Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run Community!

February vacation kicks off this week, and our schools are buzzing with energy and excitement! Last week was full of celebration, connection, and learning a wonderful reminder of the amazing community we have.

On Monday, our students shared their experiences at the Franklin County Legislative Breakfast at NCTC with county legislators. Thank you to all the students who spoke, asked thoughtful questions, and represented our schools with pride. The breakfast was catered by Chef Paul and his students, highlighting the skills and dedication of our Tech Center students. With community members, school board members, staff, and students in attendance, it was a meaningful conversation celebrating the opportunities at our Tech Center CTE programs.

On Thursday, NCTC hosted the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer in honor of Career Technical Education (CTE) Month. The event featured spectacular hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Paul and students, who also volunteered their time to make the event a success. It was a wonderful chance to showcase our programs and celebrate the amazing talents of our students.

On Wednesday, the Maple Run Board held its final meeting before Town Meeting Day. Thank you to everyone who participated, shared thoughts, and joined the conversation.

Remember: Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote. Make sure to get out and vote!

Last Friday was a great day across our buildings, the first day of February break! Students and staff connected with friends and colleagues, enjoying pep rallies, basketball games, trivia, dress-up, and spirit activities. The excitement and energy in every hallway was contagious and heartwarming.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for making Maple Run such a vibrant place to learn, grow, and celebrate together!

We’re hosting one more Coffee & Conversation session in this series.

Come out, ask questions, and share your thoughts about the FY27 Maple Run School Budget! These informal gatherings are a great way to connect with your community, learn more, and engage in meaningful dialogue in a relaxed setting.

Upcoming Session:

• Saturday, February 28 | 9:00–10:00 AM

Location: The Traveled Cup, 94 North Main Street, Saint Albans City

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our students. Your voice. Your vote. March 3rd.

The FY27 Maple Run Unified School District budget is moving forward, and now it’s your chance to dig in, ask questions, and see how our shared priorities take shape in our schools.

With the proposed budget adopted by the School Board, we invite families, staff, and community members to explore how resources are being invested to support student learning, well-being, and thriving school communities.

Visit the FY27 Budget Information website to learn more:
www.maplerun.org

There you’ll find our FY27 Annual Report, offering clear, detailed insight into:

• Budget priorities and key investments

• How resources support students academically, socially, and emotionally

• Staffing, programming, and operations

• What this means for every school in our district

Upcoming Opportunity:

• FY27 Budget Information Meeting
  Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM
  Maple Run Central Office, 28 Catherine Street, Saint Albans

These gatherings are your chance to ask questions, share feedback, and hear directly from the Board and district leaders. Community engagement is what makes our schools stronger—your voice truly matters!

Community Vote — Town Meeting Day
Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Residents of Saint Albans City, Saint Albans Town, and the Town of Fairfield are encouraged to vote on or before Town Meeting Day. Early voting is available—contact your Town Clerk to plan ahead.

The FY27 budget reflects our shared commitment to providing strong, supportive schools where all learners can grow, explore, and succeed. Every decision is made with students at the center—academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are grateful to our community for staying informed, asking questions, and supporting the work happening in our schools every day.

Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote.

As always, if you have questions, reach out! Email: TapIn@MapleRun.org or connect directly with School Board members mrusdboard@maplerun.org.

Vermont’s system for funding public education is unique and can feel complicated.

Decisions made at the local level by our school boards and community voters are connected to statewide processes that determine how education is paid for and how property tax rates are set. In short, local budget decisions influence what we invest in our schools and how the funding is generated across the state.

This topic is especially important right now because lawmakers are considering changes to the system that could affect school funding and property taxes in the coming years. One potential shift is toward a “foundation formula,” which would set base funding amounts per student and reshape how supplemental local spending works.

