Maple Run Connection

We’re excited to begin the 2025–2026 school year together! Over the summer, I had the chance to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a district and the ways we continue to grow stronger as a community. I am deeply grateful to be part of a district that values education so highly and consistently puts students first.

This past year, we saw encouraging growth across our schools. More of our students are meeting grade-level expectations in reading and math, families report strong feelings of connection and safety, and—most importantly—our students tell us they feel supported by trusted adults at school. These are powerful reminders that our collective efforts are making a difference.

As we look ahead, our district is guided by a refreshed Vision and Mission created in partnership with our school board and community. Our vision commits us to cultivating a welcoming environment where all students can tap into their love of learning. Our mission is to ensure a meaningful, flexible, rigorous, and safe education for all so that every student can thrive and excel.

This year, we will continue building on that foundation, focusing on a supportive school culture, a strong and consistent curriculum, and aligned systems that keep our work running smoothly. I look forward to celebrating successes with you along the way and sharing the stories that make Maple Run such a special place to learn and grow.

Here’s to a great school year ahead!

Inservice started on Thursday, August 21st, as we welcomed all staff back for the 2025–2026 school year! New professional staff joined us the week before for orientation (August 11th – 15th) to get acquainted with our district and community.

Inservice continues this week, and students return beginning Wednesday, August 27th. These days are always busy, but they provide a wonderful opportunity for our staff to reconnect, collaborate, and strengthen our Maple Run community. Through teamwork, professional learning, and shared experiences, our educators are preparing for another year of excellence for all students.

A highlight of the week was our district-wide pep rally at Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center on Thursday afternoon, bringing energy, excitement, a bit of friendly competition, and sweet treats! A huge thank-you to Ben & Jerry’s for the donated ice cream, Stewart’s for donated water, and to Stacie and Tim for helping make this event possible.

Inservice is more than just preparation, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff. We are so excited to begin the 2025–2026 school year together!

Last year, our weekly podcast, Tap Into Maple Run, was hosted by Bill Kimball, Superintendent, and John Muldoon, Assistant Superintendent, featuring engaging conversations with students, staff, community members, and school board members.

This year, we’re excited to welcome Megan Grube, our new Assistant Superintendent, as co-host alongside Bill. The podcast will now be biweekly (every two weeks) and will continue to bring you amazing guests, fun stories, district news, helpful tips, and insights from across Maple Run.

We want to hear from you! Have suggestions, comments, or ideas for guests?

Reach out anytime at TapIn@MapleRun.org

First Episode – August 28, 2025

• Theme/Core Value: Children, first and foremost

• Wellness Tip: Ease into routines by setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Sleep is the foundation of learning and well-being.

• Guests: New teacher + student leader

• Celebrate: Start of school, first days

Get ready for another year of stories, celebrations, and insights, our first episode drops soon!

Since becoming a unified school district in 2017, Maple Run has continued to align and strengthen our practices across all schools. We are proud to share our first district-wide Maple Run Student & Family Handbook, which outlines expectations for all students and families.

Maple Run includes three PreK–8 schools: Fairfield Center School, Saint Albans City School, and Saint Albans Town Educational Center, as well as Bellows Free Academy (9–12), Northwest Career & Technical Center (9–12), Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center, and our Central Office. This unified handbook provides consistency across all campuses while supporting the unique strengths of each school.

The Maple Run School Board recently adopted new mission and vision statements that align with our district goals while honoring our long-standing core values.

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

Vision
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.

Core Values

• 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

We remain committed to providing equity in access to a quality education.

This past June, Governor Scott signed Act 72, which requires school districts across Vermont to strengthen transparency and communication with their communities. At Maple Run, we are committed to keeping families, staff, and students informed and engaged, and part of that effort includes improving the tools we use to communicate.

For several years, Maple Run has used BrightArrow to quickly share important information through email, text messages, and phone calls. This year, we are expanding that system to include BrightChat, a secure two-way messaging platform that allows families and students to communicate directly with school staff in a safe and efficient way.

BrightChat will help strengthen connections between home and school by providing a reliable channel for questions, updates, and ongoing communication. Emails to staff using their @maplerun.org addresses and phone calls to our schools remain great ways to reach us, BrightChat is simply another option to make communication even easier.

You do not need to take any action right now, your school will share more details and instructions before the start of the school year. We look forward to using BrightChat to make communication easier, safer, and more effective for everyone in our Maple Run community.

The start of a new school year can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. Between setting up routines, meeting new faces, and adjusting to full days, it’s easy to spend most of your time indoors. Even just a few minutes outside can make a big difference for both body and mind.

Fresh air and natural light can:

• Boost energy and focus

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality

• Support overall health

Whether it’s a walk at lunch, a quick break on the playground, or stepping outside to breathe deeply before heading home, give yourself the gift of fresh air each day. Small moments outdoors can help you recharge and stay balanced as we launch into a great school year together.

• August 25

  • 2:45 PM – NCTC Alumni & Community Barbecue

  • 5:00 PM – BFA 9th Grade Orientation Night (Students & Families)

  • 5:30 PM – SATEC Event

  August 26

  • 5:30 – 7:30 PM – FCS Middle School Engagement Night, Open House, Kindergarten Night, and PreK Night

  August 27

  • First Day of School for Kindergarten through 9th Grade students

  • Early Release for K–8 students

  August 28

  • First Day of School for 10th–12th Grade student

September 1

• Non-Student Day

September 2

• First Day of School for PreKindergarten students

September 3

• MRUSD Board Meeting | 6:00 – 8:00 PM MRUSD Central Office

As we launch into the 2025–2026 school year, I want to thank our students, families, and staff for being such an important part of the Maple Run community. Your energy, dedication, and support make our schools a welcoming and inspiring place to learn and grow.

Last year, we asked how you want us to communicate, and this weekly newsletter is one way we’re keeping you informed. Our Tap Into Maple Run podcast will continue biweekly, providing updates, stories, and insights from around the district.

Please stay in touch, reach out, ask questions, and share your ideas. Your feedback and engagement are essential as we work together to ensure every student thrives.

Here’s to a fantastic school year!

Please reach out with any quesions, thoughts, concerns:

TapIn@MapleRun.org

District Office: 802-524-2600

Bellows Free Academy: 802-527-6555

Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center: 802-527-1202

Early Childhood Programs: 802-524-3613

Fairfield Center School: 802-827-6639

Northwest Career & Technical Center: 802-527-0614

Saint Albans City School: 802-527-0565

Saint Albans Town Educational Center: 802-527-7191