Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run!

What a wonderful week it has been across our schools!

Fall sports seasons have wrapped up, and it has been thrilling to see our students shine. Our amazing BFA Comets volleyball team made it all the way to the Vermont Principals’ Association Division I Playoffs, playing yesterday at Saint Michael’s College against Essex, the reigning State Champions. What a fabulous game, filled with teamwork, dedication, smiles, laughter, and so much joy! While the scoreboard wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, the energy, pride, and support from our community brought joy to everyone watching, in person and online. Thank you to everyone who joined and cheered on our student-athletes!

Meanwhile, our BFA Comets and Bobwhites competed at the Vermont Meet of Champions on Saturday at Hard’Ack. Heart, soul, and incredible effort were on full display in the 5K races. Congratulations to all on your outstanding times! Many now look ahead to the New England Championships this Saturday.

As one season ends, another begins! Winter sports registration is now happening across our schools at BFA, Fairfield Center School, Saint Albans City School, and Saint Albans Town Educational Center. We can’t wait to see our students continue to explore, grow, and compete in new ways.

Our schools have been buzzing with fun and learning beyond athletics as well. Last week, Red Ribbon Week was celebrated throughout Maple Run, alongside spirited school spirit activities. Families joined us for events such as the Family Night – Report Card & PBIS Night at Saint Albans City School, where about 50 family members learned about PBIS implementation aligned with other Maple Run schools. Thank you to all who attended!

BFA’s Fall Instrumental and Choral Concert was a wonderful showcase of talent and hard work, and we’re so grateful to families, staff, and community members who helped make it a special night. Fairfield Center School hosted a fantastic Harvest Night, featuring homemade chili, cornbread, sweet treats, and amazing student research presentations across all grades. It was a delight to see! SATEC’s 2nd graders enjoyed a fun Stay & Play event, spending extra time with classmates and teachers outside the school day. And our BFA Rotary Interact Club brought smiles and joy to the community through a fun event last Friday, despite the wet weather.

Every week, I am reminded of how lucky we are to be part of such a dedicated, caring, and connected community. Thank you to our students, families, staff, and community members for everything you do to make Maple Run such a special place to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news—Maple Run Unified School District has been featured in a national case study by the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)! This recognition highlights the incredible work happening across all five of our schools to create environments where students feel heard, safe, supported, and valued.

Since implementing restorative practices in 2021, our district has seen remarkable results:

• 89% of students report feeling supported and connected at school.

• Literacy proficiency up 60% and math proficiency up 25%.

• 85% of students are meeting behavioral benchmarks, a 21% improvement over three years.

• 98% of staff have chosen to remain with the district.

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These numbers reflect more than data—they show the power of relationships, belonging, and community in supporting student success. From classroom culture to district-wide policies, Maple Run’s focus on restorative practices has strengthened learning, relationships, and well-being for students and staff alike.

Read the full case study and learn more about our journey:
Maple Run Unified School District – Case Study
International Institute for Restorative Practices

A heartfelt thank you to our students, families, staff, and community partners—this achievement is possible because of all of you. Together, we’re building schools where everyone can thrive!

Wednesday, November 5th at 6:00 p.m.
Saint Albans City School Library

Maple Run Unified School District needs YOU! Families, staff, and community members. Your ideas, questions, and perspectives are essential as we plan the FY27 budget.

Our district has five important goals:

1. Rigorous Academics and Expectations

2. Consistent Policies to Address Bias and Behavior Issues

3. Support Services for Students and Families

4. Opportunities for Family and Community Engagement

5. Community Education and Action on Inclusion

With limited resources in the proposed FY27 budget, tough choices will need to be made. Which goals matter most to you? If you could pick three, which would they be? This is your chance to speak up, share your priorities, and help shape the future of our schools.

Join the Maple Run Board in conversation, ask your questions, and make sure your voice is heard before final decisions are made. Your participation truly makes a difference for every student and every school in our district.

