The We Are All the Same Sock Hop is happening this Friday, March 20, from 5–7 PM at the North Branch Area Education Center.
Dance party, crafts, photo booth, and free snacks—plus Heggies Pizza and a few additional items available for cash purchase.
Free entry and open to the entire community! 💙💛
Dance party, crafts, photo booth, and free snacks—plus Heggies Pizza and a few additional items available for cash purchase.
Free entry and open to the entire community! 💙💛
The NBAHS Choirs Facebook page has photos from the students' trip to New Orleans! You can see all of them here: https://www.facebook.com/nbahschoirs/
Join us for a Patron Tour!
Your last chance to come and see all the great things happening at NBAPS in the 2025-26 school year is coming up! Friday, April 17 is the next and final Patron Tour of the year.
The tours begin at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.
Attendees have the opportunity to meet with Supt. Paul and enjoy morning refreshments, tour all of the district facilities, meet principals, observe classrooms, and have the opportunity to lunch with students eager to answer questions about their experience at NBAPS!
Space is limited! If you are interested in attending a Patron Tour, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018 or ptepoorten@isd138.org.
Your last chance to come and see all the great things happening at NBAPS in the 2025-26 school year is coming up! Friday, April 17 is the next and final Patron Tour of the year.
The tours begin at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.
Attendees have the opportunity to meet with Supt. Paul and enjoy morning refreshments, tour all of the district facilities, meet principals, observe classrooms, and have the opportunity to lunch with students eager to answer questions about their experience at NBAPS!
Space is limited! If you are interested in attending a Patron Tour, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018 or ptepoorten@isd138.org.
Coming up in Community Ed!
Stamp-a-Stack of Cards / Monday March 23rd / 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Floral Design of the Month / Thursday March 26th / 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Book Bingo Pizza Party Grades K-5 / Friday March 27th / 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Stamp-a-Stack of Cards / Monday March 23rd / 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Floral Design of the Month / Thursday March 26th / 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Book Bingo Pizza Party Grades K-5 / Friday March 27th / 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Kindergartners worked in teams to build houses using “straw” (toothpicks), “sticks” (craft sticks), or “bricks” (foam craft bricks), just like in the classic story. They even had a surprise visit from the Big Bad Wolf—a fan—that tried to blow their houses down to see which designs were the strongest!
🤔 Have you ever wondered how students from around the world get the chance to study at North Branch Area High School?
You may have seen our recent post featuring interviews with the International Exchange Students attending NBAHS. Their experience here is possible because of a wonderful local host family who open their home for a school year!
We are currently looking for a few host families for students arriving in August 2026. Now is the perfect time to start asking questions and finding the right match. By August, you could be at the airport, ready to welcome someone who changes YOUR family forever. ✈️
🏡 Host families provide a welcoming home, meals, and a bedroom space while the student attends school and becomes part of everyday family life. If you have room in your home and in your heart, maybe this is your sign to consider hosting!
🇺🇸 Students come with their own spending money and insurance, and a local coordinator to provide support throughout the year!
🌎 Hosting is a unique opportunity to bring the world into your home and build a lifelong connection. All types of families can host!
Want to chat about hosting?
Comment HOST below or email rnielsen@flag-intl.org to learn more about becoming a host family for the 2026–2027 school year 😊🧡
You may have seen our recent post featuring interviews with the International Exchange Students attending NBAHS. Their experience here is possible because of a wonderful local host family who open their home for a school year!
We are currently looking for a few host families for students arriving in August 2026. Now is the perfect time to start asking questions and finding the right match. By August, you could be at the airport, ready to welcome someone who changes YOUR family forever. ✈️
🏡 Host families provide a welcoming home, meals, and a bedroom space while the student attends school and becomes part of everyday family life. If you have room in your home and in your heart, maybe this is your sign to consider hosting!
🇺🇸 Students come with their own spending money and insurance, and a local coordinator to provide support throughout the year!
🌎 Hosting is a unique opportunity to bring the world into your home and build a lifelong connection. All types of families can host!
Want to chat about hosting?
