Maple Run Connection

Welcome to June!

It's hard to believe we've reached the final month of the school year. In just a little over two weeks, our students will be heading into summer, and between now and then, our schools are filled with excitement, celebrations, and end-of-year activities.

June is always a special time in Maple Run. It is a time to reflect on the growth our students have made throughout the year and celebrate their accomplishments. From classroom projects and field trips to concerts, athletic events, award ceremonies, and graduations, there is much to celebrate across our district.

This week, we also take time to recognize the incredible work of our staff. Throughout the year, they have supported, challenged, encouraged, and inspired students each and every day. Their dedication is at the heart of everything we do.

As we enjoy these final days together, thank you to our families, staff, and community members for your continued partnership and support. Let's finish the year strong and enjoy all the special moments that make this time of year so meaningful.

This Thursday, Maple Run Unified School District will celebrate the careers of three outstanding educators: Barbara Tenney, Douglas Bell, and Jennifer Callahan.

As the school year comes to a close, I hope you'll consider joining us as we thank these dedicated educators for the many years they have spent serving our students, families, and schools. Each has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young people, and this celebration is an opportunity for our community to show its appreciation.

Whether you worked alongside them, had a child in their classroom, or simply want to help recognize their contributions to Maple Run, we would love to see you there.

The community retirement celebration will be held this Thursday, June 4, from 4:00–5:30 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 758, 353 Lake Street in Saint Albans.

Please join us as we celebrate Barb, Doug, and Jen and thank them for the tremendous impact they have had on our schools and community. We wish them all the very best in their well-earned retirement.

We are continuing to celebrate the launch of the Maple Run Excellence Award this spring, recognizing educators across our district for the impact they make every day in our schools.

Each week, we are highlighting staff who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and our school communities.

This week’s recipients are:

Congratulations, and thank you for the difference you make every day for our students.

This week, I also want to recognize Keeli Garceau, an eighth-grade teacher at Fairfield Center School, as one of our Maple Run Excellence Award recipients.

Keeli brings energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to her work each day. Her classroom is organized, engaging, and student-centered, creating an environment where students feel supported while also being challenged to take ownership of their learning.

What stands out about Keeli is her commitment to helping students find their voice and become active participants in their school community. Whether through classroom learning experiences, school projects, or initiatives like the "What's Up Fairfield" YouTube channel, she creates opportunities for students to share their ideas, showcase their work, and connect with others.

Beyond her classroom, Keeli is someone who consistently steps up to support students, colleagues, and the broader school community. She is involved in school events, committees, and projects that help strengthen connections throughout Fairfield Center School.

It was a pleasure to surprise Keeli and recognize the positive impact she has on students and the energy she brings to her school each day.

We are fortunate to have educators like Keeli in Maple Run, and I am grateful for the difference she makes for students and staff at Fairfield Center School every day.

This week, I also want to recognize Sherry Peyrat, a kindergarten teacher at Fairfield Center School, as one of our Maple Run Excellence Award recipients.

Sherry creates a classroom where students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn from the moment they walk through the door. Her calm and caring approach helps young learners build confidence while developing the skills and routines that will support them throughout their educational journey.

What stands out about Sherry is the strong foundation she provides for students during their earliest school experiences. She creates an environment where children feel safe taking risks, asking questions, and growing as learners. Her classroom routines help students develop independence while knowing they are supported every step of the way.

Sherry also builds strong relationships with families and works to ensure parents feel connected to their child's learning experience. Her communication, care, and partnership help create a positive and supportive school community.

It was a pleasure to surprise Sherry and recognize the warm, welcoming learning environment she creates for students each day.

We are fortunate to have educators like Sherry in Maple Run, and I am grateful for the difference she makes for students and families at Fairfield Center School every day.

This week, I also want to recognize Melanie Carswell, a PreK educator at East Fairfield, as one of our Maple Run Excellence Award recipients.

Melanie creates a classroom where our youngest learners feel safe, valued, and ready to explore the world around them. Through thoughtful routines, play-based learning experiences, and a nurturing environment, she helps students build the confidence and skills they need for a successful start to school.

What stands out about Melanie is the calm and welcoming atmosphere she creates each day. Her classroom is structured while still allowing students opportunities to learn through curiosity, discovery, and meaningful interactions with their peers. Students are engaged, supported, and developing important academic and social skills that will serve them well in the years ahead.

