Adult Basic Education (ABE) is growing in the North Branch area! Do you like to help adults succeed and improve their lives? Volunteer your knowledge and time with ABE.
Work with adults who are studying for their GED, finishing their high school diploma work or improving their English skills. The ABE instructor will provide the resources.
Come help change lives with education! Contact Jami Kritzeck, ABE Coordinator and Instructor. St. Croix River Education District (SCRED) jkritzeck@scred.k12.mn.us or 320-358-3616.
Work with adults who are studying for their GED, finishing their high school diploma work or improving their English skills. The ABE instructor will provide the resources.
Come help change lives with education! Contact Jami Kritzeck, ABE Coordinator and Instructor. St. Croix River Education District (SCRED) jkritzeck@scred.k12.mn.us or 320-358-3616.
🌟 Exciting News for Active Adults 55+! 🌟
North Branch Community Education is launching new 55+ fitness programs this fall!
🗓 Check out the full Fall Community Education Schedule here (flip to page 16 for our program details):
👉 https://cr3-livesite.rschooltoday.com/clients/northbranch/uploads/cr_ff99dbd7-fc94-4a99-b474-e7b4e38d21d3_bc1d2b6a8a9c73c9a2ef6681.pdf
✅ Advance registration is required, and spots fill quickly—don’t wait! Call the Community Education office for support in registering at 651-674-1025.
💙 Bonus: Thanks to generous support from the local Allina Medical Center, classes may be FREE for all participants—even if you don’t have SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, Renew Active, or One Pass.
Come move, connect, and thrive with us this fall! 🍂
North Branch Community Education is launching new 55+ fitness programs this fall!
🗓 Check out the full Fall Community Education Schedule here (flip to page 16 for our program details):
👉 https://cr3-livesite.rschooltoday.com/clients/northbranch/uploads/cr_ff99dbd7-fc94-4a99-b474-e7b4e38d21d3_bc1d2b6a8a9c73c9a2ef6681.pdf
✅ Advance registration is required, and spots fill quickly—don’t wait! Call the Community Education office for support in registering at 651-674-1025.
💙 Bonus: Thanks to generous support from the local Allina Medical Center, classes may be FREE for all participants—even if you don’t have SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, Renew Active, or One Pass.
Come move, connect, and thrive with us this fall! 🍂
Strengthening Special Education Together
Last week we proudly launched another Registered Apprenticeship program, K-12 Special Education dual licensure in Autism and Emotional/Behavior Disorders.
This is a critical area of need, and we are incredibly fortunate to have three exceptional education assistants stepping up to this opportunity!
Pictured are our dedicated EAs alongside members of our admin team and journey teachers—working together to build brighter futures for our students.
From Left to Right:
Sara Paul, Kathleen Winters, Scott Schraufnagel, Jennifer Seekon, Kari Karmasz, Gina Dufeck, Taylor Swanson
Last week we proudly launched another Registered Apprenticeship program, K-12 Special Education dual licensure in Autism and Emotional/Behavior Disorders.
This is a critical area of need, and we are incredibly fortunate to have three exceptional education assistants stepping up to this opportunity!
Pictured are our dedicated EAs alongside members of our admin team and journey teachers—working together to build brighter futures for our students.
From Left to Right:
Sara Paul, Kathleen Winters, Scott Schraufnagel, Jennifer Seekon, Kari Karmasz, Gina Dufeck, Taylor Swanson
Coming up in Community Ed!
Tai Ji Quan 55+ Class Starts Sept 2 / 3 - 3:45 PM
Open Co-Ed Volleyball Ages 18 and Older Starts Sept 3 / 6:45 - 9:30 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Tai Ji Quan 55+ Class Starts Sept 2 / 3 - 3:45 PM
Open Co-Ed Volleyball Ages 18 and Older Starts Sept 3 / 6:45 - 9:30 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
🎉 A Picture-Perfect Finale to Our Summer Concert Series! 🎶
The final North Branch Summer Concert in the Park was bursting with community spirit, creativity, and hometown pride — and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the season! 🌞
🖍️ Over 45 children took part in the Chalk Drawing Contest, bringing bold colors and big smiles to Central Park. A huge thank you to our local Dairy Queen for sweetening the experience with free ice cream cone certificates for every young artist! 🍦
📚 The evening also featured a special moment with Superintendent Sara Paul, who read “Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses” to a group of eager listeners. Each child received a free pair of sunglasses because — as Sara reminded them — “your future is so bright, you gotta wear shades!” 🕶️
🎤 And the grand finale? A fantastic live performance from our very own AJ Spoff! His music had the clapping and singing along — the perfect hometown sendoff for this year’s concert series.
