This was the first year the Early Childhood Department offered full-day ECSE programming for 4-year-olds across VBISD. This is significant because it gives young children more time for learning, skill development, social growth, and specialized support during a critical stage of development. It also reflects VBISD’s commitment to expanding early intervention opportunities and creating stronger foundations for student success before kindergarten.
Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is now open to ALL four-year-olds!
This is more than preschool- it’s a powerful, state-funded opportunity to give every child a strong, confident start before kindergarten. As Michigan’s top-ranked PreK program, GSRP is free for families across the state, expanding access to high-quality early learning like never before. While priority is still given to children who need it most, the vision is clear: PreK for All because every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning!
This is more than preschool- it’s a powerful, state-funded opportunity to give every child a strong, confident start before kindergarten. As Michigan’s top-ranked PreK program, GSRP is free for families across the state, expanding access to high-quality early learning like never before. While priority is still given to children who need it most, the vision is clear: PreK for All because every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning!
After nearly nine months of working alongside a family, it has been incredible to witness their 21-month-old begin to close the gap in his language development. What was once mostly occasional “Mama” and “Dada” has grown into consistent new words, and even emerging two-word phrases within just the past month.
This progress has been supported through the family’s active participation in Family Links, Early On, and additional therapies through VBISD and Bronson Healthcare. Their commitment and consistency have truly made a difference! As the family shared, they feel understood and supported, and that belief and connection have played a meaningful role in their journey. When reflecting on the child’s progress, they described it as “finally clicking,” and shared their intention to continue with services, as they are already seeing the benefits.
Their progress is a powerful reminder of what can happen when families feel supported, engaged, and consistent with early intervention services.
-Family Educator, Juliet
This progress has been supported through the family’s active participation in Family Links, Early On, and additional therapies through VBISD and Bronson Healthcare. Their commitment and consistency have truly made a difference! As the family shared, they feel understood and supported, and that belief and connection have played a meaningful role in their journey. When reflecting on the child’s progress, they described it as “finally clicking,” and shared their intention to continue with services, as they are already seeing the benefits.
Their progress is a powerful reminder of what can happen when families feel supported, engaged, and consistent with early intervention services.
-Family Educator, Juliet
At the VBISD Community-based Transition Center (CTC), students gain so much more than classroom experience, they build friendships, grow in confidence, and learn the life skills needed for adulthood and independence.
“I love CTC because we are a whole big family and we can be ourselves without hiding in a shell. You can build friendships by sitting down and talking to someone.” -Amirra
At CTC, students are empowered to be themselves, connect with others, and build a future full of possibility!
“I love CTC because we are a whole big family and we can be ourselves without hiding in a shell. You can build friendships by sitting down and talking to someone.” -Amirra
At CTC, students are empowered to be themselves, connect with others, and build a future full of possibility!
VBISD’s Early Childhood Department continues to lead with impact, care, and a deep commitment to every child’s success. During the 2025-2026 school year, the Early Childhood Inclusion team (ECIT) provided specialized supports and services to more than 150 students with IEPs across GSRP and Flowers/Head Start classrooms, while also completing 102 evaluations for initial special education eligibility.
Through their expertise, collaboration, and dedication to early intervention, this incredible team is ensuring students receive the support they need from the very beginning- creating strong foundations for lifelong learning!
Through their expertise, collaboration, and dedication to early intervention, this incredible team is ensuring students receive the support they need from the very beginning- creating strong foundations for lifelong learning!
The VBISD Community-based Transition Center is empowering students with the skills they need for life beyond the classroom. Through real-world experiences, independence-building, and individualized support, students are gaining confidence and preparing for their next chapter with purpose!
This year, VBISD’s Early Childhood Special Education program has supported approximately 70 students across six classrooms- each one thoughtfully designed to meet diverse learning needs and create a strong foundation for growth.
Behind this work is a dedicated team of early childhood professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and collaboration into every classroom. From individualized support and inclusive practices to strong partnerships with families, the focus is always on meeting each child where they are and helping them succeed. At VBISD, it takes a team, and that team is committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive from the very start!
