Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run Community,

Last week was one that reflected who we are and what we value across Maple Run.

We began the week by honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with all schools and offices closed in observance. It was a meaningful pause, a time for reflection, connection, and remembering the importance of kindness, respect, and understanding in our daily lives and in our shared work.

On Tuesday, our educators came together across the district for a full day of professional development. It was a powerful day of learning, listening, collaborating, and growing together. These moments of togetherness matter. They strengthen our relationships, deepen our practice, and help ensure we continue providing meaningful, rigorous, and supportive learning experiences for every student. Thank you to our educators for the time, energy, and care you bring to this work every day.

Wednesday evening, our School Board met at Central Office and adopted the proposed FY27 school budget. This is an important step forward, and we are grateful for the thoughtful discussion and collaboration that led to this moment. Residents of Saint Albans City, Saint Albans Town, and the Town of Fairfield will have the opportunity to vote on the budget on Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 4.

Our students. Your vote. Your voice.

Thursday brought another wonderful Fine Arts Night at SATEC, showcasing the talents of our 5th and 6th grade students. Visual art filled the halls, and music filled the room. It was a joyful celebration of creativity, dedication, and hard work, made possible by our talented students, our committed staff, and a supportive community. The arts play a vital role in our schools and in helping students express themselves, build confidence, and connect with one another.

Last week also marked the start of second semester, a meaningful midpoint in the academic year. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead with curiosity and purpose.

Today, we’re welcoming our first snow day of the 2025–2026 school year. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy this special pause. Snow days remind us to slow down, take care, and appreciate the moments that bring us together in unexpected ways.

Thank you for being part of Maple Run. A community grounded in respect, collaboration, joy, and a shared commitment to equity and opportunity for all.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay supported.

Balance, Not Bans

At Maple Run, our goal is balance, well-being, and belonging, not restriction for the sake of control.

Phones and technology can be powerful tools for connection, creativity, learning, and fun. They can also impact sleep, focus, and emotional well-being when use becomes overwhelming, especially late at night. During the school day, students do not use cell phones from bell to bell. This approach supports calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and more focused learning time.

At home, families approach technology in many different ways, shaped by values, routines, cultures, and individual needs. There is no single “right” approach.

Some families have found it helpful to pause and talk together about why technology is being used, not just how much. Is it helping us connect, create, learn, or relax? Are there moments when unplugging supports rest, reflection, or a reset?

Even small, thoughtful choices—such as pairing screen time with reading, outdoor play, creative activities, or a calming bedtime routine—can support balance and overall well-being. When adults and children reflect together, conversations about technology often feel more supportive and less restrictive.

We’re grateful to partner with families as we support children’s readiness to learn, connect, and thrive—at school and at home.

Balance, Not Bans — Tech with Purpose

Some families find it helpful to focus on purpose rather than limits alone. Pairing screen time with off-screen activities or quiet routines can help students arrive at school rested, focused, and ready to learn.

January can be one of the hardest stretches of the year. The days are short, the weather is cold, illnesses seem to linger, and many of us are craving light, warmth, and the feeling of spring. If things feel heavier than usual right now, you’re not alone.

This week’s wellness focus is gentle care and grace for yourself and for one another.

Ways to support your well-being during the long winter stretch:

Lower the bar:
Winter is not always a season for big goals or high energy. It’s okay to move a little slower, simplify plans, and choose “good enough.” Rest is productive, too.

Create small pockets of warmth:
Warmth can be physical and emotional. A favorite mug, extra layers, a soft light in the evening, a shared meal, or a familiar song can help signal comfort and safety to your nervous system.

Seek light where you can find it:
Open curtains early. Step outside during daylight, even briefly. Sit near windows when possible. Small doses of natural light can gently lift mood and energy.

Stay connected, even simply:
A quick check-in text, a short conversation, or a shared laugh can go a long way. Connection doesn’t have to be deep or time-consuming to matter.

Name how you’re really doing:
It’s okay to say, “This feels hard right now.” Acknowledging winter blues or lingering stress can reduce their weight and remind us that these feelings are temporary.

Remember: Wellness in winter isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about getting through with care, together.

Spring will come. For now, be gentle with yourself and with one another. That care is part of what makes Maple Run a strong, supportive community.

At Maple Run, attendance is about more than being present.

It’s about being seen, known, and connected.

YOU matter.
WE miss you when you’re not here.
WE want to see you.

