Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run!

Welcome back! After a restful Fall Break, it’s wonderful to have our students, staff, and families returning to our schools. While students and teachers were off last week, many staff members were busy behind the scenes cleaning, organizing, and preparing for the exciting weeks ahead. Their work ensures our schools remain safe, welcoming, and ready for learning.

This week, we look forward to jumping back into learning, activities, and connection. Our classrooms are buzzing again with curiosity and collaboration, and our winter sports season officially begins, bringing energy and excitement to our athletes, families, and school communities.

Highlights from last week (even during our break!):

• Staff preparation: Our custodial, support, and administrative teams used the break to make sure schools are ready for students and staff in the weeks ahead. Their dedication keeps Maple Run running smoothly.

• Ongoing projects: Buildings were organized, classrooms refreshed, and new materials prepped to enhance student learning.

• Community connections: Even without students, the district remains a hub of activity, and we appreciate all who help make our schools welcoming and well-prepared.

As we move through this week, I encourage families to stay engaged, support your student’s learning, and connect with staff as needed. Attendance, engagement, and consistent routines make a meaningful difference in student success.

Thank you for being part of the Maple Run community. Your partnership, support, and dedication make our schools vibrant places where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay engaged.

Your Input Matters – FY27 Budget

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for our first FY27 Budget Forum. It was inspiring to see families, community members, and staff come together to share ideas, ask questions, and provide thoughtful feedback to guide our School Board as they plan for next year.

Participants explored spending priorities, discussed ways to align resources with district goals, and shared what matters most to our students, families, and community. Attendees also ranked our five district goals: Rigorous Academics, Support Services for Students and Families, Consistent Policies on Bias & Behavior, Family & Community Engagement, and Community Education on Inclusion—helping shape the focus of our work in FY27.

Didn’t make it to the forum? Your input is still welcome!
Please take a few minutes to complete the Maple Run FY27 Budget Feedback Form to share your thoughts and help ensure the budget reflects the needs and priorities of our entire community.

Looking ahead:
The School Board will present the draft FY27 budget at the next meeting this Wednesday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m. at Central Office. This is another great opportunity to see how your feedback is shaping our plans for next year and to engage directly with the Board.

Mark Your Calendar – March 3:
Your voice matters! Engage with the process now and be ready to vote on the budget in March.

Thank you for your engagement, support, and dedication—together, we can ensure every student has the resources they need to thrive.

Questions? Email TapIn@MapleRun.org

Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote.

Be Involved. Be Engaged. Make a Difference.

Today marks the first day back to school after a 9-day break, and we know mornings can feel hectic.At Maple Run, we want families to know: you are not alone.

Being at school every day is about more than just showing up: it’s about learning, connecting with teachers and peers, and being inspired. Every day students are present and engaged, they are building skills, forming friendships, and creating meaningful experiences that last a lifetime.

Tips for smooth mornings:

• Prepare backpacks, lunches, and clothing the night before.

• Set alarms and routines for both kids and adults.

• Build in extra time for unexpected delays.

• Talk with your child about the day ahead to spark excitement.

School Start Times:

• Bellows Free Academy: 8:10 AM

• Fairfield Center School: 8:20 AM

• Northwest Career & Technical Center: 8:00 AM

• Saint Albans City School: 7:30 AM

• Saint Albans Town Educational Center: 8:15 AM

We’d love to hear from you! Share your tips for smooth mornings, strategies for helping your student stay engaged, or stories of what makes school meaningful for your family. Send your ideas or questions to TapIn@MapleRun.org—your voice helps our Maple Run community thrive.

Every school day counts! Let’s start December strong by helping students be present, engaged, and inspired.

The first week of December is here, and we’re entering a season that can feel busy, chilly, and sometimes overwhelming. As we head toward the winter break in just 3.5 weeks, it’s important to remember: taking care of yourself helps you show up fully for others.

Even small moments of self-care can make a big difference. Try to pause each day to breathe, move, and reset your mind. This could be a short walk outside to enjoy the crisp winter air, a few stretches at your desk, or simply a quiet minute to reflect and reset.

Try this week:

• Start your day with a gentle stretch or a few deep breaths to set a positive tone.

• Take a short movement break every couple of hours: walk, stretch, or shake off tension.

• End your day by reflecting on something you’re grateful for it helps your mind recharge and boosts resilience.

Remember: small moments of care add up. Nourishing your body, mind, and spirit gives you the energy, focus, and calm you need to finish the year strong, support your students or family, and embrace the joys of the season.

Care for yourself. Move your body. Brighten your mind. December is yours to thrive.

Winter weather already on the horizon, it’s a great time to review how the District communicates delays and closures to keep students safe.

When school delays or closures occur, notifications are sent via email, text, phone, and posted on our official social media accounts and school websites. To ensure you receive alerts, make sure your contact information is up to date and opt in for text alerts by texting YES to 79041.

The decision to delay or close school is made with student safety as the top priority, taking into account road conditions, weather forecasts, building readiness, and transportation safety. Families are notified as early as possible, typically by 8:00 p.m. the evening before or by 6:00 a.m. on the day of.

Reminder: Always use your best judgment if weather conditions make travel unsafe for your child. Encourage safe alternatives for students who drive, and remember that the District will communicate updates through multiple channels to keep everyone informed.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s have a great start to December!

December 1st

• Welcome Back!
• Winter Sports Begin
• BFA Modern Band and SATEC Modern Band @ City Hall 7PM

• BFA District Music Auditions
• MRUSD Board Meeting @ Central Office 6PM

• BFA FAFSA Financial Aid Night
• SACS Drama Performance: Pirates Past Noon

• SACS Drama Performance: Pirates Past Noon

• All New England Festival Auditions

• SACS Healthy Relationships Project Caregiver Information Night

• BFA Fine Arts Night

• SACS Walking Wednesday