🍁🎃 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
✨ 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
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
🌟 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
✨ 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
✨🎉 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! 🎊
🌟 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
🎃👻 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
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
💙 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
