Newsletters

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…

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.