🇺🇸⚔️ 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
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
✨ 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
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
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
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
🎉 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
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
🎉 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
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
🦃 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! 🦃
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! 🦃
🌟 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
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
📚✨ 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
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
🚗 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! 💙👶🛡️
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! 💙👶🛡️
🚗👶 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
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
🚨 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
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
📣 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
🏀 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
🇺🇸 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
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
