

Viking Newsletter

In This Issue
Take the Alexis Challenge! - A message from Supt. Paul
Congratulations Dakota and Libby!
Join us for Taste of K
Hmong Family Engagement Night filled with energy
Community Education's March Highlights newsletter
Announcements
- Taher wants to hear from you
- Patron Tour coming up April 19
- Website/App tech tips
- Access to educational benefits beyond free meals
Using art to turn imagination into reality
New mascot unveiled
Community Service Day - Thursday, May 23
Take the Alexis Challenge!
Dear Families,
It was announced earlier this month that North Branch Area Middle School eighth grade student Alexis Sway was selected Miss Teen Minnesota. As part of this honor, Alexis decided to make a donation to the VIking Vittles program. We are so proud of her, for her composure and confidence shown, and also by her servant heart to give to others in need. So, let’s join Alexis by taking the Alexis Challenge and support Vikings Vittles.
Viking Vittles is a program that fills an important gap for students and families. For students PreK-5, Viking Vittles organizes a weekend food backpack program that provides a bag of food to any student who signs up. Every week, hundreds of students go home for the weekend with food thanks to this program. Viking Vittles also supports middle school, high school and Norse Area Learning Center students by providing access to Care Closets at each location.
There is more than one way for you to take the Alexis Challenge. You could attend the program’s upcoming Lenten Fish Fry fundraiser at Trinity Lutheran Church, happening every Friday, Feb. 16 through March 22, 5 - 7 p.m. Adults admission is $15, kids ages 5 - 10 are $5, and kids under 5 eat free! (See flier for details.) Or, stop by the Viking Vittles GoFundMe page and donate directly.
I hope you will consider supporting this wonderful program that directly benefits the students we serve!
This edition of the Viking Newsletter is filled with many ways to celebrate our amazing students and staff. Enjoy!
Sara Paul
Superintendent
Congratulations Dakota and Libby!
SKOL! and congratulations to Vikings Libby Nielson (right) and Dakota Esget (left)! Dakota finished as the state All-Around champion and two-time Bars champion! She also finished 2nd on the Vault and 2nd on the Floor. Libby finished 7th on beam with a score of 9.15! Way to go!!! See more photos here.
Thanks NBAEF!
The North Branch Area Education Foundation announced its 2024 grant recipients in February. This year the NBAEF, with a generous donation of $10,000 from ECMC Foundation, awarded nine grants totaling over $17,000. For more, click here.
Join us for Taste of K
Hmong Family Engagement Night filled with energy
Thank you to all the families that attended our Hmong Family Engagement Night on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6 - 7:30 pm. Over 50 people were in attendance. Many ideas from students and parents were shared for cultural affirming events and programs.
Spring sports meetings tonight!
Keep up with Community Education
See what's coming up in Community Education in the March Highlights newsletter. Also, look for "Coming Up in Community Ed" every Friday at the district Facebook page.
Announcements
Taher wants to hear from you
Taher wants to know what families think of school lunch. You can take Taher's brief school lunch survey by scanning the QR on the poster, or by clicking this link.
Patron Tour coming up April 19
Interested in attending NBAPS' Friday, April 19 Patron Tour? Patron Tours start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. Guests enjoy refreshments in the morning, tour every site in the district, and finish the half day with a lunch provided by NBAPS. In between guests visit classrooms and talk with staff, students, and leadership. It's a great way to learn more about NBAPS from early childhood all the way through high school! To attend, contact Pat Tepoorten at 651-674-1018 or ptepoorten@isd138.org.
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.
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.
Using art to turn imagination into reality
New mascot unveiled
During Snow Week festivities earlier this month, the new Viking mascot was unveiled for the first time across the district. The mascot was made possible by the North Branch Area Education Foundation, and was funded through Fund a Dream, along with door wraps at the high school.
Community Service Day - Thursday May 23
NBAPS annual Community Service Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 23. Staff and students will be out in our communities performing a variety of community service projects. If you know someone who could use help with general spring chores due to age or illness, please contact Pat Tepoorten at 651-674-1018 or ptepoorten@isd138.org.
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