🎉 What an unforgettable homecoming week across our district! 🖤🧡

From start to finish, students in all three buildings brought incredible energy to the spirit days all week long!

On Tuesday, the seniors rolled to a win over the juniors in the annual powderpuff football game.

Friday’s homecoming pep rally took the excitement to the next level. The Rock, Paper, Scissors Showdown matched high school students and teachers throughout the day, culminating in an epic championship match between two seniors at the pep rally. Congratulations to Evan Hutton for winning the competition!

The homecoming court was also introduced at the pep rally, and they brought top-tier entertainment to the event as they made grand entrances dressed as characters from Rocky to Frozen to superheroes.

Thank you to our students, staff, and school community for helping us have a great homecoming week. Have a fantastic and safe homecoming weekend! 🖤🧡
about 19 hours ago, Brian Bratt
A picture of two homecoming court attendants being introduced at the pep rally.
A picture of two students competing in the semifinals of the rock, paper, scissors battle.
A picture of the football team performing with the cheerleaders.
A picture of one of the homecoming court attendants being introduced at the pep rally.
A picture of the cheerleaders leading the juniors in a cheer.
A picture of the cheerleaders asking the students to cheer for their favorite couple.
A picture of a student stacking boxes for one of the pep rally games.
A picture of two homecoming court attendants being introduced at the pep rally.
The football team gathers for a picture at the conclusion of their routine with the cheerleaders.
A picture of two homecoming court attendants being introduced at the pep rally.
🚜 Hands-on learning at SheDig 🏗️

Five of our high school students participated in the SheDig Ohio event at the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Center in Cygnet on October 1.

During the event, students explored career pathways in the skilled trades, gained insight into apprenticeship opportunities, and experienced operating heavy equipment, including cranes, forklifts, backhoes, and more.

We appreciate our students taking advantage of opportunities to experience future career options so they can make informed decisions about their post-high school lives. We are committed to building experiences and building connections that help our students discover their passions and develop into respectful, responsible, and resilient future leaders. 🖤🧡
1 day ago, Brian Bratt
A picture of the five students and chaperone who attended the SheDig Ohio event on October 1.
A picture of a student running equipment to swing a wrecking ball.
A picture of a student driving a forklift.
A picture of a student maneuvering a backhoe.
A picture of a student operating a crane.
A picture of two students posing in front of a SheDig Ohio sign.
Van Buren High School is proud to announce that Carter Jackson has being selected to represent our school district as part of the OMEA All-State Choir for the third consecutive year!

Learn more about this outstanding achievement at https://www.vbschools.net/article/3164920.
2 days ago, Brian Bratt
A graphic for the VB News article titled "Jackson Named to All-State Choir for Third Consecutive Year
More Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
3 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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🧸 Nostalgia meets language learning in CCP Spanish III 🧸

Our CCP Spanish III students have been practicing how to talk about the past, and today they put their language skills into practice with a classic childhood activity - show-and-tell.

Students brought in childhood treasures, including Legos, special stuffed animals, and Shopkins, and shared stories and favorite memories entirely in Spanish. It was a fun, interactive trip down memory lane that allowed them to refine their language skills while building strong connections in Mrs. Leddy’s classroom.
3 days ago, Brian Bratt
A picture of a CCP Spanish III student posing with a Spongebob Squarepants stuffed creature.
A picture of a CCP Spanish III student posing with a stuffed animal.
A picture of a CCP Spanish III student posing with his Lego figurine.
A picture of a CCP Spanish III student posing with a Thomas the Train toy.

A message from our school district's CFO/Treasurer Mrs. Cathy Schuller that appeared in The Knights' Ledger portion of the September 2026 Knights in the Know:

Our school district is excited to now offer breakfast to all of our students in the elementary, middle, and high schools for $2.00. Providing convenient access to a nutritious, balanced morning meal ensures our students arrive in their classrooms focused, energized, and prepared to achieve academic excellence.

We also want to encourage families eligible for free and reduced-cost meals to participate in the USDA's National School Lunch and Breakfast Program (NSLP). This federal program is meant to be used, and we want to assure you that having families participate in it does not negatively impact the finances of our district. On the contrary, student participation directly strengthens our school community. When one of our students in the NSLP receives a free/reduced breakfast or lunch, our school district is reimbursed, bringing essential funds back to our food service department while ensuring every child receives proper nutrition. Students receiving a free/reduced lunch can also receive a free/reduced breakfast on the same day throughout the entire school year. We want to encourage students in the program to eat a breakfast and lunch daily.

Increased participation in the pilot breakfast program assists the food service department in maintaining a balanced budget. We want to serve students and their families by contributing to the development of our students' physical, emotional, social, and intellectual well-being, and the NSLP is just one tool helping us achieve that goal.

Applications for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program are completely confidential and may be submitted at any time of the school year if a family’s financial situation changes due to job loss, medical expenses, changes in household size, or any other qualifying circumstance. Student confidentiality is maintained by having NSLP students use the exact same PIN system as paying students, so no one knows who is or isn’t part of the program.

