Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run!

Last week marked our first week back in school for 2026, and it was wonderful to see our classrooms and school communities come alive again. Students returned full of energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm asking questions, engaging in learning, setting goals, and reconnecting with friends and teachers.

It’s been a week filled with growth and connection. Our middle and high school students jumped back into sports, while music students participated in All-State auditions in Barre. Across the district, students are exploring, planning, and learning together, supporting one another, and celebrating the unique contributions each person brings to our community.

Beyond the classroom, Maple Run families and staff are embracing opportunities to reconnect after Winter Break — whether on the slopes during school ski trips, cheering on student athletes, or participating in exciting programs and activities. These moments of engagement, curiosity, and teamwork set a strong foundation for the rest of the school year.

I am grateful for the care, commitment, and compassion that define our Maple Run community. Your partnership continues to make our schools welcoming spaces where every student can feel supported, inspired, and valued.

Here’s to a year filled with curiosity, kindness, learning, and possibilities.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay supported.

As we continue through January, we want to share a gentle reminder about how Maple Run approaches classroom celebrations, traditions, and learning activities. Our goal is to create welcoming, safe, and supportive environments where every student can thrive, feel included, and engage fully in learning.

Learning About Cultures and Traditions
Throughout the year, students explore a variety of cultures, traditions, and experiences as part of their learning. These opportunities help foster curiosity, understanding, and respect for one another in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.

Classroom Decorations and Activities

• Displays and decorations reflect learning and school-related messages.

• Celebrations and classroom activities are supported with materials provided by the school, so families are not asked to send items from home. This ensures equity and full participation for all students.

• Examples of inclusive activities include:

• Writing notes of gratitude or compliments to classmates

• Creative projects or collaborative classroom crafts

• Outdoor, seasonally appropriate activities

• End-of-term reflections celebrating learning, growth, and connection

Partnering with Students
Teachers often invite students to help shape classroom traditions, giving them a voice and supporting engagement, independence, and ownership of their learning community.

Food in the Classroom
Any food provided for classroom activities aligns with the Maple Run Wellness Policy and supports school-related learning goals.

At Maple Run, our Mission and Vision guide us to foster inclusive, safe, and respectful learning environments. Thoughtful, inclusive celebrations help every student feel valued, supported, and connected to their school community.

We appreciate your continued partnership in helping our schools remain places where all students can thrive.

As we begin 2026, we also look ahead to an important opportunity for community engagement: on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (Town Meeting Day), three Maple Run School Board seats will be on the ballot — one City seat and two Town seats.

Local school board members play a vital role in guiding our schools, representing community values, and helping ensure every student has access to a high‑quality, safe, and meaningful education. Whether you’re curious about serving or want to learn more about what board service involves, we encourage interested community members to consider running for a seat and help shape the future of our district.

Learn more about school board service and how to run at VT VSBA: Get on Board or contact your local municipal clerk.

January is also School Board Recognition Month, a time to highlight and celebrate the dedication of those currently serving our district. At Maple Run, our board members and BFA student representatives give generously of their time, expertise, and care, helping set priorities, advocate for students, and support our schools every day.

Please join us in thanking:
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 thoughtful leadership and service are deeply appreciated by our entire Maple Run community.

We look forward to continuing recognition of their contributions throughout the month and to a strong and engaged community this March as we head to the polls.

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

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.

Superintendent Bill Kimball recently shared a Letter to the Editor highlighting the proposed Maple Run Unified School District budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

• The proposed 2.44% budget increase reflects careful planning to sustain strong schools while meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.

• Tax impacts vary by community: a 10-cent decrease in Saint Albans City, a 3-cent increase in Fairfield, and a 9-cent increase in Saint Albans Town.

• Maple Run’s overall growth in spending remains below the national rate of inflation over the past two years.

• This budget is focused on maintaining quality programs and supporting students, not adding new initiatives beyond our means.

The letter also highlights positive student outcomes: improved math, reading, and writing scores, increased attendance, strong social-emotional skills, and students feeling safe, supported, and engaged in school.

