Maple Run Connection

Maple Run Connection: Great Things Happening Across Our Schools

Happy Monday, Maple Run Community,

There was so much to celebrate across Maple Run last week, and I’m proud to share highlights from each of our schools. Every day, our students and staff continue to make our district a place of learning, growth, creativity, and opportunity.

At Bellows Free Academy, students and staff welcomed schools from across Vermont as hosts of the Vermont State Drama Festival. It was a wonderful chance to showcase student talent and the strength of our performing arts programs.

At Fairfield Center School, excitement filled the air during the 5th grade STARBASE rocket launch. It was especially meaningful to see the entire school come together to cheer on the students as their hard work took flight.

At Northwest Career & Technical Center, students proudly represented our region through SkillsUSA, demonstrating impressive technical skills, professionalism, and career readiness.

At St. Albans City School, students and staff participated in Walking Wednesday, promoting wellness, movement, and healthy habits while enjoying time together outdoors.

At St. Albans Town Educational Center, students amazed audiences with their performance of Matilda Jr. Their dedication, confidence, and teamwork shined both on stage and behind the scenes.

We also celebrated Assistant Principal Appreciation Week across Maple Run. Our assistant principals play an important role in supporting students, staff, and families each day, and we are grateful for their leadership.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our schools and our students. Maple Run is stronger because of this incredible community.

Stay informed. Stay connected. New issue every week!

Each week in the Maple Run Connection, we will be highlighting a success happening in our schools or across the district. These celebrations are a chance to recognize the positive steps we are taking together and the progress being made by our students, staff, and families.

This week, we are celebrating the success of cell phones off and away, bell to bell, in all Maple Run schools.

This districtwide effort has led to meaningful and noticeable changes in our classrooms and school communities. Across our schools, staff are reporting stronger student engagement, better focus during learning time, and more positive interactions throughout the day. We are also seeing improvements in student behavior and school climate.

Just as importantly, this progress is reflected in our staff Panorama survey data, where staff noted increased student engagement and decreased frustration related to classroom distractions. These results match what many are seeing firsthand every day.

Creating spaces where students can fully focus, connect with others, and engage in learning is making a real difference. This has been a true team effort involving students, staff, school leaders, and families.

This is a success worth celebrating. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this positive culture shift happen across Maple Run.

Bell to Bell, Ready to Excel at Maple Run

The latest episode of Tap Into Maple Run is now available, and it highlights one of our core values: Joy & Curiosity!

In Episode 13, we continue celebrating the connections, opportunities, and experiences that help students thrive in Maple Run. This episode shines a light on the great work happening across our schools and the partnerships that support student success.

Listeners will hear about recent events, student achievements, and the many ways our schools continue to engage students both inside and outside the classroom. From academics and the arts to wellness and community involvement, there is a lot to celebrate this spring.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Maple Run and the positive work happening throughout our district. We hope you’ll tune in and stay connected.

Music intro and outro: Modern Changes.

This week’s wellness tip is all about making time for curiosity and play. Try taking a few minutes each day to notice something new, explore a small activity, or ask a question about something unfamiliar. It could be learning a new fact, trying a different walking route, doing a puzzle, listening to a new kind of music, or simply observing something in nature.

Why does this matter? Curiosity helps keep our minds active, reduces stress, and can bring more energy and enjoyment into the day. Play is not just for children, it also helps adults recharge, improve creativity, and boost overall well-being.

Even small moments of curiosity and fun can help break up routines, lift your mood, and remind you to enjoy the present moment. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.

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: Darcy Millette | (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!

A reminder to Maple Run families that April Break will be Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. Schools will reopen and students will return on Monday, April 27. We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break.

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, attendance continues to be one of the biggest factors in student success. Our district goal is for students to attend school 95% of the time. With 177 student days in the 2025–2026 school year, that means missing fewer than 9 days.

We understand that illnesses happen and sometimes life brings unexpected challenges. At the same time, whenever possible, planning vacations, appointments, and other events outside of school hours can really help students stay on track.

Being at school matters for so many reasons. Students benefit from direct instruction, classroom discussions, hands-on learning, and support from their teachers. Just as important, school is where students build friendships, create routines, learn responsibility, and feel connected to their community.

Every day in school matters. Thank you for continuing to partner with us and making attendance a priority.

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.