Questions? Email TapIn@MapleRun.org

Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote.
Town Meeting Day: March 3, 2026

Yesterday, Sunday, November 2, 2025, marked the end of Daylight Savings Time—an extra hour of sleep for most of us! While that extra hour can feel like a gift, the shift in our internal clocks can temporarily throw off sleep patterns, energy levels, and focus. This week’s wellness tip focuses on adjusting smoothly to the time change.

Why it matters:

• Helps your body and mind maintain balance despite the shift in daylight and schedule.

• Reduces grogginess, irritability, and difficulty focusing.

• Supports better sleep quality and overall energy throughout the day.

Tips to adjust:

1. Stick to your routine: Wake up and go to bed at your usual times, even if you feel extra tired. Consistency helps reset your internal clock.

2. Get morning sunlight: Exposure to natural light in the morning helps signal to your body that it’s time to be alert.

3. Move your body: Light activity, stretching, or a short walk in the morning can help wake you up and reset your energy.

4. Avoid caffeine late in the day: This helps ensure your body is ready to sleep at the right time tonight.

5. Take it slow: If you feel off for a day or two, that’s normal. Gentle self-care, hydration, and movement can help your body adapt.

This week’s challenge: Spend a few minutes each morning outside or near a bright window and stick to your regular wake-up and bedtime schedule. Notice how your energy, focus, and mood improve as your body adjusts to the time change.

Remember: Even small adjustments after a time change can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Treat yourself kindly as your body resets!

We’re 1/4 of the Way Through the 2025–2026 School Year!

As of Friday, October 31st, we have completed 44 out of 177 student days, that’s one quarter of the way through the school year! Our Maple Run Unified School District (MRUSD) goal is for students to attend school every day, recognizing the tremendous benefits consistent attendance brings to both students and staff. Being in school regularly helps students build routines, stay engaged, and reach their academic and personal potential. It also allows our staff to teach effectively, foster relationships, and maintain the continuity that makes learning successful.

Our district’s Objective and Key Result (OKR) goal is for students to miss 9 or fewer days throughout the school year, that’s attending at least 95% of all school days. At this point in the year (1/4 completed), that means students should have missed 2 or fewer days to be on track to meet our goal.

We understand that life happens, illness, family emergencies, and unplanned events arise. But attendance matters, and we encourage families to plan trips around school schedules and communicate with us when absences occur. If there are barriers to consistent attendance, please reach out — we are here to support students and families.

Current Attendance Data (as of October 31, 2025):

• District-wide: 2,432 students total

  • 837 students have missed 3 or more days (34.42% not on target)

  • 1,595 students have missed 2 or fewer days (65.58% on track)

• BFA: 903 students

  • 365 students missed 3 or more days (40.42% not on target)

  • 538 students missed 2 or fewer days (59.58% on track)

• FCS: 244 students

  • 53 students missed 3 or more days (21.72% not on target)

  • 191 students missed 2 or fewer days (78.28% on track)

• SACS: 605 students

  • 214 students missed 3 or more days (35.37% not on target)

  • 391 students missed 2 or fewer days (64.63% on track)

• SATEC: 680 students

• 205 students missed 3 or more days (30.15% not on target)

• 475 students missed 2 or fewer days (69.85% on track)

While many students are on track, we want more students to reach our goal of missing 9 or fewer days. Over the last two school years (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), only 50% of students met this goal. This year, we aim for 70% of our students to attend at least 95% of school days.

Consistent attendance is wonderful for students, staff, and the entire school community. Each day in school is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build connections that matter. We appreciate families’ support in making school attendance a priority. Together, we can make this year a successful one for every student.

Remember: Attend school whenever possible, plan vacations around non-school days, stay home if ill, and communicate with your school. We are here to help!

November 3rd

• District String Festival at BFA

• MRUSD Board Meeting - City School

• NCTC Fall Advisory Meeting
• SACS Band Concert
• SATEC Fall Band Concert

• BFA P1 Progress Reports Published

• Veterans Breakfast Celebration - City School

• Veterans Day Celebration - Taylor Park