Van Buren Local School 217 South Main Street Van Buren, Ohio 45889 Volume: 34 No.: 4 Knightly News December 2013 Published nine times per year.

Superintendent's Office — 299-3578 High School — 299-3384 Elementary — 299-3416 2013 National Honor Society Inductees Congratulations to NJHS Inductees The Van Buren National Honor Society inducted 23 new members during a Van Buren Middle School inducted 27 eighth graders into the National Junior county-wide ceremony on October 28, 2013. The event took place at Van Buren’s Honor Society during the countywide induction ceremony held at VBMS on Oc- auditorium. Returning NHS member Michelle Flanagan took part in administering the tober 21. Congratulations to the inductees. program. This year’s local officers include president Ashley Overmyer, vice-president Michael Domke, and secretary Rachell Resnik.

Madelyn Badertscher, Elizabeth Conner, Amelia Durliat, Jacob Emerine, Khail Fasone, Anna Girdler, Matthew Iliff, Morgan Jackson, Josie Masters, Kailee Missler, Iona Pelton, Sam Phillips, Autumn Pisarsky, Cheyenne Potteiger, Na- than Potteiger, Lydia Reineke, Brendon Ring, Jessica Roberts, Sara Rosenberg- er, Joshua Seitz, Lisa Simmons, Carrigan Stacy, Madison Swope, Maria Trusty, Brandon Wehrle, Drace Wilson, and Hunter Wymer.

Back Row: Ross Adolph, Emily Anderbery, Matthew Bado, Drew Connor, Matt Cooper, Michael Domke,Draeton Fasone, Max Frost, Rachel George, Bailei Hoyng. Middle  No School  Row: Jennifer Irving, Britton Jackson, Jameson Jacobs, Brooke Klausing, Kailey Leal, Martin Luther King Day Nichole Miller. Front Row: Alyssa Miller, Bree Orchard, Ian Rafferty, Isaac Sexton, Chancellor Sonnenberg, Thomas Wolford, Alexis Youngpeter. Monday, January 20, 2014 Visit Van Buren Local School at our website President's Day www.vbschools.net Monday, February 17, 2014 No School –– Christmas Break Monday, December 23, 2013 - Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Van Buren Local School Nonprofit Organization 217 South Main Street U.S. POSTAGE Van Buren, Ohio 45889 PAID Published by Van Buren Local School Van Buren, Ohio Address Service Requested Permit No. 3 Page 2 Knightly News December 2013 HS/MS Honors VAN BUREN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL First Nine-Week Grading Period 2013 - 2014 School Year ALL “A's” 10th Grade Alejandro Arriaga, Briana Barnhisel, Kami Boney, Logan Brooker, 6th Grade Garret Drake, Agnes Durliat, Landon Forsyth, Reid Heppner, Braden Lauren Brown, Justin Chu, Aric Dewey, Mackenzie Edler, Adrianne Losiewicz, Nickolas McCracken, Jacob Risner, Grayson Temple Fleck, Rebekah Frampton, Taylor Gilliland, Samantha Hagans, Evan 7th Grade Miranda Eaton, Brady Harmon, Kyle Hoyng, Jordan Lonyo, Connor Heminger, Brooklyn Hoyng, Mary Kane, Ian Kern, Alexander Langel, Ohlrich, Olivia Sexton, Natasha Simons, Lily Wagner Brianne Lasley, Zachary Lonyo, Gabriele McCracken, Jaret Mowrey, 8th Grade Madelyn Badertscher, Nicholas Beitzel, Lydia Brown, Elizabeth Con- Cole Ohlrich, Nicklaus Overmyer, Franklin Pina, Thomas Rowles, ner, Amelia Durliat, Jacob Emerine, Khail Fasone, Angel Garcia, Anna Carlee Schmelzer, Jared Smith, Callie Spears Girdler, Andrew Godzak, Matthew Iliff, Morgan Jackson, Jacob Leal, 11th Grade Ross Adolph, Caitlin Brank, Andrew Conner, Kristin Conner, Matthew Logan Marshall, Jocelyn Masters, Clay Noblit, Iona Pelton, Samuel Cooper, Adam Endicott, Draeton Fasone, Cameron Fox, Max Frost, Phillips, Autumn Pisarsky, Cheyenne Potteiger, Lydia Reineke, Bren- Britton Jackson, Jameson Jacobs, Essma Kheiry, Jessica Lawrence, don Ring, Sara Rosenberger, Joshua Seitz, Lisa Simmons, Carrigan Alyssa Miller, Brianna Orchard, Wade Schimmoeller, Schuyler Turner, Stacy, Madison