Comment HOST below or email rnielsen@flag-intl.org to learn more about becoming a host family for the 2026–2027 school year 😊🧡
NBAMS 6th grade Spanish students spent a week creating games to teach Kindergarten Spanish students basic conversation words. The 6th graders then visited the Ed Center and spent the class period teaching and playing their games with the younger students. Sounds like fun!
Coming up in Community Ed!
Just Breathe! Techniques to Calm, Center & Balance - Virtual Workshop / Monday March 16th / 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Drivers Education Zoom Class / Starts Monday March 16th / 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Calm the Storm: Supporting Your Child's Big Emotions / Tuesday March 17th / 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Irish Family Dance Party / Tuesday March 17th / 5:00 - 6:15 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Just Breathe! Techniques to Calm, Center & Balance - Virtual Workshop / Monday March 16th / 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Drivers Education Zoom Class / Starts Monday March 16th / 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Calm the Storm: Supporting Your Child's Big Emotions / Tuesday March 17th / 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Irish Family Dance Party / Tuesday March 17th / 5:00 - 6:15 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Congratulations to Brianna Bjerketvedt for advancing to the DECA international competition in her "Professional Sales" competition and becoming District 6's state representative! The 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference will be held in Atlanta, GA from April 24-29, bringing together over 20000 students, advisors, and professionals.
NBAMS 7th graders completed two more impressive art units. Students learned 5 watercolor paint techniques and were challenged to use 3+ of them to paint their own free-hand drawn vacation scenes. These were quite small and around 3 1/2” square to replicate the look of a Polaroid photo. Students each chose an actual vacation they’re been on, plus a dream vacation site they aspire to travel to some day! They were asked to “capture the essence” of that location.
The other project is a cube drawing inspired by Ryan Wilson, a Los Angeles-based pop artist who works with abstract ideas on a huge scale. He is known as Thank You X. Our students worked with shapes, colors, patterns and ideas that represented them and their interests. One photo is of all 70+ projects together in a display case at the MS. Proud art teacher is Lee Ann Falen.
The other project is a cube drawing inspired by Ryan Wilson, a Los Angeles-based pop artist who works with abstract ideas on a huge scale. He is known as Thank You X. Our students worked with shapes, colors, patterns and ideas that represented them and their interests. One photo is of all 70+ projects together in a display case at the MS. Proud art teacher is Lee Ann Falen.
NBAHS students recently joined over 300 members at the annual FFA Day at the Capitol. Students had the opportunity to hear from legislative leaders around the state and meet individually with those who represent us at the Capitol. Thank you to Representative Jimmy Gordon and Senator Mark Koran for taking the time to learn about our FFA leaders and the value of agriculture in the classroom. FFA is an intracurricular student leadership organization available to any student taking agriculture classes and is advised by Amanda Cook.
The 2026 "Arabian Nights" Senior Prom and Grand March is Saturday, April 25.
Grand March: 3 - 4:30 pm NBAHS
Prom: 7:30 - 11:30 pm Jimmy's Event Center, Vadnais
Tickets are available starting March 16. Scan the QR code on the prom flier for more information.
Grand March: 3 - 4:30 pm NBAHS
Prom: 7:30 - 11:30 pm Jimmy's Event Center, Vadnais
Tickets are available starting March 16. Scan the QR code on the prom flier for more information.
Students in middle school gym class are already using the weights provided through a North Branch Area Education Foundation (NBAEF) grant received in mid-February. "We got them end of last week and we are loving using them already!" said Phy-Ed teacher Kathy Crudo. Thanks NBAEF!
Making the most of it: Eva and Isabel
This school year is far from routine for Eva Glanz (right), junior, and Isabel Nuveen (left), senior. Both are foreign exchange students who traveled around the world to attend a year of school in North Branch.
Eva, from Hamburg, Germany, and Isabel, from the Netherlands, are making the most of their year abroad - learning new things and having new experiences. They are attacking those experiences with vigor, seemingly very much aware they are making memories and friends to last a lifetime.
