🎉✨Reminder: Family Engagement Night Coming Up! ✨🎉

Van Buren County Schools is excited to invite our families to our Family Engagement Events on Tuesday, October 7th! 💙

🎃 STREAMtober Family Involvement Night @ Spencer Elementary
🕓 4–6 PM | Playground Pavilion (weather pending)
Join us for a fun-filled evening with pumpkin chunking, creepy crawlers, spider/fly chase, and more! Students must be accompanied by an adult.

💡 Electrify Family Engagement Night @ Van Buren County High School
🕓 4–6 PM
Come take part in an “electrifying” evening of activities for the entire family! Together we’ll be “piecing” students, families, and the community to help students succeed.

💫 Both events are about connecting families, building community, and making learning fun! We can’t wait to see you there!

🛑Please note, there will be no LEAPS afterschool on this day

#VBCSchools #FamilyEngagement #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities

about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
SES Streamtober Family Involvement Night October 7, 4 to 6 PM
Electricity Family Engagement Night October 7, 4 to 6 PM
🍂 It’s almost time for Fall Break! 🍁

Van Buren County Schools will be closed October 13th–17th for Fall Break.
We hope all our students, staff, and families enjoy a safe, restful, and fun week off! 💛

Staff & Students will return on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Take this time to relax, recharge, and soak in the beauty of the season! 🍃✨

#VBCS #FallBreak #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Fall Break 2025-26
🌟Happy Instructional Coach Appreciation Day! 🌟 Today, we’re celebrating Instructional Coach Appreciation Day and recognizing two of our incredible leaders — Teresa Roberts and Jan Walter! 🌟 Their encouragement, knowledge, and dedication inspire both teachers and students every single day. From guiding instruction to sparking new ideas, they help make learning at Van Buren County Schools the best it can be. 📚✨ Thank you, Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Jan, for motivating us all to keep learning and growing! #MotivationalMonday #CoachAppreciationDay #VBCS #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
instructional Coaches Day
🍎✨ Happy World Teacher's Day! ✨🍎 Today we celebrate the heart of Van Buren County Schools—our amazing teachers! Thank you for inspiring, leading, and believing in our students every single day. 💙 #WorldTeachersDay #ThankATeacher #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
world teachers day
📣 Staff Spotlight Sunday 📣

This October, we’re celebrating National Principal’s Month, and today we are shining the spotlight on our very own Mr. Drew Campbell, Principal of Van Buren County High School! 💙💛

A proud VBHS graduate, Mr. Campbell began his career right here in our school system as a 6th grade math teacher, then a 7th grade math teacher, and later served as VBHS Vice Principal. Last school year, he stepped into his current role as Principal, continuing his journey of leadership and dedication to our students, staff, and community.

We are grateful for Mr. Campbell’s commitment to helping every student succeed and for the pride he takes in leading his alma mater. Thank you for all you do for Van Buren County Schools! 🙌

#StaffSpotlightSunday #NationalPrincipalsMonth #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Drew Campbell
🌟 Saturday Student Spotlight: Young Entrepreneur 🌟

Meet Clara May, an 8th grade student with a passion for baking and a talent for business! 👩‍🍳🍪 She is the proud owner of Clara’s Bakery, where she sells her delicious homemade treats—cookies, candies, breads, rolls, and more.

You can often find her set up at the Van Buren County Farmer’s Market and local craft fairs, sharing her goodies with the community. Clara’s creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit are inspiring, and we’re so proud of her hard work! 💙💛

Let’s support our young entrepreneurs and cheer Clara on as she builds her dream one recipe at a time! 🥖🍬✨

#StudentSpotlight #YoungEntrepreneur #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Clara's Bakery at the Farmers Market
Clara's Bakery
Clara's Bakery

🎉✨Family Engagement Night Coming Up! ✨🎉

Van Buren County Schools is excited to invite our families to our Family Engagement Events on Tuesday, October 7th! 💙

🎃 STREAMtober Family Involvement Night @ Spencer Elementary
🕓 4–6 PM | Playground Pavilion (weather pending)
Join us for a fun-filled evening with pumpkin chunking, creepy crawlers, spider/fly chase, and more! Students must be accompanied by an adult.

💡 Electrify Family Engagement Night @ Van Buren County High School
🕓 4–6 PM
Come take part in an “electrifying” evening of activities for the entire family! Together we’ll be “piecing” students, families, and the community to help students succeed.

