Superintendent Update
Tap Into Maple Run Newsletter
As we step into the sixth week of the 2024/2025 school year, we are greeted by beautiful autumn weather—crisp mornings giving way to bright, sunny afternoons that invite us to enjoy the changing seasons. Fall sports are in full swing, showcasing our students’ athletic talents and fostering school spirit as they compete and support one another.
This week, our 3-12 students will participate in the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Survey using Panorama Education’s research-backed platform. This initiative allows our schools and districts to gather invaluable insights from our students, ensuring their voices are heard. Administrators and staff will have access to detailed analytics, enabling us to identify priority areas and inform our action plans effectively.
I encourage you to stay involved in our vibrant school community, whether through attending school events, reaching out to teachers, or staying connected online. Your participation is vital in fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are creating a foundation for success that will last throughout the year and beyond. Let’s make this week another memorable one!
Catch the Latest Episode of Tap Into Maple Run!
Join me, Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent John Muldoon for the latest episode of Tap Into Maple Run, our weekly podcast! Each episode features district highlights, wellness tips, introductions to Maple Run staff, and a visit from a Community Corner guest.
Have a question or comment? Send it to TapIn@MapleRun.org, and you might hear it addressed on air!
Ashley Levine & Michael Flanagan
In this week’s episode of Tap Into Maple Run, we had the pleasure of featuring two key figures who bring the world of books and learning to life for our students: Ashley Levine, School Librarian at Saint Albans City School, and Michael Flanagan, School Librarian at Saint Albans Town Educational Center.
School Librarians play a crucial role in our schools. They are responsible for creating and maintaining databases of library materials, organizing resources for easy access, and helping students conduct research, navigate search results, and evaluate reference materials. But their work extends far beyond these tasks.
Both Ashley and Michael spoke passionately about their love of reading and their commitment to fostering that same love in their students. Each day, they show students that there is a wide variety of books to explore and that every type of reader is unique and amazing in their own way. Through their work, they help students discover different genres, authors, and ways of engaging with literature, making the library a welcoming space for all.
Their episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how our school libraries support and inspire young readers. Tune in to Tap Into Maple Run to hear more about their journey and how they continue to enrich the learning environment across our district.
Wellness Tip: Boost Your Well-being through Reading and Audiobooks
Incorporating reading or listening to audiobooks into your routine can greatly benefit your mental and emotional health.
Reading has been shown to reduce stress by up to 68%, offering a calming escape from daily pressures (University of Sussex). It also boosts focus, memory, and creativity by engaging the brain in following stories and ideas. Regular reading expands your vocabulary and enhances your ability to express emotions. Plus, just a few minutes of reading before bed can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
Audiobooks offer similar benefits. They promote relaxation, improve pronunciation and language skills, and stimulate imagination as listeners visualize characters and settings. While reading physical books may aid comprehension and retention better for some, a combination of both formats can be an ideal way to enhance your well-being.
Whether through reading or listening, make time each day to enjoy a good story—it’s a simple and effective way to support your wellness!
We are excited to announce the grand opening of our student learning-based salon on October 1st! Our salon will be open for services every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 PM to 3 PM.
Whether you're looking for a haircut, styling, or other beauty services, our talented students will provide quality care under the guidance of experienced instructors.
To schedule an appointment, please call 802-527-6408 or email Aduncan@maplerun.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to our salon and appreciate your support as our students embark on their cosmetology journey!
On Thursday, Fairfield Center School welcomed families back with its annual Back to School Open House—a fantastic evening filled with excitement, community, and connection.
Around 100 families joined in the celebration, enjoying a delicious spaghetti dinner and special apple treats for dessert, all lovingly prepared by Fairfield Center School staff and the school’s amazing students. The meal provided the perfect chance for families to sit together, catch up with friends, and soak in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
After the dinner, families explored the classrooms, where teachers proudly showcased their learning spaces and shared plans for the upcoming year. Smiles and laughter filled the hallways as parents and students expressed their gratitude for such a meaningful gathering.
It was a wonderful start to the school year, and Fairfield Center School is excited to continue building these connections with the community!
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this event a fantastic start to the school year. Your involvement truly enhances our community spirit!
This year’s Bellows Free Academy Homecoming was nothing short of spectacular, packed with excitement, school spirit, and community pride!
The festivities kicked off on Thursday, September 26th, with the Comets’ second annual Spike Out Cancer volleyball fundraiser. The BFA gym was a sea of pink as students, staff, and families gathered to support the Jim Bashaw Cancer & Catastrophic Illness Fund. The match against Rice Memorial High School was action-packed, and the energy was contagious! Fans took part in a serve contest for a chance to win prizes, with everyone rallying for a great cause. Thank you to all who came out and contributed to making a difference in the community through this powerful event.
Friday brought even more excitement, starting with a high-energy pep rally that united the entire school. Students showed off their school spirit with class chants and performances that electrified the BFA gym. Later that day, the homecoming parade rolled through Saint Albans, featuring vibrant class floats that showcased the creativity and pride of the BFA student body. It was a perfect lead-up to the evening’s much-anticipated homecoming football game, where the Bobwhites faced off under the lights. The packed bleachers, roaring crowds, and stellar performances on the field made it a game to remember!
Saturday night capped off the celebration with the always-exciting Powder Puff game against MVU at Collins Perley Sports Complex. The event brought out community members in droves, with packed stands stretching around the field. A special appearance by the Vermont National Honor Guard, the team from Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, and representatives from the Jim Bashaw Cancer and Catastrophic Fund made the night even more meaningful. The Booster Snack Bar was buzzing, a 50/50 raffle added extra fun, and fans were thrilled to grab event t-shirts to commemorate the occasion. The halftime show wowed the crowd with a stunning fireworks display, and after the game, the excitement continued as a massive bonfire brought everyone together to celebrate a successful homecoming week.
It was an incredible homecoming filled with unforgettable memories, school spirit, and a deep sense of community. Thank you to everyone who made it possible! Here's to many more years of celebrating BFA pride!
Upcoming October Maple Run Events
October 2nd Fairfield Center School photo day
October 2nd Middle Grades Cross Country Meet at City School
October 2nd MURSD Board Meeting at Central Office
October 9th PSATs at BFA
October 9th MRUSD Middle School Soccer - Fairfield vs City School 7th & 8th grade soccer game at Fairfield
October 9th MRUSD Middle School Soccer - Fairfield vs City School 5th & 6th grade soccer game at City School
October 9th SATEC Pre-K to 4th grade Open House
October 9th MRUSD Middle School Soccer - Fairfield vs City School 7th & 8th grade soccer game at Fairfield
October 10th Staff Inservice Day: Non-Student day
October 11th MRUSD Holiday: Non-Student Day