Eva and Isabel were asked to share experiences and insights they have gained this year.
Q: How did you end up at NBAHS?
Eva: I ended up here after applying for an exchange program in the U.S. The organization searches for a family anywhere in the U.S. My host family picked me, and they live here, that's why I am here.
Isabel: My organization matches students with host families based on personality and hobbies. The school I go to depends on the district where my host family lives.
Q: You are active in extracurricular activities. What sports do you play?
Isabel: Back home, I speed skate and play tennis. During the fall season, I joined the tennis team and had a wonderful experience. The girls were super kind, and we had a great season. We even made it to section finals! In the winter, I tried basketball, though I had never played. It took time to get used to everything and understand the game, but now that the season is ending, I am so glad I joined. I met many new people, and I found that I really enjoy playing. For spring season, I will most likely try Track and Field.
Eva: I did Cross Country this fall, now I am playing Basketball and in the spring I want to try Track and Field. My host mom has horses, so I ride sometimes with her. Back home I danced for five years and boxed for two. I am also a girl scout and I really enjoy hiking with them and spending time in nature.
Q: You both served on the Prom Committee. What do you enjoy most about sports and serving on the committee?
Eva: I enjoy sports because it's a great way to meet new people, be part of a team, and just have the experience of playing a sport because we don't have high school sports back home. I like the challenge because I never did any of these sports before. Prom Committee is fun because I can help create a great prom and see how it is planned. It is going to be my only prom, so I want to make it great for the other students and me.
Isabel: What I enjoy most about sports and activities is meeting new people and staying busy. I want to make the most of my year here and experience as much as possible.
Q: Do you ever get homesick?
Isabel: I do sometimes get homesick, which is normal when away from home. When it happens, I try to stay busy and keep my mind focused on good experiences.
Eva: Sometimes I really miss my family, friends, and my normal and everyday life back home. But that is totally normal. I enjoy my experience here and try to make the best out of it. Sometimes in exhausting or boring moments I feel homesick, but it's easy to stay in contact because of phones so I don't feel I’m missing too much.
Q: Key takeaways from this experience?
Eva: Always follow your dreams. Even if it scares you, do it because it will make you a stronger person. I learned we are, all over the world, the same just with different stories and cultures. But we can connect if we want to. I learned a lot about myself and how I feel and behave in different situations and settings. It is important for everyone to see the world, different cultures, lifestyles, and people; to learn and understand how we can solve big problems together and empathize with other people and lives.
Isabel: This year has taught me to step outside my comfort zone and be more confident in myself. It has allowed me to better understand different kinds of people and learn about new cultures, including differences in religion and social norms. This experience has helped me see the world from a perspective very different from the one I had at home. One of the biggest takeaways for me is the relationships I have built here with people from many different backgrounds. At the same time, being away has made me appreciate the friendships and connections I have at home even more.
Jenna Battaglia, the NBAPS Accountant who also works with the Prom Coordinator, has been in a position to observe Eva and Isabel, and is impressed by the way both have embraced this experience. “Mark Twain once said that ‘twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did.’ Eva and Isabel have chosen to make the most of their time here,” said Battaglia, adding, “this journey is providing both with the tools to grow into strong leaders. Through collaboration, creativity and innovative thinking, both girls are applying their skills to various groups across North Branch during their time with us. Their futures are bright!”
This school year is far from routine for Eva Glanz (right), junior, and Isabel Nuveen (left), senior. Both are foreign exchange students who traveled around the world to attend a year of school in North Branch.
Eva, from Hamburg, Germany, and Isabel, from the Netherlands, are making the most of their year abroad - learning new things and having new experiences. They are attacking those experiences with vigor, seemingly very much aware they are making memories and friends to last a lifetime.
Eva and Isabel were asked to share experiences and insights they have gained this year.
Q: How did you end up at NBAHS?
Eva: I ended up here after applying for an exchange program in the U.S. The organization searches for a family anywhere in the U.S. My host family picked me, and they live here, that's why I am here.
Isabel: My organization matches students with host families based on personality and hobbies. The school I go to depends on the district where my host family lives.