Swope, Maria Trusty, Brandon Wehrle, Drace Wilson, Grant Wagner Thomas Wolford Hunter Wymer, Kole Wymer 12th Grade Kenzi Beall, Austin Corey, Jessica Cunningham, Austin Essinger, 9th Grade Emily Bado, Brandon Bell, McClain Brown, Kila Fultz, Lindsey Klausing, Jenna Gallello, Kurtis Gibson, Nicholas Hoehn, Joseph Nelson, Cody Adysson Miller, Matthew Nieset, Zoie Nieto, Abby Patterson, Brylie Neumeister, Ashley Overmyer, Ayasha Paluch-Keckler, Scott Phillips, Rampe, Brendan Roszman, Tanner Schroer, Justen Stall, Jordan Jonathan Rafferty, Daniel Roberts, Joel Schumacker, Abigail Shroll, Trenkamp, Cassandra Waltmire, Mercedes Williamson Ted Simmons, Corey Spoon, Paige Sudlow, Jazmine Waller, Macaulay 10th Grade Marcus Brand, Morgan Drake, Alexander Duran, Avery Insley, Andrew Williams Kelley, Rebecca Kheiry, Ruth Moon, Katelyn Reineke, Kylie Sturgill 11th Grade Emily Anderbery, Rachel George, Bailei Hoyng, Jennifer Irving, Kailey Rocky Ford Guys and Gals 4-H Club Open House Leal, Isaac Sexton, Alexis Youngpeter The Rocky Ford Guys and Gals 4-H Club will hold an open on Tuesday Febru- 12th Grade Colin Causey, Mary Davidson, Michael Domke, Madison Endicott, ary 11, 2014 in the Elementary Cafeteria. Stop in anytime from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Michelle Flanagan, Robyn Flick, Zachary Hiris, Sawyer Junge, Kelly This will be a time to pick up 4-H books and enrollment forms and find out what 4-H McCartney, Ester Moon, Jessica Neumeister, Drew Patterson, Rachell is all about. Membership to the 4-H club program begins when a child is enrolled Resnik, Natalie Risser, Jonathan Tobias, Alisa Warren, Matthew Wilkins in 3rd grade and is at least age 8 as of January 1, 2014. ALL “A's” and “B's” Our club advisors are Deb & Neil Brown and Lindsay Rinker. If you have any 6th Grade Karissa Brown, Aaron Clark, Nicole Conine, Hannah Davis, Noah questions, please contact Deb Brown at 567-208-8039. Elliott, Timmothy Emerine, Hunter Evans, Katarina Koehler, Jaiden Lopez, Hannah Missler, Andrew Overmyer, Madelyn Parsell, Amber Pisarsky, Alyssa Potteiger, Emma Reineke, Allyson Rickenbacher, Camrie Roberts, Christopher Routson, Zachary Seitz, Riley Simons, Kaleb Snodgrass, Jordan Spoon, Hunter Stone, Austin Switzer, Dal- ton Swope, Madison Trumbull, Kyle Van Horn, Carey Ware, Daniel Warren, Cody Word 7th Grade Carrie Below, Joshua Bishop, Broderick Ellingsworth, Emma Farison, Johnathon Farthing, Noah Frederick, Autumn Gitcheff, Grace Hoerig, Andrea Iliff, Sydney Leeper, Ethan Marialke, Jenessa Nique, Brady Rader, Jessica Rinehart, Mackenzie Saltzman, Lillian Saum, Natalie Williamson 8th Grade Kevin Beall, Kara Conine, Thomas Drake, Clayton Eichman, Hunter Foltz, Courtney Frost, Samuel Frost, Alexander Godzak, Brendon Gordon, Quinton Graber, John Hutchison, Code Leonard, Tyler Lud- wig, Mason Miarer, Brendan Miller, Kailee Missler, Rameen Omar, Nathan Potteiger, Jessica Roberts, Kylie Sonnenberg, Jaden Tabler, Cora Thomas, Alina Turner, Trevor Wolford, Madilyn Youngpeter Message from the Superintendent 9th Grade Riley Adolph, Sydnee Atchison, Mitchell Endicott, Braxton Fasone, Austin Hickman, Aaron Keck, Alexis Kieffer, Marly McCartney, Summer Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from the Board of Education, Poland, Luke Rickenbacher, Aaron Rinehart, Tyler Saltzman, Noah Administration, Faculty, and Staff! Have a safe holiday season Schumacker, Lauren Shaw, Alexis Shawver, Lydia Smith, David Starr, Emma Strong and enjoy your family and friends. December 2013 Knightly News Page 3 HS News Yearbook News 2013 - 2014 Midterm HS Exam Schedule Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Thursday, January 16, 2014 Friday, January 17, 2014

