💙 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
💙 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
🎉🐂🥇 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
🍎🥪 Happy National Food Service Worker Day! 🥪🍎
Today we celebrate our amazing food service teams at SES and VBHS! 💙 Each day, they go above and beyond to make sure our students are welcomed with warm smiles, healthy meals, and a caring heart.
From early mornings to busy lunchrooms, our food service workers are the unsung heroes who help fuel learning and success. They don’t just serve food—they serve kindness, consistency, and love to our students and staff.
👏 Please join us in thanking our incredible food service workers for everything they do to keep our schools nourished and thriving!
#NationalFoodServiceWorkerDay #ThankYou #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
🚍🔧 National Technician Appreciation Week 🔧🚍
This week, we want to shine a spotlight on Chad, who keeps our transportation department running strong! Chad is not only a talented and committed mechanic, but he’s also a trusted teammate to our bus drivers, earning their respect through his hard work and professionalism.
Most importantly, Chad cares about our students—his dedication ensures our buses run smoothly and safely every single day. Because of his efforts, families can count on safe and reliable transportation to and from school.
👏 Thank you, Chad, for all you do for our students, drivers, and community. We are grateful for you!
#NationalTechnicianAppreciationWeek #ThankYouChad #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
This week, we want to shine a spotlight on Chad, who keeps our transportation department running strong! Chad is not only a talented and committed mechanic, but he’s also a trusted teammate to our bus drivers, earning their respect through his hard work and professionalism.
Most importantly, Chad cares about our students—his dedication ensures our buses run smoothly and safely every single day. Because of his efforts, families can count on safe and reliable transportation to and from school.
👏 Thank you, Chad, for all you do for our students, drivers, and community. We are grateful for you!
#NationalTechnicianAppreciationWeek #ThankYouChad #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
📚✨ Our 5th grade Social Studies students have been hard at work on their cumulative projects!
Students are showcasing everything they’ve learned by creating engaging presentations that highlight their knowledge and creativity. 🌎🎤
We are so proud of the effort they’ve put into these projects! 👏👏
#SES #StudentSuccess #SocialStudies#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
Students are showcasing everything they’ve learned by creating engaging presentations that highlight their knowledge and creativity. 🌎🎤
We are so proud of the effort they’ve put into these projects! 👏👏
#SES #StudentSuccess #SocialStudies#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
🎉 Did you know VBHS has several different clubs that meet after school throughout the week? 🌟
One of those is our Game On Club! 🎮🧩 Students gather every Wednesday from 3:15–5:00 in Room 20 to connect, play, and have fun together.
Clubs are a great way to get involved, make friends, and try something new—so check them out! 🙌
#VBHSClubs #GameOn #StudentLife #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
One of those is our Game On Club! 🎮🧩 Students gather every Wednesday from 3:15–5:00 in Room 20 to connect, play, and have fun together.
Clubs are a great way to get involved, make friends, and try something new—so check them out! 🙌
#VBHSClubs #GameOn #StudentLife #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
🌟 Together Tuesday: Stretching Minds & Bodies with Yoga! 🧘♀️✨
🌟 During September, students in the LEAPS After-School Program have the opportunity to participate in Yoga with Mrs. Laura Grissom! 🧘♀️
✨ This is a wonderful chance for students to learn about stretching, mindfulness, and the importance of physical activity while having fun together. 💪💜
#LEAPS #Mindfulness #HealthyHabits #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
🌟 During September, students in the LEAPS After-School Program have the opportunity to participate in Yoga with Mrs. Laura Grissom! 🧘♀️
✨ This is a wonderful chance for students to learn about stretching, mindfulness, and the importance of physical activity while having fun together. 💪💜
#LEAPS #Mindfulness #HealthyHabits #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
🎨✨ Creative Spotlight from VBHS Spanish I! ✨🎨
Our VBHS Spanish I students have been busy bringing culture and creativity to life through Huichol Yarn Paintings projects! Each student designed and created their own unique piece, showcasing both artistic skill and individuality. 💫
Take a look at these beautiful works of art — we are so proud of their hard work and creativity! 💙💛
#VBHSExcellence #StudentCreativity #SpanishClass
Our VBHS Spanish I students have been busy bringing culture and creativity to life through Huichol Yarn Paintings projects! Each student designed and created their own unique piece, showcasing both artistic skill and individuality. 💫
Take a look at these beautiful works of art — we are so proud of their hard work and creativity! 💙💛
#VBHSExcellence #StudentCreativity #SpanishClass
🎉📚 Third Grade i-Ready Shoutout! 📚🎉
We are so proud of our amazing 3rd graders and their hard work on the i-Ready Diagnostic! Each classroom had a student who scored the highest overall, and we also want to recognize the student who showed the most growth overall. 🌟
👏 A big round of applause goes to these hardworking students for showing what dedication, persistence, and a love of learning can accomplish!
