Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run!

It has been another wonderful week across our schools, filled with learning, creativity, and community spirit. I am continually amazed by the dedication, talent, and energy our students, staff, families, and community members bring to Maple Run every day.

This week, we are especially proud to honor our veterans. Today, Saint Albans City School students are welcoming local veterans for a Veterans Day Breakfast, featuring performances from our choruses and speeches prepared by students. Thank you to all veterans for your service, and to our students for their heartfelt recognition—it’s a beautiful tradition that reminds us of the importance of gratitude and community. Tomorrow, the celebration continues with the annual Veterans Day Parade, departing from BFA at 10:30 AM, followed by the Veterans Day Ceremony at Taylor Park at 11:00 AM. The ceremony will last about 45 minutes, and we invite everyone to join and show their support.

Last week was an incredible showcase of student talent and community engagement. On Thursday, November 6, we celebrated the SATEC Fall Band Concert, SACS Band Concert, and NCTC Fall Advisory Meeting. So many families, friends, and community members joined us to support our students—thank you for helping make these events so memorable. Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, November 5, we hosted a Maple Run Board Meeting and the first community budget forum for FY27. It was wonderful to have such active participation and conversation about the future of our schools.

Our students also shined through music last Monday at the District String Festival, hosted at BFA. Students from across Franklin County came together for a full day of rehearsals, collaboration, and friendship-building, culminating in a concert that highlighted their dedication and talent. Thank you to all staff, families, and community members who helped make this day such a success.

Giving back to our community continues as well. Collins Perley is hosting a food drive, and BFA Interact Club is collecting winter coats and accessories for those in need. Your generosity ensures that our students and community can support each other in meaningful ways.

Every week, I am reminded of how lucky we are to be part of such a caring and connected community. Thank you for everything you do to make Maple Run a place where students can grow, thrive, and celebrate together.

Last week, Maple Run hosted our first FY27 Budget Forum at Saint Albans City School, and we are so grateful to everyone who attended. It was wonderful to see community members, families, and staff come together to share ideas, ask questions, and provide thoughtful feedback to help guide the School Board’s decisions for the upcoming budget.

During the forum, participants discussed priorities for spending, ways to balance resources with district goals, and what matters most to our students, families, and community. We also asked attendees to rank 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—to better understand what should guide our work in FY27.

If you were unable to attend, your input is still important! Please take a few minutes to complete the [Maple Run FY27 Budget Feedback Form]. Your thoughts and ideas will directly inform the School Board’s decisions and help ensure our budget reflects the needs and priorities of our entire community.

Thank you again for your engagement, support, and dedication to our schools—your voice truly matters!

Questions? Email TapIn@MapleRun.org

Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote.

Town Meeting Day: March 3, 2026

Tip: Take a few minutes each day to write down three small things you’re thankful for. This simple practice can shift your mindset, boost your mood, and support your overall well-being.

Why it matters:
Practicing gratitude helps us focus on what’s going well instead of dwelling on stress or challenges. Research shows that regularly reflecting on what we appreciate can improve mental health, reduce stress, increase happiness, and even strengthen relationships.

How to start your gratitude journal:

• Choose a small notebook, a notes app, or even sticky notes.

• Each day, jot down three things you’re thankful for—big or small. It could be a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a colleague, or a quiet moment in your day.

Tips for consistency:

• Pick a time that fits your routine—morning, lunch break, or before bed.

• Don’t overthink it; short and simple works best.

• Over time, your list grows into a powerful reminder of life’s positives.

Making it meaningful:

• Include different types of gratitude: people, experiences, and personal achievements.

• Notice patterns—what you’re thankful for most often can highlight what truly brings you joy.

“Even small daily reflections of gratitude can have a big impact on your well-being. Take a few minutes each day to notice and record what you’re thankful for—it’s a simple habit that strengthens your mind, body, and connections with others.”

Join Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent Megan Grube for a special conversation with John Cioffi from Saint Albans City School and Eric Bushey from Bellows Free Academy. In this episode, they explore the themes of Respect, Diversity, and the Power of Gratitude within our schools and community.

