Newsletters

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.

In the heart of our migrant community lies a beacon of support and compassion: Victor. For the past three years, Victor has been an indispensable member of the VBISD Migrant program, tirelessly working to uplift families and ensure their seamless integration into our community.

Southwest Michigan has been graced with educators who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of students, families, and communities. Among these luminaries stands Sarita Collins, whose career spans decades of service and advocacy within the realm of migrant education.

On February 20th, the Van Buren ISD Conference Center was filled with warmth and laughter as families from diverse backgrounds gathered for a special occasion: the Multilingual Family Literacy Night. Hosted by the VBISD Title 3 Consortium, this event was more than just an evening of reading; it was a celebration of language, culture, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Greetings, educators and tech enthusiasts! The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) recently concluded its 48th Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here are some key takeaways from one educator who was in attendance.

As we transition into the spring season, there’s a wealth of events and professional development opportunities tailored for educators, advocates, and professionals in multilingual education. From local marches to national conventions, there’s something for everyone looking to enhance their skills and engage with their communities. Here’s a roundup of what’s on the horizon:

Welcome to our latest newsletter focusing on mental health within our schools. At Van Buren Intermediate School District, we prioritize the well-being of our students and staff members, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health in achieving overall wellness and academic success.

The search for affordable housing can be an overwhelming challenge for many families in the Southwest Michigan area. As a migrant/bilingual teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by families forced to move due to housing instability. In response to this pressing issue, we’ve compiled a list of resources and support networks aimed at alleviating the burden of house-hunting and providing assistance to those in crisis situations.

In Lawrence Public Schools, student achievement is celebrated and success stories are cherished. Among the many inspiring tales of triumph, one shines particularly bright—Beth Formeus, a newcomer student hailing from Haiti with a thirst for knowledge and a drive for excellence.