Keep shining bright, 3rd grade — your hard work is inspiring us all! 💙💛
#SESExcellence #iReadyGrowth #ProudOfOurStudents #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
💛 Motivation Monday 💛
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference. Last Friday, one of our Kindergarten students, Jahden, wanted someone to hold his hand on the way to breakfast. Without hesitation, Madilyn, a kindergartener at Spencer Elementary, stepped up and said, “I think that I can take him.”
With her caring heart, Madilyn showed us all what kindness looks like—helping a friend, making them feel safe, and walking hand-in-hand. 🌟
Way to go, Madilyn! You remind us that even the simplest gestures can brighten someone’s day. 🥰👏
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference. Last Friday, one of our Kindergarten students, Jahden, wanted someone to hold his hand on the way to breakfast. Without hesitation, Madilyn, a kindergartener at Spencer Elementary, stepped up and said, “I think that I can take him.”
With her caring heart, Madilyn showed us all what kindness looks like—helping a friend, making them feel safe, and walking hand-in-hand. 🌟
Way to go, Madilyn! You remind us that even the simplest gestures can brighten someone’s day. 🥰👏
🌟 Staff Spotlight Sunday 🌟
Today we are honored to shine the spotlight on Ms. Jessie Simmons, who has faithfully served Spencer Elementary School as a custodian for an incredible 25 years! 🧹✨
Ms. Jessie is so much more than the one who keeps our school clean—she is a shining light in our hallways every single day. With her warm smile and kind heart, she goes above and beyond to care for our students and staff, making Spencer Elementary feel like home. 💛
Thank you, Ms. Jessie, for your hard work, your dedication, and your love for our school family. We are so grateful for the difference you make in the lives of our students each day!
Let’s all give Ms. Jessie a big “Thank You” in the comments for 25 years of service! 🙌💐
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #CustodiansRock #VBEagles
Today we are honored to shine the spotlight on Ms. Jessie Simmons, who has faithfully served Spencer Elementary School as a custodian for an incredible 25 years! 🧹✨
Ms. Jessie is so much more than the one who keeps our school clean—she is a shining light in our hallways every single day. With her warm smile and kind heart, she goes above and beyond to care for our students and staff, making Spencer Elementary feel like home. 💛
Thank you, Ms. Jessie, for your hard work, your dedication, and your love for our school family. We are so grateful for the difference you make in the lives of our students each day!
Let’s all give Ms. Jessie a big “Thank You” in the comments for 25 years of service! 🙌💐
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #CustodiansRock #VBEagles
✨ Student Spotlight Saturday ✨
This week we are honored to shine the spotlight on a truly inspiring student, Charlee Everett. 💛
Charlee is a cancer survivor whose strength and determination continue to inspire everyone around her. Not only has she bravely fought her own battle, but she now works to help others who are currently fighting theirs. Through her project, Charlee’s Fight Boxes, she collects and delivers supplies to encourage and support patients during treatment.
In addition, Charlee is a passionate advocate for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, helping spread awareness and reminding us all of the importance of standing together in the fight.
Her bright smile and kind heart light up every room she enters, and we are so proud of the difference she is making in the lives of others. 🌟
Join us in celebrating Charlee today and all she does to bring hope and awareness to such an important cause! 💛🎗️
#StudentSpotlightSaturday #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #CharleesFightBoxes #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
This week we are honored to shine the spotlight on a truly inspiring student, Charlee Everett. 💛
Charlee is a cancer survivor whose strength and determination continue to inspire everyone around her. Not only has she bravely fought her own battle, but she now works to help others who are currently fighting theirs. Through her project, Charlee’s Fight Boxes, she collects and delivers supplies to encourage and support patients during treatment.
