We ARE Vestaburg

Happy October, Vestaburg team and community! As October settles in across our district, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all the hard work, dedication, and energy our staff, students, and families bring to our school community every day.

Our district continues to build momentum around our central theme, "Be The Solution, Build The Community", establishing what we proudly call "The Wolverine Way"—a culture grounded in personal ownership, mutual accountability, and professional respect. To support this environment, we encourage all stakeholders to utilize our Actionable Trust & Problem-Solving Protocol:

• Step 1 (Pause & Reflect): Focus on facts, evidence, and shared goals while leaving personal drama at the door.

• Step 2 (Go to the Source): Engage in a private, direct conversation using collaborative, respectful communication. Talk to People, Not about them.

• Step 3 (Collaborative Support): Involve administrative leadership only after direct efforts have been made, working together toward a constructive solution.

Additionally, our district leadership and staff continue to anchor all meetings and dialogue in the 7 Norms of Collaboration:

1. Pausing

2. Paraphrasing

3. Posing Questions

4. Putting Ideas on the Table

5. Providing Data

6. Paying Attention to Self and Others

7. Presuming Positive Intentions

As always, WE ARE VESTABURG!

Brandon Hubbard, Superintendent

Vestaburg Community School

• Preliminary figures from Count Day on Oct 07, 2026, show total anticipated enrollment at approximately 859 students, which is 39 students above budgeted projections. This includes 545 students in the K-12 program and 314 students in Alternative Education. The Success VCS -Alternative Education Program has enrolled over 100 students since the start of August.

At Vestaburg, our focus isn't just on what students learn, but on who they become. Together, we ACHIEVE, BUILD, and INSPIRE the leaders of tomorrow.. While we celebrate academic achievements—we know true success encompasses so much more.

Celebrating Our Graduates: Success VCS Alternative Education

We are thrilled to share a major milestone for our school community! This past year, 107 students earned their high school diplomas through our Success VCS Alternative Education Program.

Every single one of these graduates has shown remarkable resilience, hard work, and dedication to reach this moment. For many of our students, the journey to graduation comes with unique personal challenges. Success VCS gives them the flexible environment, personal support, and encouragement they need to stay on track and succeed.

Graduating 107 students is not just a win for our school district—it is a win for our entire community. These young adults are moving forward into college, vocational training, and the local workforce with the skills and confidence to build bright futures.

We want to extend a huge thank you to our hardworking Success VCS teachers, counselors, and support staff who mentor our students every step of the way. Most importantly, congratulations to the Class of 2026—we are so proud of what you have accomplished!

• K-5 Literacy Framework: Implementation continues smoothly across elementary grade levels.

• English Learners (EL): Newly adopted curriculum materials are actively supporting language learners.

• PLC Focus Shift: Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are analyzing performance data with a refined focus: shifting from "Was this content taught?" to "Was this content learned?".

• Elementary Fire Station Visit: Elementary students visited the local fire station to learn about fire prevention, safe device charging habits, and home hazard awareness.
• Mobile Farm Science Lab: Hands-on agricultural science learning visited elementary classrooms this week.

• Welcomed 2 new 1-on-1 paraprofessionals who are doing an exceptional job supporting high-needs students.

• Updated 504 plans across building levels to maintain current student accommodations.

• Refined elementary behavioral routines to foster positive classroom learning environments.

• Food Service News Our Food Service team has been busy cooking up new lunch options for our students! We’ve introduced several new items to the cafeteria menus recently, and the feedback from students so far has been overwhelmingly positive. We love seeing our students enjoy these fresh new choices.

  Maintenance Updates Our facilities team has been hard at work keeping our buildings safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. Recent improvements include:

  • Comfort & Climate: Upgraded the office HVAC control systems to keep indoor temperatures comfortable year-round.

  • Building Protection: Repaired roof gutters across campus and installed a durable new steel roof on the storage shed.

  • Student Safety: Added new safety fencing around the athletic bleachers to keep spectators secure during events.

  Technology Updates Our Tech Department continues to ensure our school technology runs quietly and efficiently in the background:

  • Upgraded Systems: Our newly updated PA and Wi-Fi systems are operating smoothly, keeping our campuses connected and informed.

  • Seamless Testing: NWEA standardized testing was recently completed across all campuses without a hitch, thanks to a reliable network and careful preparation.

At Vestaburg, education doesn't stop when the bell rings. From the field or court to the art studio and music, our students are learning valuable lessons in teamwork, creativity, and service. Beyond the scoreboard, the Middle School and High School staff remain dedicated to supporting student-athletes in their behavioral and academic growth. The program embraces both the "highs and lows" of competition, viewing the challenges as essential opportunities for student growth and character development. Here is a look at how our Wolverines are shining:

https://vestaburgathletics.com/

• Varsity Football: Secured a 53-8 victory against East Jackson to move to 4-3 on the season, earning the program's most wins in 11-player football since the 2016-2017 season.

• Football Community Support: Special thanks to the Varsity players, coaching staff, students, parents, and staff members who demonstrated a never-quit attitude and provided a bedrock of support.

• High School Volleyball currently stands at 5-8-1. Vestaburg High School will host the District Volleyball competition (Division 4, District 111) the week of November 2nd. If playoffs were to start today, Vestaburg would be the #3 seed out of 5 in a district that features Sacred Heart, Marion, Coleman, and Fruitport Calvary Christian.

• Middle School Volleyball wraps up its season this week.

• The 3rd and final MSAC Jamboree is scheduled for next Wednesday (Oct 21, 2026) at Ashley.

• The Regional Meet is scheduled for Oct 30, 2026, at Shepherd.

• Jessica Stouten: Led the Cross Country team with stellar performances, placing 2nd at the MSAC Jamboree #2, 4th at the Mustang Invite, and 5th at the Baker Woods Late Season Invitational.

• Top Runners: Riley Fitch, Laken Allbee, Preston Bollinger, and Wesley Schram consistently earned top-10 and top-15 finishes across recent invitationals.

• Middle School Girl's Basketball kicks off on Oct 19, 2026, welcoming new Head Coach Addison Neelis alongside Ivan Palmer.

• Across grades K–12, 176 students achieved perfect attendance during the initial 28-day period. Grades 7 and 12 exceeded the secondary goal of 90%+ attendance.

Employment - VCS is still in need of Bus Drivers!

Email: bhubbard@vcsw-k12.net
Website: www.vcs-k12.net
Location: 7188 Avenue B, Vestaburg, MI, USA
Phone: 989-268-5353
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vestaburg-Community-School-190353380995433
Twitter: @HSVestaburg