7:50 AM – 8:40 AM AA (Period 1) 7:50 AM – 8:40 AM AA (Period 1) 7:50 AM – 8:40 AM AA (Period 1) 8:43 AM – 10:23 AM Period 1 Exam 8:43 AM – 10:23 AM Period 3 Exam 8:43 AM – 10:23 AM Period 2 Exam 10:26 AM – 12:06 PM Period 4 Exam 10:26 AM – 12:06 PM Period 5 Exam 10:26 AM – 12:06 PM Period 6 Exam 12:06 PM – 12:36 PM Period 6 (Lunch/SH) 12:06 PM – 12:36 PM Period 6 (Lunch/SH) Period 7 Exam 12:39 PM – 1:09 PM Period 7 (Lunch/SH) 12:39 PM – 1:09 PM Period 7 (Lunch/SH) 12:06 PM – 12:36 PM Period 6 (Lunch/SH) 1:12 PM – 2:51 PM Period 9 Exam 1:12 PM – 2:51 PM Period 8 Exam Period 7 (Lunch/SH) 12:39 PM – 2:51 PM Period 6/7 Study Hall MIDTERM EXAM PROCEDURE since this could be disruptive to other students taking exams. Students are required to be in school for their first scheduled exam of each Once at school, a student may not leave early Wednesday (January 15, 2014) day and the remainder of the day, except for Friday. On Friday only, students or Thursday (January 16, 2014). To be excused early on Friday (January 17, may be excused at the end of their last scheduled exam period with the PARENT 2014), a student must have the PARENT PERMISSION FORM requesting early PERMISSION FORM received in the High School Office by January 8, 2014. dismissal, turned into the High School Office no later than Wednesday, January Students may only leave at the conclusion of an exam period on Friday, January 8, 2014. 17, 2014. Students may meet with other teachers during class/study time if they have During exam days, students who arrive after 7:50 A.M., must sign in at the secured a pass to that teacher prior to the start of school. office when arriving and have presented by Wednesday, January 8, 2014, the Students with schedule conflicts such as Millstream and Post-Secondary PARENT PERMISSION FORM authorizing the late arrival. After signing in, all Options may reschedule an exam with the teacher. All other exams are to be students will report to the cafeteria and remain there until the next period begins. taken during the scheduled times. No students are permitted anywhere in the building, other than the cafeteria during an exam period. Students also may not go to their lockers during an exam period Order Form for the 2014 Knight and Squire Van Buren Elementary, Middle School and High School Yearbook Orders Thank you to all who purchased a copy of the 2013 Knight and Squire. Last year’s Name ______staff put in a lot of hard work to create a book that our community can be proud of, and Grade/Teacher ______Date ______this year’s staff is working hard to do the same. The 2014 Knight will include the high school and middle school, and the 2014 Squire $55.00 each Price of the 2014 Knight in FULL COLOR (coverage of will include elementary events. The price for the HS/MS yearbook is now $55. A stu- the middle school and high school) dent can have his/her name stamped onto the book for $5, and protective plastic covers can be purchased for $3. The price for the 2014 Squire (elementary) yearbook is $20. $5.00 each Price to have your name put on your yearbook (2014 Knight only) Unfortunately no extras can be purchased with this as it has a soft cover. A student can Write how you would like your name to appear fill out the form on this page and give it to his/her teacher (elementary) or give it to Mr. ______Bratt in Room 235. When your student makes an order, please make sure that if he/she is paying by check, the check is made payable to the 2014 Knight and/or 2014 Squire $3.00each Plastic protective cover for your book (2014 Knight only) for the number of books purchased. Another purchase option is to buy online. Simply go to www.vbschools.net, click $20.00 each Price of the 2014 Squire in FULL COLOR (coverage of on the Buy a Yearbook button, and follow the on-screen instructions. If you choose to the elementary school) purchase your yearbook(s) using this option, the individual prices are only available ($55 Please fill out the following form and return it to your teacher (elementary) and $20). The yearbook staff thanks you for your support of the Knight and Squire, and we or Mr. Bratt in room 235 (middle and high school). Thank you, and enjoy your look forward to serving you in the future. If there are any questions, please contact Mr. yearbook! Bratt, yearbook adviser, at (419) 299-3384 (ext. 407). Quantity Item Price/Unit Total Amount PEOPLE WHO PURCHASED COPIES OF THE 2013 KNIGHT 2014 Knight $55.00 The following alumni need to pick up their copies of the 2013 Knight that they ordered: Heather Name on Book $5.00 Clark, Brady Lucas, and Kennedy Richards. Please stop to pick those up in the high school office at your earliest convenience. Plastic Cover $3.00 Thank you again for your support of Van Buren and our yearbook. 2014 Squire $20.00 Please make all checks payable to: TOTAL 2014 Knight and/or 2014 Squire. Page 4 Knightly News December 2013 HS News MS News Van Buren Academic Boosters Proudly Present Van Buren Academic Boosters Proudly Present October & November 2013 Awesome Knights October & November Virtuous Knights Students are chosen monthly by each high school teacher based upon one or more of the following: academic achievement; positive attitude; class participation; Qualities of a Virtuous Knight: letter grade improvement; and/or outstanding performance. Generosity; Respect; Kindness; Pride in School; Responsibility; Enthusiasm; All students chosen monthly will receive a certificate of recognition from the Pride in Self; Hard Working. Academic Boosters organization and a coupon for a free dessert of their choice Thanks to the Van Buren Academic Boosters and Culver’s for their support of the (cookie, fresh baked pie, ice cream cone, or sundae) from McDonald’s in North VBMS Virtuous Knight program. Baltimore, Bowling Green or Fostoria.

