🎉 Thriving Thursday: Alumni in Action! 🚀
Each Thursday, we’re shining a spotlight on alumni who are doing amazing things in their careers, communities, and beyond!
💬 This week’s feature: Richard Mayes, Class of 1996– Dr. Richard Mayes, a 1996 graduate of Van Buren County High School, was recently elected as a Fellow of the American Chemical Society—one of the highest honors in the field. After graduation from Van Buren County High School, he earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Tennessee Technological University, followed by a Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee. Mayes currently serves at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry through his research and leadership.
Check out this recent article from Oak Ridge National Laboratory about Alumni Richard Mayes: https://www.ornl.gov/news/mayes-elected-american-chemical-society-fellow
Know an alum making waves? 🌊 Tell us about them so we can share their story!
📧 social.media@vanburenschools.org
#AlumniInAction #ThrivingThursday #VBStrong #SuccessBeyondGraduation
We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to provide telehealth services for our students!
🏥 Through this partnership, students will have access to timely medical care during the school day with the help of our school nurses and East Tennessee medical professionals.
📅 Join us at Open House!
School nurses and representatives from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will be on site to:
• Help get your student registered
• Answer any questions you may have
✅ Please note: A school nurse will always contact the parent or guardian before a telehealth visit is initiated to ensure it is the desired choice for care.
🔗 Click here for more information:
https://www.etch.com/your-visit/school-telehealth-resources/
🔗 Click here to register:
https://forms.office.com/r/k7zaNBrTPQ
We look forward to supporting the health and well-being of our students through this exciting new program! 🦅
We loved seeing our Van Buren County families come out to Benson's BAM to pick up school supplies for the new year! 🎒👏
Parents/Guardians, thank you for showing up and supporting your students—your involvement makes a big difference! 💙 Seeing families together preparing for school is what Together Tuesday is all about.
#TogetherTuesday #FamilyEngagement #BAM2025 #BackToSchool #VBCSstrong
🏫 The halls are quiet… the classrooms are still… something is missing.
It’s you, students! 💙
As we walk through the empty hallways of Van Buren County Schools, we’re reminded that a school isn’t truly a school without the energy, laughter, and curiosity that you bring. ✨
We can’t wait to welcome our students back on Friday, August 8th for the first day of school! 📚🚌
Get ready for a new year full of learning, growth, and great memories—we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make it your best year yet!
#BackToSchoolCountdown #VBCSstrong #WeMissOurStudents #FirstDayAugust8 #AlmostTime
We’re starting the week by celebrating our incredible Van Buren County Schools Nutrition Team! 🧑🍳💼
Our dedicated nutrition staff recently completed training to prepare for the upcoming school year—and they’re more ready than ever to serve up nutritious meals and smiling faces. 🥗🍽️
Thank you for your commitment to our students' health and success. Your hard work behind the scenes keeps our schools running strong! 💙
#MondayMotivation #VBCSStrong #SchoolNutritionHeroes #BehindTheScenes #TeamVBCS
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on our amazing Summer Custodial Staff, who were honored at the July Board of Education meeting for their outstanding work! 🏆🧼
These dedicated team members completed the floor waxing project in record time and have our buildings looking absolutely pristine for the new school year. Their hard work, teamwork, and tireless effort over the summer made a huge impact!
Please help us thank the incredible staff members who were recognized:
👏 Ms. Tammy
👏 Ms. Nancy
👏 Ms. Whitney
👏 Ms. Jacquline
👏 Mr. TJ
👏 Ms. Jennifer
Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed — we appreciate everything you do to make our schools shine! 🌟
#StaffShoutoutSunday #VBCSStrong #CustodialTeamRockstars #BehindTheScenesHeroes
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our amazing SLT4 student leaders from VBHS who attended the Tennessee Teen Institute this June!
This week-long leadership and prevention conference, held at UT Martin, challenged students to develop a Community Action Plan to address important issues in our school and community.
Twelve SLT4 members represented VBHS this year, and at the July School Board Meeting, the group was honored for their commitment and leadership. In attendance at the meeting were Lyla McCoy, Kaylor Kersh, and Jetta Kilgore, who accepted the recognition on behalf of the team.
We’re so proud of these students and the impact they’re making! 🌟
#StudentSpotlightSaturday #VBHSLeaders #TeenInstitute #VBCSProud
Don't Forget Tomorrow is Benson's BAM at White County High School for all Van Buren and White County Students
🎒 FREE School Supply Event for Students! 🎒
Van Buren County families — mark your calendars! 📅
Benson’s Backpack Assistance Ministry (B.A.M.) is hosting a FREE Drive-Thru Event for all K–12 students in Van Buren and White County! Come receive:
✅ Backpacks
✅ School Supplies
✅ Hygiene Items
✅ Books
✅ And More!
📍 White County High School Football Field
📆 Saturday, July 26, 2025
🕘 Starts at 9 AM
💙 Want to help? Volunteers are needed to pack backpacks:
📍 YMCA Basketball Gym
📆 Friday, July 25
🕙 10 AM
You can also give by donating hygiene items or supporting B.A.M. directly through the YMCA.
Let’s get our students ready for a great school year! 📚✏️
Questions? Contact: info@spartaymca.org | 931-836-3330
#VanBurenCountySchools #BackToSchool #CommunitySupport #BensonsBackpack #VBStrong
The ultimate Back to School Block Party is happening Friday, August 8, from 5–7 p.m. at the VBHS Auxiliary Gym & Baseball Field!