You can read the full letter here

Thank you for your continued support of Maple Run schools and our students.

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.

After the first week back at school, our bodies and minds may still be adjusting to routines, schedules, and winter’s shorter days. This week, focus on nourishing yourself in small, intentional ways:

• Move a little each day: Even a 10‑minute walk, a few stretches, or simple exercises at home can lift energy and improve focus.

• Eat with intention: Include colorful fruits, vegetables, and protein in your meals to fuel your body and brain.

• Light and mood: Step outside when possible to get natural light — it helps regulate sleep, boosts vitamin D, and improves mood.

• Mindful moments: Pause for a few deep breaths, practice gratitude, or journal one small highlight of your day.

• Celebrate small wins: Returning to routines, connecting with others, and taking care of yourself are all steps worth noticing.

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Remember: small, consistent habits build wellness over time. Supporting yourself helps you show up fully for family, friends, and our Maple Run community.

It’s been a wonderful first week back at school! As we head into week two of the 2026 school year, we want to share an important reminder: attendance matters.

Being at school isn’t just about showing up — it supports learning, builds relationships, strengthens routines, and helps students feel connected and included. Research shows:

• Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level and achieve academic success.

• Consistent attendance improves the likelihood of on-time graduation.

• Missing just two days per month can add up to nearly 10% of the school year, which can significantly impact learning over time.

At Maple Run, our goal is for students to be present at least 95% of the school year, because every day counts. We understand that life happens — appointments, health needs, family responsibilities, or transportation challenges — and we approach attendance with care, understanding, and equity.

Whenever possible, scheduling appointments and travel outside of school hours helps students stay connected to learning. And if consistent attendance feels challenging, support is available. You are not alone.

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

For tips, resources, or support to make mornings smoother, contact us: TapIn@MapleRun.org

Together — as families, schools, and community members — we can ensure every student has the opportunity to be present, engaged, and inspired every day.

Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Inspired.
Attendance Matters. Every Day Counts.

Maple Run Unified School District is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide student transportation services for over 2,500 students across St. Albans City, St. Albans Town, Fairfield, East Fairfield, Sheldon, Alburgh, and Georgia.

Contract Term:
Initial 3-year term (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029), with an option to extend for up to two additional years.

Key Considerations:

· 26 morning routes and 27 afternoon routes.

· Must be equipped to handle adverse weather conditions, including harsh Vermont winters.

· Potential for route expansion due to ongoing growth in the area.

Submission Details:
Proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes or packages by 12:00 PM EST on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to:
Brianne King, Business Manager
28 Catherine Street, SaintAlbans, VT 05478

All questions must be submitted in writing by January 16, 2026.

Don’t miss this opportunity to partner with our district!

We hope you are looking forward to a restorative long weekend! This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school for students on the following days:

• Monday, January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Tuesday, January 20 – Teacher In-Service Day

These days provide an opportunity for all of us to reflect, rest, and recharge. We encourage families and students to take time to find joy in learning, connection, and community, and to honor the spirit of Dr. King’s work by celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in your homes and neighborhoods.

While students are off, our educators will be engaged in professional learning to continue strengthening our schools and supporting all students in reaching their full potential.

Thank you for being a part of the Maple Run community and for helping to create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where all children can thrive. We hope you enjoy this break and find meaningful ways to connect, rest, and celebrate your community.

At Maple Run, student safety comes first. Decisions to delay or close schools are considered:

• Road, parking lot, and sidewalk conditions

• Snow, ice, and weather forecasts

• Building readiness (heat, electricity, safety)

• Temperature, wind chill, and student transportation needs

• Collaboration with local partners and neighboring districts

The Superintendent makes the final call, usually by 8:00 p.m. the night before or by 5:30 a.m. at the latest. Families are notified via email, text, phone, social media, school websites, and local TV/radio.

Text alerts: To receive texts, opt in by texting YES to 79041.

As always, if you feel travel is unsafe, please use your best judgment for your child.

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.