October – Back Row: Dawson Carruthers, Nick McCracken, Brandon Wehrle, October – Back Row: Elijah Simon, Tyler Clark, Kailey Leal, Virginia Bush, Rebecca Agnes Durliat, Mackenzie Saltzman, Madison Swope. Front Row: Lily Saum, Ja- Reichenbaugh, Andrew Kelley, Wade Schimmoeller, Austin Hickman, Austin Harden, son Runion, Kendall Kretzinger, Mackenzie Phillips, Dalton Swope. Not Pictured: Brianna Orchard, Rachel Silver. Front Row: Alisa Warren, Madison Endicott, Bailei Autumn Pisarsky. Hoyng, Rebecca Kheiry, Zoie Nieto, Ivorie Garnes, Kenzie Foster, Courtney Van Horn, Carlee Schmelzer. Not Pictured: Rachell Resnick, Boston Siferd.

November – Back Row: Isaac Sexton, Evan Schuh, Gabe Anderson, Justin Waller, November – Back Row: Josh Orians, Emma Farison, Brady Rader, Trevor Wolford, Riley Adolph, Tanner Schroer, Matthew Nieset, Payten Whitticar. Front Row: Kurt Brendon Ring, Cheyenne Potteiger, Madi Youngpeter. Front Row: Garret Drake, Kuhlman, Blake Colburn, Annie Fleck, Brooklyn Hoyng, Rachel Wymer, Kila Fultz, Noah Elliott, Hannah Missler, Cooper Gitcheff, Lily Wagner, Kyle Hoyng. Robyn Flick,Alexis Piccirillo, Owen Hammond. Not Pictured: Michael Domke, Madison Endicott, Max Frost, Nic Torres. December 2013 Knightly News Page 5 Middle School News School News Seventh Grade Team Braves the Elements! Veteran’s Day Marked Our fifth outdoor education program was certainly the chilliest to date, but was VBMS marked Veteran’s Day in a number of the most successful! Thanks in large part to the preparation of the seventh grade ways this year. Hopefully, you saw the front of teaching team and the Camp the 1918 building where a message was hung Nuhop staff, the trip to “camp” in the center set of windows. Additionally, Mrs. was memorable and full of Keeran worked hard in creating our Wall of Honor. learning. Students enjoyed It’s fun to read the military pursuits of students’ night hikes, accepted the family members and VB graduates. Finally, the challenge of the high ropes entire K-12 staff came together on “Jeans for course, learned hands-on Troops” day. Participating staff members donated $5 to wear jeans on November geology, botany, biology, 6 with the proceeds benefiting GI Go, an organization helping veterans find work, math, and history, and rel- housing and other services. We raised $410! ished seeing Mr. Clark caught by surprise during skits at camp fire. In addition to the learning, students gain independence as some have never stayed away from home for any extended time.

Van Buren High School/Middle School Guidance • Reminder that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filled out by all students planning on attending college next year. Please take the time to have the FAFSA ready to submit as soon as possible after January 1. The FAFSA can be accessed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to get a student and parent PIN number ahead of time at www.pin.gov. • Registration deadline for the February 8 ACT test is January 10. Late reg- istration is January 24. • Information will be given to all students in late February regarding post- secondary options (taking college classes) for next school year. If you have any questions prior to that, you may contact me at school. • Many of the local scholarship applications will be coming in very soon after the holiday break. Students are encouraged to stop in the guidance office on a regular basis to see which scholarships are available at that time. All community foundation scholarships are available online after mid February. A representative from The Community Foundation will meet with all seniors in February. • The county-wide financial aid meeting for college bound senior and junior parents will be held at Arlington HS on January 7 at 6:30 PM and at Liberty- Benton on January 21 at 6:30 PM. It is recommended that at least one parent attend, especially if this is your first time having a student go on to college. • College applications should be sent in by this time. Several of our students have already been accepted to the colleges of their choice! If you still have not done so, there is still time to get your applications sent it. Page 6 Knightly News December 2013 Spanish News Piñatas After reading about the history of piñatas in Mexico and Spain, Mrs. McIntosh’s Spanish III students were given the opportunity to experience piñatas first hand by creating their own. The guidelines for the project were simple: the piñatas had to be colorful and creative, had to be able to hang for a specified period of time, needed to have an opening for the candy, and had to be covered with crepe paper. A balloon had to be used to make the main shape of the piñata, but other materials could be used for details and appendages. Each group had to also create a poster to illustrate their work from the beginning to the end of the project with pictures and captions. The students worked in small groups outside of the classroom for over a month and as you can see, the results were very creative!

Angry Bird Pig: Brant Morton, Ian Rafferty, Max Frost.

Kirby: Drew Conner, Britton Jackson, Nathan Maynard, Bryce Bowers.

Golden Snitch: Essma Kheiry, Rachel Silver, Rachel George, Matt Cooper. Squirt the Turtle: Audrie Ward, Alexis Youngpeter, Ashleigh Farr.

BlowFish: Wade Schimmoeller, David Roy. Owl: Left to Right: Emily Anderbery, Alyssa Miller, Bailei Hoyng, White Angry Bird: Ross Adolph, Chancellor Sonnenberg, Jennifer Irving. Nichole Miller. December 2013 Knightly News Page 7 Elementary News Bowling Green State University Arts Extravaganza! Knights of the Round Table This year twelve students were selected from Van Buren Elementary School Students selected by their noon monitors enjoyed lunch and an ice cream treat to have their artwork displayed at the Bowling Green Art Extravaganza: Connor as “Round Table Knights” — a reward for their positive attitude and behavior during Waltmire, Steven Franks, Caiden Snyder, Dylan VanAtta, Kennedy Jones, Zoe the months of October and November. Students were also able to invite a friend or Durain, Anna Durliat, Gabby Parsell, Tori Schroeder, Alyssa Ring, Isabella Viera, family member to join them at the round table. Congratulations to these students! and Lilianna Grine. Each of these students had one work of art on display in the Bowling Green State University School of Art during the event. The event was on December 6th from 6:00P.M. until 10:00P.M. This provided a great opportunity for Van Buren students to have their artwork displayed along with the students’ artwork from Bowling Green State University.

October – Back Row: Evan VanVorhis, Connor Howard, Ryan Strapp, Drew Turner, Alex Reichenbaugh, Adrianne Sortor, Emma Henry, Ali Bishop. Middle Row: Jillian Clymer, Reece Reichley, Reed Harmon, Caleb Waltmire, Sophia Reineke, Bella Saum, Jaxon Young, Luke Bresler. Front Row: Heidi Griffith, Kamryn Bowman, Ryleigh Keckler, Ava Cramer, Kamden Heitkamp, Audrey Krupp.