In addition, Charlee is a passionate advocate for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, helping spread awareness and reminding us all of the importance of standing together in the fight.
Her bright smile and kind heart light up every room she enters, and we are so proud of the difference she is making in the lives of others. 🌟
Join us in celebrating Charlee today and all she does to bring hope and awareness to such an important cause! 💛🎗️
#StudentSpotlightSaturday #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #CharleesFightBoxes #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
💛 Thank you to all of our families and community members who joined us for Conversations that Count Parent-Teacher Conferences! 💛
We loved getting the chance to connect, share, and celebrate the progress of our students together. Your support means so much, and it’s what makes Van Buren County Schools such a special place to learn and grow. 🌟
Small School, Big Opportunities — made possible by the partnership we share with our families and community! 🦅
#ConversationsThatCount #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VanBurenCountySchools
Parents/Families: This is a reminder that due to Parent Teacher Conferences this afternoon, there will be No Afterschool. Please make sure that you have made arrangements for your child to be parent pick-up or ride the bus home. Thank you!
🌟 Thriving Thursday Spotlight: Sheldon Hitchcock 🌟
Van Buren County Schools is proud to recognize alumnus Sheldon Hitchcock for his outstanding professional accomplishments in the field of healthcare.
Hitchcock graduated from Van Buren County High School in 2012. He went on to earn his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Tennessee in 2019 and completed a one-year residency program at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in 2020. In 2021, he became a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), further distinguishing himself in the practice of pharmacy.
Continuing to advance his education, Hitchcock completed a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Louisiana State University in 2024.
He currently serves as the Pharmacy Director at Cookeville Regional Hospital, where he provides leadership and expertise in managing pharmaceutical care for the community.
Sheldon Hitchcock’s journey reflects the dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence that began here at Van Buren County Schools, reminding us once again that even in a small school, there are truly big opportunities.
#ThrivingThursday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBHSAlumni
**Photo Credit: CRMC**
Van Buren County Schools is proud to recognize alumnus Sheldon Hitchcock for his outstanding professional accomplishments in the field of healthcare.
Hitchcock graduated from Van Buren County High School in 2012. He went on to earn his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Tennessee in 2019 and completed a one-year residency program at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in 2020. In 2021, he became a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), further distinguishing himself in the practice of pharmacy.
Continuing to advance his education, Hitchcock completed a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Louisiana State University in 2024.
He currently serves as the Pharmacy Director at Cookeville Regional Hospital, where he provides leadership and expertise in managing pharmaceutical care for the community.
Sheldon Hitchcock’s journey reflects the dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence that began here at Van Buren County Schools, reminding us once again that even in a small school, there are truly big opportunities.
#ThrivingThursday #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBHSAlumni
**Photo Credit: CRMC**
📚✨ Conversations that Count ✨📚
Van Buren County Schools invites all families to join us for Parent Teacher Conference Conversations That Count –
Thursday, September 18th from 3:30–7:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, explore events, and learn more about what’s happening in our schools! 💛🦅
Here’s what’s happening across the district:
Early Bird Preschool
🔹 Advisory Council Meeting for any interested parents from 4–5:30 PM .
🔹 Parent Orientation for new students starting PreK in September at 5:30 PM.
Spencer Elementary
🔹 Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
🔹 Two Opportunities for Families to attend Title I Meetings at 4 PM & 6 PM in Mr. Pack’s Room
🔹 Bake Sale
Van Buren County High School
🔹 Sweet Treat Silent Auction
🔹 Junior Class Taco Salad Dinner with Dessert & Drink in the Cafeteria- $10 Plate
🔹 Financial Aid Night in Auditorium at 5 PM
🔹 VBHS PTO Informational Table
🔹 Spanish Class Pulseras Sale
System-Wide
🔹 Health Dept. Flu Clinic – Coordinated School Health Room at SES
📅 Mark your calendars and make plans to attend — we look forward to seeing you there!
