#OurStoriesCRCSD - Van Buren

2018-19 School Year
Our Stories - Van Buren Elementary. This school highlights the learning collaboration between teachers, parents, and outside organizations striving to connect and grow every student. #OurStoriesCRCSD
Thoughts from Lisa Hamilton,
20 years as a Kindergarten Teacher
all at Van Buren Elementary
"I think my favorite thing is watching the growth that the kids make through out the year. They come in and everything is new and by the end of the year they are amazing little people. It's just fun to watch the changes."
Collaboration - Van Buren Elementary teachers are constantly working together to find the best ways to teach kids. Together, better learning happens! #OurStoriesCRCSD

2017-18 School Year
Van Buren's principal, Kent Ryan shares how the school's commitment to high expectations and communicating that to students make the school a special place.
When Van Buren Elementary began an ELL (English Language Learners) program eight years ago roughly 10-percent of the more than 455 students participated in the program. In the 2017 - 2018 school year Van Buren has seen the number of students increase to thirty-one-percent or roughly one-third of the school's student body. Nineteen different countries are represented and fourteen different dialects can be spoken on any given day. One long-time teacher shares how the program has grown and what makes it so successful.
MEET Van Buren's STAFF
Name -
Rosario Orellana, Principal's Secretary
Years at Van Buren - 3
What she loves about the job?
“I love the kids, the staff and the opportunity to help families and students with Spanish to English."
When Ann Hoefer stepped in Van Buren school as a kindergartner she felt a special connection with the school. Through her middle and high school years, she never forgot about her elementary school and volunteered wherever she could. As an adult, she wanted to continue her relationship with the Van Buren community and took a special education teaching position. Ann shares what it is like to return and why the school feels like home to her.
MEET Van Buren's STAFF
Name -
Amy Gaines, Media Secretary
Years at Van Buren - 4
What she loves about the job?
“I love the kids and to form relationships with them. It's nice getting to know them and watching them open up.”
When Kids on Course joined the Van Buren community in 2011, the school knew something special was going to happen. In the past seven years, the program has helped feed, instruct and enrich hundreds of students.
MEET GARFIELD'S STAFF
Name -
Jan Hanks, Family Resource Coordinator.
Years with Van Buren - 18
What she loves about the job?
"I love the kids and an opportunity to connect with the families. The staff is also great."