Viking Newsletter

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In This Issue

Celebrating Viking Cheer and Community at NBAPS - A message from Supt. Paul

Futbol is life!

Sunrise's robot bees

Celebrating the solstice

Community Education winter brochure

Announcements

NBAMS holiday concerts

Cereal box dominos

The spirit of giving

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Celebrating Viking Cheer and Community at NBAPS

Dear Families,

As the winter winds twirl around us, there's an undeniable sense of celebration at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS). The air is filled not just with the chill of the season, but also with the warmth of camaraderie, creativity, and community spirit.

Viking elementary students provided holiday cheer at the North Branch Tree Lighting Ceremony that is still being raved about across our community. The warmth of sweet sounds continued to make spirits bright with Viking middle school choirs and bands during their holiday concerts last week.

The North Branch Area Education Center was brimming with holiday cheer as preschool parent volunteers led stations for a winter celebration that included snowflake craft, cookie decorating and more! Our students also brought Grinch Day to life! Picture this: boys rocking their best Grinch attire, while the girls channeled their inner Cindy Lou with hair piled high—cue the adorable overload!

Viking floral design students have been jingling their way through this holiday season, decking the district with holiday-themed centerpieces and wreaths that could rival Santa's workshop. Our Patron Tour guests got a taste of this beauty too, as these masterpieces adorned our lunch tables, making our mealtime together a festive affair. And in true Vikings fashion, around 30 of these stunning creations found their way to the Chisago County Senior Center, spreading joy and warmth beyond our school grounds.

Celebrating the wonders of this season extends to the heart and soul of NBAPS—the incredible staff, the amazing students and families we have the privilege to serve, and the support and Viking pride from this community. You all make this place shine brighter than any Christmas lights!

So here's to another incredible year at NBAPS, filled with laughter, learning, and endless moments of joy. As we celebrate the reason for the season, thank you for all the ways love, kindness and cheer are shared across our Viking community. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sara Paul

Superintendent

spaul@isd138.org

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Futbol is life!

Congratulations to NBAHS senior Danna Garcia Velazquez! She has been given the incredible opportunity to play professional soccer in Mexico, starting in January. She will continue her education at NBAPS in the Distance Learning Academy. Learn more here.

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Sunrise's robot bees

Third grade students are simulating a “day in the life” of a bee using Sphero Mini robots, developing essential STEM skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. Learn more and see a short video here.

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Celebrating the solstice

The winter solstice occurs when either of Earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun, and is celebrated by many cultures around the world. Click here to view our Winter Solstice event, a special time of community gathering, hosted by the North Branch American Indian Parent Advisory Committee.

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North Branch Area Community Education's Winter Brochure is now available online and is coming soon to your mailbox. See what's right around the corner in Community Ed January Highlights!

Announcements

Website/App tech tips

Family survey respondents indicated a need for more guidance in using the district’s new website/app. Community Relations Coordinator Pat Tepoorten has created a series of short “how to” articles for both the website and the app, covering a variety of topics. To view, click here and scroll down the main page. Contact ptepoorten@isd138.org if you have suggestions for further help articles.

Buildings closed over break

All NBAPS buildings will be closed over winter break (except for teams practicing at the high school on Dec. 27 and 28).

Access to educational benefits beyond free meals

Although no application is required to receive the free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is required in order to access other benefits like reduced fees at school. You can access educational benefits by completing the form here or through your WordWare lunch account. If you need assistance, please contact Arle Chambers at 651-674-1011 or achambers@isd138.org.

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Holiday concerts at NBAMS

NBAMS choir and band students received high marks for their holiday concerts this December. View photos from the events here and here.

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Cereal box dominos

The NBAEC donated 326 pounds of cereal to the food shelf this week, but not before kindergartners and preschoolers had fun setting up and knocking down cereal box dominos!

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The spirit of giving

Floral design students created their own holiday themed centerpieces and wreaths, and donated over 30 arrangements to the Chisago County Senior Center, staff, family, and neighbors.

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About North Branch Area Public Schools

Email: ptepoorten@isd138.org
Website: www.isd138.org
Location: 38705 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 674-1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbapschools
Twitter: @nbapschools