Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run!

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

Last week, we proudly honored our veterans. Despite the snow, our Maple Run community ensured that our veterans received the recognition they deserve. The Veterans Day Breakfast at Saint Albans City School on Monday was spectacular. Middle-grade students organized heartfelt speeches, beautiful singing, and a generous breakfast, made possible by donations from local businesses. While Tuesday’s parade was shortened and the ceremony moved indoors to the Saint Albans City Hall Auditorium, the spirit of gratitude and respect was as strong as ever. Thank you to all veterans and to our community for coming together in such a meaningful way.

Our students continued to shine through learning and exploration. On Wednesday, middle school students from across Franklin County attended Tech Discovery Day at Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center, where they explored careers in technology, engineering, and innovation through hands-on activities led by local businesses, BFA Robotics, NCTC Engineering students, and MVU Virtual Reality instructor. From wire stripping and catapult launches to virtual reality and aviation design, the day offered an exciting glimpse into the many pathways available right here in our community.

Last week also brought other wonderful events: BFA hosted parent-teacher conferences, giving families a chance to celebrate student progress as the school year reaches the first quarter. City School’s 4th–8th grade chorus shared beautiful music at their concert, Fairfield and City held school dances, and we celebrated World Kindness Day. The Collins Perley Food Drive continues into its third week, with your generous donations supporting families throughout our community.

As we head into a short week of vacation from November 24–28, I want to thank each of you for making Maple Run such a caring, connected community. Your support allows our students to learn, grow, and thrive, and your kindness and generosity strengthen all of us.

Here’s to a wonderful week ahead and a joyful, restful break with family and friends!

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us last week for our first FY27 Budget Forum at Saint Albans City School. It was inspiring to see families, community members, and staff come together to share ideas, ask questions, and provide thoughtful feedback to help guide our School Board as they plan for next year.

During the forum, participants explored priorities for spending, ways to align resources with district goals, and discussed 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—to help shape the focus of our work in FY27.

If you weren’t able to attend, your input is still welcome and important. You can share your thoughts by completing the [Maple Run FY27 Budget Feedback Form]. Your feedback will directly inform the School Board’s decisions and help ensure the budget reflects the needs and priorities of our entire community.

Thank you for your continued engagement, support, and dedication. Together, we can make sure our schools have the resources they need to help every student thrive.

Questions? Email TapIn@MapleRun.org
Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote.
Town Meeting Day: March 3, 2026

With the first snow of the season, shorter daylight hours, and colder, unpredictable weather, it’s easy to feel a little low or stressed. Add in the excitement and busyness leading up to Thanksgiving, and it’s natural for anxiety to creep in. This week, take a few minutes each day to notice the small sources of light in your life: literally and figuratively.

Why it matters:
Focusing on positive moments, even in dark, chilly days, can boost mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more present. Small, intentional acts of noticing light, warmth, or connection can counter seasonal blues and keep your energy balanced as the holiday approaches.

How to start:

• Daily light check: Each day, notice something that brings light into your day. It could be a sunny moment, the glow of a lamp, the sparkle of snow, or a smile from a loved one.

• Capture it: Write it down in a notebook, a notes app, or even a sticky note. Seeing your “light moments” accumulate can lift your spirits.

• Connect: Share a positive moment with someone else: call a friend, send a message, or simply say thank you. Social connection is a powerful source of light.

Tips for consistency:

• Pick a time that works for you: morning, lunch, or evening.

• Keep it short and simple; one or two moments of light are enough.

• Over time, noticing these small lights can shift your focus from stress or darkness to appreciation and calm.

Making it meaningful:

• Include different types of light: physical warmth, acts of kindness, moments of joy, or personal accomplishments.

• Notice patterns: what brightens your days most often can guide you toward activities and people that nourish your well-being.

Even in short, cold, and dark days, small moments of light can make a big difference. Take a few minutes each day to notice them, you may be surprised how much brighter the week feels!

Parents & Guardians – You’re Not Alone!

We know mornings can be challenging. Getting your student out the door on time, juggling alarms, breakfast, coats, and car or bus rides can feel overwhelming. At Maple Run, we understand, and we’re here to support you and your family.

Did you know that nationally, about 1 in 4 students misses 10% or more of the school year? On a typical day, around 1 in 10 students may not make it to class. These challenges are common, and you’re not alone.

Remember, breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to all Maple Run students every day. Food should never be a barrier to coming to school, and we want to ensure every student has what they need to be ready to learn.

Whether you’re looking for practical tips for smoother mornings, need attendance resources, or just want someone to talk with, our Maple Run team is ready to walk alongside you.

Let’s make this week a strong week together, just one more week before our Thanksgiving break! Every day counts, and together, we can help your student be present, engaged, and ready to thrive.

Reach out anytime. We’ve got your back!

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

As winter weather approaches, Maple Run Unified School District wants to remind families that student safety is always our top priority when deciding whether to delay or close school. These decisions involve careful review of road conditions, weather forecasts, building readiness, and transportation safety in collaboration with local partners.

How does the District make its decision?
The District decides to delay, open, or close schools due to weather or other safety concerns based on the following factors:

• Reports on road and parking lot conditions from maintenance personnel and local public works crews

• Amount of snow, ice, or other hazardous conditions

• Weather forecast, including whether precipitation is expected to continue

• Building conditions, including electricity, heat, and overall readiness

• Sidewalk and surrounding area conditions

• Temperature and wind chill, especially for students who walk to school or wait for the bus

• Consideration for students who drive to school

• Consultation with neighboring school districts and local partners

Who makes the decision?
The decision to close or delay schools in Maple Run is made by the Superintendent, in consultation with public works crews and the bus company serving our schools. All superintendents throughout the Champlain Valley also communicate with one another as weather systems move through the region.

How is the public notified?
Families and staff are notified through multiple channels:

• Automated notifications via email, text, and phone numbers listed with each school

• Maple Run Unified School District official Facebook and Instagram accounts

• Individual school websites

• Local TV and radio stations

Important Note About Text Alerts:
To receive text messages from the District, each phone number must opt in for privacy reasons. Simply text YES to 79041. Not sure if you’re already opted in? No problem, texting YES again will ensure you receive messages.

When is the decision made?
Whenever possible, the decision to close or delay schools is made by 8:00 p.m. the evening before. If that is not possible, a decision will be made no later than 5:30 a.m. and communicated to families by 6:00 a.m.

Important Reminder for Families:
If you do not feel it is safe for your child to attend school, please use your best judgment. We also encourage families to discourage teenagers from driving in hazardous conditions and to offer alternatives if weather conditions worsen.

We hope this explanation helps our families understand the thoughtful process the District uses to make the best possible decisions for student safety.

November 1st - 21st

• Collins Perley Food Drive

• Maple Run Art Show at Collins Perley

• experienceNCTC

November 19th

• SACS Walking Wednesday

• BFA musical - Little Shop of Horrors

• SACS Walking Wednesday