Q: You are active in extracurricular activities. What sports do you play?
Isabel: Back home, I speed skate and play tennis. During the fall season, I joined the tennis team and had a wonderful experience. The girls were super kind, and we had a great season. We even made it to section finals! In the winter, I tried basketball, though I had never played. It took time to get used to everything and understand the game, but now that the season is ending, I am so glad I joined. I met many new people, and I found that I really enjoy playing. For spring season, I will most likely try Track and Field.
Eva: I did Cross Country this fall, now I am playing Basketball and in the spring I want to try Track and Field. My host mom has horses, so I ride sometimes with her. Back home I danced for five years and boxed for two. I am also a girl scout and I really enjoy hiking with them and spending time in nature.
Q: You both served on the Prom Committee. What do you enjoy most about sports and serving on the committee?
Eva: I enjoy sports because it's a great way to meet new people, be part of a team, and just have the experience of playing a sport because we don't have high school sports back home. I like the challenge because I never did any of these sports before. Prom Committee is fun because I can help create a great prom and see how it is planned. It is going to be my only prom, so I want to make it great for the other students and me.
Isabel: What I enjoy most about sports and activities is meeting new people and staying busy. I want to make the most of my year here and experience as much as possible.
Q: Do you ever get homesick?
Isabel: I do sometimes get homesick, which is normal when away from home. When it happens, I try to stay busy and keep my mind focused on good experiences.
Eva: Sometimes I really miss my family, friends, and my normal and everyday life back home. But that is totally normal. I enjoy my experience here and try to make the best out of it. Sometimes in exhausting or boring moments I feel homesick, but it's easy to stay in contact because of phones so I don't feel I’m missing too much.
Q: Key takeaways from this experience?
Eva: Always follow your dreams. Even if it scares you, do it because it will make you a stronger person. I learned we are, all over the world, the same just with different stories and cultures. But we can connect if we want to. I learned a lot about myself and how I feel and behave in different situations and settings. It is important for everyone to see the world, different cultures, lifestyles, and people; to learn and understand how we can solve big problems together and empathize with other people and lives.
Isabel: This year has taught me to step outside my comfort zone and be more confident in myself. It has allowed me to better understand different kinds of people and learn about new cultures, including differences in religion and social norms. This experience has helped me see the world from a perspective very different from the one I had at home. One of the biggest takeaways for me is the relationships I have built here with people from many different backgrounds. At the same time, being away has made me appreciate the friendships and connections I have at home even more.
Jenna Battaglia, the NBAPS Accountant who also works with the Prom Coordinator, has been in a position to observe Eva and Isabel, and is impressed by the way both have embraced this experience. “Mark Twain once said that ‘twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did.’ Eva and Isabel have chosen to make the most of their time here,” said Battaglia, adding, “this journey is providing both with the tools to grow into strong leaders. Through collaboration, creativity and innovative thinking, both girls are applying their skills to various groups across North Branch during their time with us. Their futures are bright!”
🎓 Class of 2039 – Tomorrow’s the Big Night! 🎉
If you have a future kindergartener at home, don’t miss this!
Taste of Kindergarten is happening TOMORROW at North Branch Area Public Schools — and we are so excited to welcome our newest learners and their families.
📅 Tomorrow, March 3
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 North Branch Area Education Center
38705 Grand Ave., North Branch
Come explore the school, meet our incredible teachers, and let your child experience fun, hands-on activities designed just for them. This is their first step into the Class of 2039 — and it should feel exciting!
Every future kindergarten student who attends will receive a FREE tote bag, and families who complete their online Kindergarten registration will receive a FREE Class of 2039 t-shirt.
If kindergarten is in your future, this event is for you. We’ll see you tomorrow! ❤️🖤
If you have a future kindergartener at home, don’t miss this!
Taste of Kindergarten is happening TOMORROW at North Branch Area Public Schools — and we are so excited to welcome our newest learners and their families.
