Superintendent Update
Tap Into Maple Run Newsletter
Celebrating Our Maple Run Community
As we reflect on the past week, there are so many moments of pride and gratitude to share. Monday, November 11th, was Veterans Day, and our students had the honor of participating in the Saint Albans Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony. The City School Band and BFA Band delivered amazing performances, filling the streets with music that inspired us all. We were also moved by the heartfelt speeches from student representatives across our Maple Run schools, including Fairfield Center School, Saint Albans City School, and Saint Albans Town Educational Center. It was a remarkable event that brought our community together to pay tribute to our veterans.
Later in the week, our eighth graders from all three middle schools gathered at the Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center for Tech Discovery Day, a hands-on STEM experience organized by Andy Crossman and Stephanie Hodgeman. This event was filled with curiosity and exploration, giving our students a unique opportunity to engage with technology and innovation.
Our musical celebrations continued with the City School Chorus concert, showcasing the talent and dedication of our students. We also launched our first Maple Run Readers book club, which was a fantastic evening filled with staff from across the district, engaging in meaningful conversation and building connections.
As we step into the twelfth week of the school year, I want to thank you for your unwavering support and engagement. Let’s continue to celebrate the achievements and strength of our Maple Run community!
Episode 11: Andy Crossman & Stephanie Hodgeman
This week on our Tap Into Maple Run podcast, we are thrilled to feature two incredible guests who are making a significant impact in our community: Andy Crossman and Stephanie Hodgeman.
Andy Crossman is a retired professional from Pfizer, now residing in St. Albans Bay. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC), where he also chairs the Workforce Development Committee. Andy is a dedicated advocate for regional economic progress and plays a key role as a network integrator, addressing workforce development challenges throughout Franklin County. His efforts help create opportunities that benefit both our students and the local community.
Stephanie Hodgeman has been a passionate school counselor at BFA for the past 10 years, following a 15-year tenure at MVU. Her dedication to student well-being and academic success has made her a cornerstone of our district’s support network. Stephanie’s commitment to guiding and empowering students is evident through her active involvement in numerous school initiatives.
Together, Andy and Stephanie recently organized Tech Discovery Day at the Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center, a hands-on STEM event for 8th graders from all three Maple Run middle schools. We’re excited to hear about their experiences and insights on this engaging and educational day.
Tune in to this week’s podcast to learn more about their work and how it’s shaping opportunities for our students and community! Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
On Monday, November 11th, our Maple Run community came together in a powerful and moving celebration to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. The Saint Albans Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony in Taylor Park were marked by heartfelt tributes, impressive musical performances, and a deep sense of gratitude.
We were incredibly proud to have both the Bellows Free Academy and Saint Albans City School marching bands fill the streets with inspiring music. Their performances added a vibrant energy to the parade and highlighted the dedication of our student musicians. Additionally, all BFA students and the City School Cadets marched in the parade, demonstrating their support and respect for our veterans.
A special part of the ceremony was the reflections shared by student speakers from each of our Maple Run schools: Bellows Free Academy, Fairfield Center School, Saint Albans City School, and Saint Albans Town Educational Center. Their thoughtful and meaningful words served as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and attended, creating a strong sense of community and support. The ceremony in Taylor Park was a beautiful tribute, and we are grateful for the presence of our veterans and community members who came together to recognize and honor those who have served.
Thank you to all who contributed to making this event so special. We are proud of our Maple Run community and grateful for the opportunity to honor our veterans together.
On Thursday, Maple Run’s 8th-grade students from St. Albans City School, St. Albans Town Educational Center, and Fairfield Center School had an unforgettable experience at the first annual Tech Discovery Day, held at the Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center. This hands-on event was designed to open our students’ eyes to the many exciting and rewarding careers in STEM and technology fields.
Organized by Andy Crossman and Stephanie Hodgeman, Tech Discovery Day brought together industry professionals, educators, and volunteers to create an engaging environment where students could explore future career paths. From robotics and coding to engineering challenges and interactive tech displays, students had the opportunity to dive into various activities that combined learning with fun. It was incredible to see their curiosity come to life as they engaged with experts and discovered how technology plays a crucial role in our world.
This event was more than just a day of exploration; it was about sparking inspiration and encouraging our students to dream big. By giving them a hands-on experience with real-world applications of STEM concepts, we hope to empower them to consider future careers in technology and innovation.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially Andy Crossman, Stephanie Hodgeman, and the many volunteers and community partners who contributed their time and expertise. The collaboration and support from our community are what make these enriching opportunities possible for our students.
We look forward to seeing how this experience shapes our students’ educational journeys and future aspirations. It’s events like these that remind us of the incredible potential within our Maple Run students!
On Thursday evening, the Saint Albans City School Chorus delivered a beautiful and inspiring performance at their Fall Concert. The evening was filled with incredible music, showcasing the hard work, talent, and dedication of our student singers. From powerful harmonies to heartfelt melodies, the chorus captivated the audience and reminded us of the importance of the arts in our schools.
We are so proud of these students and the countless hours they dedicated to rehearsing and perfecting their pieces. A special thank you goes to Kaitlyn Maher, chorus director and everyone involved in organizing the concert, as well as the families and community members who came out to support our young musicians. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean so much!
Congratulations to the Saint Albans City School Chorus on a successful and memorable performance. Your music truly brought joy to our community!
Stay connected with the latest district updates and community highlights by listening to this week’s episode of Tap Into Maple Run! Assistant Superintendent John Muldoon and I, Superintendent Bill Kimball, bring you insights from across our schools, featuring stories and achievements from the incredible members of our Maple Run family.
Have a question or comment? Email us at TapIn@MapleRun.org, and your message could be featured in our “Mail Bag” segment! In Episode 11, we’ll explore the amazing work happening in our schools and share inspiring conversations with our dedicated staff and talented students.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
