Van Buren Intermediate School District

This year, Project NOMAD expanded opportunities for inclusion through a new Peer-to-Peer program that connected high school volunteers with students across grade levels to provide academic support, encouragement, and friendship.
Through this program, peer helpers supported students in reading, math, STEM, PE, and social skills while building meaningful connections with their peer buddies. The experience created opportunities for students to grow in confidence, strengthen skills, and feel supported by a community that believes in them, while giving high school volunteers the chance to learn the value of service, compassion, and helping others succeed.

The first five years of life lay the foundation for a child’s future, and VBISD’s Early Childhood Department is here to help every child build a strong start. From birth through kindergarten, the department partners with families to support children’s learning, development, and well-being through high-quality preschool, special education, home visiting, developmental services, and family support.
Early Childhood is about so much more than preschool. Through collaboration among programs like GSRP, ECSE, ECIT, Build Up, GSC, Early On, and Parents as Teachers (Family Links), VBISD teams work together to create stronger connections, smoother transitions, and a more supportive experience for children and families. Because when families have the right support early, children have the opportunity to thrive for a lifetime!

VBISD’s Multilingual & Migrant services support students as they build English language skills, navigate the U.S. school system, achieve academic success, and develop the confidence to advocate for themselves. Through language instruction, family support, translation and interpretation services, and coaching for educators, the program ensures multilingual students have the resources and support needed to thrive.

This year brought exciting milestones, including the program’s first multilingual student field trip and continued professional growth through advanced training designed to strengthen support for students and educators. However, the greatest successes come through the moments that cannot always be measured, like seeing a student gain the confidence to speak up, advocate for herself, and create new opportunities for her academic future!

The VBISD Early Childhood Special Education team provides specialized services and supports for children from birth through age 5, helping our youngest learners build a strong foundation before kindergarten. By partnering with GSRP and Flowers/Head Start classrooms across Van Buren County, we work to ensure children receive the support they need in inclusive learning environments.
Last year, more than 65% of preschool students with IEPs learned in general education classrooms, and our team provided IEP services and supports to 160+ students while completing 105 special education evaluations.
One unforgettable success story came from a young student who used his AAC device to connect with classmates and teachers, proving that with the right support, every child has a voice and the ability to thrive!
At VBISD, we believe our youngest learners and their families deserve the very best we can offer.

Every child deserves a strong start, and the Project NOMAD Preschool Program is helping make that possible! Serving eligible migrant families with children ages 3-5, the program provides engaging, bilingual (English and Spanish) early learning experiences that build the foundation for lifelong success. Through the HighScope Curriculum, certified preschool teachers help children develop essential school-readiness skills, including language and literacy, early math concepts, color recognition, and social-emotional development.
At VBISD, we believe every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported in reaching their full potential. By creating a nurturing environment where young learners can grow with confidence, the Project NOMAD preschool program helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Through VBISD’s Multilingual & Migrant Services and Project NOMAD, students whose education has been interrupted by frequent moves receive the support they need to close learning gaps, build confidence, and succeed. Serving students and families connected to migratory agricultural work, our team provides educational support, advocacy, and resources to ensure students have access to the opportunities they deserve. Through Project NOMAD’s summer learning program, students strengthen skills in reading and math while also exploring STEM, nutrition, and physical education in a welcoming environment where they feel valued and supported.
The impact of this work goes beyond academics. Dedicated educators build lasting relationships with students, meet families where they are, and help remove barriers that stand between students and their goals. Whether it’s helping a student gain confidence in reading or advocating for a student to overcome obstacles and earn their diploma, every success story is a reminder of the power of support and opportunity.
At VBISD, we believe investing in all children creates a better future for all. Every student deserves the chance to grow, achieve, and discover what is possible!

The VBISD Early Childhood Department helps children and families build a strong foundation for lifelong success, from birth through kindergarten and beyond. Through high-quality preschool, special education, home visiting, developmental services, and family support, the department ensures every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
The department’s work begins at birth- not just in preschool. Whether families have questions, need resources, or are looking for support, the Early Childhood team connects them with the right services because there is truly no wrong door.
This year, the GSRP, ECSE, ECIT, Build Up, GSC, Early On, and Parents as Teachers (Family Links) teams strengthened collaboration across programs to create smoother transitions and a more connected experience for children and families.
Early childhood is about more than preschool, it’s about providing the support children need during the most critical years of development. VBISD believes every child deserves a strong start and every family deserves a partner along the way!