Back Row: Connor Waltmire, Steven Franks, Caiden Snyder, Dylan VanAtta, and Kennedy Jones. Front Row: Zoe Durain, Anna Durliat, Gabby Parsell, Tori Schro- eder, and Alyssa Ring,

November – Back Row: Evan Clark, Rachel Cavera, Joshua Drake, Grace Heit- kamp, Kaitlyn Baer, Max Greenawalt, Morgan DeBoo, Grant Young. Middle Row: Hudson Sendelbach, Logan Dilgard, Paige Bowman, Sydney Sherick, Vivian Brant, Isabella Viera Lilianna Grine Ava McCracken, Kennedy Sterling. Front Row: Eunice Kim, Eliza Whitacre, Keyna Hodges, Henry Thomas, Will Rampe, Abby Badertscher. Page 8 Knightly News December 2013 Tenth Annual Knight's Fest

Knight’s Fest 2013 circle adjoining the Medieval Garden. The 6th and 8th grade school bands, under Merriment: high-spiritedness, exuberance, cheerfulness, levity, zest, liveliness, the direction of Mr. Rick Eakin, played parade music for entertainment. A crowd cheer, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jolliness, jollity, happiness, gladness, jocularity, of people lined the sidewalks in hopes of getting a glimpse of the King and Queen conviviality, festivity, merrymaking, revelry, mirth, glee, gleefulness, laughter, hilarity, or the Lords and Ladies. Everyone then entered the Grand Hall where they were lightheartedness, amusement. entertained by the 4th and 5th graders under the direction of Miss Darci VanVlerah. The Lords and Ladies of Van Buren Elementary School recently experienced The 4th grade sang “Loch Lomond” a Scottish Folk tune. The soloists were Connor merriment at its finest by attending the annual Knight’s Festival on October 25, 2013. Koehnke, YaZmeen Nguyen, and Evan Clark. This festival is one of the true highlights of the school year. Planning takes nearly The 5th grade “circle danced” to a medieval tune entitled “Bear Dance”. The one full year and the entire staff is involved in general planning and seeing the event 5th grade boys drummed on the drums they had decorated in art class. through. The Van Buren P.T.O plays a huge role Miss Troyer and Miss VanVlerah were in charge of Storytelling this year. They in supporting the fest through monetary dona- performed a play type story in which students could participate. This side event is tions as well as the organization of dozens of very popular and students are often disappointed that they can’t get in, as space volunteers. The staff wishes to thank the P.T.O. for the event fills up quickly. and the parents and numerous volunteers who For the second year in a row, students from Bowling Green State University donated their time, talents, and resources to participated in Knights Fest. The student’s instructor, Mrs. Jane VandenEynden, make the Knight’s Fest a success was an art teacher here at Van Buren for many years. The students spent the entire The students made period related projects day, prior to Knight’s Fest, in the classrooms giving presentations from medieval in ART class again this year. Miss Troyer se- times. They dressed in period clothing and portrayed the parts of the following: lected items that the students would be able to sculptor, printer, apothecary, baker, mason, weaver, candle maker, embroiderer, wear or use for Knight’s Fest. The following and stained glass craftsman. The B.G.S.U. students also returned for the Knight’s is a list of projects that the students created: Fest and participated by overseeing the many craft booths and toddler activities. Kindergarten/medallions, 1st grade/ Crowns, The committee and staff wishes to thank Mrs. VandenEynden and her students for 2nd grade/ Scepters, 3rd/ Pouches, 4th grade/ their hard work and efforts toward this event. jester hats, 5th grade/ drums for the boys and sash with Coat of Arms for the girls. The Knight’s Fest is a memorable time for students of all ages, the staff, and Miss Cheri Rhodes is also involved in costuming. She has amassed a plethora all participants. Thanks to everyone involved for making it such a wonderful and of costumes for students to borrow. She is also involved in organizing craft supplies successful event. You really have to see it to believe it!!! and general equipment, which is a monumental task each year. Mrs. Ohlrich’s Vantage students made announcements each morning, leading up to Knight’s Fest, which were interesting facts about Medieval Times. On the day of the Knight’s Fest the Lords and Ladies arrived by “coach” in the morning dressed in their finery. They met with the “Royal Photographer” (Mr.Chris Kniss) for a photo session. Late in the morning the banquet staff served a meal fit for a king. The fare included period food such as: chicken legs, corn on the cob, and fruit. The king (Mr. Newcomer) and queen (Mrs. Murphy) dined with the Lords and Ladies and then mingled around the court to visit with the crowd. A Wii Jousting Tournament took place for all to enjoy. The final bracket winner played the king for the grand champion- ship. Fifth graders Dessa Darling and Brandon Smith were in the semi-final match. Brandon then went on to play King Newcomer. The Grand Parade began promptly at 12:30 p.m. Natalie Risser sounded the trumpet to announce the arrival of the King and Queen. The Lords and Ladies bowed and curtseyed as the King and Queen passed by. Everyone joined in the parade which processed around the November 2013 Knightly News Page 9 School News

