Norse Area Learning Center

🎶 Concert in the Park Success! 🎶
Record Attendance • Unforgettable Evening • Community Spirit

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the Church of Cash concert at North Branch Central Park on July 8th! 🌟

We were thrilled to welcome a record-breaking crowd for an evening of live music, delicious food, joyful play, and meaningful connection. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and the park was alive with families and friends enjoying everything from food trucks and bouncy houses to sidewalk chalk and story time under the summer sky.

🎤 The Johnny Cash Tribute Band delivered an electric performance that had toes tapping and spirits soaring — truly a night to remember!

A special thanks to the East Central Regional Arts Council, Books for Better MN, the City of North Branch, and North Branch Area Public Schools for making this magical night possible. Your support of arts, literacy, and community connection is invaluable.

Let’s carry this momentum forward — stay tuned for more music, fun, and family-friendly events coming your way! 🎉

#ecrac #artslegacy

🎶 FREE Family Fun Night! 🎶
CONCERT IN THE PARK — Tuesday, July 15 at Central Park

Get ready for a night of music, laughter, and summer magic featuring The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue — a throwback concert experience you won't want to miss!

🌟 Event Highlights:
🫧 Foam Party @ 6:00 PM – Swimsuits, towels & tennis shoes encouraged for bubbly fun!
📚 Storytime @ 6:45 PM – Guest reader & cozy family vibes
🎸 Concert @ 7:00 PM – Enjoy timeless rock & roll tunes with The Whitesidewalls!

Plus:
🍔 Food Truck
🌽 Farmers Market
🏰 Bouncy House
📖 Guest Reader
🎶 Great Music!

✨ Bring your family, your friends, and your summer spirit — this event is FREE and open to all!

📍 Location: Central Park, North Branch
🎨 Made possible by ECRAC and the voters of Minnesota through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

🗓️ Mark your calendars – July 15 is the night to dance under the stars!

#ecrac #artslegacy

All school supply lists have been updated for 2025-26. Access supply lists for all schools here: https://www.isd138.org/documents/resources/parent%2Fstudent-resources/calendars%2C-supply-lists%2C-and-more!/school-supply-lists/485266

REMINDER: 🎶 Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and community! 🎶 📅 Tuesday, July 8, 2025 📍 North Branch Central Park We're bringing the Church of Cash — a top-tier Johnny Cash Tribute Band — to the park for an evening that’s sure to get your boots tapping and your heart singing! 💃🕺 🎤 Schedule of Events: 🍔 Food & Fun kicks off at 6:00 PM — enjoy food trucks, a bouncy house, sidewalk chalk, and more! 📚 Storytime with a special guest reader at 6:45 PM 🎸 Concert starts at 7:00 PM ✨ FREE ENTRY – Bring your family, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes! This event is made possible through generous support from the East Central Regional Arts Council, with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Let’s make it a night to remember. Tag your friends, spread the word, and we’ll see you there! 🌟 #ecrac #artslegacy

🎶 Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and community! 🎶 📅 Tuesday, July 8, 2025 📍 North Branch Central Park We're bringing the Church of Cash — a top-tier Johnny Cash Tribute Band — to the park for an evening that’s sure to get your boots tapping and your heart singing! 💃🕺 🎤 Schedule of Events: 🍔 Food & Fun kicks off at 6:00 PM — enjoy food trucks, a bouncy house, sidewalk chalk, and more! 📚 Storytime with a special guest reader at 6:45 PM 🎸 Concert starts at 7:00 PM ✨ FREE ENTRY – Bring your family, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes! This event is made possible through generous support from the East Central Regional Arts Council, with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Let’s make it a night to remember. Tag your friends, spread the word, and we’ll see you there! 🌟 #ecrac #artslegacy

Chisago County is hosting its first Fix-it Clinic on July 15 at the North Branch Library! Something broken? Bring it to a Fix-It Clinic! Whether it’s small appliances, clothing, electronics, toys, or other household items, volunteers will help you fix or mend your things for free. Funding for this event is provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse grant. No pre-registration required. Items should be carry-in size for hands-on repair. First-come, first-served. Limit 2 items per household. Items accepted until 30 minutes before the event ends. See fliers for more details about the clinic, how to donate, and how to volunteer.