🙌 Special thanks to the North Branch Area Education Foundation for sponsoring the evening’s entertainment and for their continued support of events that bring our community together.
We’re so grateful for every family, friend, and neighbor who joined us this summer. Until next year — stay bright, North Branch! 🌅
The final North Branch Summer Concert in the Park was bursting with community spirit, creativity, and hometown pride — and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the season! 🌞
🖍️ Over 45 children took part in the Chalk Drawing Contest, bringing bold colors and big smiles to Central Park. A huge thank you to our local Dairy Queen for sweetening the experience with free ice cream cone certificates for every young artist! 🍦
📚 The evening also featured a special moment with Superintendent Sara Paul, who read “Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses” to a group of eager listeners. Each child received a free pair of sunglasses because — as Sara reminded them — “your future is so bright, you gotta wear shades!” 🕶️
🎤 And the grand finale? A fantastic live performance from our very own AJ Spoff! His music had the clapping and singing along — the perfect hometown sendoff for this year’s concert series.
🙌 Special thanks to the North Branch Area Education Foundation for sponsoring the evening’s entertainment and for their continued support of events that bring our community together.
We’re so grateful for every family, friend, and neighbor who joined us this summer. Until next year — stay bright, North Branch! 🌅
🍂 Enrollment is OPEN for Fall ECFE at North Branch!
✨ Learn, play & engage with your little ones while building connections.
📅 Classes start Sept 15 – options for infants, tots, preschoolers & family evenings.
💲 Affordable rates + scholarships available!
👉 Register today: www.nbaceonline.org
📞 Call 651-674-1220 for details.
✨ Learn, play & engage with your little ones while building connections.
📅 Classes start Sept 15 – options for infants, tots, preschoolers & family evenings.
💲 Affordable rates + scholarships available!
👉 Register today: www.nbaceonline.org
📞 Call 651-674-1220 for details.
North Branch has a grand champion FTC Robot plus some blue and red ribbon winners. If you are at the fair, you can watch these robots in action on Aug 23, 25, 29, 30, 31. Demos are at 10 am, noon, and 3 pm in the Education Building.
Football, Floats, and Fun is tomorrow night at 6 pm! All are welcome to join the NBAHS football team at Central Park for free ice cream. games, and music. It's a great time for kids and adults!
Please welcome Jonny Bodell and Angela Lund to new, exciting roles for NBAPS!
Jonny is the new head coach for the boys golf team! He is the Business teacher at the high school and was the assistant boys golf coach for the past two seasons. He is looking to grow the game of golf at North Branch and to help our athletes become better golfers and young adults.
Angela is the new spring musical director! Said Angela of her new position, "The past two years working at North Branch have brought me so much joy and it’s such an honor to teach these students and watch them grow as performers and individuals. I look forward to the opportunity to grow this program and provide a safe and inspiring place for the students to learn and perform. I am committed to preserving the program’s heart and energy while also bringing a fresh artistic perspective to the stage."
Jonny is the new head coach for the boys golf team! He is the Business teacher at the high school and was the assistant boys golf coach for the past two seasons. He is looking to grow the game of golf at North Branch and to help our athletes become better golfers and young adults.
Angela is the new spring musical director! Said Angela of her new position, "The past two years working at North Branch have brought me so much joy and it’s such an honor to teach these students and watch them grow as performers and individuals. I look forward to the opportunity to grow this program and provide a safe and inspiring place for the students to learn and perform. I am committed to preserving the program’s heart and energy while also bringing a fresh artistic perspective to the stage."