Behind this work is a dedicated team of early childhood professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and collaboration into every classroom. From individualized support and inclusive practices to strong partnerships with families, the focus is always on meeting each child where they are and helping them succeed. At VBISD, it takes a team, and that team is committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive from the very start!
VBISD’s Early Childhood Department is making a powerful impact by ensuring every child in Van Buren County has access to a strong start. Through partnerships with all local school districts, VBISD offers FREE PreK for all families, with 1–5 classrooms in each district, as well as collaborations with three local childcare centers. This year alone, that means 26 classrooms serving nearly 500 children- expanding access, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for early learning across the entire county!
This work is especially critical during the earliest years of life, when brain development is at its peak. By age 3, a child’s brain reaches about 80% of its development, and by age 5, it’s around 90%. VBISD recognizes that learning begins long before a child enters a classroom. That’s why the Early Childhood Department also supports families from the very beginning through its nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program, locally known as Family Links.
Six dedicated Family Educators provide in-home support for families from prenatal stages through school entry, using the research-based Born to Learn curriculum to guide parents in helping their child’s growth, development, and readiness for school.
Together, these efforts reflect VBISD’s commitment to supporting not just students, but entire families, building a foundation for lifelong learning, success, and well-being.
This work is especially critical during the earliest years of life, when brain development is at its peak. By age 3, a child’s brain reaches about 80% of its development, and by age 5, it’s around 90%. VBISD recognizes that learning begins long before a child enters a classroom. That’s why the Early Childhood Department also supports families from the very beginning through its nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program, locally known as Family Links.
Six dedicated Family Educators provide in-home support for families from prenatal stages through school entry, using the research-based Born to Learn curriculum to guide parents in helping their child’s growth, development, and readiness for school.
Together, these efforts reflect VBISD’s commitment to supporting not just students, but entire families, building a foundation for lifelong learning, success, and well-being.
Project SHINE, a program within Van Buren ISD Instructional Services, recently brought a Farmers Market experience to students at Maple Creek Education Center, creating an exciting opportunity for students to connect with fresh, healthy foods in a hands-on approach. Students had the opportunity to shop for free fresh fruits and vegetables while connecting the foods they selected to the health, nutrition, and fitness lessons they’ve been learning about all year long through Project SHINE. This experience brought fresh, locally grown food directly to students while also creating connections to healthy living, local agriculture, and community partnerships.
A HUGE thank you to the amazing community partners who helped make this event possible and so impactful: ValleyHUB KVCC, Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Green Wagon Farm, and Crisp Country Acres
Experiences like this are so important for students because they help build an understanding of where food comes from, the important role local farmers play in our communities, and how agriculture impacts both health and our local economy. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students gain knowledge they can carry with them for life!
Project SHINE continues to make a lasting impact by delivering engaging health, nutrition, and fitness lessons that empower students to make healthy choices, explore new opportunities, and build lifelong wellness habits. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this day unforgettable for Maple Creek students.
A HUGE thank you to the amazing community partners who helped make this event possible and so impactful: ValleyHUB KVCC, Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Green Wagon Farm, and Crisp Country Acres
Experiences like this are so important for students because they help build an understanding of where food comes from, the important role local farmers play in our communities, and how agriculture impacts both health and our local economy. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students gain knowledge they can carry with them for life!
Project SHINE continues to make a lasting impact by delivering engaging health, nutrition, and fitness lessons that empower students to make healthy choices, explore new opportunities, and build lifelong wellness habits. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this day unforgettable for Maple Creek students.
Congratulations to the VBISD Grow Your Own graduates! This incredible group of individuals has dedicated themselves to advancing their education, strengthening their skills, and investing in the future of students across Van Buren County. Through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning, these graduates have taken an important step forward in their educational journeys and careers. The Grow Your Own program is built on the belief that the best way to strengthen our schools is to strengthen talent from within our own communities. We are proud of each graduate and grateful for the passion and dedication they bring to serving students. Congratulations on this incredible achievement. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see the impact you'll continue to make in our schools and communities!
