Newsletters

As the school year winds down, many families start thinking about one big question:How do we keep kids learning over the summer without making it feel like school? The concern is real. Students can lose some academic ground over the summer months—often referred to as the “summer slide.” But the solution isn’t hours of worksheets…

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to communicate in more than one language is not just an advantage – it’s a powerful asset. The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This prestigious distinction celebrates students’ linguistic skills while opening doors to…

At the Van Buren Intermediate School District Conference Center, an evening of gratitude, inspiration, and celebration unfolded as educators from across the county gathered for the Educational Hero Awards banquet. Hosted by VBISD and sponsored in partnership with the Van Buren County Association of School Boards, the event brought together representatives from districts throughout Van…

Across Michigan, students are currently participating in the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment, an important annual test for students who receive English language support services. While testing season can feel stressful, understanding what WIDA is—and how to approach it—can make a big difference. What Is the WIDA Assessment? WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) is…

The Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) Migrant/Multilingual Department will play a key role in the implementation of Michigan’s 32n Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant, which brings $1,012,860 to Van Buren County to expand high-quality learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day. The grant was written and secured by Erin Kucharski, Van Buren Youth Initiative Coordinator,…

The Southwestern Michigan Migrant Resource Council (SMMRC) celebrated its 25th Annual Christmas Basket event for migrant and seasonal farmworker families.  Our Migrant Resource Council serves farmworker families who are so vital to the agricultural process in Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties.   This year the Council served 275 families…

The Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) is powered by passionate people dedicated to student success. Today, we shine the spotlight on Angie Gutierrez, the Administrator of Multilingual and Migrant Services, whose 25 years of experience are making a profound impact across our community. Building Bridges, Not Barriers Angie is a true advocate, overseeing critical…

A wave of excitement swept through Van Buren County this week as students received a meaningful surprise—winter weather totes filled with warm essentials—all thanks to MASA Impact, a new initiative from the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA) dedicated to directly supporting school communities across the state. The Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD)…

The educational landscape for English Language Learners (ELLs) in Michigan is undergoing a significant and exciting transformation! New requirements from the state are underscoring the vital need for highly qualified educators, particularly those with an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about ensuring every ELL student receives the…

Daphne Avalos is a true success story of perseverance and determination in earning her diploma. She is the daughter of Angelica Hernandez and Luis Avalos and has two younger brothers, Luis and Ernesto, who are currently in high school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Daphne put her own education on hold to ensure her brothers stayed…

As the Michigan air cools and leaves begin to turn, fall offers a wonderful backdrop for families to connect, explore, and create lasting memories. Below are local spots and ideas to help you make the most of the season! 🎃 Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch or Orchard Head to Harvest Moon Acres in Gobles for…

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month — a time set aside to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors trace back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. While many people are familiar in a general sense with this observance,…