Superintendent Update
Tap Into Maple Run Newsletter
As we move into the ninth week of the school year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some recent highlights and share exciting news from across our district.
Last week, Saint Albans Town Educational Center (SATEC) held its 5th-8th Grade Open House, and it was a fantastic event! Students were proud to show off their classrooms, projects, and learning spaces to their families. It was wonderful to see the strong connections between teachers, students, and families as they discussed the goals and opportunities for this school year. Events like this are an important reminder of the power of collaboration between home and school, and I am grateful to everyone who came out to support our students.
As fall deepens, many of our sports seasons are beginning to wind down. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate all of our student-athletes across the district. Whether it’s soccer, cross country, golf, or field hockey, our students have worked hard, shown great sportsmanship, and represented Maple Run with pride. I am consistently impressed by their dedication and teamwork. Thank you to our coaches, staff, and parents who have supported these programs and made this season a success. I look forward to seeing how our student-athletes carry the lessons of resilience and teamwork they’ve learned into the classroom and beyond.
With fall sports coming to an end, our focus will soon turn to winter activities, and I encourage all students to stay engaged—whether in athletics, the arts, or other extracurricular programs. These opportunities help students grow in new ways, and we are proud to offer a wide variety of options across the district.
As always, I encourage you to stay connected with all that’s happening in our schools, and I want to express my appreciation for the continued support of our families and community members. Your involvement is essential to the success of our students and the district as a whole.
Thank you for your commitment to Maple Run and for working with us to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment for all. Let’s continue the momentum as we move into the weeks ahead!
Ross Levoie, Northwest Career & Technical Center
Ross Levoie, Northwest Career & Technical Center’s Building Trades teacher, is a proud alumnus of both NCTC and Vermont Technical College (VTC). As a dedicated educator and busy father of two, Ross brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep connection to the community. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys maple sugaring, hunting, and spending time with his family. Ross and his wife share the joys and challenges of raising their children while remaining actively engaged in the Maple Run community.
Ross takes great pride in giving back to both his students and local businesses. One of his most notable volunteer efforts is with Martha’s Community Kitchen, an organization dedicated to "Nurturing Each Other with Good Food & Comradery in a Safe, Warm and Welcoming Environment." Ross and his students recently took on the major project of renovating Martha’s new space on Lake Street after the organization moved from its rented location on Main Street to a building they now own. The renovation was a significant undertaking, but it provided Ross’s students with invaluable real-world experience. They learned not only about construction but also about the importance of community service, witnessing firsthand how Martha’s Community Kitchen creates a welcoming and nurturing environment for those in need.
Ross’s involvement at Martha’s Community Kitchen highlights his commitment to fostering a strong connection between his students and the broader community. His students benefited from seeing how their hard work could make a tangible difference, and they left the project with a greater appreciation for the power of giving back.
In addition to his many interests, Ross enjoys reading, a little-known fact about him. Whether he’s teaching building trades, volunteering, or spending time outdoors, Ross continues to be a valuable member of the Maple Run community, leading by example and helping to shape the next generation of skilled workers and community-minded individuals.
Wellness Tip of the Week: The Power of Gratitude
As we move deeper into the school year, it’s important to pause and reflect on the power of gratitude. In the fast pace of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in what needs to be done next or the challenges that arise. Practicing gratitude offers a powerful way to shift our mindset, helping us focus on what is good and what we’re thankful for, even amidst the busyness.
Gratitude has a profound impact on our well-being. Regularly reflecting on what we’re thankful for can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. It allows us to turn our attention to what’s working rather than what’s not, naturally creating a more positive outlook and building resilience during difficult times.
Gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures; it often grows in the simplest moments. Pausing in the morning to reflect on something you're thankful for, or taking a quiet breath of appreciation after a task, can help gratitude flourish. Some find it helpful to keep a gratitude journal, but even small, mindful moments are enough.
Gratitude also strengthens our relationships. Expressing thanks—through a kind word or gesture—fosters connection and positivity. A thoughtful message or a sincere “thank you” can have a significant impact on both the giver and receiver, creating a ripple effect of appreciation.
Give it a try and see if practicing gratitude helps with your wellness. Start small and notice the positive effects it can bring into your daily life and community.
We are aware of ongoing conversations on social media regarding the safety of our schools. The well-being of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority, and we understand that many of you are deeply passionate about ensuring our schools remain safe and secure.
At Maple Run, we have established and regularly reviewed a comprehensive safety plan in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency management teams. This plan includes routine drills, staff training, and facility improvements designed to keep everyone prepared and protected. We are constantly evaluating and refining these measures to meet the highest safety standards.
When it comes to discussing concerns, particularly those about safety, we want to remind everyone that social media can sometimes complicate communication by spreading incomplete or inaccurate information. We strongly encourage board members and our community to avoid engaging in social media debates or arguments. Instead, please contact the Central Office or your local school administration directly if you see something online that needs to be addressed. By using these official channels, we can ensure a unified, clear, and accurate response.
Additionally, we want to remind everyone that there is an anonymous tip line available for reporting safety concerns. You can text Safe4VT or call 844-Safe4VT to share information discreetly.
We understand that emotions can run high, and many feel the need to respond immediately, especially when it comes to protecting our schools. However, it's important that our district presents a cohesive message, especially on matters of such importance. Your help in directing concerns through the proper channels is invaluable and allows us to respond thoughtfully and accurately.
We appreciate your continued support and commitment to keeping our schools safe and unified. Together, we can ensure the best for our students and staff.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students and schools.