Families can apply for NSLP at PaySchoolsCentral.com. Anyone needing assistance with the application for any reason, including identifying a student’s ID number, can contact Mrs. Chelsea Griffith, food service supervisor, at cgriffith@vbschools.net or 419-299-3578 x240.

Click to learn more about our breakfast program.

Click to access breakfast and lunch menus.

3 days ago, Brian Bratt
A picture of Treasurer Mrs. Cathy Schuller
👑 It’s Homecoming Week, Black Knights! 🖤🧡

Homecoming week has finally arrived, and we are excited to celebrate our school spirit, traditions, and students all week long.

Congratulations to the 2026 Homecoming Court, which includes Kayla Bowman, Jordan Patton, Ellie Scoles, Brooklyn Wilkin, Lilli Wilson, Brayden Howard, Trace Kisseberth, Talan Konwiczka, Zane Marquette, and Jake Schroeder! 👑

Mark your calendars to come out to support our students at this week's homecoming events:

🏈 Powderpuff Game: Tuesday at 7:00 P.M.

👑 Coronation Ceremony: Friday at 6:00 P.M.

🏈 Homecoming Football Game Kickoff: Friday at 7:00 P.M.

Bring your school spirit, cheer loudly, and let’s make some great memories together! 🖤🧡
5 days ago, Brian Bratt
Picture of the 2026 Homecoming Court, including Kayla Bowman, Jordan Patton, Ellie Scoles, Brooklyn Wilkin, Lilli Wilson, Brayden Howard, Trace Kisseberth, Talan Konwiczka, Zane Marquette, and Jake Schroeder.
Congrats to our September Knights of the Round Table! #BeABlackKnight
5 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to Elliot for his Positive Behavior Referral! #BeABlackKnight
5 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Our elementary gymnasium was packed with smiles and laughter today for Grandparents & VIPs Day!

Students from every grade level loved showing off our school and jumping into fun games alongside their guests. Watching all ages play, connect, and enjoy quality time together in our school was one of the highlights of our week.

With building connections as a cornerstone of our district mission, today’s event was a reminder of how strong our Black Knight community is when generations come together.

Thank you to the grandparents and VIPs who spent a portion of their day with us and made unforgettable memories with our students. We appreciate you!
8 days ago, Brian Bratt
A picture showing a student and a VIP playing the game "Guess Who."
A picture showing a student and a VIP playing Connect Four.
A picture showing a student and VIP playing checkers.
A student and her VIPs play the game Sorry.
A picture of a student and VIP taking a selfie at the event.
A picture of a student and VIP playing a game involving a grandma sitting in a chair.
A picture of a student and two of her VIPs playing a balancing game.
A picture of a student and his two VIPs playing an alternate form of checkers.
A picture of a student and her two VIPs playing a card game.
A picture of a student and VIP playing the game Life.
On Thursday, September 24, our school district hosted members of the Coalition of Ohio Rural and Small-Town Schools (CORAS) for their regional meeting to continue advocating for fair funding, effective policy, and stronger opportunities for schools like ours around the state.

Van Buren has been a CORAS member since the 2024-2025 school year, and there are more than 150 districts across 46 Ohio counties participating in the coalition.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Inkrott is one of the coalition’s six board members led by Executive Director Dr. Richard Murray.

In addition to superintendents from around Northwest Ohio, other participants in the meeting included former Ohio Senator Mr. Randy Gardner, President of the State Board of Education Mr. Paul LaRue, and Ohio State Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Philip Wagner.

We are proud that our district is playing a role in advocating for our students and those around the state!
8 days ago, Brian Bratt
A picture showing VB Superintendent Dr. Jason Inkrott and CORAS Executive Director Dr. Richard Murray presenting during the meeting.
A picture showing State Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Philip Wagner speaking about the work being done at the state level to support schools.
Congrats to Parks & Cam for their Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
9 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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More Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
10 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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More Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
11 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Join our team this school year as the Assistant Treasurer/Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist. To learn more about the position or apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/VBEmployment
15 days ago, Van Buren Schools
Join Our Team - Assistant Treasurer/Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist
1st Positive Behavior Referral of the year! #BeABlackKnight
16 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to our 1st Positive Behavior Referrals for the 26-27 school year! #BeABlackKnight
16 days ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Join our team as a substitute food service worker! Apply at https://bit.ly/VBemployment
16 days ago, Van Buren Schools
Join Our Team - Substitute Food Service

Did you forget to purchase a yearbook either of the last two years? If so, you’re in luck! HS/MS (Knight) and elementary (Squire) editions are both available for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

When purchasing, please make checks out to Van Buren Local Schools and direct payment and questions to Ms. Chelsea Burden, yearbook advisor, in Room 231 or 419-299-3384 x415.

17 days ago, Brian Bratt
Graphic telling people there are extra yearbooks from the last two years available for purchase.
Congratulations to 2026 graduates David Cavera, Maverick DeWalt, Carter Fry, and Andrew Puperi for earning the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar award for their performance on AP exams taken as students at Van Buren High School.

To learn more about this award, read the story on our website: https://www.vbschools.net/article/3130178.
18 days ago, Brian Bratt
2026 Graduates Earn AP Scholar Recognition graphic