Viking Newsletter
In This Issue
What a month! - A message from Supt. Paul
Student athletes sign letters of intent
Future A-Listers puppet show
Tou Ger Xiong inspires Sunrisers
Announcements
- Congrats ESS winners!
- Website/app tech tips
- Building hours during winter break
- Community Ed Highlights
- Access to educational benefits beyond free meals
Early learners roll out red carpet for football
Veterans Day is a special day!
Happy Thanksgiving!
What an amazing November it has been! With Veterans Day observances, the football team's incredible playoff run, the middle school production of SpongeBob SquarePants, Arts Fest, Tou Ger Xiong's visit with Sunrise students, early letter of intent signers, and more, there has been plenty to celebrate!
I recently returned from a Fulbright Fellowship funded by the U.S. Congress. I was able to experience Germany’s successful apprenticeship model. There are many take-aways from this Fulbright experience that can help NBAPS accelerate into the future, and you can read more details here. It also provided the opportunity to share what we are doing at NBAPS and talk about the many strengths of our system.
With all the learning I experienced, my most important take-away is an even deeper appreciation and pride for the exceptional work of our staff. It is hard to describe how fortunate we are to have dedicated staff working with our students each and every day. NBAPS is truly blessed.
As we head into this Thanksgiving weekend, I continue to be grateful for how our students and staff have benefited from the support of families, businesses, and community members. Whether halfway around the world or in conversation in our community, sharing stories of the deep Viking bond that fuels this community is what I am most thankful for. It is a privilege to serve as your Superintendent and to call North Branch home.
Thank you for choosing North Branch Area Public Schools and Happy Thanksgiving!
Sara Paul
Superintendent
Student athletes sign letters of intent
Future A-Listers puppet show
Tou Ger Xiong inspires Sunrisers
Thanks to a grant from the North Branch Area Education Foundation (NBAEF), Sunrise was able to host speaker Tou Ger Xiong. With great humor and energy, Tou talked about coming to America from Laos as a child and how much different life in Minnesota is compared to his home country.
Announcements
Congrats ESS winners!
Congratulations to NBAPS support staff Tena Oswell - Special Education Support Staff, Jody Spofford - Human Resources Specialist, Stacy Turner - Special Education Support Staff, and Spencer Yang - English Learner Education Assistant for earning Educational Support Staff (ESS) awards at the ESS banquet last week in St. Cloud!
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.
Building hours during winter break
Buildings will be open for staff on Wednesday, Dec. 27, and Thursday, Dec. 28. Buildings will be closed on the other days of Winter Break week
Community Ed Highlights
The November edition of Community Education Highlights is packed with fun and educational things to do for kids and adults, and provides details about the Dec. 1 Monroe Crossing holiday concert. Check it out here.
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.
Early Learners roll out red carpet for football
What a special day!
Winter Solstice Drum and Dance Dec. 4
Join the NBAPS American Indian Education Program for Winter Solstice Storytelling, Drum, & Dance Night at NBAHS on Monday, Dec. 4. The event starts with a feast at 4:30, with storytelling, dancing and drumming to follow. See flier for details!
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