Rachel Challenges Van Buren Students and Staff Rachel's Challenge is unlike many programs in that it is designed for sustain- One of the first victims of the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, ability. The high school will continue building on this day through their freshman 1999, Rachel Scott, had a profound effect on the students and staff at Van Buren mentoring program. The middle school "Friends of Rachel" club met two days lat- Middle and High Schools over er, on Friday. Over half of the student body attended. Students broke into groups a decade later. Many students to continue the work that was started during the leadership training: Finding solu- had never heard of the school in tions to the identified problems. The six groups worked feverishly to work out the Colorado, which was the scene specific details for ideas such as "Mix it Up at Lunch" day, where students are ran- of the worse school shooting in domly grouped for lunch seating to promote talking with students outside of your United States history. Rachel's usual group of friends. Another group envisioned having post-it notes available Challenge, a program based for any student or staff member to post a compliment on a student's locker. The on the writings of Rachel Scott, Friends of Rachel club posing a new kindness challenge to students each week presented two student assem- was the idea of a third group. At the end of the meeting, everyone in attendance blies, a student-staff leadership (over 130 students and 8 staff members) were reminded of Rachel's Challenges: training session, and a commu- Look for the best in others; dream big; choose positive influences; speak with kind- nity presentation on December ness; and, start your own chain reaction. These middle school students were well 4. Rachel's Challenge is based on their way to a chain reaction. on the notion that our students, once empowered and challenged, can make a Bringing Rachel's Challenge to Van Buren has been a long process and we drastic change in the school climate through simple acts of kindness. wish to thank the many community donors whose generosity brought kindness to It's amazing that the writings of a teenager could be so powerful - that is until the forefront of many students' and adults' minds. Marathon Petroleum Corpora- you begin to see the similarities between Rachel and someone she had interest in tion also made a donation and a grant was secured through The Findlay-Hancock herself - Anne Frank. Rachel's Challenge has been presented to over 19 million County Community Foundation to make this a reality. For more information on people across the world and it has made a lasting impact, just as Anne Frank's own Rachel's Challenge, visit www.rachelschallenge.org. diaries have been prolific.

Van Buren Elementary Teachers Volunteer Their Time For The Academic Booster wish to thank their corporate sponsors for this school “Coats for Christmas” in Support of our Community. year. Through their support, along with the support of our parents and family members, we are able to recognize and award our students for their hard work and success.

Corporate Donations List – 2013/2014

Arlington Natural Gas Company • Ball Corporation • Whirlpool Corporation • Blanchard Valley Farmers Cooperative, Inc. • Hosler-Corbin Insurance Hancock Wood Electric Cooperative • Jim’s Trophies & Screen Printing Marathon Petroleum Company • Max & Erma’s Restaurant • Mutchler & Lewis Family Dental Care Bruce A. Mutchler, DDS & Kathryn A. Lewis, DDS Page 10 Knightly News December 2013 Music Booster News Bittersweet Year for Marching Band

The marching band has had a fun and successful 2013 season, but it has been bit- tersweet. Band director Rick Eakin will be retiring at the end of this school year, so this was the last time he will be directing the marchers. Several area schools paid The Black Knight Marching Band represented our school and community in the tribute to him during their half time performances at football games, and our own Findlay Halloween Parade in October alumni surprised him with a huge reunion during the home game against Liberty Mr. Eakin congratulates Natalie Riss- Benton in October. er on being voted Oustanding Senior Marcher. Other awards included Most Promising Marchers, Andy Godzak and Summer Poland, and Most Improved Marchers, Austin Lako and Jacob Be- low. The awards were presented at the annual end-of-season banquet in early November.

The Middle School band awaits the start of the parade as they performed for Knights Fest in October.

Mr. Vaughn (left), who as- sisted with marching band this year, laughs as Mr. Eakin accepts a “fossil for a fossil” gift from the band members!

Senior marching band members Matthew Wilkins, Natalie Risser and Matthew Bado led the last performance for the marching band during the half time show at the home football game against McComb. December 2013 Knightly News Page 11 Music Booster News Music News Gloria! A Choral Extravaganza

The Varsity Choir had an exciting opportunity to perform at a Fall Choral Festi- val with choirs from Arcadia, Bowling Green, Montpelier, Otsego and Whitmer on Sunday November 17. Each choir performed a selection, with our Varsity Choir For the grand finale, Van Buren’s Varsity Choir joined five other choirs and an in- performing Can Can, in the first half of the program. strumental ensemble to perform John Rutter’s Gloria.

Bye Bye Birdie Orchestra Rehearsals Announced Any Van Buren instrumental music student or community members are invited to participate in the orchestra for the school musical Bye Bye Birdie, which will be presented March 21-22, 2014. Instrumentation for the show includes: flute/piccolo, clarinet (3), bass clarinet; alto sax, (2), tenor sax, bari sax; trumpet (I, II, III), horn, trombone (I, II); percussion (I, II); piano; synthesizer (1 or 2, covering strings); guitar/electric bass/banjo. Tentative rehearsal schedule is: 2/25/14 and 2/27/14 3:00 - 5:00 PM (students, community welcome if available) 3/3/14 and 3/6/14 6:30 - 8:30 PM (students, community welcome if available) 3/10/14, 3/11/14, 6:30 - 8:30 PM 3/12/14, 3/13/14 6:30 - 8:30 PM SHOW WEEK – 3/16/14 3:00 - 6:00 PM play through in orchestra pit with singers In the second half of the concert, the choirs combined and had the opportunity to perform 3/17/14, 3/18/14 TBA dress rehearsals three selections directed by the composer, Matthew Armstrong. Dr. Armstrong has written 3/19/14, 3/20/14 TBA dress rehearsals (3-20-14 only if more than 150 musical compositions and is the recipient of numerous awards for his work. needed) The Combined choirs performed his Hosanna, Rose of Sharon and Elegy for Dachau. 3/21/14, 3/22/14 SHOW performances

