Newsletters

On September 11th at 3 PM, the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) community gathered to honor two remarkable individuals, Barb Matthews and Tonda Boothby, during the Pathway Recognition Ceremony. This event was a heartfelt tribute to their decades of service and dedication.

Maria Hernandez has been an integral part of the VBISD Migrant program for the past two summers. Serving on our home team, she provides vital instruction in the camps and aids with recruitment throughout the school year. Maria visits migrant camps to help families register for the summer program, showcasing her exceptional organizational skills and efficiency.

This article delves into the inspiring journey of Alma Cooper, Miss USA 2024, through the eyes of her mother, Oralia Cooper. It highlights Oralia’s background, from working in the fields to participating in pageants and serving as a Migrant and ELL Program Director. The article also explores Alma’s father’s influence, family dynamics, traditions, and values that shaped Alma’s upbringing, as well as her commitment to community service, mentorship, and personal growth.

As a teacher, you might find yourself in a classroom with students who don’t speak English. This can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can help these students thrive. Here are some actionable tips to support your non-English speaking students:

Alma Cooper, crowned Miss Michigan 2024, is breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. As an active-duty Army officer, mathematician, and pageant princess, she embodies resilience, determination, and a commitment to service. Let’s delve into her remarkable story.

The Latino Legislative Advocacy Day occurred in Lansing on May 9th. This event featured numerous guest speakers, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, as well as several members of the Hispanic Caucus. The day provided a valuable platform for collaboration with organizations from across the state of Michigan.

This year the Michigan Migrant Education Program awarded one Data Specialist in the state with the Impact award. Van Buren ISD’s Anita Robles was the recipient of this award during our Annual Recruitment and Data Entry training on May 23rd.

Last Thursday, May 16, migrant families from across the state of Michigan came together for a special assembly focused on their children’s education. Approximately ten different sites participated in a Zoom meeting hosted by the state, with the Van Buren Intermediate School District (ISD) serving as one of the key locations. Around 80 children/caregivers attended the event at the Van Buren ISD site.

Daisy Manriquez, LLMSW, is a Mental Health Clinician at Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD), working for Hartford Middle School. Daisy attended Western Michigan University as a first-generation college student, where she later obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work.

On April 12th, our vibrant community of farm-working families within the VBISD Migrant Consortium gathered at the Conference Center for an enlightening session hosted by Daisy Manriquez and Keren Reyes, esteemed health educators with a rich history of supporting migrant communities. Formerly associated with Project Shine (formerly Project LEAN), their dedication to improving migrant family well-being was evident throughout the engaging presentation.

Keren Reyes, M.Ed., is the Education Coordinator Supervisor at Bethany Christian Services. She is TEFL and TESOL certified (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), a Trauma-Informed Specialist, and a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner. Keren’s primary focus is helping, supporting, and working with children who have experienced trauma…

Alma Cooper’s ascent to Miss Michigan USA 2024 is a narrative of resilience and empowerment. As a daughter of migrant farmworkers, her story is not just about personal achievement; it’s a beacon for those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.

The coronation took place on a day of heartfelt significance—April 21, the birthday of her late grandmother, whose memory Alma cherishes with a pendant worn close to her heart.