
The Viking Newsletter - August 2024 is now available: https://secure.smore.com/n/18buw. All the news that's fit to print!

North Branch Area Public Schools Launches Teacher Apprenticeship Program
The most common words said at the launch of “Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” was, “It’s happening!” After a year and a half of planning, one of the first teacher apprenticeship programs in the state to create pathways to teaching licenses for talented, diverse candidates in both urban and rural districts is up and running.
Minneapolis Public Schools, North Branch Area Public Schools, Owatonna Public Schools and Minnesota State University, Mankato announced the launch of “Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” at a news conference on Monday, Aug. 12.
The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is open to candidates who meet a number of qualifications including having an associate’s degree or qualifying credits.
School districts across the country are experiencing challenges hiring and retaining teachers, and the “Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” aims to address the teacher shortage by attracting excellent candidates of diverse backgrounds from local communities, and removing barriers to becoming a licensed teacher. “We believe that these community-based connections will make a difference in student outcomes long-term,” said Sara Paul of North Branch Area Public Schools. “This innovative program identifies people who are often already educators who are deeply connected to our students and community, and helps them find pathways to teaching licenses.”
North Branch partnered with Minneapolis and Owatonna Public Schools to form the first cohort of 25 registered teacher apprentices who will get first-hand experience in the classroom in addition to their studies before graduating in 2026.



Join us this Wednesday morning at the North Branch Area Education Center for a FREE Community Baby Shower! 🎉 We've got fantastic giveaways like a high chair, bike, magna tiles, and MORE! 🎁
🌈 Enjoy play opportunities, delicious treats, and connect with valuable community resources. It's a morning filled with fun and support for growing families. Don't miss out—see you there!


Attention High School Seniors and Current College Freshmen!
In honor of our beloved colleague, Brett Carlson, and with enduring Viking pride, we are thrilled to announce the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) Brett Carlson Memorial Student Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support high school seniors and current college freshmen who are pursuing a college program related to community education.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate active involvement in their local community education program. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to help cover course fees, books, or room and board.
Apply now and take a step towards a brighter future with the support of the MCEA Brett Carlson Memorial Student Scholarship!
Brett Carlson Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
Must be employed or volunteer in their local community education program.
Must be pursuing an area of study related to community education.
Applications are due - November 30th (To be awarded February 2025)
https://mn-mcea.org/scholarships/


If you haven't already, download the North Branch Area Public Schools app for your mobile phone! Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3phcIA7
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3p6NNPA


The Community Education Newsletter - July/August Highlights is now available at this link: https://secure.smore.com/n/fzr14


🎵🌳 Exciting news! We're returning to Central Park for our Concert in the Park this Tuesday! 🎶 And guess what? 🌟 This year, we're adding a special twist - the Farmers Market will be open during the concert! 🍎🥕🎸 Bring your friends, grab a spot on the lawn, and enjoy the great atmosphere with live music and fresh produce. See you there!

Coming up in Community Ed!
Tennis Camp Completed Grades 6-11 Starts July 15 / 8:30-10:30 AM
Tennis Camp Completed Grades 2-5 Starts July 15 / 10:30 AM -12 PM
Battle Drones Students Entering Grades 3-8 July 15 1-4 PM
Drone Racing Students Entering Grades 3-8 July 15 / 9 AM - 12 PM
Design Your Own T-Shirt Students Entering Grades 3-8 July 18 / 9 Am - 12 PM
Girls Advanced Volleyball Camp Session 1 Students Entering Grades 8-12 Starts July 19 / 9 AM - 3:30 PM


📚🍦 Don't miss out! Join us once more at Viking Plaza (by the high school football field) for an evening of fun including free books & ice cream, fantastic music, and so much more! 🎶🌟 Bring your lawn chair or blanket and soak up the fun! See you there!