All-County Band and Choir Festival February 16 Rehearsal dates and times are subject to change. Check with Mr. Eakin to One of the oldest county music festivals in Ohio will present its 2014 edition at confirm. McComb High School on February 16. The Hancock County Music Festival has If interested in participating, or need further information, contact Rick Eakin at been an annual event for over fifty years. The concert will feature musicians from 419 299 3221 x413 or at [email protected]. Arcadia, Arlington, Cory-Rawson, McComb, Liberty-Benton, Van Buren, Riverdale, and Vanlue under the direction of guest choir conductor Larry Griffin and band con- District III Honors Band and Choir at Nisonger Auditorium January 19 ductor Dr. Sarah Waters. Admission is $6 adults, and $4 students/senior citizens. The OMEA District III Honors Band and Choir will perform at 3:00 PM at Nis- Vocalists from Van Buren include: Emily Anderbery, Gabe Anderson, Brice Arm- wonger Auditorium at Van Wert High School. Van Buren vocalists will include: So- strong, Brittany Arnold, Allie Arthur, Brandon Bell, Mary Davidson, Michael Domke, pranos Mary Davidson, Mary Beth Kane, Katelyn Reineke, Courtney Van Horn; Al- Michelle Flanagan, Brooklyn Hoyng, Mary Beth Kane, Aaron Keck, Ayasha Keck- tos Kaitlyn Kniss, Zoie Nieto, Natalie Risser; Tenors Gabe Anderson, Austin Lako, ler, Ian Kern, Kaitlyn Kniss, Austin Lako, Alyssa Miller, Zoie Nieto, Katelyn Reineke, Thomas Rowles; and Basses Michael Domke, Ian Kern, Wade Schimmoeller, Joel Natalie Risser, Thomas Rowles, Olivia Sattler, Aaron Scasny, Joel Schumacker, Schumacker. A.J. Arriaga will play baritone in the Honors Band. The guest con- Jared Smith, Justen Stall, Ethan Stumpp, Courtney Van Horn, Matthew Wilkins. ductors this year are Dr. Robert Tocheff for the choir and Dr. Richard Fischer for the Instrumentalists from Van Buren include: AJ Arriaga, baritone; Summer Poland, band. Check the District 3 website at www.district3omea.org for current admission clarinet; Evan Schuh, trumpet. prices to the Honors Festival. Page 12 Knightly News December 2013 January & February Menu/Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