REMINDER:
🎶 LAST CONCERT OF THE SUMMER! 🎶
Come celebrate the season’s grand finale with AJ Spoff at North Branch Central Park on Tuesday, August 19! 🌟
🕕 Festivities start at 6 PM with:
Bouncy House
Food Truck
Farmers Market
Kids’ Chalk Drawing Contest 🎨
Guest Reader at 6:45 PM 📖
Live Concert kicks off at 7 PM! 🎸
Let’s close out the summer with music, fun, and community vibes! Bring the whole family, lawn chairs, and your dancing shoes! 💃🕺
📍 North Branch Central Park
🙌 This concert is sponsored by North Branch Area Education Foundation
👉 Don’t miss this final chance to enjoy live music in the park this summer!
#ecrac #artslegacy
🎶 LAST CONCERT OF THE SUMMER! 🎶
Come celebrate the season’s grand finale with AJ Spoff at North Branch Central Park on Tuesday, August 19! 🌟
🕕 Festivities start at 6 PM with:
Bouncy House
Food Truck
Farmers Market
Kids’ Chalk Drawing Contest 🎨
Guest Reader at 6:45 PM 📖
Live Concert kicks off at 7 PM! 🎸
Let’s close out the summer with music, fun, and community vibes! Bring the whole family, lawn chairs, and your dancing shoes! 💃🕺
📍 North Branch Central Park
🙌 This concert is sponsored by North Branch Area Education Foundation
👉 Don’t miss this final chance to enjoy live music in the park this summer!
#ecrac #artslegacy
🍂📚 Our Fall 2025 Community Ed Brochure is HERE! 📚🍂
Explore a season full of exciting classes, family activities, youth programs, and enrichment opportunities for all ages! From arts & crafts to fitness and lifelong learning—there’s something for everyone.
✅ Registration is NOW OPEN!
📲 Scan the QR code on the image or click the link below to view the full brochure and sign up today.
🔗https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/home/
District residence should expect to see a hard copy of the brochure coming to your mailboxes near the end of August.
Let’s make this fall a season of learning, connection, and fun with North Branch Area Community Ed! 🍁
Explore a season full of exciting classes, family activities, youth programs, and enrichment opportunities for all ages! From arts & crafts to fitness and lifelong learning—there’s something for everyone.
✅ Registration is NOW OPEN!
📲 Scan the QR code on the image or click the link below to view the full brochure and sign up today.
🔗https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/home/
District residence should expect to see a hard copy of the brochure coming to your mailboxes near the end of August.
Let’s make this fall a season of learning, connection, and fun with North Branch Area Community Ed! 🍁
🎉 What a Night! THANK YOU, North Branch! 🎉
Our Concert in the Park: A Hard Day’s Night event was a massive hit, and it couldn’t have happened without the energy, talent, and heart of our community!
💃 Shoutout to the Pleasant Valley Cloggers who kicked off the evening with an amazing performance that got toes tapping and smiles spreading. Your rhythm and enthusiasm set the perfect tone!
🍦 Huge thanks to Neighborhood National Bank for keeping the crowd cool and happy with free root beer floats — a sweet treat for a perfect summer night!
📖 We’re also sending heartfelt appreciation to Elementary Music Teacher Taylor Neil, who brought joy and connection to our youngest attendees with a beautiful storytime session.
🎶 And of course, the main event — A Hard Day’s Night lit up the stage with classic Beatles tunes that had everyone dancing under the stars.
💛 Thank you to everyone who came out, sang along, danced, read, laughed, and celebrated with us. Events like these remind us why we love our community.
📚 Bonus love to Books for Better MN for providing free books for kids — planting seeds of literacy that will grow for years to come!
#ecrac #artslegacy
Our Concert in the Park: A Hard Day’s Night event was a massive hit, and it couldn’t have happened without the energy, talent, and heart of our community!
💃 Shoutout to the Pleasant Valley Cloggers who kicked off the evening with an amazing performance that got toes tapping and smiles spreading. Your rhythm and enthusiasm set the perfect tone!
🍦 Huge thanks to Neighborhood National Bank for keeping the crowd cool and happy with free root beer floats — a sweet treat for a perfect summer night!
📖 We’re also sending heartfelt appreciation to Elementary Music Teacher Taylor Neil, who brought joy and connection to our youngest attendees with a beautiful storytime session.
🎶 And of course, the main event — A Hard Day’s Night lit up the stage with classic Beatles tunes that had everyone dancing under the stars.
💛 Thank you to everyone who came out, sang along, danced, read, laughed, and celebrated with us. Events like these remind us why we love our community.
