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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…

The César Chávez March Committee invites students, educators, and community members to join us in celebrating the legacy of César Chávez at the annual César Chávez March on April 18. This inspiring event honors Chávez’s enduring fight for justice, labor rights, and social change while encouraging students to engage in civic leadership and advocacy. Listen…

As winter gives way to warmer days, West Michigan comes to life with a variety of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor exploration, cultural events, or interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this spring. Here are some of the top events and destinations to consider:

Congratulations to the 6th-grade students at Bloomingdale Elementary School on their successful trip to JA BizTown! This hands-on learning experience gave students the opportunity to step into the roles of business owners, employees, and consumers, applying real-world financial and economic concepts in an interactive setting.

Laura Eakiri is an emerging author who has captured hearts with her latest children’s book, Lety’s Deaf Diaries: I Can Do Anything!. Through this uplifting story, Eakiri shines a light on themes of resilience, empathy, and the power of embracing one’s identity, creating an impactful narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

We are committed to providing educators with meaningful professional development that enhances their knowledge, skills, and ability to serve our diverse student population. This spring, there are several outstanding opportunities for learning and networking, including the National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education (NASDME) Conference, the Michigan Association for Bilingual Education (MABE) Institute, the Michigan Newcomer Summit, and the Día De La Mujer event in East Lansing.

Navigating immigration-related matters can be challenging, but knowing your rights and having access to the right resources can make a significant difference. Whether you are in need of legal support, emergency planning, or simply wish to learn more about your rights, we’ve compiled valuable resources and essential information to help you protect yourself and your family.

We are excited to announce that Laura Kronk has transitioned into the role of Multilingual Coach & Consultant for the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD). A valued member of our VBISD family, Laura previously served as a dedicated teacher and stepped into her new role in the fall of 2024 to bring her expertise to a broader audience.

As the WIDA assessment period approaches, parents play a crucial role in supporting their children’s success. Here are several ways parents can help their children prepare for and navigate the WIDA assessments:

Preparing for college can be a daunting task, but residents of Van Buren County, Michigan, have access to a wealth of resources to help them through the process. From FAFSA assistance to tax preparation and college enrollment guidance, here’s a comprehensive guide to the services available in the area. FAFSA Assistance The Free Application for…

The information in the following article was drawn from the “Immigration Rights Schools Need to Know Document” which was assembled by members of the Newcomer Coaching group from the State of Michigan. In today’s diverse educational landscape, it’s crucial for schools to understand and uphold the rights of immigrant students and their families. This blog…