•Popcorn Chicken, French •Potato Fluff, Corn, Fruit, •Pizza, Green Beans, •Salsbury Steak, Mashed •Vegetable Beef Soup, ** Menu subject Fries, Fruit, Milk Milk Fruit, Milk Potatoes w/Beef Gravy, Dinner Roll, Fruit, Milk District III OMEA HS Honors to change * * •Chicken Breast Sand- •Ham, Green Beans, & •Pizza, Corn, Fruit, Dinner Roll, Fruit, Milk •Pulled Pork Sand- Choir & Band Rehearsal @ wich, Baked Beans, Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Milk •Macaroni & Cheese, wich, Tater Rounds, Van Wert HS, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fruit, Milk Fruit, Milk Var Wrestling @ Columbus Grove Peas, Dinner Roll, Fruit, Milk Var Boys Basketball w/Elmwood This institute is an w/Riverdale, 6:00 PM Fruit, Milk Freshman Boys Basketball w/ equal opportunity pro- MS Boys Basketball @ Pandora MS Boys Basketball @ North Gilboa Elmwood, 5:00 PM vider and employer. Baltimore MS Girls Basketball w/Pandora Var Girls Basketball @ Cory Rawson MS Girls Basketball w/North Var Girls Basketball w/Pandora Var Boys Basketball w/Vanlue MS Wrestling @ Fostoria Invite, Gilboa Baltimore Gilboa 10:00 A.M Athletic Boosters - 7:00 P.M., Boy Scout Troop 313 - 5 JANUARY 6 Community Room 7 8 7:00 P.M., Allen Twp. Center 9 10 11 •Pepperoni & Cheese •Hamburgers, French •Grilled Cheese Sandwich, •Ham, Green Beans, & •Hot Dog, Baked Beans, Var Boys Basketball @ Tiffin Calvert Breadstix, Corn, Fruit, Milk Fries, Fruit, Milk Tomoto Soup, Fruit, Milk Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Fruit, Milk Freshman Boys Basketball @ Tiffin •Shredded Chicken •Hamburger, French Fruit, Milk •Grilled Cheese Sanwich, Calvert, 5:00 PM •Salsbury Steak, Var Wrestling - Van Buren Invitational, District III OMEA HS Honors Sandwich, Baked Fries, Fruit, Milk •Hamburger Macaroni, Tomato Soup, Fruit, Milk Mashed Potatoes w/ 9:30 AM Jazz Band Rehearsal @ Elida Beans, Fruit, Milk Beef Gravy, Dinner Green Beans, Garlic End of 1st Semester SEMESTER EXAMS Toast, Fruit, Milk MS Boys Basketball @ Elmwood, HS, 2:00 - 5:00 PM Freshman Boys Basketball @ Lima Roll, Fruit, Milk MS Boys Basketball @ Cory SEMESTER EXAMS 12:00PM Bath Rawson SEMESTER EXAMS Var Boys Basketball @ Leipsic MS Girls Basketball @ Elmwood, MS Boys Basketball @ Vanlue MS Wrestling @ Carey w/Kenton, Var Girls Basketball w/Liberty Benton Var Wrestling - Van Buren Invite, 9:00 AM MS Girls Basketball w/Vanlue Var Girls Basketball w/Ayersville 5:30 PM Freshman Boys Basketball @ Liberty 5:00 PM District III OMEA HS Honors Choir Music Boosters - 7:00 P.M., Fine Boy Scout Troop 313 - Benton District III OMEA HS Honors Jazz & Band Rehearsal @ Van Wert Arts Wing 7:00 P.M., Allen Twp. Center Band Rehearsal @ Van Wert HS, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 12 13 14 15 16 17 HS, 5:00 - 7:00 PM 18 NO SCHOOL •Chicken Nuggets, Mash- •French Toast Stix, Eggs •Pizza, Corn, Fruit, Milk •BBQ Rib Sandwich, OMEA District III HS ed Potatoes w/Chicken & Sausage, Hash Browns, •Chicken Noodle Soup, Tater Rounds, Fruit, Milk Music Festival Gravy, Fruit, Milk Fruit, Milk Hot Dog Sandwich, •Tacos, Corn, Fruit, Fruit, Milk Var Boys Basketball @ Bluffton at Niswonger Martin Luther King Day •Tuna & Noodles, •Pizza, Green Beans, Milk Var Wrestling - Thunderbird Invite Performing Arts Peas, Dinner Roll, Fruit, Milk - Lima, 9:30 AM Fruit, Milk Center, (Van Wert MS Girls Basketball @ CR - BVC Var Girls Basketball @ St. Wendelin MS Girls Basketball @ CR - BVC Var Girls Basketball w/Vanlue Tourney, TBA MS/HS Campus) Freshman Boys Basketball w/ Var Boys Basketball @ McComb MS Girls Basketball @ Wapakoneta, Mohawk Tourney, TBA Var Wrestling - Thunderbird Invite - Show Choir Competition at Marysville 3:00 PM 5:30 PM MS Wrestling @ Hopewell Loudon Boy Scout Troop 313 - Lima, 5:30 PM Showcase Show Choir Invitational w/Shelby 7:00 PM, Allen Twp Center 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 •Meatloaf, Mashed •Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, •Hamburgers, French •Tacos, Corn, Fruit, Milk •Chicken Noodle Soup, Var Wrestling @ OWL Champion- ship @ Toledo Christian, 9:00 AM Regular Print - Potatoes w/Beef Gravy, Corn, Fruit, Milk Fries, Fruit, Milk •French Toast Stix, Peanut Butter & Jelly Dinner Roll, Fruit, Milk •Hamburger, French Eggs & Sausage, Hash Sandwich, Fruit, Milk Var Girls Basketball @ New Riegel, Elementary Menu •Chicken Fried Steak, 12:00 PM •Pepperoni & Cheese Mashed Potatoes w/Old Fries, Fruit, Milk Browns, Fruit, Milk •Vegetable Beef Soup, Freshman Boys Basketball @ Lima (K-5) Breadstixs, Corn, Fashion Gravy, Green MS Boys Basketball @ St. Peter Dinner Roll, Fruit, Shawnee, 11:00 AM Fruit, Milk Beans, Fruit, Milk Milk MS Wrestling @ OWL Champion- Italicized Print - & Paul - Ottawa MS Boys Basketball @ Liberty Var Girls Basketball w/Patrick MS Girls Basketball @ CR - BVC Var Girls Basketball @ Leipsic ship @ Toledo Christian, 9:00 AM MS Girls Basketball @ CR - BVC MS & HS Menu Benton Henry Tourney, TBA Var Boys Basketball w/Hardin (6-12) Northern Tourney,TBA Academic Boosters - 7:00 PM, Freshman Boys Basketball @ Boy Scout Troop 313 - HS District III OMEA Solo and Home Resrc Mgmnt Classrm 121 Mohawk 7:00 P.M., Allen Twp. Center Ensemble Contest @ Lima Sr HS 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 FEBRUARY Lunch Prices: •Chili w/Cheese, Butter •Fish Nuggets, Tater •Spaghetti w/Meat •Pizza, Corn, Fruit, Milk •Chicken Breast Sandwich, K-5 $2.00 Bread, Fruit, Milk Rounds, Fruit, Milk Sauce, Green Beans, Gar- •Chili w/Cheese, Butter French Fries, Fruit, Milk •BBQ Rib Sandwich, •Sweet & Sour Chicken lic Toast, Fruit, Milk 6-12 $2.25 Bread, Fruit, Milk •Hot Dog or Coney Dog, Tater Rounds, Fruit, over Rice, Mixed Veg- •Pizza, Corn, Fruit, Baked Beans, Fruit, Alternate Lunch $2.50 Milk etables, Fruit, Milk Milk Milk Adult $2.75 Var Wrestling @ NB w/Findlay 'B' Milk $0.50 MS Boys Basketball @ Hardin Northern Freshman Boys Basketball w/ MS Boys Basketball @ CR - BVC Var Girls Basketball w/Hardin MS Boys Basketball @ CR - BVC Sandwich $1.65 Athletic Boosters - 7:00 P.M., Bluffton Tourney, 5:30 PM Northern Var Boys Basketball w/Arlington Tourney, 10:00 AM French Fries $1.50 Community Room Boy Scout Troop 313 - 7:00 P.M., Ice Cream $0.80 Allen Twp. Center 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Winter Band Concert February 24 The Instrumental Music Department will pres- Waiver Days have been scheduled for Teacher Inservice meetings. ent the Winter Band Concert at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 24. The Fifth, Sixth, Middle School and Students will not attend school these days. Please mark your High School bands will be featured, and a combined calendar with the following dates: bands finale will close out the concert. A special mu- sical tribute for the tenth year of our auditorium will be Friday, February 14, 2014 • Friday, March 28, 2014 included. Admission is free.