📚 Bonus love to Books for Better MN for providing free books for kids — planting seeds of literacy that will grow for years to come!
#ecrac #artslegacy
🎶 LAST CONCERT OF THE SUMMER! 🎶
Come celebrate the season’s grand finale with AJ Spoff at North Branch Central Park on Tuesday, August 19! 🌟
🕕 Festivities start at 6 PM with:
Bouncy House
Food Truck
Farmers Market
Kids’ Chalk Drawing Contest 🎨
Guest Reader at 6:45 PM 📖
Live Concert kicks off at 7 PM! 🎸
Let’s close out the summer with music, fun, and community vibes! Bring the whole family, lawn chairs, and your dancing shoes! 💃🕺
📍 North Branch Central Park
🙌 This concert is sponsored by North Branch Area Education Foundation
👉 Don’t miss this final chance to enjoy live music in the park this summer!
#ecrac #artslegacy
Come celebrate the season’s grand finale with AJ Spoff at North Branch Central Park on Tuesday, August 19! 🌟
🕕 Festivities start at 6 PM with:
Bouncy House
Food Truck
Farmers Market
Kids’ Chalk Drawing Contest 🎨
Guest Reader at 6:45 PM 📖
Live Concert kicks off at 7 PM! 🎸
Let’s close out the summer with music, fun, and community vibes! Bring the whole family, lawn chairs, and your dancing shoes! 💃🕺
📍 North Branch Central Park
🙌 This concert is sponsored by North Branch Area Education Foundation
👉 Don’t miss this final chance to enjoy live music in the park this summer!
#ecrac #artslegacy
The district-level Back to School newsletter is now available! Click here to view: https://secure.smore.com/n/q2dhy
North Branch Girls Golf is hosting a mixed couples scramble on Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at 3 p.m., at the North Branch Golf Course. Proceeds raised will support girls golf!
Scan the QR on the flier, or use this link, to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B1juRZAJZmzVCIHMoRpuufmwbXn9vUTF6kUXvFcBIRk/viewform?pli=1&pli=1&edit_requested=true
Each team must have two men and two women, and registration fees include the scramble, on course games, raffles, and dinner! There is also a dinner only option for $20.
Help support girls golf, dominate on the course, get a great dinner, and maybe win some cool stuff. That's win-win-win-win!
Scan the QR on the flier, or use this link, to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B1juRZAJZmzVCIHMoRpuufmwbXn9vUTF6kUXvFcBIRk/viewform?pli=1&pli=1&edit_requested=true
Each team must have two men and two women, and registration fees include the scramble, on course games, raffles, and dinner! There is also a dinner only option for $20.
Help support girls golf, dominate on the course, get a great dinner, and maybe win some cool stuff. That's win-win-win-win!
Youth Connections kids....always doing something cool. This week it was a magic show and a bubble party!
REMINDER:
Chisago County Baby Shower & Toddler Event
🍼 Wednesday, August 13 | ⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 North Branch Area Education Center
38705 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN
If you’ve had a baby between 2020–2025, you’re invited to join us for:
🍩 Donuts | 🎁 Free gifts | 🎈 Play opportunities
👶 Infant & toddler exploration
🤝 Meet ECFE staff & connect with local resources
🧑⚕️ On-site Lactation Consultant
No registration required!
Hosted by: Chisago County Public Health & North Branch Early Childhood
Chisago County Baby Shower & Toddler Event
🍼 Wednesday, August 13 | ⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 North Branch Area Education Center
38705 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN
If you’ve had a baby between 2020–2025, you’re invited to join us for:
🍩 Donuts | 🎁 Free gifts | 🎈 Play opportunities
👶 Infant & toddler exploration
🤝 Meet ECFE staff & connect with local resources
🧑⚕️ On-site Lactation Consultant
No registration required!
Hosted by: Chisago County Public Health & North Branch Early Childhood
REMINDER:
🎶 You're Invited: A Hard Day’s Night – Concert in the Park! 🎶
📅 August 12, 2025 | 📍 North Branch Central Park
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening celebrating the music of The Beatles with a free concert by A Hard Day’s Night – the ultimate tribute band!