#ConversationsThatCount #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBStrong
Van Buren County Schools invites all families to join us for Parent Teacher Conference Conversations That Count –
Thursday, September 18th from 3:30–7:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, explore events, and learn more about what’s happening in our schools! 💛🦅
Here’s what’s happening across the district:
Early Bird Preschool
🔹 Advisory Council Meeting for any interested parents from 4–5:30 PM .
🔹 Parent Orientation for new students starting PreK in September at 5:30 PM.
Spencer Elementary
🔹 Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
🔹 Two Opportunities for Families to attend Title I Meetings at 4 PM & 6 PM in Mr. Pack’s Room
🔹 Bake Sale
Van Buren County High School
🔹 Sweet Treat Silent Auction
🔹 Junior Class Taco Salad Dinner with Dessert & Drink in the Cafeteria- $10 Plate
🔹 Financial Aid Night in Auditorium at 5 PM
🔹 VBHS PTO Informational Table
🔹 Spanish Class Pulseras Sale
System-Wide
🔹 Health Dept. Flu Clinic – Coordinated School Health Room at SES
📅 Mark your calendars and make plans to attend — we look forward to seeing you there!
#ConversationsThatCount #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #VBStrong
The Van Buren County Board of Education will have a regulary scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the Van Buren County High School Library located at 337 Sparta St., Spencer, TN. To view the board agenda, please visit www.vanburenschools.org.
✨📸 Wayback Wednesday! 📸✨
We’re rewinding all the way back to 1979 when big hair, bell bottoms, and disco were in full swing! 🪩🎶 That year, our halls were buzzing with excitement as the titles of Mr. and Miss Class (7th–12th Grade) were proudly crowned. 👑
From feathered hair to wide collars, these students rocked the style of the times and represented their classes with pride. 💃🕺 Just imagine the shiny disco balls and Saturday night vibes in the background!
Here’s to celebrating the leaders, the trendsetters, and the all-around spirit of VBHS ’79. 🧡 Let’s hear it for the good ol’ days when Polaroids captured our memories and friendship bracelets were the height of fashion!
Drop a 🎶 or 🪩 in the comments if you remember the late ‘70s vibes—or better yet, share your favorite 1979 memory below!
#WaybackWednesday #ClassOf1979 #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
We’re rewinding all the way back to 1979 when big hair, bell bottoms, and disco were in full swing! 🪩🎶 That year, our halls were buzzing with excitement as the titles of Mr. and Miss Class (7th–12th Grade) were proudly crowned. 👑
From feathered hair to wide collars, these students rocked the style of the times and represented their classes with pride. 💃🕺 Just imagine the shiny disco balls and Saturday night vibes in the background!
Here’s to celebrating the leaders, the trendsetters, and the all-around spirit of VBHS ’79. 🧡 Let’s hear it for the good ol’ days when Polaroids captured our memories and friendship bracelets were the height of fashion!
Drop a 🎶 or 🪩 in the comments if you remember the late ‘70s vibes—or better yet, share your favorite 1979 memory below!
#WaybackWednesday #ClassOf1979 #SmallSchoolBigOpportunities
JHA Company could not be here last Friday & now will be here tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept, 16th) at 12:00 to get orders for letterman jackets. They will size you & help you complete your order. Anyone interested can go to: https://jhacompany.com/
to look at the jackets & options. Another good resource is https://youtu.be/8CQZ6Ok9x38
Remember to bring a $100 deposit with you if you're ordering.
🚌✨ Safety First! ✨🚌
This morning, all students who ride the bus participated in their Bus Evacuation Drill. These drills are an important part of keeping our students safe—teaching them what to do and how to evacuate quickly and safely in case of an emergency. 🚨
A big thank you to our bus drivers, staff, and students for making this drill a success! 👏 Together, we’re building confidence and preparedness for every rider, every day. 💛
#SafetyFirst #VBStrong #PreparedAndProtected #SmallSchoolBig Opportunities
This morning, all students who ride the bus participated in their Bus Evacuation Drill. These drills are an important part of keeping our students safe—teaching them what to do and how to evacuate quickly and safely in case of an emergency. 🚨
A big thank you to our bus drivers, staff, and students for making this drill a success! 👏 Together, we’re building confidence and preparedness for every rider, every day. 💛
#SafetyFirst #VBStrong #PreparedAndProtected #SmallSchoolBig Opportunities