Western Michigan University Graduates:
Melissa Bertch
Armandina Calderon
Sydney Doroh
Kristen Ely
Lupita Eufracio
Nicole Guminski
Jessica Hodge
Renee Hostetler
Jessica Ingraham
Nicole Johnson
Jeanette Latham
Celeste Martinez
Chloe Mielke
Janice Pantelleria
Nichole Plume
Mackenzie Raymond
Isabel Calderon
Tonya Conklin
Jennifer Fabian
Jazmin Guzman
Angelica Heine
Renee Moses
Mindy Owsiany
Graig Stacy
Michele Johnson
Shalace Ladawn
Kaitlyn Mann
Jacquelyn Salefske
Dawn Sexton
Yesenia Soto
Kimberly Aboagye
Chloe Irons
Aubrielle Wilder
Suzanne Baker
Jennifer Dalton
Andrea Eash
Brianna Warner
Maria Reo
Jennifer Sturgis
Susan Till
University of Olivet Graduates
Montana Cease
Clint Colburn
Brenda Craig
Mary Harvey
Kendalyn Haskins
Kody Hillring
Courtnie Holmes
Mikayla Larson
Grace Parker
Madison Potter
Caitlin Reeder
Saul Romero
Bridgette Saidla
The VBISD Early Childhood Department’s Family Links- Parents as Teachers Blue Ribbon Affiliate recently hosted a sleep routines training for young families in the community. While parents participated in a presentation focused on developing healthy and consistent bedtime routines, children also received stuffed bears, decorating “bear beds,” and practicing bedtime routines alongside their caregivers’ learning experience. Families left with practical strategies to support successful sleep routines at home, and each child received a new pair of Carter’s pajamas and their own “sleepy bear.”
Communication is more than words- it’s connection, confidence, and opportunity. Through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, our special education teams are empowering students to express themselves, engage in learning, and build meaningful relationships.
AAC doesn’t just support individual students, it enhances the learning environment for everyone. By creating inclusive classrooms where all voices are heard, we’re developing spaces where every student has the chance to succeed.
AAC doesn’t just support individual students, it enhances the learning environment for everyone. By creating inclusive classrooms where all voices are heard, we’re developing spaces where every student has the chance to succeed.
VBISD Emergency Management is hosting National Stop the Bleed Training on May 22, 2026, at the VBISD Conference Center in Lawrence. Free 1-hour public training sessions will be offered at 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM, teaching life-saving skills such as recognizing severe bleeding, applying direct pressure, using a tourniquet, and wound packing. Open to all community members- no medical experience needed.
Join us in building a safer, more prepared Van Buren County.
Walk-ins welcome- Registration, preferred contact mmartinak@vbisd.org for more information and details.
Join us in building a safer, more prepared Van Buren County.
Walk-ins welcome- Registration, preferred contact mmartinak@vbisd.org for more information and details.
The VBISD Special Education team continues to make a life-changing impact for students and families across our local communities through dedication, collaboration, and unwavering care. In Lawrence Public Schools, staff worked closely with a student who has significant developmental needs, providing consistent support and thoughtful planning that led to meaningful progress. Their efforts helped create new opportunities for the student and family, including being able to enjoy a family trip to the zoo for the very first time.
In Lawton Community Schools, the team began the year supporting a large group of incoming kindergarten students with significant needs. Through teamwork, individualized planning, staff training, and high expectations, they built systems that helped students thrive both in special education supports and in general education classrooms.
These stories reflect the incredible work of Van Buren Intermediate School District staff who partner alongside local schools to create opportunities, remove barriers, and help every child reach their full potential!
In Lawton Community Schools, the team began the year supporting a large group of incoming kindergarten students with significant needs. Through teamwork, individualized planning, staff training, and high expectations, they built systems that helped students thrive both in special education supports and in general education classrooms.
These stories reflect the incredible work of Van Buren Intermediate School District staff who partner alongside local schools to create opportunities, remove barriers, and help every child reach their full potential!
The VBISD Special Education Department continues to make an incredible impact for students and families across our county. So far in the 2025–2026 school year, the team has completed an outstanding 1,019 initial evaluations and triennial reevaluations for students with IEPs. A triennial reevaluation is a review completed at least every three years to assess a student’s progress, determine continued eligibility, and ensure services remain aligned to their needs. This important work helps ensure students receive the support, services, and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you to our dedicated staff for the life-changing difference you make each day!
