Newsletters

At Van Buren ISD, we believe that informed families are empowered families. Whether you’re preparing your child for school, exploring career opportunities, or looking for legal or financial support, there are numerous resources available to help families in our region thrive. Here are just a few of the incredible opportunities available this summer: Listen to…

Celebrating Over 700 Graduates Across Van Buren ISD It’s that time of year again—caps flying, families cheering, and diplomas in hand. This spring, more than 700 high school seniors from across the Van Buren ISD consortium districts crossed the graduation stage with pride and purpose. We also celebrate numerous college graduates, each one proof that…

At Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD), we are committed to ensuring educational equity for every child. Through our Migrant Education Program (Title I, Part C), we offer a wide range of services designed to support migratory children and youth—many of whom face interrupted schooling, high mobility, and limited access to consistent instruction. Check out…

At Van Buren ISD, we know that student success doesn’t start and end with the school bell. For multilingual and migrant families, support outside of the classroom is just as important as what happens inside. Fortunately, our region is home to a variety of community programs and organizations dedicated to helping families thrive—offering everything from…

For students who speak more than one language, their skills go far beyond conversation—they are building bridges between cultures, communities, and careers. In today’s global workforce, bilingualism is more than a personal asset; it’s a professional superpower. As educators, families, and community members, it’s important that we recognize the value of multilingualism and help students…

Summer is just around the corner—a time for rest, play, and new adventures. But did you know that extended time away from school can lead to a decline in reading skills, especially for young learners? Early literacy is the foundation of a child’s academic success and lifelong learning. By incorporating fun and meaningful reading activities…

Theresa Gleason has dedicated her career to supporting migrant and multilingual students, making a lasting impact on the Bloomingdale community and beyond. With a passion for education, advocacy, and connection, she brings a wealth of experience and heart to her role at the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD). Listen to our cool AI-generated podcast.…

On April 9, 2025, the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) Migrant/Multilingual Department hosted a vibrant and meaningful Parent Meeting that brought together families from across the district for an evening of learning, connection, and fun. Check out our cool AI-generated podcast: Mental Health The evening began with a shared pizza and salad dinner, giving…

On April 14, 2025, three leaders from Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) in Michigan took the spotlight at the National Migrant Education Conference in San Francisco, California. Angie Gutierrez, Sarita Collins, and Jose Nolasco presented Breaking Barriers: Innovative Strategies for Engaging Migratory Families to a packed room—drawing in approximately 88 educators and administrators and…

At Van Buren ISD, we are fortunate to have dedicated educators like Zenia Gutierrez, who bring passion, experience, and firsthand understanding to their work with multilingual and migrant students. With 14 years in the education field, Zenia has spent ten years as a general education teacher and the last four specializing in English as a…

Educators from across Van Buren, Cassopolis, and Berrien counties recently gathered for a dynamic two-day training session titled “Empowering Multilingual Learners: Teaching Academic English in Every Classroom K-12.” Facilitated by Laura Kronk, VBISD Multilingual Learner Consultant and Coach, and Zenia Gutierrez, VBISD Migrant & Multilingual Teacher, the training brought together 40 passionate K-12 educators committed…

Education is often a journey shaped by personal experiences, resilience, and a deep passion for helping others. For Saúl Romero, this journey has been one of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to empowering multilingual learners. Listen to our cool, AI-generated podcast. Saul Romero A Lifelong Commitment to Education Saúl is currently furthering his education through…