Why presence makes a difference (the data tells the story):

• Students who attend school regularly are 2–3 times more likely to read at grade level by third grade

• Missing just 1 day every other week adds up to 20 days a year, that’s a full month of missed conversations, learning, and connections.

• Students with strong attendance are more likely to report feeling safe, supported, and part of their school community.

• Attendance improves when students feel recognized and valued, relationships are the biggest driver.

What students tell us matters most:

• Seeing friends

• Being greeted by name

• Feeling noticed by adults

• Knowing someone would miss them if they weren’t there

That’s why attendance at Maple Run isn’t about perfection. It’s about belonging.

Little moments = big impact

• A smile in the hallway

• A group project

• A laugh at lunch

• A teacher noticing progress

You can’t make those moments up later.

We know life happens. When challenges come up, we’re here to help because showing up works best when families and schools work together.

If mornings are hard or routines feel overwhelming, reach out: TapIn@MapleRun.org

Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Inspired.
Because relationships matter and you matter to us.

As we close out January and School Board Appreciation Month, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the 10 dedicated members of the Maple Run Unified School District School Board.

Our Board includes:

• 4 City representatives

• 4 Town representatives

• 2 Fairfield representatives

Together, these community members volunteer countless hours to guide district decisions, ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and keep students at the center of their work. Their commitment helps ensure our schools remain strong, responsive, and grounded in our shared values.

Looking ahead, Town Meeting Day (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) will include three School Board seats on the ballot:

• 1 City seat

• 2 Town seats

Serving on the School Board is a meaningful way to contribute to our schools and community. Board members bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices, and all are welcome. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is an opportunity to learn more and consider serving.

To learn more about School Board service or how to run, visit the Vermont School Boards Association “Get on Board” resources or contact your local municipal clerk.

Thank you to our School Board members for your leadership, dedication, and care—and thank you to our community for supporting public education and civic engagement at Maple Run.

Your voice matters. Our students benefit.

Learn more about our board: www.maplerun.org/page/board-of-directors

The Maple Run Unified School District has reached an important milestone in the FY27 budget process.

At its meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Maple Run School Board officially adopted the proposed FY27 budget. This budget reflects careful planning and a continued commitment to maintaining strong programs while supporting every student’s academic, social, and emotional growth.

The adopted budget includes a 2.44% increase, keeping overall growth below the national rate of inflation over the past two years. Estimated tax impacts vary by community:

• Saint Albans City: 10-cent decrease

• Saint Albans Town: 9-cent increase

• Fairfield: 3-cent increase

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With Board adoption complete, the budget now moves forward to the community vote on Town Meeting Day.

What’s next:

• Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: Maple Run Central Office

• Community members are welcome to attend in person or watch remotely.

Residents of Saint Albans City, Saint Albans Town, and the Town of Fairfield will vote on the FY27 school budget on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

This budget represents our shared investment in students, staff, and the future of our schools. We appreciate the continued engagement, questions, and thoughtful participation of our community throughout this process.

For detailed budget information, including priorities and expenditures, please visit www.maplerun.org.

Our students. Your vote. Your voice.

Thank you for being an engaged and supportive Maple Run community.

Vermont’s system for funding public education is unique and can feel complicated. Decisions made at the local level by our school boards and community voters are connected to statewide processes that determine how education is paid for and how property tax rates are set. In short, local budget decisions influence what we invest in our schools and how the funding is generated across the state.

This topic is especially important right now because lawmakers are considering changes to the system that could affect school funding and property taxes in the coming years. One potential shift is toward a “foundation formula,” which would set base funding amounts per student and reshape how supplemental local spending works.

We know this can be a lot to take in, and it matters to families across our communities. That’s why we’re sharing these trusted resources that explain Vermont’s current approach to school funding and how it works:

• Vermont Public explainer on school funding - A clear overview of how our statewide system works, including common terms and key ideas people hear during budget conversations.

• Vermont Agency of Education report on education finance - A detailed look at how the Education Fund combines revenue sources and supports schools across the state.

• Legislative Joint Fiscal Office “Education Finance 101” documents - Nonpartisan resources that provide a foundational understanding of how education financing is structured in Vermont.

Understanding how our schools are funded helps families and community members engage with local and state decisions that impact students, classrooms, and tax rates.

We hope these resources support your questions and conversations about school budgets, education funding, and what it means for all of us.

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.