✨ Schedule of Fun:
🕕 6:00 PM – Pleasant Valley Cloggers perform & festivities begin
🕕 6:00 PM – Food trucks & bouncy house fun
📖 6:45 PM – Storytime for all ages
🎸 7:00 PM – Main Concert: A Hard Day’s Night
🎁 Extras You’ll Love:
🍦 Free root beer floats from Neighborhood National Bank
📚 Free books for kids provided by Books for Better MN
This event is FREE and open to all. Bring your family, lawn chairs, and love for live music! 💃🕺
🎨 Sponsored by ECRAC with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
#ecrac #artslegacy
🎶 You're Invited: A Hard Day’s Night – Concert in the Park! 🎶
📅 August 12, 2025 | 📍 North Branch Central Park
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening celebrating the music of The Beatles with a free concert by A Hard Day’s Night – the ultimate tribute band!
✨ Schedule of Fun:
🕕 6:00 PM – Pleasant Valley Cloggers perform & festivities begin
🕕 6:00 PM – Food trucks & bouncy house fun
📖 6:45 PM – Storytime for all ages
🎸 7:00 PM – Main Concert: A Hard Day’s Night
🎁 Extras You’ll Love:
🍦 Free root beer floats from Neighborhood National Bank
📚 Free books for kids provided by Books for Better MN
This event is FREE and open to all. Bring your family, lawn chairs, and love for live music! 💃🕺
🎨 Sponsored by ECRAC with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
#ecrac #artslegacy
🎉 What a Night to Unite! 🎉
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Central Park on August 5th for a fun-filled evening of food, music, laughter, and community spirit!
🌟 One of the biggest hits of the night? The Bubbly Foam Party, proudly sponsored by North Branch Area Community Education! From 6:00 to 7:30 PM, the park was absolutely bursting with joy, giggles, and mountains of foam. Families danced, splashed, and made unforgettable memories together!
📚 Kids also loved picking out free books from Books for Better MN, and the bouncy house, water play, and community service vehicles added even more excitement to this magical evening.
💛 Nights like these remind us how strong and connected our North Branch community truly is. Thank you for showing up and bringing joy!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Central Park on August 5th for a fun-filled evening of food, music, laughter, and community spirit!
🌟 One of the biggest hits of the night? The Bubbly Foam Party, proudly sponsored by North Branch Area Community Education! From 6:00 to 7:30 PM, the park was absolutely bursting with joy, giggles, and mountains of foam. Families danced, splashed, and made unforgettable memories together!
📚 Kids also loved picking out free books from Books for Better MN, and the bouncy house, water play, and community service vehicles added even more excitement to this magical evening.
💛 Nights like these remind us how strong and connected our North Branch community truly is. Thank you for showing up and bringing joy!
🎶 You're Invited: A Hard Day’s Night – Concert in the Park! 🎶
📅 August 12, 2025 | 📍 North Branch Central Park
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening celebrating the music of The Beatles with a free concert by A Hard Day’s Night – the ultimate tribute band!
✨ Schedule of Fun:
🕕 6:00 PM – Pleasant Valley Cloggers perform & festivities begin
🕕 6:00 PM – Food trucks & bouncy house fun
📖 6:45 PM – Storytime for all ages
🎸 7:00 PM – Main Concert: A Hard Day’s Night
🎁 Extras You’ll Love:
🍦 Free root beer floats from Neighborhood National Bank
📚 Free books for kids provided by Books for Better MN
This event is FREE and open to all. Bring your family, lawn chairs, and love for live music! 💃🕺
🎨 Sponsored by ECRAC with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
#ecrac #artslegacy
📅 August 12, 2025 | 📍 North Branch Central Park
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening celebrating the music of The Beatles with a free concert by A Hard Day’s Night – the ultimate tribute band!
✨ Schedule of Fun:
🕕 6:00 PM – Pleasant Valley Cloggers perform & festivities begin
🕕 6:00 PM – Food trucks & bouncy house fun
📖 6:45 PM – Storytime for all ages
🎸 7:00 PM – Main Concert: A Hard Day’s Night
🎁 Extras You’ll Love:
🍦 Free root beer floats from Neighborhood National Bank
📚 Free books for kids provided by Books for Better MN
This event is FREE and open to all. Bring your family, lawn chairs, and love for live music! 💃🕺
🎨 Sponsored by ECRAC with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
#ecrac #artslegacy
