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.
Access, advocacy, and support at every stage: VBISD’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program empowers students from birth through age 26 with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. With added access to no-cost hearing evaluations through an Educational Audiologist, this program is making a meaningful difference for students and families across Van Buren County!
At VBISD, our Special Education team plays a vital role in supporting students, staff, and school systems. Made up of highly qualified teacher consultants and school psychologists, some nationally certified and experienced across multiple states, they bring strong expertise in education and psychology to every building they serve.
Often working behind the scenes, they ensure timelines and processes are followed while strengthening systems like MTSS and PBIS. They collaborate with administrators and staff to navigate complex academic and behavioral challenges, providing guidance and support.
Though much of their work happens in meetings and planning, their impact is seen daily in classrooms. VBISD’s Special Education team is more than evaluators, they are dedicated advocates for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and champions for all students!
Often working behind the scenes, they ensure timelines and processes are followed while strengthening systems like MTSS and PBIS. They collaborate with administrators and staff to navigate complex academic and behavioral challenges, providing guidance and support.
Though much of their work happens in meetings and planning, their impact is seen daily in classrooms. VBISD’s Special Education team is more than evaluators, they are dedicated advocates for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and champions for all students!
Behind every student support plan is a team of dedicated VBISD employees working together to make sure students receive what they need to succeed. In Van Buren County, Special Education services are built through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process- developed collaboratively with families, educators, and support staff at the table.
In the 2024–25 school year alone, 4,462 IEP meetings were held across Van Buren County to design individualized plans for students with disabilities. This school year is already well underway, with 3,147 IEP meetings held to continue that important work.
These numbers reflect more than meetings, they reflect commitment, collaboration, and the ongoing effort to ensure every learner is supported in a meaningful, individualized way!
In the 2024–25 school year alone, 4,462 IEP meetings were held across Van Buren County to design individualized plans for students with disabilities. This school year is already well underway, with 3,147 IEP meetings held to continue that important work.
These numbers reflect more than meetings, they reflect commitment, collaboration, and the ongoing effort to ensure every learner is supported in a meaningful, individualized way!
At VBISD, school psychologists do much more than complete evaluations. While they often lead the special education evaluation process, their work is rooted in building strong systems of support for all learners.
They collaborate closely with school staff to ensure students receive the right level of support- whether that is special education services or interventions within general education. They also work directly with students to strengthen skills, build confidence, and support their capacity for learning. Their focus is not just identifying needs, but creating pathways for student success at every level!
They collaborate closely with school staff to ensure students receive the right level of support- whether that is special education services or interventions within general education. They also work directly with students to strengthen skills, build confidence, and support their capacity for learning. Their focus is not just identifying needs, but creating pathways for student success at every level!
Van Buren Tech is seeking a dynamic and student-centered Principal to lead with vision, integrity, and innovation. This leadership role focuses on student success through instructional excellence, strong school management, staff supervision, and community collaboration. We’re looking for an experienced educational leader who values career and technical education, develops a positive school culture, and is committed to helping students and staff thrive! For more information or to apply: www.vbisd.org/employment
Within the VBISD Special Education Department, our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind and Low Vision (BLV) teams continue to create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for students and families to learn and connect.
Each year, these programs host at least two family fun and learning nights designed to bring students together in a welcoming, engaging environment that supports both skill-building and community connection.
Our most recent event in December embraced a Winter Wonderland theme and welcomed more than 75 students and their families for an evening of learning, laughter, and connection!
We are incredibly proud of the dedicated VBISD staff who plan and facilitate these events with care, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting every learner and their family.
Each year, these programs host at least two family fun and learning nights designed to bring students together in a welcoming, engaging environment that supports both skill-building and community connection.
Our most recent event in December embraced a Winter Wonderland theme and welcomed more than 75 students and their families for an evening of learning, laughter, and connection!
We are incredibly proud of the dedicated VBISD staff who plan and facilitate these events with care, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting every learner and their family.
Van Buren Tech is seeking a dynamic and student-centered Principal to lead with vision, integrity, and innovation. This leadership role focuses on student success through instructional excellence, strong school management, staff supervision, and community collaboration. We’re looking for an experienced educational leader who values career and technical education, develops a positive school culture, and is committed to helping students and staff thrive!
For more information or to apply:
www.vbisd.org/employment
For more information or to apply:
www.vbisd.org/employment
Mark your calendars! April 30: 7th Annual Van Buren Community Baby Shower
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Committee of the Van Buren Great Start Collaborative is hosting a free baby shower for expecting families and those with infants under 15 months.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Van Buren ISD Conference Center 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence
Who Can Attend: Families who live or work in the Van Buren ISD service area; expecting or with infants under 15 months (no income requirements)
Event Includes: Registered families will receive a free gift bag while supplies last, and a meal with desserts will be provided. The event will include a Safe Sleep presentation, offered in both English and Spanish, which is required to be eligible for door prizes. Attendees can win door prizes such as Pack-n-Plays and other infant items. Additionally, community resources on prenatal, infant, and postpartum care will be available, with Spanish language support provided throughout the event.
Registration (recommended): forms.gle/bDxhJSBX3si3srhF9
Walk-ins welcome
Hosted by: Van Buren Great Start Collaborative (lead), HOPE Parent Resource Center, Van Buren Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council
Sponsored by: Van Buren ISD and Van Buren Great Start Collaborative, with support from Bronson Health Foundation
Additional partners: VBISD Family Coalition, Family Links, Early On; Van Buren DHHS; Bronson Healthcare and Safe Kids; InterCare (WIC); Van Buren District Library; Aetna Better Health; CMH/Substance Abuse Prevention; Flowers Early Learning (Head Start/EHS); Doula Services; Meridian Health; Friend of the Court; MiLEAP; Children’s Trust Michigan
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Committee of the Van Buren Great Start Collaborative is hosting a free baby shower for expecting families and those with infants under 15 months.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Van Buren ISD Conference Center 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence
Who Can Attend: Families who live or work in the Van Buren ISD service area; expecting or with infants under 15 months (no income requirements)
Event Includes: Registered families will receive a free gift bag while supplies last, and a meal with desserts will be provided. The event will include a Safe Sleep presentation, offered in both English and Spanish, which is required to be eligible for door prizes. Attendees can win door prizes such as Pack-n-Plays and other infant items. Additionally, community resources on prenatal, infant, and postpartum care will be available, with Spanish language support provided throughout the event.
Registration (recommended): forms.gle/bDxhJSBX3si3srhF9
Walk-ins welcome
Hosted by: Van Buren Great Start Collaborative (lead), HOPE Parent Resource Center, Van Buren Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council
Sponsored by: Van Buren ISD and Van Buren Great Start Collaborative, with support from Bronson Health Foundation
Additional partners: VBISD Family Coalition, Family Links, Early On; Van Buren DHHS; Bronson Healthcare and Safe Kids; InterCare (WIC); Van Buren District Library; Aetna Better Health; CMH/Substance Abuse Prevention; Flowers Early Learning (Head Start/EHS); Doula Services; Meridian Health; Friend of the Court; MiLEAP; Children’s Trust Michigan