📅 Tomorrow, March 3
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 North Branch Area Education Center
38705 Grand Ave., North Branch
Come explore the school, meet our incredible teachers, and let your child experience fun, hands-on activities designed just for them. This is their first step into the Class of 2039 — and it should feel exciting!
Every future kindergarten student who attends will receive a FREE tote bag, and families who complete their online Kindergarten registration will receive a FREE Class of 2039 t-shirt.
If kindergarten is in your future, this event is for you. We’ll see you tomorrow! ❤️🖤
Mark your calendars!
Together with our partners at Chisago County Public Health, North Branch Area Public Schools is hosting a free community event focused on empowering youth and preventing substance use. This evening is designed for parents, caregivers, and community members who want practical tools and real conversations around supporting our kids.
You’ll hear from Hazelden Betty Ford on red flags, early intervention, conversation starters, and how the teen brain is impacted by substance use. The evening also includes a panel discussion, insight from inside our schools, and a resource fair to connect families with local supports.
🗓 Thursday, March 26, 2026
📍 North Branch High School
🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
Strong families and open communication make a difference. We hope you’ll join this important conversation for our community.
Together with our partners at Chisago County Public Health, North Branch Area Public Schools is hosting a free community event focused on empowering youth and preventing substance use. This evening is designed for parents, caregivers, and community members who want practical tools and real conversations around supporting our kids.
You’ll hear from Hazelden Betty Ford on red flags, early intervention, conversation starters, and how the teen brain is impacted by substance use. The evening also includes a panel discussion, insight from inside our schools, and a resource fair to connect families with local supports.
🗓 Thursday, March 26, 2026
📍 North Branch High School
🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
Strong families and open communication make a difference. We hope you’ll join this important conversation for our community.
Coming up in Community Ed!
Cute Baby Bird in the Water with Flowers / Tuesday March 3rd / 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Essentrics: Restorative Fitness / Wednesday's March 2nd / 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Learn the Sport of BMX Bike Racing / Thursday March 5th / 5:30 - 7:45 PM
Medicare 101 / March 10th / 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Slime-Tastic Art with Kidcreate Studio Ages 5-12 / Wednesday March 11th / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Cute Baby Bird in the Water with Flowers / Tuesday March 3rd / 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Essentrics: Restorative Fitness / Wednesday's March 2nd / 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Learn the Sport of BMX Bike Racing / Thursday March 5th / 5:30 - 7:45 PM
Medicare 101 / March 10th / 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Slime-Tastic Art with Kidcreate Studio Ages 5-12 / Wednesday March 11th / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Save the date! 🧦💙💛
Join us March 20, 2026, from 5–7 PM at the North Branch Area Education Center for the We Are All the Same Sock Hop.
Enjoy a fun-filled evening celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Many activities and treats are free, with a few cash purchase options available. All community members are welcome!
Join us March 20, 2026, from 5–7 PM at the North Branch Area Education Center for the We Are All the Same Sock Hop.
Enjoy a fun-filled evening celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Many activities and treats are free, with a few cash purchase options available. All community members are welcome!
Today was Beach Party and Bag Lunch Day at Sunrise. Students dressed up for the occasion, ate on their beach towels and participated in games like the hula hoop contest. It almost felt like summer!
The North Branch Area Education Center had the honor of welcoming Minnesota author Mary Casanova to spend time with all of our kindergarten classes. She shared her journey as a writer and gave students a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling, imagination, and how books are created. Our students were completely engaged — curious, excited, and inspired by meeting a real, live author.
This special experience was made possible because of YOU.
Thanks to the funds raised during last year’s Viking Fun Run Fundraiser, we were able to bring Mary Casanova to our school. And through a generous grant from the North Branch Area Education Foundation (NBAEF), every kindergarten student received their own copy of One-Dog Canoe to take home.
This special experience was made possible because of YOU.
Thanks to the funds raised during last year’s Viking Fun Run Fundraiser, we were able to bring Mary Casanova to our school. And through a generous grant from the North Branch Area Education Foundation (NBAEF), every kindergarten student received their own copy of One-Dog Canoe to take home.
