Congrats to Chelsea for her Positive Behavior Referral!
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Congrats to our April Knights of the Round Table!
#BeABlackKnight
#BeABlackKnight
Congrats to Abram for his Positive Behavior Referral! Also a big thanks to our lunch monitors Bev, Candy, and Heidi for all their help during lunches and recess times!
#BeABlackKnight
Congrats to our Tell-A-Tale contest winners, Dakota in 1st and Gavin & Isaac in 5th!
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Congrats to to Christina for her Positive Behavior Referral!
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Congrats to our March Knights of the Round Table!
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More Positive Behavior Referrals!
#BeABlackKnight
Van Buren High School staff and students will be conducting our community service day on the morning of Friday, May 15, 2026. We are currently seeking ANY requests for service from the Van Buren school district, community, and the surrounding area. No jobs are too tough or too small. We will do our best to fulfill all requests.
Please consider completing this form for yourself or an organization that you represent:
bit.ly/VBserves26
Please consider completing this form for yourself or an organization that you represent:
bit.ly/VBserves26
Congrats to Clara and Daniel for their Positive Behavior Referrals!
#BeABlackKnight
What would lead a person to shift career paths from finance to sales? In the latest Joust About Careers episode, 2020 VB graduate Tyler Arbaugh answers that question and many more.
In episode 112, Tyler shares how a part-time job shifted his career path from finance to sales, what it was like to be a student-athlete at the University of Oregon, how being a building science nerd helps him in his career, and much more.
To watch on YouTube, visit bit.ly/JoustAboutCareers. To listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms, search Joust About Careers.
Have a great week!
World's Finest Chocolate fundraiser kicking off today at VBES!
#BeABlackKnight
#BeABlackKnight
🚗 Physics Students Are on the Case!
Students in Mr. Schumaker’s physics class recently used what they have learned to identify who was at fault in a hypothetical accident.
In this hands-on project, student groups were tasked with analyzing the accident using complex kinematic equations and momentum calculations to prove their findings.
To wrap up the project, teams presented their evidence to a panel of guest judges, defending their mathematical models and conclusions.
We appreciate our teachers providing opportunities for our students to apply what they are learning to real-world situations and the willingness of our students to tackle difficult problems! 👏
A message from the Hancock County Sheriff's Office:
Join us for "Choices & Challenges: A Community Wellness Series" on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Arcadia High School to hear directly about the behavioral health and risk issues our youth are facing and why these concerns demand our attention.
Mental health remains one of the strongest concerns. Countywide, 15.44% of youth reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, and 29.88% reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks. Among youth who considered suicide, 20.35% reported an actual attempt. Source: 2025 Hancock County OHYES! summary.
Vaping continues to outpace traditional smoking. Countywide, 16.85% reported vaping in the past 30 days, compared with 2.31% who reported smoking.
Alcohol and marijuana remain active risk areas. Countywide, 6.61% reported alcohol use in the past 30 days, 2.76% reported binge drinking, and 5.23% reported marijuana use in the past 30 days.
Risk does not occur in a vacuum. Countywide, 24.29% reported three or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), 39.15% reported bullying in the past year, 37.92% reported electronic bullying, and 31.28% reported verbal bullying.
Protective factors are present, but some are weakening. Countywide, 71.89% said they feel comfortable talking with a trusted adult and 71.15% participated in extracurricular activities, but only 40.40% reported a sense of belonging at school.
These issues do not happen in isolation, and the solution will not come from one person or one organization alone. Come hear from community stakeholders, learn what our children are telling us through the data, and find out how you can be part of the solution for Hancock County’s youth.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the solution.
Hosted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
Join us for "Choices & Challenges: A Community Wellness Series" on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Arcadia High School to hear directly about the behavioral health and risk issues our youth are facing and why these concerns demand our attention.
Mental health remains one of the strongest concerns. Countywide, 15.44% of youth reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, and 29.88% reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks. Among youth who considered suicide, 20.35% reported an actual attempt. Source: 2025 Hancock County OHYES! summary.
Vaping continues to outpace traditional smoking. Countywide, 16.85% reported vaping in the past 30 days, compared with 2.31% who reported smoking.
Alcohol and marijuana remain active risk areas. Countywide, 6.61% reported alcohol use in the past 30 days, 2.76% reported binge drinking, and 5.23% reported marijuana use in the past 30 days.
Risk does not occur in a vacuum. Countywide, 24.29% reported three or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), 39.15% reported bullying in the past year, 37.92% reported electronic bullying, and 31.28% reported verbal bullying.
Protective factors are present, but some are weakening. Countywide, 71.89% said they feel comfortable talking with a trusted adult and 71.15% participated in extracurricular activities, but only 40.40% reported a sense of belonging at school.
These issues do not happen in isolation, and the solution will not come from one person or one organization alone. Come hear from community stakeholders, learn what our children are telling us through the data, and find out how you can be part of the solution for Hancock County’s youth.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the solution.
Hosted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
🤝 70 Advance to Second Round of The Amazing Shake!
Congratulations to our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who have advanced to the second round of the Amazing Shake contest that will be held on May 4!
In the next round, titled “The Gauntlet,” students will participate in a fast-paced series of real-world scenarios, such as mock interviews, problem-solving challenges, and professional interactions, that will require quick thinking and adaptability.
If you would like to get involved as a judge for the second round, please contact Mrs. Jenn Barrett, middle school principal, at jbarrett@vbschools.net.
We are so proud of the hard work our students have done so far and can't wait to see them shine in the next round! 🧡🖤
Congratulations to our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who have advanced to the second round of the Amazing Shake contest that will be held on May 4!
