eNews

VBMS eNews - April 2020

Van Buren Middle School 

Good afternoon VBMS families,

Our VBMS@home remote learning will continue through May 22.  I want to share that we know that remote learning is not equivalent to face-to-face interaction in our classrooms.  Our first goal is to ensure that our students are safe, connected, and supported.  It is only after those needs are met that we educate.  Our #VB1team (students, families, and staff) i doing a terrific job and from my perspective seeing the "big picture", there's so much of which to be proud.  

As a district, we've made decisions on a number of our year-end processes and events, which are outlined below.  Please take a moment to read through everything and let me know if you have any questions.

If you or your family is in need of either emotional support, food or anything else, please reach out.  Find community mental health resources here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WJ8JdtyiEwA2YMYAojGelA0ekde5m842/view 

Let's take care of each-other,

Jay Clark


8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
The class of 2024 will experience a virtual Moving Up ceremony, attempting to replicate our annual in-person event. eighth graders should watch their email for details and we'll also share the final product on the VBMS social media feeds.


K-12 End-of-Year Supplies Pick-Up and Return

  • Tuesday, May 26 2:00pm - 7:00pm Families with the last name starting with letters A-H
  • Wednesday, May 27 2:00pm - 7:00pm Families with the last name starting with letters I-Q
  • Thursday, May 28 2:00pm - 7:00pm Families with the last name starting with letters R-Z
  • Friday, May 29 9:00am - 2:00pm Office will be open to pick-up any forgotten or “lost & found” items

When arriving for supplies pick-up or drop-off, please pull up to the building entrance and stay in your vehicle.  A district staff member will assist you in picking-up or returning supplies.

Student Supplies Still at School:  District staff will clean-out lockers and desks and place all items to be returned to students in plastic bags.

Athletic Supplies:  Please return any supplies belonging to the Athletic Department during the scheduled times listed above.

Technology Devices:  All student devices will remain at home over the summer, with the exception of seniors or any students not returning to Van Buren for the 2020-2021 school year.

Seniors and non-returning students will need to return their device and charger cord during the scheduled times listed above.

If parents in grades K-11 would like to return any devices, they may do so during the scheduled times listed above.

Summer Technology Expectations:

  • Responsibilities and policies outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy which was signed by both parent/guardian and student at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year are still in effect
  • Families will be held responsible for any lost or damaged devices.
  • If you need assistance or a device requires repair, please contact helpdesk@vbschools.net

Library Book Return:  Library books can be returned at any time. Please return books to the appropriate middle/high school bin or elementary bin located in the entryway of the elementary school. Library books can also be returned at the scheduled times listed above.


Food Available for Families

Meal bags will continue to be available outside the middle school/high school office on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm through Thursday, May 21, 2020.


Van Buren Schools COVID-19 Webpage

All school communications related to the building closure and remote learning is available in one place:  https://www.vbschools.net/o/vbs/page/covid-19-resources--6 

Stay connected!  @vanburenms on Facebook and Twitter