John and Eric share their experiences organizing the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony at Taylor Park—an event they have helped lead for many years. Their reflections highlight the importance of gratitude, service, and community connection.

Music Feature: Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Gabby Dubie, Bellows Free Academy, whose music adds warmth and inspiration to this episode.

As we celebrate Veterans Day and the many cultural events happening across Maple Run, this episode reminds us of the many ways our community shows respect, gratitude, and inclusivity every day.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share your shout-outs or reflections at TapIn@MapleRun.org.

Attendance Matters – Every Day Counts!

As of October 31, our students have completed 44 out of 177 school days—that’s one quarter of the school year! Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in student success. When students are in school regularly, they build strong routines, stay engaged, and reach their academic and personal goals. It also helps teachers foster meaningful relationships and maintain the continuity that makes learning effective.

Our district’s attendance goal is for students to miss 9 or fewer days during the school year, meaning they attend at least 95% of school days. At the one-quarter mark, students should have missed 2 or fewer days to be on track.

We know that life happens—illnesses, emergencies, and unexpected events can occur—but every day in school counts. Families can help by planning trips around the school calendar, communicating with us about absences, and reaching out if attendance is a challenge. We’re here to support you!

District Attendance Snapshot (as of October 31, 2025):

• 65.6% of students are currently on track, having missed 2 or fewer days.

• 34.4% of students have missed 3 or more days and may need support to stay on track.

School highlights:

• FCS: 78.3% on track

• SATEC: 69.9% on track

• SACS: 64.6% on track

• BFA: 59.6% on track

This year, our goal is for 70% of Maple Run students to attend school at least 95% of the time—a big step forward from 50% in recent years.

Every day in school is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. Thank you to our families and staff for supporting regular attendance and helping make this year a successful one for all students.

Remember: Attend whenever possible, plan vacations around non-school days, stay home if ill, and always communicate with your school. Together, we can make every day count!

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

Let’s work together to make every school day meaningful!
Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Inspired.

Stay Informed – Opt In for School Alerts!

Families, to receive important school updates and emergency alerts via text, you must opt in. Messages are not sent automatically, and our ability to reach you quickly depends on the contact information you provide. With winter weather approaching in Vermont, it’s more important than ever that you stay connected.

Two ways to opt in:

• Text Method: Text YES to 79041 to receive messages. To stop receiving messages, text STOP to the same number.

• Web-Based Method: Opt in online through BrightArrow: Click here to opt in for text messages

All BrightArrow messages come from 79041.

Why it matters: Families are responsible for ensuring they can receive our communications. In an emergency—or during sudden weather changes—we want to reach you immediately. Legal requirements also mean families must have explicit opt-ins on file.

Need help or have questions? Email MRUSDHelpDesk@MapleRun.org.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to opt in—your participation helps us keep every family informed, safe, and connected this winter and all year long!

Maple Run Unified School District asks every family to complete the Household Income Form each year. While Vermont’s Universal Meals Program ensures that every student receives free breakfast and lunch, this form does far more than support meals—it helps our schools and students thrive.

The information you provide, which is confidential and anonymous, allows Maple Run and schools across Vermont to:

• Access millions in federal education funding

• Support after-school and summer programs

• Enhance technology and broadband access

• Strengthen special education and classroom resources

• Keep the Universal Meals Program affordable for all students

Even if your family doesn’t qualify for free meals, completing this form still has a real impact. The data is used only in aggregate, so individual families cannot be identified.

It’s quick, easy, and makes a big difference for students, families, and schools throughout our district.

Fill out the form here: 2025–2026 Household Income Form

Questions? Contact your school office or email TapIn@MapleRun.org.

Every family. Every year. Your participation matters—thank you for taking a moment to help our schools!

November 10th

• Veteran's Breakfast SACS

• Veterans Day Celebration

• Parent Teacher Conferences BFA

• Tech Discovery Day - Collins Perely

• World Kindness Day
• U.S. Air Force Band's Airman of Note - Collins Perley
• 4th-8th grade Chorus Concert SACS

• Middle School Dance - Fairfield