Hello Van Buren Families!

 Happy Mother’s Day!  Reminder – there is No School tomorrow – May 12th.

 Thank you to everyone that granted wishes, donated goodies to our “Oz Club”, or wrote letters of appreciation during our Staff Appreciation Week.  Each snack, gift and kind word was deeply appreciated!
PTA Walk-A-Thon is this Friday from 2-3pm:

  We are raising money to stock up on our PBIS store and supply materials for our teachers to outfit their rooms in the fall to be ready for students.   
Prizes – 
  Collect $10 in donations – Choose a prize from the prize table  
  Collect $50 in donations – Choose a prize and get a Kona Ice Treat
  Collect $100 in donations – Choose a prize, get a Kona Ice Treat, and extra time on the Inflatable during Field Day
   Collect $200 in donations – Choose a prize, get a Kona Ice Treat, extra time on Inflatable, and a $15 gift card

We are hoping to collect $4,321  in donations.   

Also this week we will be having a coin drive.  Staff have volunteered to sit in a dunk tank on field day.  Students are encouraged to bring in their coins to vote for who they most want to dunk!!! Most coins win!!
100% of donations go directly to our PTA!!Last week of School Activities

 5th grade end of year bowling celebration – we are looking for 3 parents per classroom to help support this activity.  If you would be willing to help on Thursday, May 29th from 9 – 11:45 – please let either Jan Hanks or your classroom teacher know.  

 Tuesday, June 3rd – Annual Field Day (rain date June 4th) Please email jhanks@crschools.us if you would be willing to volunteer your time to help with field day!

  Thursday, June 5th – Last Day for Students (full day)  2:30 – 5th grade bell ringing

New TikTok Trend Damaging Devices and Raising Safety Concerns

A troubling TikTok trend is spreading across schools nationwide, and Cedar Rapids Community School District wants families to be aware. The trend involves students inserting conductive objects-such as paper clips or pencil lead-into Chromebook USB ports. This seemingly harmless act can short out the device, permanently damaging it.

Some students may view this as a joke or prank, but the reality is serious: damaging a school-issued Chromebook through intentional misuse is not only a safety concern, it also comes at a cost.

What’s at Risk?

  • Destroyed Devices: The Chromebook may be permanently disabled.
  • Fire Hazards: In other districts, these actions have caused devices to overheat, smoke, and even catch fire.
  • Financial Responsibility: If a student damages their Chromebook intentionally or through misuse, the family is responsible for the full replacement cost of $330.

What Families Can Do

We strongly encourage all families to talk with their students about this trend and the consequences of participating in it. A few helpful steps:

  • Ask your student if they’ve heard about this trend.
  • Explain the risks-both to their safety and to your family’s finances.
  • Remind them that school devices are learning tools, not toys or props for social media.

CRCSD is committed to student safety and responsible use of district technology. We appreciate your help in reinforcing this message at home so students understand the very real risks and consequences of this harmful trend.Sincerely,

Mrs. Evans