In the next round, titled “The Gauntlet,” students will participate in a fast-paced series of real-world scenarios, such as mock interviews, problem-solving challenges, and professional interactions, that will require quick thinking and adaptability.
If you would like to get involved as a judge for the second round, please contact Mrs. Jenn Barrett, middle school principal, at jbarrett@vbschools.net.
We are so proud of the hard work our students have done so far and can't wait to see them shine in the next round! 🧡🖤
🌏41 Countries. One Family.🌏
On Friday, March 27, our district came together to celebrate the diversity that makes our Black Knight family so special. We are proud to share that our own students and their families from 41 countries around the world were featured during our fourth annual International Knight!
Building connections is a pillar of our mission, and seeing our community engage with so many different cultures was truly exciting. The 600+ attendees enjoyed a variety of cultural experiences:
🥗Sampling authentic cuisine from many of our represented countries.
🎶Watching live performances where students shared their heritage and talents with the audience.
🌏Celebrating the global perspectives that enrich our classrooms every day.
Thank you to Mrs. Mackenzie Leonard, TESOL coordinator and teacher, for her dedication to our international families and in organizing this spectacular event. Her hard work ensures our students have the platform to be respectful, responsible, and resilient global citizens.
We are so grateful to the families and staff who volunteered and shared their stories, food, and traditions with us. Thank you for helping us build a more connected Van Buren!🧡🖤
On Friday, March 27, our district came together to celebrate the diversity that makes our Black Knight family so special. We are proud to share that our own students and their families from 41 countries around the world were featured during our fourth annual International Knight!
Building connections is a pillar of our mission, and seeing our community engage with so many different cultures was truly exciting. The 600+ attendees enjoyed a variety of cultural experiences:
🥗Sampling authentic cuisine from many of our represented countries.
🎶Watching live performances where students shared their heritage and talents with the audience.
🌏Celebrating the global perspectives that enrich our classrooms every day.
Thank you to Mrs. Mackenzie Leonard, TESOL coordinator and teacher, for her dedication to our international families and in organizing this spectacular event. Her hard work ensures our students have the platform to be respectful, responsible, and resilient global citizens.
We are so grateful to the families and staff who volunteered and shared their stories, food, and traditions with us. Thank you for helping us build a more connected Van Buren!🧡🖤
Who ensures medical devices are safe for people to use? In the latest Joust About Careers episode, 1994 VB graduate Amy (Kuhn) Hoffmann answers that question and many more.
In episode 111, Amy shares how chemistry has played an important role in her career journey, how a wide variety of degrees can help a person get started in the medical device field, how her current employer, Project Medtech, started as a podcast, and much more
To watch on YouTube, visit bit.ly/JoustAboutCareers. To listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms, search Joust About Careers.
Have a great week!
In episode 111, Amy shares how chemistry has played an important role in her career journey, how a wide variety of degrees can help a person get started in the medical device field, how her current employer, Project Medtech, started as a podcast, and much more
To watch on YouTube, visit bit.ly/JoustAboutCareers. To listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms, search Joust About Careers.
Have a great week!
🤝 The Amazing Shake Round 1: The "First Impression" Challenge!
Our middle school students stepped up to the plate today for the first round of The Amazing Shake! This competition is a core part of how we build thinkers and connections, focusing on the professional skills, like a firm handshake and eye contact, that help our students become respectful, responsible, and resilient leaders.
🏆 What’s Next?
The competition was fierce! Between 60-75 students will find out on Monday that they have advanced to the second round.
🧡 A Huge Thank You
We want to extend a thank you to Anchored Sports, the Van Buren PTO, and the Findlay Service League for donating the t-shirts students wore today. We also appreciate all of the volunteers who served as judges. Their time and feedback were vital to helping our students grow from this experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue toward the final round of competition on May 13!
Our middle school students stepped up to the plate today for the first round of The Amazing Shake! This competition is a core part of how we build thinkers and connections, focusing on the professional skills, like a firm handshake and eye contact, that help our students become respectful, responsible, and resilient leaders.
🏆 What’s Next?
The competition was fierce! Between 60-75 students will find out on Monday that they have advanced to the second round.
🧡 A Huge Thank You
We want to extend a thank you to Anchored Sports, the Van Buren PTO, and the Findlay Service League for donating the t-shirts students wore today. We also appreciate all of the volunteers who served as judges. Their time and feedback were vital to helping our students grow from this experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue toward the final round of competition on May 13!
Happy Friday! More Positive Behavior Referrals to wrap up the week!
#BeABlackKnight
We hope to see you at International Knight!
⚙️ Building Thinkers & Connections at UT Engineering! 🚀
Last Friday, 30 of our middle school students visited the University of Toledo’s College of Engineering for the "Introduce a Middle Schooler to Engineering" event.
This experience was a perfect reflection of our mission to build thinkers and connections:
**Hands-on Learning: Students rotated through three stations, tackling 30-minute engineering challenges that tested their problem-solving skills and creativity.
**Expert Insights: After lunch, the group engaged in a panel discussion to explore the diverse career paths within the world of engineering.
By connecting our students with collegiate partners like UT, we are ensuring they have the experiences they need to plan for their futures!
Last Friday, 30 of our middle school students visited the University of Toledo’s College of Engineering for the "Introduce a Middle Schooler to Engineering" event.
This experience was a perfect reflection of our mission to build thinkers and connections:
**Hands-on Learning: Students rotated through three stations, tackling 30-minute engineering challenges that tested their problem-solving skills and creativity.
**Expert Insights: After lunch, the group engaged in a panel discussion to explore the diverse career paths within the world of engineering.
By connecting our students with collegiate partners like UT, we are ensuring they have the experiences they need to plan for their futures!
