In episode 107, Katelyn shares how she became a medical assistant after working for ten years in another field, how perseverance has been invaluable on her journey to becoming a medical assistant, what she values most about 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!
🦺🚸 Snow, Rain, or Sun: Our Crossing Guards Are There! 🚸🦺
Whether it’s bitter cold, blazing heat, or something in between, we appreciate Mrs. Megan Dahms, Mrs. Katie Griffin, Mrs. Meg Ramlow, Mrs. Tammy Routson, Ms. Stacy Sharp, Mrs. Shanda Still, Deputy Matt Crouch, elementary principal Mr. Michael Newcomer, the ESC staff, and others for making sure our students arrive safely each day.
Their dedication, consistency, and care don’t go unnoticed. They greet students with smiles, positivity, and upbeat music and play a significant role in keeping our school community safe and the drop-off line moving every morning.
We appreciate them for standing watch, no matter the weather, and for the important work they do every day!
In episode 106, Jason shares how working at a summer camp led to amazing career opportunities, including backpacking across Europe; how he sometimes looks at his career as a compilation of side hustles; how success requires hard work going hand in hand with talent; 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!
Congratulations to Arian Keeran, transportation supervisor, and Jarrod Mellott, bus mechanic, for earning 100% passage for the bus inspections that took place on January 5-6, 2026.
During an inspection of all 16 of our buses, a state transportation inspector checked the lights and switches, warning devices, brakes, exhaust, tires, frame, body and undercarriage, engine fluids, seats, emergency exits, and cleanliness of each bus.
Our buses are inspected every six months (approximately January and August yearly). While these semiannual inspections are required by the state, transportation staff complete pre-trip checks every day to ensure all parts of the buses are in working order to affirm students will be safely transported to and from school and extracurricular activities.
Keeran is very appreciative of the work Mellott does, saying, “Jarrod Mellott is an exemplary mechanic and did a phenomenal job preparing our buses for state inspection.”
The excellence of the inspection results is a testament to the hard work of everyone in the transportation department. Because of them, our students are ready to learn when they arrive at school, contributing to the district’s mission of building thinkers, building experiences, and building connections every day. 🚌
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
🏆Congratulations to the following seniors for being named Elks Students of the Month:
November
Brookanne Busch - Daughter of Kathy & Jeramy Busch
Kate Schroeder - Daughter of Amy & Justin Schroeder
December
Kamryn Bowman - Daughter of Becky & Chris Bowman
Brandon Russell - Son of Julie & Kevin Russell
January
Emmett Morey - Son of Wendi & Jason Morey
Lincoln Williams - Son of Nicole & Ross Williams
We appreciate all of them for being outstanding representatives of Van Buren High School! 🖤💛
What really happens behind the scenes in a bank to make sure money ends up where it is supposed to be? If you don't know, you'll find out from 2004 VB graduate Caleb Etzler in the latest Joust About Careers episode.
In episode 105, Caleb shares how a college job led to his career, the “unexpected” careers in the banking industry, the importance of typing and using Excel 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!
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. 🧡