Van Buren Middle College helps students bridge the gap between high school and college by earning up to a full associate degree tuition-free while still in high school- saving families both time and money. More importantly, students receive personalized, wrap-around support every step of the way, including a dedicated 1-on-1 mentor for every student.
Serving all 11 school districts in Van Buren County, Middle College is about more than free college credits, it's about helping students succeed. While the average U.S. community college graduation rate is around 30%, Van Buren Middle College students graduate at a rate of over 90%, thanks to the holistic support system built around each learner.
At VBISD, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to dream big and work toward their goals. We're excited to continue that mission with a new team and new initiatives in the coming school year.

The Maple Creek Education Center (MCEC) is a centralized, self-contained special education program that serves students whose social-emotional and behavioral needs have significantly impacted their learning. Working closely with local districts and families, MCEC provides individualized support to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
One thing many people are surprised to learn is that MCEC is a very quiet building- a reflection of the calm, structured, and supportive environment created for students. This past year, two students successfully returned to their home districts full time, while three additional students began transitioning back through mainstream opportunities, with even more time in their local schools planned for the upcoming year!

One word that describes MCEC is Resilience.

Every day, dedicated staff work alongside incredible students to celebrate growth, overcome challenges, and prepare for future success.

A common misconception is that social-emotional and behavioral skills are different from academic skills. In reality, they are learned the same way- through instruction, practice, reinforcement, and encouragement.

VBISD Emergency Management partners with local districts to strengthen school safety by helping schools prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Through training, planning, and ongoing support, the department helps create safe and secure learning environments for students and staff.

One thing many people may not realize is the extensive training provided each year. During the 2025-2026 school year, VBISD Emergency Management delivered 125 trainings to more than 3,000 participants across Van Buren County!
One memorable highlight was teaching hands-only CPR to 4th-grade students, equipping young learners with lifesaving skills they can carry for years to come.

One word that describes Emergency Management: Preparedness.

At VBISD, we believe school safety starts with every one of us. Creating safe schools is a community effort, and everyone has a role to play.

A New Look for VBISD: Many Parts, One Identity.

Over the years, VBISD has grown to include an extensive range of departments, programs, services, educators, and partnerships. While each brings its own expertise and purpose, they all share one thing: they are part of VBISD. Our refreshed identity brings those pieces together under one unified brand, making it easier for our students, families, staff, and communities to recognize how everything connects back to VBISD. We’ve kept the colors from our previous logo as a nod to VBISD's history and tradition, while introducing a complementary color to bring a fresh, modern element that represents growth and innovation. This is more than simply a new logo. It’s a complete visual identity designed to create recognition, consistency, and connection across the organization. And while our look is changing, we’re not leaving our history behind. We’re honoring our past while responsibly preparing for our future.

One organization. One identity. One shared mission. Together, we are VBISD!

As you begin to see the new identity across VBISD’s digital platforms and communications, you’ll notice that our departments and programs will now be represented by the new VBISD logo paired with their specific names, creating a consistent visual connection across the organization while still highlighting the unique services each provides. We’re proud to be an educational organization committed to Providing Educational Services for a Better Tomorrow, supporting students, educators, families, and communities across Van Buren County!

Every student can succeed with the right support! VBISD's Migrant Education math program helps students build confidence and strengthen their math skills by providing assessments, targeted interventions, one-on-one support, and resources for teachers. Beyond the numbers, it's about meeting students where they are and giving them the time and opportunity to grow.
One thing that often surprises people is the students' eagerness to learn. They actively seek extra help, embrace new challenges, and create a positive learning environment where growth can flourish.

This past year, students made impressive gains in both math and reading, while families continued to receive the support they needed. One especially memorable success was working with a student who arrived speaking no English but eagerly practiced both math and conversational English each day. Watching his confidence grow was a powerful reminder that learning is about relationships as much as academics.

As we look ahead to the new school year, we're excited to welcome back familiar faces, meet new students, and continue living our belief that every child can learn when given the time, support, and opportunity to succeed.

