Coming up in Community Ed!
Frog Painting Class / Thursday February 19th / 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Pickleball Tournament (Proceeds for Veterans Memorial) / Saturday February 21st
3.4 and below - Beginner to Intermediate / 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3.5 and above - Intermediate to Advance / 12:30 - 6:00 PM
Rubber Stamping of Cards / Monday February 23rd / 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Future classes filling fast:
Book Bingo Pizza Party / Friday March 27th / 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Intro to RC Car Racing / Friday April 24th / 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Intro to RC Car Racing / Friday April 24th / 7:10 - 8:10 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Frog Painting Class / Thursday February 19th / 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Pickleball Tournament (Proceeds for Veterans Memorial) / Saturday February 21st
3.4 and below - Beginner to Intermediate / 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3.5 and above - Intermediate to Advance / 12:30 - 6:00 PM
Rubber Stamping of Cards / Monday February 23rd / 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Future classes filling fast:
Book Bingo Pizza Party / Friday March 27th / 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Intro to RC Car Racing / Friday April 24th / 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Intro to RC Car Racing / Friday April 24th / 7:10 - 8:10 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Two of our Vikettes dancers have earned the incredible honor of being selected for the All-State Dance Team! To earn this honor, the dancers had to learn a challenging dance combination, perform a variety of technical skills and submit their work to be evaluated by a panel of judges.
This year, there were over 500 submissions. Senior Addy Lewerenz was selected for 2A Jazz and junior Shanna Swanstrom was selected for 2A Kick. They will represent the Vikettes on March 14th at Eden Prairie High School performing alongside some of the top dancers in the state! SKOL!
This year, there were over 500 submissions. Senior Addy Lewerenz was selected for 2A Jazz and junior Shanna Swanstrom was selected for 2A Kick. They will represent the Vikettes on March 14th at Eden Prairie High School performing alongside some of the top dancers in the state! SKOL!
A sacred gesture of trust
At last night’s school board meeting, Superintendent Sara Paul was presented with a rare eagle feather by Joe BigBear and his grandson, Mattias BigBear. The eagle feather is a sacred symbol representing honor, trust, and service to the community.
NBAPS values its partnership with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and the important work being done to revive and share Native cultural traditions with students and families. During the presentation, Joe BigBear spoke about the significance of carrying traditions forward and strengthening cultural identity for the next generation. Superintendent Paul expressed sincere gratitude and humility, along with appreciation for the trust and relationship represented in the gesture.
At last night’s school board meeting, Superintendent Sara Paul was presented with a rare eagle feather by Joe BigBear and his grandson, Mattias BigBear. The eagle feather is a sacred symbol representing honor, trust, and service to the community.
NBAPS values its partnership with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and the important work being done to revive and share Native cultural traditions with students and families. During the presentation, Joe BigBear spoke about the significance of carrying traditions forward and strengthening cultural identity for the next generation. Superintendent Paul expressed sincere gratitude and humility, along with appreciation for the trust and relationship represented in the gesture.
FRC Team 3038 Robotics Team is hosting an open house at North Branch Area High School on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The open house starts at 6 p.m. and the robotics demonstration at 6:30. Come see what the team has been up to this season!
Everyone is welcome! See flier for additional details.
Everyone is welcome! See flier for additional details.
Help Shape Safe Routes to School!
Safe Routes to School is a statewide effort to make it safer, easier, and more enjoyable for students to walk, bike, and roll to school and around their community. This year, the City of North Branch and North Branch Area Public Schools are partnering with support from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to create a local Safe Routes to School plan.
This plan will recommend practical ways to improve walking and biking routes so students, families, and community members feel safer and more comfortable getting to and from school.
The link below includes a short survey where you can share your experiences with walking and biking to school. You’ll also find an interactive map where you can point out specific locations that feel unsafe or have opportunities for improvement.
For more information about the project, please visit the project website at: https://mnsaferoutesplanning.org/north-branch/
Safe Routes to School is a statewide effort to make it safer, easier, and more enjoyable for students to walk, bike, and roll to school and around their community. This year, the City of North Branch and North Branch Area Public Schools are partnering with support from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to create a local Safe Routes to School plan.
