Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run.

I hope Winter Break provided a chance to pause, reset, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. After time away from our regular schedules, today marks a return to the familiar rhythms of school and learning.

Breaks like these offer important opportunities to rest and reflect, but they can also make the transition back to routine feel a bit challenging for both children and adults. Finding our stride again takes time, and that adjustment is a natural part of the process.

As we begin this new year together, I encourage everyone to extend patience and kindness to yourselves and to one another and to make space for moments of joy and balance. If additional support is needed, the Maple Run Community Resources page continues to be available to help connect families with local services and supports.

I am deeply thankful for the care, commitment, and compassion that define the Maple Run community. Your partnership plays a vital role in ensuring our schools remain welcoming places where every student feels supported and valued.

Today, we begin our first day back from Winter Break and our first day of 2026. I look forward to the learning, growth, and connection that lie ahead as we move forward together.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay supported.

January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who provide leadership and guidance for our public schools. At Maple Run Unified School District, our School Board serves the communities of Saint Albans City, Saint Albans Town, and Fairfield, and plays a vital role in supporting student learning, setting district priorities, and ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming, and responsive to community needs.

I am grateful for the time, care, and thoughtful leadership our board members bring to this important work. Their commitment reflects a shared focus on students and the long-term strength of public education in Maple Run.

Please join me in thanking our Maple Run School Board members and BFA student representatives:
Charles Brooks, Marianne Dubie, Jessica Frost, Amanda Giroux, Nilda Gonnella-French, Karlie Gunderson, Joanna Jerose, Suzanne Kenyon, Jack McCarthy, J. Nakuma Palczewski, and our BFA student leaders.

Their service helps ensure that today’s students are supported, inspired, and prepared for the future. I am deeply thankful for their dedication, vision, and service to our schools and community.

Learn more about our School Board members at:
www.maplerun.org/page/board-of-directors

The first week back after Winter Break is a time of transition. Returning to schedules, early mornings, and busy days can feel energizing for some and challenging for others—and both reactions are completely normal.

This week, focus on gentle re-entry rather than jumping back at full speed. A few simple practices can help make the transition smoother:

• Start each day with one steady routine (a consistent wake-up time, a quiet moment before the day begins, or a short walk).

• Build in brief pauses—stretch, take a few deep breaths, or step outside for fresh air.

• Prioritize sleep as bodies and minds adjust back to school schedules.

• Offer patience and grace—to yourself and to others—as everyone finds their rhythm again.

• Celebrate showing up. Simply being back and engaged is a meaningful step forward.

Transitions take time, and small, supportive habits can make a big difference. As we begin 2026 together, let this be a week of balance, kindness, and steady progress.

A supported community is a healthy community and caring for ourselves helps us show up fully for one another.

As we welcome students and staff back today following Winter Break, I want to take a moment to highlight the importance of attendance as we begin the new year together.

Being at school each day supports learning, connection, and a sense of belonging. Daily routines help students feel grounded, build relationships, and stay engaged in their classrooms. After time away, returning to those routines can take a little adjustment, and that’s okay.

If getting back into the school rhythm feels challenging, please know that support is available. Our schools partner closely with families to help remove barriers and encourage regular attendance. Reaching out early can make a meaningful difference.

School Start Times:

• Bellows Free Academy: 8:10 AM

• Fairfield Center School: 8:20 AM

• Northwest Career & Technical Center: 8:00 AM

• St. Albans City School: 7:30 AM

• St. Albans Town Educational Center: 8:15 AM

If you have questions, concerns, or thoughts about attendance, please reach out to us at TapIn@MapleRun.org.

Thank you to our families, students, and staff for making attendance a shared priority. Each day matters, and being present helps set the foundation for a strong, successful year ahead.

Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Inspired.

As we move through the winter months, we want to continue encouraging our community to stay informed about the proposed FY27 Maple Run Unified School District budget. The budget reflects careful planning focused on supporting students, sustaining programs, and maintaining strong, stable schools across our district.

We know school budgets can feel complex, and we encourage families and community members to take time to learn more, ask questions, and engage in the process. Being informed helps ensure that community voices are part of important conversations about the future of our schools.

Budget information, including details and updates, is available on the FY27 Budget section of our website. Community members are also welcome to attend School Board meetings, either in person or online, and to reach out with questions or feedback at TapIn@MapleRun.org.

Looking ahead to March 3rd, we encourage everyone to make a plan to participate. Check your voter registration status, explore early voting options, and be ready to take part.

Our Students. Your Voice. Your Vote.

Thank you for staying engaged and connected as we work together to support the students of Maple Run.

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.