Maple Run Connection
Weekly Update from Superintendent Bill Kimball Aug 25, 2025
Message from Superintendent Bill Kimball
As we enter the fourth week of school, the excitement of the first days has settled into purposeful learning. I’ve seen classrooms filled with curiosity, students pushing themselves to grow, and teachers guiding them with care and creativity. These moments reflect the kind of meaningful, challenging, and supportive education we strive to provide every day.
Beyond academics, the connections happening across our schools are equally inspiring. Whether students are working together in class, participating in after-school programs, or building friendships in the hallways, they are learning the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and respect. These daily experiences strengthen both individual confidence and our collective sense of belonging.
What makes Maple Run special is how our schools balance structure with flexibility, rigor with joy, and independence with support. Each day, I see our community modeling values that ensure students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to take risks in their learning. That balance is what allows every student the opportunity to thrive.
As always, I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and questions at TapIn@MapleRun.org. Staying connected helps us continue to build a school culture where students can discover their strengths and love of learning.
Here’s to another great week ahead!
Follow-Up on BrightArrow Communication Test
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Maple Run Unified School District conducted a districtwide BrightArrow test. Families should have received a phone call, a text message, and an email around 5:00 PM. If you did not receive all three, your contact information may be incomplete or outdated in PowerSchool, and it is essential that you update it right away.
Why this matters
Accurate contact information is critical. In the event of an emergency, weather-related closure, attendance alert, or urgent update, our schools rely on BrightArrow to reach families quickly. If your phone number or email is missing or incorrect, we cannot contact you.
What you need to do
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Log into MapleRun.PowerSchool.com
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Go to: Forms → Contact Information – Annual Verification Form
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Confirm or update your phone numbers and email addresses
Text Alerts – You MUST Opt In
Families do not automatically receive text messages.
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To opt in, text YES to 87569
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To opt out, text STOP to 87569 or reply “Stop”
All Maple Run text messages will come from 87569. These alerts are one-way only—you will not be able to reply.
BrightArrow vs. BrightChat
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BrightArrow: Mass alerts from the District and schools (emergencies, closings, transportation updates, event reminders).
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BrightChat (BrightArrow Parent Hub App): Two-way communication between families and teachers/coaches. Download from the App Store or Google Play.
Contacting Teachers
You can also email your child’s teachers directly using their MapleRun.org emails, links below:
We cannot stress this enough: It is every family’s responsibility to provide the District and your school with correct, up-to-date contact information. Without it, we cannot reach you when it matters most.
If you need help updating PowerSchool, please contact your school registrar.
- Early Childhood: Jessica Barnes – jbarnes@maplerun.org 802-524-3613
- Fairfield Center School: Judy Magnan – jmagnan@maplerun.org 802-827-6639
- Saint Albans City School: Desiree Stevens – dstevens@maplerun.org 802-527-0565
- SATEC: Michelle Dow – mdow@maplerun.org 802-752-2600
- BFA: Martina Newell – mnewell@maplerun.org 802-527-6570
- Northwest Career & Technical Center - Diana Langlois - dlanglois@maplerun.org (802) 527-6433
We are here to support you.
You’ll find it on the bottom right corner of our district homepage, ready to help families, staff, and community members find information quickly. But here’s the key, the ChatBot learns by being used, and we need your help to make it better!
How you can help:
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Ask the ChatBot questions.
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Let it know if the answer was helpful.
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Share with us what’s missing, so we can update or add content to our website.
Right now, the ChatBot only searches our Maple Run website, so it may not always have the answer. But the more it’s used, the smarter and more helpful it will become.
Give it a try and help us build a tool that makes it easier for everyone to find what they need. Questions or suggestions? Reach out anytime at TapIn@MapleRun.org.
Tap Into Maple Run – Season 2, Episode 2: Joy in Learning
In this episode, Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent Megan Grube talk with BFA Assistant Athletic Director Jordan O’Grady and senior student-athlete Jonas Wagner. Together, they explore how Maple Run’s Core Value of Joy & Curiosity shines through athletics, academics, and student experiences.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or find the link at MapleRun.org.
Wellness Tip: As days grow busier, remember that movement fuels focus — a short walk, stretch, or moment outdoors can reset your energy and mood.
Celebrate: The start of fall athletics and the many ways our students bring joy and spirit to the season, both on and off the field.
Have an idea for a guest or a question you’d like answered on the podcast? Send it anytime to TapIn@MapleRun.org.
Take a Moment to Move
As our days get busier, it’s easy to power through without taking a pause. But remember, movement fuels focus. Even a few minutes of walking, stretching, or simply stepping outside for fresh air can reset your energy, improve your mood, and sharpen your attention. These small breaks not only support physical health but also help you return to your work or learning with renewed clarity.
Try building in a short moment of movement each day, your body and mind will thank you.
September 2025
September 13th-19th
- Arts in Education Week
IT Professionals Day
Saint Albans City School Open House
September 17th
Board Meeting at Fairfield Center School
September 18th
- Saint Albans Town Educational Center Open House K-4
