Vanlue Local School

10/23/2026

A big thank you to members of the Carey American Legion for visiting our 4th and 5th grade students for a special Flag Etiquette Presentation! Students learned about the history of the American flag, how to properly display and respect it, and even how to correctly fold the flag.

We are so thankful for our community members who take the time to share their knowledge and experiences with our students. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

10/23/2026

Here is the link to Mr. Valasek’s Superintendent update for Friday, October 23, 2026.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/22/2026

Our 6th graders are learning about the scientific method and the three types of variables in an experiment by conducting the age-old flowers in food coloring experiment. Which color do you think will be the brightest by the end of school on Friday? Pictures courtesy of Miss R.

10/22/2026

We're still taking orders! In fact, the day you hand in your order, you will receive your items immediately! No need to wait until the end of the fundraiser.

Check out our PBIS fundraiser!!

10/21/2026

In honor of Red Ribbon Week next week (10/26-10/30), Vanlue School, along with Deputy Hartman, is sponsoring a spirit week! This will include our Halloween costume day on Friday, October 30.

10/21/2026

If you think Buddy was excited before, he’s even more happy now thinking of what he can do with his day off! That’s right!! Vanlue School is now CLOSED for today, 10/21, due to fog.

10/21/2026

IT’S FINALLY HAPPENED!! Our first delay of the school year! Even Buddy the Elf is excited! Vanlue School will begin today, 10/21, on a 2 hour delay due to fog.

10/20/2026

For those inquiring about the pine tree in front of the elementary building, please allow me to explain.

Unfortunately, the pine tree was heavily infested with bagworms. We consulted with two tree companies and an exterminator when attempting to determine how to address the situation.

After weighing all of the options available, it was determined that removing the tree was the best decision for several reasons.

1. Bagworms are very destructive and can ultimately contribute to the death of even a large tree in one to three seasons.

2. Bagworms spread aggressively to other pine trees, arborvitae, and various additional evergreen species when they hatch in the spring.

3. Treating the bagworms with pesticides would require multiple treatments over a period of time. The Board was uncomfortable with the use of pesticides in close proximity to the elementary classrooms.

4. In addition to the infestation, the tree was encroaching on the building due to its size. The root system was causing issues with the clay drainage tile for our downspouts. The root system also started to impact the foundation of the elementary. Finally, the size of the tree was causing branches to extend onto the sidewalk area and also brush up against classroom windows.

Based on this information, we decided to have Ward’s Tree Service remove the tree. We felt that it was best to remove it now so we could get rid of the infestation before the spring hatch to reduce the risk for further bagworm issues on school grounds or our neighbors’ property.

I was planning to provide an update on the tree and our plans to remove it in my Friday Superintendent update. Originally we were told it would be approximately two weeks before we could be scheduled to have the tree taken down. However, this afternoon Ward’s contacted us and notified us that they had a schedule change. They asked if they could come this evening instead to remove the tree.

I understand that the tree was dedicated to Mr. Dennis. We have preserved his plaque, which was located under the tree, and we are cleaning and restoring it. Eventually we will replace the tree and rededicate the new one with the restored plaque.

If you have any further questions about the tree or any other matters pertaining to Vanlue Local School, please feel free to contact me. I am always happy to have a conversation.

Eric Valasek
Superintendent
Office: 419-387-7724
Email: [email protected]

10/18/2026

Weekly schedule for October 19!

10/16/2026

Even though it’s National Principal’s month AND National Boss’s Day today, we have the BEST principal/bosses anybody could ask for! This week alone Mr. Petrie has driven the bus for field trips during the school day and Mr. Valasek has helped serve lunches since Wednesday. Neither one made a big deal about it, just quiet service that not everybody gets to see. Jumping in when and where they’re needed without thinking twice. These aren’t isolated incidents. This is the new culture at Vanlue School and it starts at the top.