Viking Newsletter
September 2024
In this issue
- Msg. from Supt. Paul
- Snow King and Queen
- Elementary concerts were awesome!
- NBAMS students craft food-themed paper collages
- Celebrating accomplishments
- Announcements
- Thank you NBAEF!
- K leads National Anthem
- Robotics competes at state
Viking Pride
Dear Families,
As we head into Spring Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible sense of community, kindness, and pride that defines North Branch Area Public Schools. This edition of the Viking Newsletter is filled with reasons to celebrate our students, staff, and families. From academic achievements to successes in activities and acts of everyday leadership, there is so much to be proud of as we step into this well-earned break.
An experience last week still has me beaming with Viking Pride. As I was leaving work last Thursday, I noticed a small group of students gathered near the parking lot, their attention focused on something on the ground. As I got closer, I saw what had captured their concern—a lost dog comforted by their presence. These students didn’t hesitate to act. They simply saw a situation that needed attention and chose to help.
Together, we figured out what to do next. I took the dog to a local vet, where they checked for a microchip, and from there, a police officer coordinated a transfer to the wonderful people at Gratitude Farms. At each step, more people joined in, each playing a role in ensuring the dog’s safety.
I was further inspired by what happened later that evening. I received an email from one of the students checking in to see if the dog was okay. His small act spoke volumes. It showed that his kindness was a reflection of who he is and I am honored that he is now part of my story.
As we head into Spring Break, I am thankful to be part of this amazing school community. I hope you all have a restful, safe, and joyful Spring Break!
SKOL!
Sara Paul
Superintendent
Viking Highlights
Elementary concerts were awesome!
NBAMS Students Craft Food-Themed Paper Collages
Celebrating accomplishments
Clockwise from top left: Ashley Bistodeau and Ethan Kester are NBAHS's nominees for the MSHSL Triple “A” award, the NBAHS Knowledge Bowl Varsity 1 team placed second at the Conference Meet and will be competing this week at the Subregional meet in St. Cloud, Annabelle Lattimore and Andrew Witkowski are NBAHS's 2024-25 ExCEL Award nominees, DECA students participated in the state competition - click here for complete list, student Vince Crudo was recently featured regionally for completing the Ford ACE program, and gymnasts Dakota Esget and Ella Dick competed at state on February 22.
Announcements
The Paul Elmstrand Smile Project
The Paul Elmstrand Smile Project honors the legacy of Paul Elmstrand, by providing free, comprehensive braces treatment to a deserving individual who is committed to giving back to their community. This unique opportunity follows a pay-it-forward approach—each year, one recipient (age 11 or older) will receive full orthodontic care, including braces, adjustments, and retainers at no cost. In return, they design and complete a 40-hour community service project that positively impacts their community, reflecting the kindness and dedication Paul showed throughout his life. To learn more, see this flier.
Join us for a Patron Tour
Interested in attending NBAPS' Friday, April 11 Patron Tour? Patron Tours start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. Guests enjoy refreshments in the morning, tour every site in the district, and finish the half day with a lunch provided by high school ProStart students. In between guests visit classrooms and talk with staff, students, and leadership. It's a great way to learn more about NBAPS from early childhood all the way through high school! To attend, contact Pat Tepoorten at 651-674-1018 or ptepoorten@isd138.org.
Community Education March Highlights
North Branch Area Community Education has so many wonderful things happening this spring, including esports, the sock hop. walking club, and CPR training. Check it out!JROTC February newsletter
Catch up on all things JROTC here.Apply for educational benefits
The 2024-25 Application for Educational benefits is now available here or through your WordWare lunch account. Benefits to qualifying families include discounts on activities and more.
Get the App!
Stay up-to-date with access to district and North Branch Area Early Learning events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Android: https://bit.ly/3phcIA7
iPhone: https://apple.co/3p6NNPAMore news
Thank you NBAEF!
K leads National Anthem
Robotics competes at state
NBAPS FTC Robotics sent two teams to the state FTC Robotics Championships at Burnsville High School, February 14-15! To see both team photos and a complete list of team members, click here.
About North Branch Area Public Schools
Email: ptepoorten@isd138.org
Website: www.isd138.org
Location: 38705 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 674-1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbapschools
Twitter: @nbapschools