Melanie also works closely with families to help make the transition into school a positive experience. She builds strong partnerships with caregivers and helps ensure families feel connected and informed throughout the school year.

It was a pleasure to surprise Melanie and recognize the caring, supportive learning environment she provides for students each day.

We are fortunate to have educators like Melanie in Maple Run, and I am grateful for the difference she makes for students and families at East Fairfield every day.

June is here, and after a long Vermont winter and spring, the extra daylight can be a real mood booster. Even a few minutes outside during the day can help you feel more energized, refreshed, and connected to the season.

As the school year winds down and schedules stay busy, take a moment to enjoy the things that June brings: sunshine, fresh air, blooming flowers, green grass, and longer evenings.

Sometimes the best wellness tip is the simplest one.

Wishing you a week filled with sunshine and a few moments that bring you joy.

Each week in the Maple Run Connection, we highlight something positive happening in our schools or across the district. It’s a chance to recognize the everyday work of students, staff, and families.

This week, I want to highlight the excitement and energy that spring sports have brought to our schools and community.

Across Maple Run, students are competing, practicing, and representing their schools in baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, lacrosse, and more. These opportunities help students build teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and school pride while creating memories that will last long after the season ends.

Spring sports have also brought increased activity to the Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center. On any given day, you'll find student-athletes, families, staff, and community members taking advantage of the many opportunities the facility offers. Whether it's walking on the track, using the fitness center, attending a strength or spin class, playing tennis or pickleball, enjoying the playground, or exploring the walking trails, the complex has become a hub of activity for people of all ages.

What makes this especially meaningful is the way it brings people together. Students from our middle and high schools, families, community members, and visitors are sharing the same spaces, supporting one another, and enjoying the benefits of being active together.

We are fortunate to have facilities that support both student activities and community wellness. The Collins Perley complex is more than a sports venue, it's a place where people connect, move, and spend time together.

Thank you to our coaches, advisors, families, staff, and community partners who help make these opportunities possible. The energy around our spring sports season is a great reminder of the positive role schools play in bringing a community together.

Did you know Maple Run offers an Early Childhood Program for children ages 3 and 4?

Our preschool programs are located in five schools across the district and help our youngest learners build confidence, routines, friendships, and the skills they need for a strong start in kindergarten.

Registration for next school year is now open.

Because we have a limited number of spots, student placement is done through a lottery system, so I encourage families to register early.

If you have a child who will be preschool age next year or know a friend, neighbor, or family member who does—now is a great time to learn more.

Registration information can be found on the Maple Run Unified School District website. If you have questions, please reach out to Jessica Barnes jbarnes@maplerun.org or 802-370-3951.

We’d love to welcome your child to Maple Run!

We’re excited to welcome new Kindergarten students to Maple Run Unified School District! Children must be five years old on or before September 1, 2026, to enroll.

If your child is new to Maple Run, please complete the School Interest Form: School Registration

Once approved, you’ll receive instructions to create a Parent Portal account and complete enrollment forms: Parent Portal

Timing Matters: Early registration helps our schools plan staffing, classroom supports, and meet-and-greet opportunities—ensuring a smooth, welcoming start for every child.

Required Documents: You may be asked to provide a birth certificate and proof of residency. If uploading is difficult, you can bring documents to your school or contact your school to discuss other options.

Contact Your School for Support:

Fairfield Center School: Judy Magnan | (802) 827-6639 | jmagnan@maplerun.org

Saint Albans City School: Sue Smith | (802) 527-0565 | sacsregistrar@maplerun.org

Saint Albans Town Educational Center: Michelle Dow | (802) 752-2600 | mdow@maplerun.org

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every child has a strong, welcoming start to Kindergarten!

Maple Run MISSION Statement

Maple Run ensures a meaningful, flexible, rigorous, and safe education for all to thrive and excel.

Maple Run VISION Statement

At Maple Run Unified School District, we are committed to cultivating a welcoming environment where our students and community can tap into their love of learning.

OUR CORE VALUES

In partnership with our families and community we value:

Children, first and foremost;
Safety and security;
Collaboration and relationships,
Joy and curiosity;
Relevance and rigor;
Independence and perseverance;
Flexibility and adaptability;
Respect and diversity;
Accountability and integrity;

And commit to provide equity in access to a quality education.