Maple Run Connection

Happy Monday, Maple Run!

It’s been another wonderful week across our schools, full of learning, connection, and celebration!

At BFA on Thursday, we were thrilled to induct 27 new members into the Champlain Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Mead Sturgeon, a BFA graduate and former NHS member who has now returned as a math teacher, was our inspiring guest speaker. He shared how he has come full circle—experiencing the same pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Community, and Character that guide NHS students today. It was a truly special day, celebrating these students’ hard work, dedication, and the bright example they set for their peers.

As fall sports wrap up, the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) has released the 2025 Fall Playoff Schedule. First-round pairings for boys and girls soccer and volleyball have been posted, marking an exciting time for our Comets and Bobwhites! We’re proud of the commitment, spirit, and teamwork our student-athletes have shown all season.

Playoff Schedule Highlights:

• Tuesday, Oct. 21
  • BFA Varsity Bobwhites Soccer vs. Mt. Anthony – 3:00 PM, Collins Perley Sports Complex
  • BFA Varsity Comets Volleyball vs. South Burlington – 6:00 PM, BFA Gym

• Wednesday, Oct. 22
  • BFA Varsity Comets Soccer vs. Essex – 3:00 PM, Collins Perley Sports Complex
  • BFA Varsity Bobwhites Volleyball at UVM – 4:45 PM

• Saturday, Oct. 25
  • BFA Cross Country – Vermont State Championships, Thetford Academy – 10:30 AM

Meanwhile, SATEC students had an unforgettable experience on Friday, meeting Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator Jason Chin, a fellow Vermonter. Students had the chance to ask questions, explore his creative process, and be inspired by his stories and artwork. Experiences like these spark curiosity and imagination in our learners and remind us of the joy of learning.

I am continually grateful for the dedication, energy, and positivity that staff and students bring to Maple Run every day. Here’s to celebrating achievements, embracing learning, and cheering on our teams as they enter playoff season!

As the days grow shorter and our routines get busier, it’s easy to let sleep fall to the bottom of the list. But good sleep is one of the most powerful ways to support your immune system, manage stress, and boost mood and focus—especially during the busy fall months.

Why it matters:

• Sleep helps your body fight off illness and stay healthy.

• It improves concentration, memory, and emotional balance.

• A consistent bedtime routine helps regulate your body’s natural rhythm.

Try this week:

• Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time—even on weekends.

• Power down devices at least 30 minutes before bed.

• Create a calming routine: dim the lights, stretch, or read something relaxing.

This week’s challenge: Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night and notice how it affects your energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Remember: A well-rested mind and body handle stress better, recover faster, and feel more balanced. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care at its best.

At Maple Run, we know that showing up matters and not just for being in class, but for fully engaging, learning, and growing each day. Our district goal is for students to have 9 or fewer absences, helping them stay on track for success and reach their full potential.

Good attendance makes a real difference:

• Students who attend regularly achieve more academically.

• They build stronger connections with teachers and classmates.

• They are better prepared for future education and career opportunities.

We understand that life happens, and sometimes students miss school. That’s why we are committed to supporting families and students with wrap-around services to remove barriers and help everyone stay on track. Whether it’s transportation, health concerns, or other challenges, please reach out. We are here to help.

We track attendance carefully to make sure every student has the support they need. By connecting attendance with SEL data, we can better understand how students are feeling and provide timely support. Attendance is more than showing up: it’s about being engaged, inspired, and ready to grow each day.

School Start Times:

• Bellows Free Academy: 8:10 AM

• Fairfield Center School: 8:20 AM

• Northwest Career & Technical Center: 8:00 AM

• Saint Albans City School: 7:30 AM

• Saint Albans Town Educational Center: 8:15 AM

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

The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to share their perspectives on school district boundaries. These hearings are an opportunity to learn about the Task Force’s work and provide input that will help guide their proposals to the legislature.

While none of the in-person hearings are very close to our area, the Winooski High School session is the closest option, and all hearings offer virtual participation via Microsoft Teams.

Upcoming Hearings (In-Person & Virtual Options):

• Rutland High School, Rutland: Wednesday, October 22nd 6:00–8:00 PM

• Winooski High School, Winooski (closest to us): Tuesday, Oct. 28th 6:00–8:00 PM

Community input will be summarized and included in the Task Force’s official report. For more information, including links to participate virtually and accessibility options, visit the Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force website or contact ADM.Redistricting@vermont.gov.

Share Your Voice: Quick Survey on Vermont Schools

Vermont leaders are working on ways to strengthen our public education system, manage costs, and improve opportunities for all students. To do this well, they want to hear directly from you.

The Commission on the Future of Public Education invites you to take 8–10 minutes to complete this survey and share your perspective. Your input will provide critical guidance as the Legislature, the Commission on the Future of Public Education, and the School District Redistricting Task Force consider the best path forward. https://bit.ly/3KYelgp

Families, to receive important school updates and emergency alerts via text, you must opt in. Messages are not sent automatically, and our ability to reach you quickly depends on the information you provide. Please make sure your contact information is current and accurate.

Two ways to opt in:

• Text Method: Text YES to 79041 to receive messages. To opt out, text STOP to the same number.

• Web-Based Method: You can use BrightArrow’s web-based opt-in by clicking the link below:
Click here to opt-in to BrightArrow for text messages.

Messaging Number: All BrightArrow text messages come from 79041.

Why this matters: Families are responsible for ensuring our communications work. In an emergency, we want to reach you immediately, but only if your contact information is correct and you are opted in. Due to legal requirements, families must have explicit opt-ins on file.

Need help or have questions? Email MRUSDHelpDesk@MapleRun.org.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to make sure you’re opted in and helping us stay informed and connected!

Household Income Form – Every Family Can Make a Difference

Each year, Maple Run Unified School District asks every family to complete the Household Income Form. While Vermont’s Universal Meals Program ensures that all students receive free breakfast and lunch, this form is about so much more than meals.

The anonymous information collected helps Maple Run and schools across Vermont:

• Access millions of dollars in federal education funding

• Support after-school and summer programs

• Improve technology and broadband access

• Strengthen special education and classroom resources

• Keep the cost of Universal Meals affordable for everyone

Even if your family knows you don’t qualify for free meals, filling out this form still makes a big difference. The data is confidential, anonymous, and only used in aggregate, so it cannot be traced back to individual families.

It’s quick, easy, and impactful—helping students, families, and schools across our district.

Fill out the form here: 2025–2026 Household Income Form

Questions? Contact your school office or reach out directly at TapIn@MapleRun.org.

Every family. Every year. Please take a moment to fill out the form. Thank you!

October 22nd

• Walking Wednesday SACS
• BFA College Financial Aid Night
• MRUSD Board Meeting
• MRUSD Family Movie Night
• SACS Fall Sports Awards Night

October 23rd & 24th

• Non-Student Days

October 26th

• XC State Championship @ Hard'Ack