✨🎄 A Day Full of Thinking, Making Connections, and Participating in Experiences at Van Buren! 🎄✨

Today was one of those days that reminds us what makes Van Buren special. Across our buildings, students and staff were busy building thinkers, building connections, and building experiences in the best possible ways:

📚 Middle school students challenged their minds during the Spelling Bee.
🤝 Middle school students also practiced for The Amazing Shake, and the mid-year winners received certificates.
🎅 An elf (Mr. Newcomer!) made a surprise appearance on the elementary roof.
🎶 High school Spanish and elementary students spread holiday cheer with caroling.
🎉 High school students celebrated Winterfest during the last two periods of the day.
🍽️ District administrators jumped in to help serve lunch.
🎨 Art students began adding new life to artwork they will eventually donate back to Habitat for Humanity.

It was a joyful, memorable day—the perfect way to head into break. We’re proud of our students and staff for making days like this possible. 🧡
12 days ago, Brian Bratt
A middle school student participates in the Spelling Bee.
Middle school Amazing Shake  mid-year winners
An elf (Mr. Newcomer) made a surprise appearance on the elementary roof.
Mrs. Leddy's Spanish students sing carols.
Elementary students sing carols at the end of the day.
High school students participate in minute-to-win-it games as part of Winterfest.
Superintendent Dr. Inkrott serves up toppings for a student's baked potato.
A high school art student confers with Mr. Frey regarding what she will be adding to her Habitat for Humanity artwork.
🐝 Spell-tacular Success! 🐝

Congratulations to Josh Schroeder, Clayton Beard, and Ben Helms for spelling their way to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in this morning’s Middle School Spelling Bee held in the auditorium.

All of the participants showed incredible focus, confidence, and vocabulary skills. We’re proud of all of you! 🏆
12 days ago, Brian Bratt
The Middle School Spelling Bee winners!
All of the spelling bee participants
A speller completes a word while the other participants wait their turn.
A participant spells a word.
A participant spells a word while the judges confirm the spelling.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Zippy & Buddy! #BeABlackKnight
13 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to Hank & Kinsley for their Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
13 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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More Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
14 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to Mrs. Gunder's 1st class and Lucy & Krew for their Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
16 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to 5th Grade for their Positive Behavior Referral! #BeABlackKnight
16 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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🎨✨ Creativity with a Purpose! ✨🖌️

On Thursday, Mr. Derek Frey’s Art I–IV students took a behind-the-scenes trip to Habitat for Humanity in Findlay, which is the first step in an exciting creative partnership they have formed.

While there, students selected donated pieces of artwork and will now reimagine them, adding their own creative vision to give each piece new life. The transformed artwork will be featured in a Habitat for Humanity art auction in 2026, allowing students to have a role in supporting Habitat in a unique way.

We’re grateful to Mr. Frey and Habitat for Humanity for partnering to provide our students with a meaningful, real-world artistic experience that blends creativity, community, and service.
16 days ago, Brian Bratt
Students learn more about Habitat for Humanity.
Students pose with the pieces they will be transforming for the Habitat art auction.
Congrats to Sadie & Emmett for their Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
17 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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If you visited the Twinkle Lights display at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, you may have spotted some familiar faces spreading holiday cheer. ✨🎄 Eight of our Ag students (Rachel Betts, Jackson Daniel, Katie Koehler, Mia Leatherman, Drew Powell, Ethan Smith, Leander Sterling, Emily Walter) volunteered their time by serving in a variety of roles, from portraying festive characters 🎅🤶 to helping direct traffic and keeping the event running smoothly.

We are proud of these students for representing our school so well and giving back to the community!
18 days ago, Brian Bratt
Ag students volunteer at Twinkle Lights  - 1
Ag students volunteer at Twinkle Lights  - 2
Ag students volunteer at Twinkle Lights  - 3
Elementary After-School STEM Club Registration Open Now!

Click on the site below for more information and registration!

https://cohlrich.my.canva.site/
18 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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More Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
19 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Last Friday was a powerful example of what it means to build thinkers, connections, and experiences at VB.

The day began with our high school students visiting the elementary to share a love of reading with first, second, third, and fourth graders while creating meaningful connections during Buddy Reads. A few teachers even joined in, making the morning even more special.

Later, 18 sophomore English students traveled up I-75 to explore BGSU’s Center for Archival Collections. As they prepare Ohio History Day projects for the regional contest on March 7 at BGSU, this hands-on experience introduced them to new research possibilities and deepened their understanding of historical inquiry.

From classrooms to college campuses, VB students are learning, connecting, and growing every step of the way.
21 days ago, Brian Bratt
Buddy Reads 1
Buddy Reads 3
Buddy Reads 2
Buddy Reads 4
BGSU Center for Archival Collections 1
BGSU Center for Archival Collections 2
BGSU Center for Archival Collections 3
🔥🌶️ Warm up this winter and support a great cause at the Van Buren Education Association’s Annual Chili Cook Off!

📅 Friday, January 16
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Van Buren High School Cafeteria/Commons Area

Enjoy homemade chili, vote for your favorite, and help raise funds for the VBEA Scholarship Fund, awarded each year to a graduating VB senior pursuing a career in education. 🎓✨

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://forms.gle/EMVT4BQEwbt1Uotu8
23 days ago, Van Buren Schools
Chili Cook Off Flyer
Congrats to Ada for her Positive Behavior Referral! #BeABlackKnight
23 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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❄️✨ Winter Spirit Week starts Monday! ✨❄️
Grab your holiday gear and get ready for themed days, fun outfits, and lots of VB spirit. Check out the graphic and join us in celebrating the season!
23 days ago, Van Buren Schools
Winter Spirit Week Flyer
Congrats to our November Knights of the Round Table! #BeABlackKnight
24 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to our December Knights of the Round Table & Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
24 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Some elementary staff members recently volunteered for Coats for Christmas by hanging and sorting coats.

Mrs. Cassie Ohlrich started the tradition of the staff volunteering for this local cause years ago, and they are continuing to serve in her honor.

Volunteers included Nicole Craft, Meg Davis, Morgan Slone, Amy Tabler, Denise Bowman, Katie Griffin, Cheri May, Kylie Foster, and Brian Beining.

We appreciate our teachers having a positive impact on our community!
24 days ago, Brian Bratt
Elementary staff members volunteered for Coats for Christmas this year in honor of Cassie Ohlrich.
Sophomores, remember that the Millstream Career Center Sophomore Career Night is Thursday, December 11, from 5:00-6:30 P.M. This is a great opportunity to visit the programs that interest you, talk to the teachers, and have conversations with your family about your career interests before the January 16, 2026, application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year.
25 days ago, Brian Bratt
Millstream Sophomore Open House - Thursday, December 11