🎶✨ You’re Invited! ✨🎶 Join us for a vibrant Native American Dance & Drum Exhibition at North Branch Central Park on Tuesday, June 24! 🌟 Special Guest: Keith Secola – renowned Native musician bringing live music to life 🎪 Bouncy House | 🌮 Food Truck | 🌽 Farmers Market 🕕 6:00 PM – Dance Exhibition, food & fun kick off 📖 6:45 PM – Storytime with Books for Better MN 🎤 7:00 PM – Live Concert begins! This is more than a concert—it's a celebration of culture, community, and summer fun! ☀️ 📍 Central Park, North Branch 🎟️ Free & open to the public! 🎨 This event is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. #ecrac #artslegacy

Coming up in Community Ed! Dungeons and Dragons Grades 6-12 starts June 24 / 9 - 11 AM Dungeons and Dragons Grades 6-12 starts June 26 / 9 - 11 AM Fidget Toys & Slime with Kidcreate Studio (Ages 4-12) June 26 / 9 AM to 12 PM Life of a Honey Bee Grades K-5 June 27 / 10 AM to 12 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

A Perfect Summer Kickoff! 🎶Thank you to everyone who came to the Summer Concert Kickoff at North Branch High School Viking Plaza! The evening was filled with joy, community spirit, and incredible music. 👏 A special shout out to the North Branch Area High School Band for opening the night with energy and heart—you made our hometown proud! 🎺 Thank you to the Minnesota State Band for bringing your talent and tradition to our community. It was truly an honor to host you. 👏 Thanks to the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for making this event possible through their generous support. And finally, thank YOU—our community—for showing up with your families, your lawn chairs, your laughter, and your love for live music. Nights like these are what make North Branch so special. Be sure to join us at the North Branch Central Park next Tuesday, June 24 and experience the Native American Dance and Drum Exhibition along with musical artist, Keith Secola. #ecrac #artslegacy

Summer Concert Kickoff 📍 North Branch High School Stadium (Viking Plaza) 📅 Tuesday, June 17, 2025 🕕 Activities begin at 6:00 PM 📖 Story Time at 6:45 PM 🎶 Concert at 7:00 PM Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening to kick off the summer! This free event will feature: A special performance by the North Branch Area High School Band at 6:30 PM A concert by the renowned Minnesota State Band Sidewalk chalk fun A bouncy house A guest reader sharing stories with kids If it rains, the event will be moved indoors to the North Branch High School Auditorium, so you can count on a great night—rain or shine. This concert is made possible by a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, thanks to the voters of Minnesota. Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and help us start the summer with music and memories!

Liberty Kids & Lasting Lessons As the school year wrapped up, a 5th grade teacher shared a meaningful snapshot from the recent Fun Run. Inspired by their study of the American Revolution and the animated series "Liberty Kids," students chose a patriotic theme for their class flag—complete with American flag bandanas and hand-held flags. The image captures more than a moment; it reflects pride, unity, and a deeper understanding of freedom and sacrifice. The teacher noted that while we may not be on the front lines of war, we are on the front lines of preparing the next generation—and that teaching, guiding, and protecting students is one of the most important responsibilities we carry. A powerful reminder that love, sacrifice, and freedom are all deeply connected—and worth passing on. ❤️💙

Concerts in the Park kicks off on Tuesday, June 17, with a performance from the Minnesota State Band at NBAHS Viking Plaza! Story time starts at 6:45 pm, and the concert at 7. It's going to be a great summer of music!

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! If you would like to watch Sunday's Commencement Exercises at 2 p.m., it will be livestreamed at this link: https://youtube.com/live/e5Vg066o6FA Enjoy!

The Viking Newsletter - May/June 2025 is now available at this link: https://secure.smore.com/n/np82q Have a great summer!

On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. SKOL! and congratulations to Nolen Volner, who will continue his football career at St. John's University!

On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. SKOL! and congratulations to Abby Thurmer, who will continue her hockey career at Iowa State University!

On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. SKOL! and congratulations to Jacob Robillard, who will continue his football career at the University of Wisconsin-Stout!

On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. SKOL! and congratulations to Madison Metty, who will continue her softball career at Bethany Lutheran College!

SUN Bucks helps eligible children get the nutrition they need when school is out. For more information, please click on this link: www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks

On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. SKOL! and congratulations to Isabella Folkema, who will continue her basketball and softball careers at Itaska Community College!