Collaboration across grade levels makes learning shine! 🌟

Students in Mr. Jeff Stanford’s middle school The Universe class recently transformed their knowledge of the solar system into models and invited Mrs. Ellory Hohman’s fifth graders for a gallery walk to share their learning.

The result? Curiosity-filled questions, thoughtful explanations, and excitement about science! 🚀🪐

about 2 months ago, Brian Bratt
Students collaborate to learn about the solar system.
More students collaborate to learn about the solar system.
Mr. Stanford explains how the gallery walk will work.
Mr. Stanford and a student discuss the project.
On Thursday, October 16, students in Mr. Evans’s Home Repair classes attended the Build My Future event hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Toledo at the Wood County Fairgrounds.

Students had the opportunity to drive equipment both in-person and virtually with simulators; practice skills utilized in HVAC, roofing, framing, and other construction-related areas; and talk with people in the industry about career opportunities.

This experience was a great opportunity for students to connect what they are learning in the classroom to potential future careers!
2 months ago, Brian Bratt
A student practices on a CAT simulator.
A student practices skills used in the HVAC industry
A student practices roofing.
A student participates at the Toledo Edison booth.
A student drives a Bobcat.
A student drives a truck simulator.
Another student practices on the CAT simulator.
Mr. Evans joins in the fun at the HVAC booth.
Congrats to Elijah for also being named to the October Knights of the Round Table! #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to our October Knights of the Round Table! #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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📣 Help Keep Everyone “In the Know”!
You’ll start seeing signs like these popping up around the district in the coming weeks! Each one includes a QR code that links to a quick, one-minute form so you can sign up to receive Knights in the Know — our once-monthly email newsletter sharing district highlights, updates, and celebrations.

Parents, you’re already signed up automatically since you have students in school, but we’re also hoping to connect with our larger Van Buren community — alumni, relatives, district residents, and anyone else who wants to stay informed about what’s happening in our schools.

📍This week, signs can be found in the Brookstone neighborhood.

🏡 Want to host a sign for a week?
Email Brian Bratt at bbratt@vbschools.net with your name and address to be added to the rotation list.

Thank you for helping us spread the word and keep everyone connected to the Van Buren Local School District!

➡️ Not a parent or not already receiving Knights in the Know? Sign up here:
🔗 https://mailchi.mp/vbschools/sign-up-for-knights-in-the-know

2 months ago, Brian Bratt
Be a Knight in the Know Signs
Congrats to our Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Looking for a rewarding career?
Thinking about what to do after retirement?
Already retired and want a reason to get out of the house, make some extra money, and still keep your summers free?

No matter where you are in life, driving a bus—full-time or as a substitute—could be the perfect fit.

Take Ben Kisseberth, for example. After retiring, he didn’t want to sit around all day. Now, as a VB bus driver for the last eight years, he enjoys seeing students who ride his bus grow up year after year alongside his six grandchildren who attend VB.

Another example is Connie Tittsworth, who is in her first year driving for VB after more than 20 years behind the wheel in Texas and Georgia. Her motivation for being a bus driver? “I like knowing I can protect students and make sure they get to school and back home safely every day.”

If you want your own chance to make a positive impact on our students and school district, complete an application - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMCvmXgiYroywo0YwRa1fvcp59OXatvMYBUPX7coM4RVyFMA/viewform.

Still have questions? Reach out to Transportation Supervisor Arian Keeran at akeeran@vbschools.net so he can share more about how you can become a bus driver.
2 months ago, Brian Bratt
Ben Kisseberth drops off students after his morning route.
Connie Tittsworth is  a first-year driver at VB but has many years of bus driving experience.
Buses return to the bus barn after dropping off students in the morning.
What does a computational biologist do? If you don't know, it will all be explained in this Joust About Careers episode with 2007 Van Buren graduate Katherine Wilkins.

In episode 102, Katherine shares advice for students looking to attend a highly selective university, how she ended up earning her PhD from Cornell, the positives and challenges of her 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!
2 months ago, Brian Bratt
Katherine Wilkins Full Interview Thumbnail
Big Congrats to Mariah Hohman, Intervention Specialist at VBES, for being named Educator of the Game during the Battle of I-75 BGSU vs Toldeo! Well Deserved! 🟠 👏 ⚫️ #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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The last couple weeks at VB have been very busy!

- The annual Homecoming pep rally was held last Friday, October 3.

- Students participated in a variety of career events, including SheDig Ohio on October 1, the Ohio Carpenters' Joint Apprenticeship Training Center open house on October 2, and the Career Connections Day for eighth graders at Owens Community College on October 3.

- Elementary and high school students participated in Buddy Reads today, which is where high school students spend time reading with elementary students to build connections across our district.

Have a great weekend!

2 months ago, Brian Bratt
The entire student body participated in the Homecoming pep rally on Friday, October 3.
Students had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with heavy equipment at the SheDig Ohio event in Cygnet.
Students could use a welding trainer at the Ohio Carpenters' Joint Apprenticeship Training Center open house.
Students from the elementary and high school came together for Buddy Reads today.
Congrats to all our Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Kindergarten had a great time at Conine's Pumpkin Patch today! #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to Briar & Evie for their Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
2 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Congrats to Jaden & Catherine for their Positive Behavior Referrals! #BeABlackKnight
3 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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Come out to the Homecoming game tonight to cheer on our Black Knights and crown our 2025 Homecoming King and Queen. Coronation begins at 6:30 sharp! See you at Don Masters Field!
3 months ago, Brian Bratt
2025 Homecoming Court
Agriculture Education teachers Mrs. Hailey Cunningham and Ms. Kyla McCoy and their students have been working with members of the Lions Club throughout the week to make apple butter for the annual Apple Butter Fest on Saturday, October 11. They will end up with approximately 450 pints, which will be sold for $8.00 each. This has created an amazing learning experience for students as they have participated in the entire production process, from visiting the apple orchard to filling jars with the finished product.
3 months ago, Brian Bratt
Cooking the apples for mashing
Students rising bright and early to stir the apple butter.
Boiling the apples down to end up with apple butter
The finished product
Happy Homecoming Spirit Week! The elementary staff REALLY got into "character" with Character Day!

#BeABlackKnight
3 months ago, Michael Newcomer/Van Buren Elementary
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We hope to see everyone out at the Powderpuff game tonight at 7:30!
3 months ago, Van Buren Schools
Powderpuff game 7:30
How are PET and CT scans different from an X-ray? If you don't know, you might want to watch this interview with 2015 Van Buren graduate Brooke Klausing, a Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Technologist.

In episode 101, Brooke shares how she ended up in nuclear medicine when it wasn’t even on her career radar in high school, the positives and challenges of her career, the importance of high school science classes, 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!
3 months ago, Brian Bratt
Klausing Full Interview Thumbnail
The girls' soccer team participated in a service project after school today where they put together care bags for Bless Up and Bloom, a local non-profit organization providing hygiene and wellness to the community.

We appreciate our students giving back to our community!
3 months ago, Brian Bratt
Group picture with the completed bags
The girls put sticks of deodorant in the bags.
A tag showing the contents of each bag