🎈 Bounce house, waterslide, face painting, and more
🚒 Fire truck splash & foam machine
🏀 Basketball, kickball, volleyball, and 9-square
🍉 Watermelon, music, and fun with friends
🍔 Food available to purchase from: Junkyard Dog, Granny’s Kitchen, and Kona Ice
Don’t miss the fun as we wrap up summer and get ready for the school year! #VBCSBlockParty #BackToSchoolFun
We’re gearing up for another amazing year at Van Buren County Schools! Join us for our School Supply Giveaway on Thursday, August 7, from 3–5 p.m. at the VBHS Auxiliary Gym!
✨ Backpacks and school supplies will be available for all Van Buren Co. students in PreK–12
👟 SHOE Giveaway by the Family Resource Center (while supplies last!)
💇 Pay What You Can Haircuts for students
🏫 Don’t forget — Open House at SES & VBHS is 4–6 p.m. that same day!
Let’s get ready for a great school year together! #VBCSBackToSchool #CountdownToClass
This summer, students from VBHS joined over 500 youth leaders from across the state at the Tennessee Teen Institute (TTI) — a powerful, five-day youth leadership and prevention camp held on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Celebrating its 38th anniversary, TTI, sponsored by the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (JACOA), empowers students to tackle important teen issues like bullying, suicide, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, violence, distracted driving, and more through a peer-led model that gives youth a voice and ownership in prevention efforts.
Throughout the week, students participated in engaging activities designed to build leadership skills, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen their ability to create real change in their schools and communities. Most importantly, they left committed to promoting a substance-free lifestyle and becoming advocates for health, safety, and positive choices.
We are so proud of our students for taking the lead and representing Van Buren County with purpose and passion. 💪
💬 “To empower Tennessee’s youth to lead by example and take an active role in bringing about positive changes…” — TTI Mission Statement
#FeatureFriday #TeenInstituteTN #YouthLeadership #SubstanceFreeFuture #VBCS #PreventionMatters #EmpoweredYouth #TTI2025
Coordinated School Health wants to remind everyone about the importance of water safety—whether you’re at the pool, lake, or enjoying water activities! Water can be fun, but safety should always come first.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
🛟 Never swim alone—always have a buddy and an adult nearby.
🚸 Watch children closely when they’re near water—stay within arm’s reach.
🏊♀️ Learn to swim—swim lessons can save lives!
🌊 Wear a life jacket when boating or in open water.
⚠️ Know your limits—don’t push yourself in deep or rough water.
📵 Avoid distractions if you’re supervising swimmers.
⚡ Stay out of the water during storms or lightning.
Let’s work together to keep our families safe and make water activities enjoyable for everyone! Enjoy this throw back picture from our 2022 Back to School Splash! Were you there?!
#WaterSafety #HealthyHabits #WellnessForLife
Tennessee’s annual Sales Tax Holiday is right around the corner! 🎉 From Friday, July 25th through Sunday, July 27th, you can shop tax-free on school supplies, clothing, and computers.
It’s the perfect time to stock up for the new school year! ✏️📚💻
For more details on eligible items, visit: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday/sth-traditional.html
#VBCS #TNTaxHoliday #BackToSchool #ShopSmart
📣 Feature Friday: Spotlight on Fall Creek Falls State Park! 🌲🦅
We’re excited to highlight our amazing partnership with Fall Creek Falls State Park this week! From participating in our summer learning camps to presenting at Eagle Encounters, their team provides our students with hands-on, unforgettable learning experiences that stretch far beyond the classroom.
Recently, park staff shared their expertise with our district leadership team, leading a powerful discussion on developing leadership. In addition, they actively serve on several of our community collaboration teams, helping shape programs that benefit all of Van Buren County.
Thank you, Fall Creek Falls, for your continued commitment to our students, schools, and community! We are grateful for the opportunities you help create. 💛💚
#FeatureFriday #FallCreekFalls #CommunityPartners #VanBurenCountySchools #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #StudentLeadership
The Van Buren County Board of Education will meet Wednesday, July 23, 2025, for a Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting. This meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Van Buren County Board of Education located at 293 Sparta Street, Spencer, TN 38585. To view the Board Agenda, visit the Van Buren County Schools website.
Van Buren County families — mark your calendars! 📅
Benson’s Backpack Assistance Ministry (B.A.M.) is hosting a FREE Drive-Thru Event for all K–12 students in Van Buren and White County! Come receive:
✅ Backpacks
✅ School Supplies
✅ Hygiene Items
✅ Books
✅ And More!
📍 White County High School Football Field
📆 Saturday, July 26, 2025
🕘 Starts at 9 AM
💙 Want to help? Volunteers are needed to pack backpacks:
📍 YMCA Basketball Gym
📆 Friday, July 25
🕙 10 AM
You can also give by donating hygiene items or supporting B.A.M. directly through the YMCA.
Let’s get our students ready for a great school year! 📚✏️
Questions? Contact: info@spartaymca.org | 931-836-3330
#VanBurenCountySchools #BackToSchool #CommunitySupport #BensonsBackpack #VBStrong
We’re excited to kick off our Together Tuesday series, celebrating family engagement and learning at home!
This week, we’d love to see photos of families reading together. Whether it’s bedtime stories, library visits, or reading in a cozy spot at home—show us how you make reading special!
📸 Share your photos by emailing them to socialmedia@vanburenschools.org to be featured in an upcoming post!
Let’s inspire one another and show how reading brings families together! 💙 #TogetherTuesday #FamilyEngagement #VBReads
