Principal's Message

Dear Van Buren Families and Friends,

WELCOME BACK! The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time, and we are back to business as usual. We are especially thrilled to welcome our new students, staff and families to the Van Buren community. We hope everyone can join us for our Annual Sno-Cone Social on August 30th at 6:00 pm. This is a great time to reconnect with friends and drop off school supplies to your child's classroom. Although teachers may not be at this event, you will have an opportunity to meet them in person at our Curriculum Night on September 19th from 6:00-7:30 pm.

Over the summer we have refreshed the building and grounds to be ready when school re-opens on Wednesday, September 6th.

IMPORTANT!  All future communciations from school (the main office, your child's teacher, etc.) will be through Parent Square, but you must sign up or you will miss important news and information. Visit www.parentsquare.com and use the same email address that you use in School Tool.  Call our main office with any questions at 315-638-6121.

COVID-19 and Health Reminders for the 2023-2024 School Year:

• If your child is symptomatic, do not send the child to school. If the child has or has had a fever in the last 24 hours the child must remain home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals is recommended, but not required for return to school/work. Report all absences to the school attendance office.

• There is no longer a universal masking mandate. Masks are not required in any of our schools, district buildings, or on school buses. If a student or staff member wears a mask, whether by choice, expectation, or requirement, they will be allowed to do so. It is expected that each individual’s right to mask or not is free from stigmatization, bullying, or being made to feel uncomfortable.

• If your child tests positive for COVID-19 isolation is required for 5 days following the start of symptoms. Report all absences to the school attendance office. The child can return to school on day 6 if symptoms are improving and the child has been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. A mask should be worn on days 6-10.
•    CDC Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
• At-home test kits are available in our vestibule for your convenience.

We are all looking forward to a wonderful 2023-2024 school year!

Warm regards,

Cindy Cronin
Principal