This plan will recommend practical ways to improve walking and biking routes so students, families, and community members feel safer and more comfortable getting to and from school.
The link below includes a short survey where you can share your experiences with walking and biking to school. You’ll also find an interactive map where you can point out specific locations that feel unsafe or have opportunities for improvement.
For more information about the project, please visit the project website at: https://mnsaferoutesplanning.org/north-branch/
NBAMS welcomed Chisago County Sergeant Puelston as the Grade 6 Honor Roll reader on Monday, Feb. 9. Sergeant Puelston has been with Chisago County since 2006 serving as a patrolman, coordinating a variety of outreach services, and leading the drone team he established in 2019. Thank you Sergeant Puelston for taking the time to join us in recognizing our Quarter 2 Grade 6 Honor Roll recipients!
Today, NBAHS JROTC hosted its inaugural REC Foundation Aerial Drone Competition. Teams came from Johnson (St Paul), Woodbury, Fargo, and Windom. Participants competed in individual and team events, maneuvering drones through a variety of obstacle courses.
Thanks to the Chisago County Sheriff's Drone Team for being on hand, demonstrating their drones, and helping judge events.
Thanks to the Chisago County Sheriff's Drone Team for being on hand, demonstrating their drones, and helping judge events.
The NBAMS Math Team finished the 2025-26 season strong. Five of the top 10 finishers at the middle level came from North Branch. SKOL! and congratulations to all!
NBAHS is hosting its Spring Sports Information Night on Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. See flier for additional details related to each sport.
Today, 7th graders who made the A and B Honor Roll, or "On a Roll," had none other than our own Papa Charlie read their names over the PA!
Papa Charlie has been helping out in some capacity with North Branch Area Public Schools for over 35 years! He has greeted over 4,160 students at the Ed Center since 2016. Papa Charlie continues to be very active, assisting with Concerts in the Park for 20 years and the football chain gang on Friday nights!
SKOL! and thanks Papa Charlie!
Papa Charlie has been helping out in some capacity with North Branch Area Public Schools for over 35 years! He has greeted over 4,160 students at the Ed Center since 2016. Papa Charlie continues to be very active, assisting with Concerts in the Park for 20 years and the football chain gang on Friday nights!
SKOL! and thanks Papa Charlie!
TODAY: Renewal of 2017 Capital Projects Levy
Main Street Church
Vote between 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Voting information is available here: https://www.isd138.org/page/notice-of-special-election
Main Street Church
Vote between 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Voting information is available here: https://www.isd138.org/page/notice-of-special-election
NBAMS 7th graders were challenged to design a “candy shoe” in art class. They chose a footwear style that represents them and a favorite candy with a color palette they wanted to work with. Students FREE-HAND DREW their shoe using their best proportion, making it at least 9” long.
They also had to embellish the background, integrating the lines, shapes or patterns of their chosen candy. Some students chose a favorite fast food restaurant or drink instead. The results are so unique and colorful!
They also had to embellish the background, integrating the lines, shapes or patterns of their chosen candy. Some students chose a favorite fast food restaurant or drink instead. The results are so unique and colorful!
North Branch FTC will have two teams participating in the State Championships at Burnsville High School on Saturday, Feb. 14 beginning at 8 am. Both 7288 RoboGlaciers and 8636 FIRE qualified at competitions in December. SKOL! and good luck!
Coming up in Community Ed!
Learn the Sport of BMX Bike Racing / Thursday February 12th / 5:30 - 7:45 PM
Intro to the Enneagram / Thursday February 12th / 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Berries 101 / Thursday February 12th / 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Child and Babysitting Safety Class (Grades 4-8) / Friday February 13th / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Home Alone Class (Grades 3-6) / Friday February 13th / 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Learn the Sport of BMX Bike Racing / Thursday February 12th / 5:30 - 7:45 PM
Intro to the Enneagram / Thursday February 12th / 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Berries 101 / Thursday February 12th / 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Child and Babysitting Safety Class (Grades 4-8) / Friday February 13th / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Home Alone Class (Grades 3-6) / Friday February 13th / 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.