💫 Both events are about connecting families, building community, and making learning fun! We can’t wait to see you there!

🛑Please note, there will be no LEAPS afterschool on this day

#VBCSchools #FamilyEngagement #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities

about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
SES Streamtober Family Involvement Night October 7, 4 to 6 PM
Electricity Family Engagement Night October 7, 4 to 6 PM
🌟 Feature Friday: Healthy Bodies, Bright Futures! 🌟

This week, we’re shining a light on the importance of healthy, active lifestyles as we get ready for Red Ribbon Week (October 27-31). Staying active through sports, exercise, and movement not only builds strong bodies—it also helps prevent substance abuse by promoting confidence, teamwork, and positive habits.

At Van Buren County Schools, we are proud to encourage students to make healthy choices and stay active for a brighter future! 💪✨

#FeatureFriday #RedRibbon #SubstanceAbusePrevention #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Cheerleading
Basketball
Football
Football
Baseball
🌟 Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day! 🌟

Today we celebrate the incredible custodians of Van Buren County Schools who work hard every single day to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and families. 💛

👏 A HUGE thank you to:
Gayla Clendenon, Hunter Carroll, Jacqueline Campbell, TJ Frady, Jessie Simmons, Nancy Sullivan, Luke Nash, Tammy Turner, and Cheryl Flatt.

Your dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts make a BIG difference in our “Small School, Big Opportunities.” 🍎✨

#SchoolCustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYou #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
School Custodian Appreciation Day October 2, 2025
🌟 Thriving Thursday Spotlight: Haidee (Cunningham) Ballew 🌟

Haidee’s journey is a true example of hard work and dedication! After graduating from VBHS in 2012, she began her career in healthcare at LifeCare Center of Sparta, working there from 2013–2018 while pursuing her nursing degree. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Tech University and went on to serve as an RN at Cookeville Regional Medical Center from 2018–2024 in the neurology and neurosurgery stepdown unit.

Her passion for patient care pushed her even further—Haidee completed her Master of Science in Nursing at TTU in 2024, and in 2025, she achieved her AANP certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has now begun her career at Cumberland Family Care, continuing to serve and care for her community.

We are so proud of Haidee and all she has accomplished! 💙💛
#ThrivingThursday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Haidee Cunningham Ballew
✨ Wayback Wednesday ✨

We stumbled across this gem from Spencer Elementary — full of familiar Van Buren County school faces! We’re not exactly sure of the year, but it had to be before 1989. Maybe Mrs. Katina Simmons, Director of Schools, can help us out… she’s front and center in this picture! 🏫💙

Do you recognize anyone else? Drop a comment and share your memories with us!

#SESEagles #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #Throwback
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
SES Eagles

🍁🎃 Hello October! 🎃🍁

Van Buren County Schools is excited for a busy and fun-filled month! Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

✨ Monthly Recognitions
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Farm to School Month
National Principals Month
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

📅 Special Events & Dates
Oct. 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 5: World Teachers Day
Oct. 6: National Instructional Coaches Day
Oct. 7: STREAMtober @ SES + Family Engagement Resource Fair & FAFSA Frenzy @ VBHS
Oct. 8: National Stop Bullying Day
Oct. 9: VBHS PTO Leadership Team Meeting
Oct. 10: End of 1st Nine Weeks + World Mental Health Day
Oct. 13–17: 🍂 Fall Break (No School) 🍂
Oct. 20: America’s Safe Schools Week + National School Bus Safety Week
Oct. 21: Kids Night @ VBC Fair
Oct. 24: Report Cards
Oct. 25: SES/VBHS PTO Trunk or Treat 🎃 4–6 PM
Oct. 28–31: Red Ribbon Week ❤️

Let’s celebrate learning, community, and all things fall this October! 🍂
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBCSchools

about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
October 2025 School Events Calendar
✨ Motivation Monday ✨

As we head into October, we’re looking forward to another month of healthy, delicious school lunches that keep our students fueled for success! 🍎🥗 Our food service teams work hard every day to make sure children have the balanced meals they need to stay energized, focused, and ready to learn.