Welcoming the Next Generation of Educators!
VBISD's Instructional Services team welcomed new and early-career educators to New Teacher Academy, a three-day experience focused on building confidence, strengthening instructional practices, and connecting educators with the tools and support they need to thrive. From classroom management and trauma-informed practices to instructional strategies, MTSS, family engagement, and more, teachers gained practical ideas they can take directly into their classrooms.
A highlight of the academy was the Teacher Panel, featuring outstanding educators from districts and grade levels across Van Buren County. New teachers had the opportunity to hear authentic experiences, practical advice, and lessons learned directly from educators who are doing the work every day. We’re grateful to all of the presenters, facilitators, and teacher panelists who shared their expertise and helped welcome our newest educators to the profession!

The VBISD Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) team provides special education services and supports for children birth through age 5, partnering with families, local districts, and early childhood programs to help children build a strong foundation for success.

A common misconception is that special education always means separate settings. In reality, the team focuses on inclusive opportunities whenever possible. Last year, more than 65% of preschool-aged students with IEPs were supported in general education preschool classrooms, and are continuing to grow those opportunities!

During the 2025-2026 school year, the Early Childhood Intervention Team provided IEP services and supports for 160+ students in general education preschool settings and completed 105 special education evaluation referrals.

As they look ahead, they are excited to continue supporting young children, families, and educators through those important first school experiences.

At VBISD, we believe our youngest learners and their families deserve the very best we can offer!

The VBISD Multilingual & Migrant Services team supports newcomer, immigrant, migrant, and multilingual students through English language instruction, academic support, summer programming, home visits, translation and interpretation, and advocacy, while also helping educators better serve multilingual learners. Through Project NOMAD, the team provides summer learning and enrichment for children of migrant workers.

Did you know Van Buren County has the largest migrant worker population in Michigan? Supporting these students is one way the team gives back to the families who contribute so much to local communities and the economy. From the team’s first multilingual field trip to helping students build the confidence to advocate for themselves, the team is passionate about creating opportunity, celebrating diversity, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed!

Supporting students means supporting their mental health. VBISD's Mental Health Clinician Team provides individual and group therapy services, partners with schools to strengthen student supports, and works alongside districts to promote positive mental health through professional development, crisis response, and community initiatives.

During the 2025–2026 school year, our team provided 6,454 individual therapy sessions, 267 group therapy sessions, and 157 crisis interventions, ensuring students received the care and support they needed during some of their most difficult moments.
Many people are surprised to learn that our services are available regardless of a family's insurance status, with referrals coordinated through each district's Child Study Team. At VBISD, we believe in the power of mental health recovery and remain committed to helping every student build the emotional well-being they need to learn, grow, and thrive!

VBISD Multilingual & Migrant Services and Project NOMAD support multilingual learners and children of migratory families by closing learning gaps, strengthening language skills, and providing academic and enrichment experiences through summer learning and year-round support.
Project NOMAD offers a six-week summer program for students whose learning has been interrupted by frequent moves, combining reading, math, STEM, PE, and nutrition in a supportive environment where students are excited to learn each day.
Our team provides more than instruction, we build relationships, advocate for families, and ensure students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
We are proud to be one of the largest migrant summer programs in the region, serving students from multiple districts and beyond Van Buren County, with many staff returning year after year to provide familiar, trusted support. From academic growth and increased confidence to life-changing milestones like graduation, we celebrate every success.
At VBISD, we believe every child deserves access to opportunity, belonging, and the chance to grow because investing in students and families strengthens our entire community!

WE'RE HIRING! At VBISD, every role plays a part in supporting student success. From classrooms to transportation to behind-the-scenes support, our team makes a difference every day.

The VBISD Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) team provides special education services and supports for children birth through age 5, partnering with families, local districts, and early childhood programs to help children build a strong foundation for success.
A common misconception is that special education always means separate settings. In reality, the team focuses on inclusive opportunities whenever possible. Last year, more than 65% of preschool-aged students with IEPs were supported in general education preschool classrooms, and are continuing to grow those opportunities!
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Early Childhood Intervention Team provided IEP services and supports for 160+ students in general education preschool settings and completed 105 special education evaluation referrals.
As they look ahead, they are excited to continue supporting young children, families, and educators through those important first school experiences.
At VBISD, we believe our youngest learners and their families deserve the very best we can offer!