Last week, NBAEC students were treated to a visit from the Snow Court. It's always so wonderful to see the awe early learning students have for their older peers, but also the patience and generosity of high school students when they spend time with our youngest students! SKOL!
Viking Pride in Motion!
We are excited to celebrate Mattias BigBear, a third-grade student at NBAPS and member of the White Earth Tribe, who will be representing our community at the World Hoop Dance Competition on February 14 in Phoenix, Arizona! Mattias’ talent, dedication, and cultural pride are truly inspiring. We are so proud to cheer him on as he shares his gifts on a world stage. SKOL!
We are excited to celebrate Mattias BigBear, a third-grade student at NBAPS and member of the White Earth Tribe, who will be representing our community at the World Hoop Dance Competition on February 14 in Phoenix, Arizona! Mattias’ talent, dedication, and cultural pride are truly inspiring. We are so proud to cheer him on as he shares his gifts on a world stage. SKOL!
Annabelle Lattimore and Marshall Tveit are North Branch’s nominees for the MSHSL Triple “A” award. The Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple 'A' Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.
Annabelle participates in volleyball, basketball, golf, choir, and NHS all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Annabelle states, “I feel such a purpose in everything that I am involved in, and I feel like I belong in every one of them. It makes me confident that I will thrive in whatever future endeavors I choose.”
Marshall is in soccer, clay target, FRC robotics, and DECA. He has his Erosion and Stormwater Management certification through the U of M and should have his remote pilot certification this winter. He states, “My experiences in all activities have strengthened my communication skills and helped me become more patient, supportive, and confident when working with others.”
Annabelle participates in volleyball, basketball, golf, choir, and NHS all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Annabelle states, “I feel such a purpose in everything that I am involved in, and I feel like I belong in every one of them. It makes me confident that I will thrive in whatever future endeavors I choose.”
Marshall is in soccer, clay target, FRC robotics, and DECA. He has his Erosion and Stormwater Management certification through the U of M and should have his remote pilot certification this winter. He states, “My experiences in all activities have strengthened my communication skills and helped me become more patient, supportive, and confident when working with others.”
Free Drum and Dance lessons are available from American Indian Education! Lessons take place at the NBAEC from 6 - 7:30 pm. See flier for more details.
Aubrey Charpentier and Jackson Puelston are the 2025-26 ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership) Award nominees for North Branch Area High School. The Minnesota State High School League ExCEL Award recognizes high school juniors active in school activities, leaders in their schools, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.
Aubrey participates in softball and clay target and has served as a two-time captain for the softball team. She volunteers with Feed My Starving Children, Trunk or Treat, Hay Days, and North Branch Midsummer Days, as well as Santa Days for the Stacy Fire Department and the American Legion. Aubrey also assists with the DAPE Challenge, ESY Track & Field Day, the Sock Hop for World Down Syndrome Day, community cleanups, and multiple youth softball clinics.
Jackson plays soccer and baseball. This past season, he served as a soccer captain and earned Second Team All-State honors. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a section leader in choir, and a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jackson also volunteers with Feed My Starving Children, assists with Church PowerPoint, helps in church childcare, and works youth baseball clinics.
Aubrey participates in softball and clay target and has served as a two-time captain for the softball team. She volunteers with Feed My Starving Children, Trunk or Treat, Hay Days, and North Branch Midsummer Days, as well as Santa Days for the Stacy Fire Department and the American Legion. Aubrey also assists with the DAPE Challenge, ESY Track & Field Day, the Sock Hop for World Down Syndrome Day, community cleanups, and multiple youth softball clinics.
Jackson plays soccer and baseball. This past season, he served as a soccer captain and earned Second Team All-State honors. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a section leader in choir, and a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jackson also volunteers with Feed My Starving Children, assists with Church PowerPoint, helps in church childcare, and works youth baseball clinics.
The Viking Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2026 is now available at this link: https://app.smore.com/n/zgnrj