Good nutrition is more than just food on a plate — it’s part of the foundation for academic growth and motivation. When students eat well, they’re better prepared to take on new challenges, stay engaged in the classroom, and make the most of every opportunity. 💪📚

Here’s to a new month filled with great meals, healthy habits, and motivated learners! 🧃🍽️

#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #OctoberLunchMeal #VBSchools
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
🌟 Staff Spotlight Sunday 🌟 This week we are proud to recognize Jill Bouldin and Dr. Denise Whittenberg, who were honored at the September Board of Education meeting for their incredible work with our Family Resource Center. 💙 Jill and Denise go above and beyond to support the families of Van Buren County, making sure students and parents have the resources they need to thrive. Their dedication and compassion make a lasting difference in our community, and we are so grateful for their service. Please join us in celebrating these two outstanding staff members for the impact they make every single day! 👏👏 #StaffSpotlightSunday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBCSchools
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
denise Whittenberg
Jill Bouldin
✨ Saturday Spotlight ✨ We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Jacob Grissom, a 12th grade student at VBHS, who was officially named as our Student School Board Member during the September Board of Education meeting. 🎉 Jacob will bring a student’s perspective to our board, representing his classmates and sharing valuable insights as we continue working to make Van Buren County Schools the best they can be. We’re proud of Jacob’s leadership and look forward to all he will accomplish in this role. 💙💛 #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBHS #StudentLeadership
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
student school board member
✨🎉 From Happy Easter to Happy Thanksgiving, from Merry Christmas to St. Patrick’s Day… today our teachers and staff went all out for their favorite holiday on the final day of Underground Staff Spirit Week! 🎄🐰🍀🦃 We hope you’ve enjoyed all of our crazy antics this week—bringing smiles, strange looks, laughter, and plenty of school spirit to brighten the halls. 💚💛 Until next time… thanks for joining in on the fun! 🎊
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
holidays
🌟 Feature Friday 🌟 This week we’re shining a spotlight on the Van Buren 4-H Chili Cook Off & Auction happening Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Van Buren Ag Learning Center! 🍲🔥 Events like this are more than just fun evenings with great food—they’re about the heart of our community. When we come together for cakewalks, chili tastings, and auctions, we’re not only making memories but also investing in the future of our youth. Proceeds from the night go directly to 4-H scholarships, helping open doors of opportunity for our students. 💚 ✅ Cakewalk & Samples: 6:00 PM ✅ Chili Judging: 6:15 PM ✅ Auction: 6:30 PM Only $8 for a full evening of chili samples, supper, sides, dessert, and a drink! 📞 Call 931-946-2435 or register online: https://tiny.utk.edu/4Hchilicookoff25 Let’s show up, support, and celebrate what makes Van Buren County so special—our people, our youth, and our community spirit. 💪❤️ #FeatureFriday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VanBuren4H #CommunityMatters #ChiliCookOff
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
chili cook off
🎃👻 Trunk or Treat 2025! 👻🎃

Get ready for a spooktacular evening of fun, candy, and community! 🕷️🕸️

📅 Date: October 25
⏰ Time: 4–6 PM
📍 Sponsored by SES and VBHS PTO
💧 Rain Out Date: October 31

✨ FREE entrance & FREE spot reservations!
🪙 Don’t forget to vote in the Pumpkin Penny Wars!

📞 To register for a spot, call 931-946-2171

Come out for a fang-tastic night—you won’t want to miss it! 🧛‍♂️🦇
#TrunkOrTreat #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Trunk or Treat
💙 Team VBCS Goes to SCALI: Building Brighter Futures Together💙

💙 This week, our Van Buren County Schools School Counselors, Social Worker, and Mental Health Counselors attended SCALI (School Counseling and Leadership Institute) in Murfreesboro!

They spent time learning, collaborating, and gaining new strategies to better support our students and families. 🌟

We are grateful for their dedication to helping our students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally! 🙌

#VBCSchools #SCALI2025 #StudentSupport #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
SCALI
🎉🐂🥇 Congratulations to our amazing Livestock Judging Team! 🥇🐂🎉 This team placed 1st in the Livestock Judging Contest at CPC in Fountain Run, Kentucky! They brought home medals, a $250 check to split, and each received a JBL Bluetooth speaker. 💵🎶 We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and teamwork that led to this outstanding achievement. Way to represent us so well! 👏👏 #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #LivestockJudging #ProudMoment
about 1 month ago, Cassandra Binkley
Livestock Judging