We know this can be a lot to take in, and it matters to families across our communities. That’s why we’re sharing these trusted resources that explain Vermont’s current approach to school funding and how it works:

• Vermont Public explainer on school funding - A clear overview of how our statewide system works, including common terms and key ideas people hear during budget conversations.

• Vermont Agency of Education report on education finance - A detailed look at how the Education Fund combines revenue sources and supports schools across the state.

• Legislative Joint Fiscal Office “Education Finance 101” documents - Nonpartisan resources that provide a foundational understanding of how education financing is structured in Vermont.

Understanding how our schools are funded helps families and community members engage with local and state decisions that impact students, classrooms, and tax rates.

We hope these resources support your questions and conversations about school budgets, education funding, and what it means for all of us.

We are pleased to share that Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2026–2027 school year at Maple Run Unified School District.

Kindergarten Eligibility

Children must be five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2026, to enroll in Kindergarten.

If Your Child Is New to Maple Run (and not currently enrolled in an Act 166 preschool program)

Please complete the full registration process as soon as possible.

Step 1: Complete the School Interest Form

https://www.maplerun.org/page/school-registration

Once your form is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email with instructions to create a Parent Portal account.

Step 2: Complete Kindergarten Enrollment Forms

Log in to the Parent Portal, select your student, and complete all required Kindergarten forms.

Parent Portal: https://maplerun.powerschool.com

• Use your existing username and password

• If needed, select “Forgot Password.”

• If you cannot access your account, please contact registrar@maplerun.org

• If you would like to add your incoming Kindergartener to an existing PowerSchool account, please email registrar@maplerun.org

Please update your child’s information and complete the enrollment forms. If you see annual forms, you may ignore those.

Timing Matters

As we head into February vacation, it’s a great time to practice pausing and resetting giving your mind and body a moment to recharge and refocus, no matter what’s happening around you.

Practical Suggestions to Try This Week:

• Take a mindful pause: Between activities, schoolwork, or meetings, stop for a few slow breaths and notice how your body feels.

• Stretch or move: Even a short walk, gentle stretch, or a few yoga poses can help reset your energy and focus.

• Reflect briefly: Think about one positive moment from your day or one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow.

Examples in Action:

• Before transitioning from school to home, pause at your front door, take a deep breath, and let go of any stress from the day.

• Encourage students, colleagues, or family members to share a “highlight of the day” at dinner or during a quick check-in.

• Take a 2-minute stretch break during screen time to reset posture and refresh your mind.

Why It Matters:
Pausing and resetting helps reduce stress, improve focus, and create space for gratitude and awareness. These simple practices support Maple Run’s values of Respect & Community by promoting care for ourselves and those around us.

A small pause can have a big impact just a minute or two can help you approach the rest of your day with clarity, calm, and connection.

Just 5 more school days until February Vacation!

Maple Run schools will be closed from Monday, February 23rd, through Tuesday, March 3rd, and classes will resume on Wednesday, March 4th.

We hope this break gives you and your family the chance to unplug, relax, and rejuvenate. We are grateful for all that you do each day for your students, for our staff, for each other, and for our community.

Enjoy your February Vacation!

Attendance Matters – Every Day Counts

At Maple Run, attendance is key to learning, growth, and community. Our district goal is to have 70% of students attending school 95% of the time, and every day counts toward that goal.

With just 10 more school days before winter break, now is the perfect time to reflect on how consistent attendance supports student learning, classroom engagement, and social connections.

Students who attend regularly are more likely to:

• Stay on track academically

• Build strong relationships with peers and teachers

• Develop routines that support focus and well-being

Attendance is important for staff, too. When educators are present and engaged, classrooms are calmer, learning is stronger, and students feel supported and ready to thrive.

Every member of our Maple Run community contributes to a culture of presence, connection, and belonging. Small efforts like arriving on time, staying engaged, and supporting each other make a meaningful difference for everyone.

Let’s make these next 10 days count! Together, we can keep learning on track, build community, and finish the week before break strong.

Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Inspired.

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.