NCTC Student Ambassadors Visit Maple Run Middle Schools: Inspiring Future Career Pathways
Maple Run Middle School students at Fairfield Center School, Saint Albans City School, and Saint Albans Town Educational Center recently had the exciting opportunity to meet with student ambassadors from the Northwest Career & Technical Center (NCTC). These visits allowed our middle schoolers to learn more about the diverse programs and career pathways available at NCTC, sparking interest and curiosity about future educational opportunities.
The NCTC student ambassadors—current high school students who are excelling in their chosen programs—shared firsthand experiences about the unique learning opportunities that NCTC offers. Programs range from cosmetology, culinary arts, and automotive technology to healthcare, engineering, and digital media. Through these presentations, middle school students gained insight into how these hands-on programs can help them explore their passions, build valuable skills, and prepare for potential future careers.
Students were eager to ask questions, engage in discussions, and learn about the various pathways available at NCTC. The ambassadors did a fantastic job of explaining how their programs integrate both academic and practical learning, offering students a chance to gain real-world experience while still in high school. They also highlighted the different ways that NCTC programs can lead to certifications, college credits, and direct entry into the workforce.
The excitement continues as Maple Run Middle School students will soon have the chance to visit NCTC in person. During their upcoming field trip, they will get a hands-on look at the programs, tour the facility, and meet instructors. This immersive experience will allow them to explore the workshops, labs, and classrooms where NCTC students learn and develop their skills every day.
These visits are a valuable opportunity for middle school students to begin thinking about their future and the many pathways available to them through NCTC. By introducing them to a wide variety of programs, NCTC is helping our students envision exciting possibilities for their high school years and beyond. We look forward to seeing our students take full advantage of these opportunities and explore their potential at NCTC!
SATEC Back-to-School Autumn Open Houses: Welcoming Families and Building Connections
This fall, Saint Albans Town Educational Center (SATEC) opened its doors to families and the community during two vibrant Back-to-School Open House events. Held separately for PK-4th grade and 5th-8th grade, these events created an opportunity for students, parents, and guardians to explore classrooms, meet teachers, and celebrate the start of a new academic year.
PK-4th Grade Open House: A Joyful Start for Our Youngest Learners
The first event, dedicated to PK-4th grade, was filled with excitement as families were warmly welcomed into the school. Classrooms were filled with colorful displays of student work, interactive learning stations, and a variety of activities designed to engage young learners. Teachers took the time to connect with parents, sharing insights into daily routines, curriculum highlights, and ways they can support learning at home. It was a wonderful chance for families to see the environments where their children will be learning and thriving this year. Many students were eager to show their families around and proudly introduce their teachers and friends.
The event also allowed parents to familiarize themselves with the school's learning expectations and goals for the year. From literacy and math activities to hands-on science projects, the open house demonstrated SATEC’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in its youngest students.
5th-8th Grade Open House: Setting the Stage for a Successful Year
A week later, SATEC hosted the 5th-8th grade Open House, welcoming older students and their families to experience the middle school side of the building. Teachers and staff shared valuable information about the academic programs, extracurricular activities, and leadership opportunities available to students in these grades. Parents appreciated the chance to speak with teachers one-on-one, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of what their child’s year will look like.
Classrooms featured displays of student projects, previews of upcoming lessons, and technology demonstrations, including how Chromebooks and online learning tools will enhance learning. Families were also introduced to the support services available to students, including guidance counseling, special education, and enrichment programs.
Both events were a great success, fostering connections between families and the school community. Parents left with a deeper understanding of the educational experience their children will have this year, and the students were energized by the chance to show off their school and share their excitement about the year ahead.
As the autumn leaves fall, SATEC is proud to kick off another successful school year, grounded in strong family partnerships and a shared commitment to helping all students grow and succeed!
The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
We invite all parents and guardians to attend an important presentation on The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health next Tuesday, October 22nd, at 5:30 PM in the SATEC Library. John Halligan, author and motivational speaker, will share his family's story, addressing cyberbullying, teen depression, and suicide prevention. This is a vital opportunity to learn more about these pressing issues and gain valuable strategies to help support your children. We hope you can join us. Please reach out with any questions 802-370-3937.
Tune in to the latest episode of Tap Into Maple Run with myself, Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent John Muldoon! Our weekly podcast covers district highlights, celebrations, wellness tips, and introduces you to members of the Maple Run community. Each episode features either a conversation with a Maple Run staff member or someone from the broader Maple Run community—after all, our staff and community members are all part of our Maple Run family!
Have a question or comment? Send it to TapIn@MapleRun.org, and you might hear it addressed on air during our "Mail Bag" segment!
Upcoming October Maple Run Events
October 22nd Parent / Guardian Night
October 24th BFA ASVAB Test
October 24th MRUSD Middle School Soccer - Fairfield vs City School 7th & 8th grade soccer game at City
October 24th MRUSD Middle School Soccer - Fairfield vs City School 5th & 6th grade soccer game at Fairfield
October 24th Fairfield Center School Harvest Night
October 25th Fairfield Center School Fire Safety Day
October 25th Saint Albans Town Educational Center 5th & 6th grade Fun Night
October 25th Saint Albans Town Educational Center 5th & 6th grade Dance
October 29th Saint Albans City School Fall Sports Awards Night
October 29th Saint Albans City School 7th & 8th grade Candidate Forum
October 30th BFA Fall Concert - Instrumental / Choral