Gayle Evans and Jodi Carroll helped identify an assistive technology solution for a middle school student who was hesitant to leave class for tests to be read aloud. Now, using a discreet screen reader with earbuds, she can complete assessments right alongside her peers- without disruption or separation.
This is what assistive technology is all about: simple, thoughtful tools that remove barriers and create equal access to learning opportunities for students of all ages. We are proud of the creativity, collaboration, and dedication our VBISD Special Education team brings to supporting every learner’s success!
This is what assistive technology is all about: simple, thoughtful tools that remove barriers and create equal access to learning opportunities for students of all ages. We are proud of the creativity, collaboration, and dedication our VBISD Special Education team brings to supporting every learner’s success!
Small but incredibly impactful, VBISD’s Physical Therapy team is made up of just five dedicated professionals serving approximately 160 students across Van Buren County. From Early On through high school and across multiple district programs, their reach is wide and their impact is deep!
These therapists travel throughout the county, providing services in both homes and schools to ensure students have the equipment, skills, and support needed to safely access their educational environments and participate alongside their peers. Collaboration is key to their work. Partnering closely with families, medical teams, and organizations like National Seating & Mobility, they help determine the most effective seating and mobility solutions for each student.
These therapists travel throughout the county, providing services in both homes and schools to ensure students have the equipment, skills, and support needed to safely access their educational environments and participate alongside their peers. Collaboration is key to their work. Partnering closely with families, medical teams, and organizations like National Seating & Mobility, they help determine the most effective seating and mobility solutions for each student.
Though small in size, VBISD’s Physical Therapy team makes a powerful impact- serving students from Early On through high school across 12 local districts, as well as Bert Goens Learning Center, the Community Transition Center, and Maple Creek Education Center.
Their work focuses on equipping students with the skills and specialized equipment needed to safely navigate their school environments and fully participate alongside their peers. Through strong collaboration with families, medical teams, and partners like National Seating & Mobility, they ensure each student receives high-quality, individualized support at home and in school, helping every learner move, engage, and succeed!
Their work focuses on equipping students with the skills and specialized equipment needed to safely navigate their school environments and fully participate alongside their peers. Through strong collaboration with families, medical teams, and partners like National Seating & Mobility, they ensure each student receives high-quality, individualized support at home and in school, helping every learner move, engage, and succeed!
PLANT SALE AT BGLC:
Friday, May 8th — 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 11th – May 15th — 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May 18th — 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (until sold out)
Annual Flowers
Flat of 48 — $20
OR cell packs of 4 plants for $2
Marigolds, Snapdragons, Dusty Miller, Petunias,
Impatiens, Salvia, and Zinnias
Also Available:
Begonias — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Coleus — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Geraniums — Flat of 15 for $20 or 4" pot for $2
Hanging Baskets:
Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
New Guinea Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Callie Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Wandering Jew — 10" basket for $15
Friday, May 8th — 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 11th – May 15th — 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May 18th — 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (until sold out)
Annual Flowers
Flat of 48 — $20
OR cell packs of 4 plants for $2
Marigolds, Snapdragons, Dusty Miller, Petunias,
Impatiens, Salvia, and Zinnias
Also Available:
Begonias — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Coleus — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Geraniums — Flat of 15 for $20 or 4" pot for $2
Hanging Baskets:
Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
New Guinea Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Callie Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Wandering Jew — 10" basket for $15
Every day, VBISD Special Education staff live out this message in the most powerful ways. In moments that require patience, understanding, and care, they choose compassion. In situations that are complex or challenging, they choose collaboration, problem-solving, and student-centered support.
That “space” is where their expertise shines as they guide students, support staff, and advocate for what every learner needs to succeed. Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt in every classroom, every breakthrough, and every student empowered to grow. VBISD is incredibly grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart the VBISD Special Education team brings each and every day.
That “space” is where their expertise shines as they guide students, support staff, and advocate for what every learner needs to succeed. Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt in every classroom, every breakthrough, and every student empowered to grow. VBISD is incredibly grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart the VBISD Special Education team brings each and every day.