Coming up in Community Ed!
Middle School Theatre Day Camp Grades Entering 6-8 Starts July 8 / 9 AM - 12 PM
Wrestling Camp Students Entering Grades K-7 Starts July 8 / 5-6:30 PM
Drivers Education Zoom Class July 8 / 8-11 AM
Drivers Education Zoom Class July 8 / 11 AM -2 PM
Lightning High School Tennis Camp Grades Completed 9-11 Starts July 8 / 2-5 PM
Lightning Middle School Tennis Camp Grades Completed 6- Starts July 8 / 5-7 PM
ESSENTRICS: Restorative Fitness July 10 / 6:30-7:30 PM
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.


Coming up in Community Ed!
Child and Babysitting Safety Grades 4-8 June 18 / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Home Alone Grades 3-6 June 18 / 12:30-2:30 PM
Girls Basketball Camp Completed Grades K-2 Starts June 24 / 8:30-9:45 AM
Girls Basketball Camp Completed Grades 3-6 Starts June 24 / 10-11:30 AM
Preventing Elder Financial Abuse June 27 / 10-11:30 AM
Jams, Jellies and Preserves June 27 / 4-6:30 PM


🎉🌳 Don't miss our Concert in the Park Kickoff Event at Viking Plaza (near the high school football field)! 🎶 Bring your chair and enjoy music from our high school band and the Minnesota State Band. 🎵 Plus, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, bounce around in the bouncy house, a guest reader and free books for children! 🎸🍔📚 Save the date and spread the word for an evening of fun and music!


🌟 Join us for a special opportunity! 🌟 Are you a family member or friend involved in childcare? Or perhaps a parent or guardian eager to engage in learning and play with your little one? We've got something just for you! 🧡
Introducing 4 mini sessions designed for grown-ups to learn and engage while children play, sing, and enjoy snacks! 🎶✨
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 12 9-10:30 AM📍 Location: North Branch Area Education Center 📞 Call 651-674-1025 to register or for more information! Registration is encouraged but not required. Let's learn and play together! 🌈


The North Branch Area ESports team participated in the Spring State Esports Tournament at St Cloud State University on May 18th & 19th. Two teams qualified for the state tournament.
Rocket League Team - Moxy S., Landon O. and Jaydon E. had an impressive season taking the #4 seed going into the tournament. The team lost in sudden death to make it to the final four. We are extremely proud of the way they improved from last season and making their 2nd state tournament appearance.
Chess player, Vincent C., qualified for the state tournament. He finished the tournament with a 3-2 record. This is Vincent's 2nd State appearance, finishing in the top 10 in both Fall & Spring state tournaments. Well done Vincent!!!
ESports is currently ran by our Community Education Program. The 2024-25 fall registration will be posted in the fall brochure. Next year's season will be ran through a league called Fenworks - for more information go to https://fenworks.com/esports/

The Viking Newsletter - May 2024 is now available to all at this link: https://secure.smore.com/n/1jcpxm

Join the NBAEC (38705 Grand Ave) Tues. May 21, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, for a FREE hands-on experience to explore community vehicles and meet local agencies/businesses.🚒🚔🚚🚜 Food and ice cream trucks will be available! 🍕🍦See flier for more details.


Happy Hmong American Day! This day honors the diverse identities, cultural legacies, and historical contributions of the Hmong community to American life. In celebration of the day, several students wore traditional attire to school.



YOU'RE INVITED: NBAPS 2nd annual Drum and Dance Exhibition, May 17, at NBAHS (38175 Grand Ave)! Meal served at 5:30 pm with events to follow. Guests enter door 11. All are welcome! See flier for additional details.


Coming up in Community Ed!
Hips, Thighs and Otherwise Virtual Workshop May 20 / 6:00-7:30 PM
Handmade Pasta and Creamy Alfredo Sauce May 20 / 6:30-8:30 PM
Alumni Summer Theatre Show Sherlock Homes Ages 18-25 May 20 / 4-7 PM
Vehicle Fair May 21 / 5:30 - 7:30 Free community event!
Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.


Photos from this morning's Walk and Roll to School event are all posted at Facebook. Thanks for coming everyone! It was a beautiful morning to be outside!: https://www.facebook.com/nbapschools/posts/pfbid0er3FoE76cV6nQCVsunsDQsMcmbyT7cVzJxkBYrDz2FAVw9y4FSa3A22FtsKAGVvcl