North Branch Area Early Learning

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. ❤️💙

At this year's Fun Run, Sunrise River School and North Branch Area Education Center together raised more than $70,000—thanks to the incredible support of our families and community! These funds will go directly toward enhancing student experiences. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who participated and contributed. We extend a special appreciation to our local businesses for sponsoring t-shirts for over 1,400 students—your generosity helped make this initiative a success!

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!

Sunrise has a new addition to their playground thanks to the grant from the North Branch Area Education Foundation - a playground communication board! This is a simple tool that helps children who have trouble speaking express themselves while playing. The board shows pictures, symbols, or words for common things kids might want to say—like “I want to swing,” “let’s play,” “help,” or “my turn.” Children can point to the pictures to share their thoughts, feelings, or needs, making it easier for them to join in the fun and interact with others. It supports communication for all kids, especially those with speech or language challenges, and helps create a more inclusive and friendly play space. We are looking forward to seeing it positively impact our students for years to come! Thanks North Branch Area Education Foundation!

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

Students at the Ed Center had their Fun Run this week to raise money to enhance student experiences. Students and staff walked, ran, skipped, and danced for a good cause!

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!

🎉 What a BEARY special night! 🎶🐻 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Teddy Bear Band event at the North Branch Area Education Center on Wednesday, May 28th! Families brought their favorite teddy bears and enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, laughter, and community fun. From sing-alongs to picnic blankets, the smiles were endless—and even a few teddy bears got in on the dancing! 🧸 A huge shoutout to our food trucks for keeping everyone well-fed, and to the weather for giving us the perfect evening. 🌤️ Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry—this won’t be our last family-friendly event, join us this summer for Concerts in the Park beginning June 17 (flier included in photos).

A Warm Welcome at Sunrise River Elementary! 🌞📚 Last Friday, kindergarteners experienced something truly special—a joyful welcome from the first graders and staff at Sunrise River Elementary School! 💛 As they arrived, our students were greeted with cheers, handmade signs, and plenty of smiles from the first-grade friends and teachers. The excitement was contagious and set the tone for a wonderful visit! Each kindergarten class was paired with a first-grade buddy class. Students listened to a story read by a first-grade teacher, asked thoughtful questions about what to expect next year, toured the school, enjoyed snack time, and had a blast on the playground. It was a day filled with connection, curiosity, and confidence-building—making the transition to first grade just a little less mysterious and a lot more exciting.

Today the Class of 2025 continued a NBAPS tradition of walking through all district sites. Graduates get to experience the congratulations of students for their incredible accomplishment while the graduates provide inspiration for younger students. Here are some photos from NBAMS and the Ed Center: https://www.facebook.com/nbapschools/posts/pfbid02fPPCwm6BPAB9fEMAwSc4Zjv8Wuks1WNRnpEqqyzeruiYFvzDrCPRwgyFutvPfGYRl

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

Coming up in Community Ed! Drivers Education Zoom Class Starts June 9 / 8 - 11:00 AM Drivers Education Zoom Class Starts June 9 / 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Youth Pickleball Grades 3 - 9 Starts June 9 / 5 - 6:30 PM North Branch Varsity Football Team Camp Grades Entering 9-12 Starts June 9 / 10 AM - 12:00 PM Child and Babysitting Safety Grades 4-8 June 11 / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Home Alone Grades 3-6 June 11 / 12:30 - 2:30 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

Community Service Day was amazing! Thanks to all our partners in North Branch, Harris, and Stacy, for helping NBAPS teach students about sacrifice and being a good neighbor! Students always represent their communities, families, and school district so positively and help with great enthusiasm. Thanks to students and staff who participate and make every CSD a memorable one! Check out the photos from the day here: https://www.facebook.com/nbapschools/posts/pfbid02h8qYPs3JeHGx4dufbjSU3fz781N8mSDZ18aqPW1RRiCPR8TPG2zf6DhqkU7d2Cw9l

🚗✨ What a night at the Vehicle Fair! ✨🚒 A HUGE thank you to all the incredible community partners who brought their amazing vehicles for families to explore at our FREE Vehicle Fair last Thursday! From emergency vehicles and garbage trucks to construction equipment, farm equipment, and school buses - your participation made this event unforgettable. Many families came to the North Branch Education Center to climb, explore, honk horns, and learn more about the wheels that keep our world turning. 🍦🚧🚓 Hosted by: North Branch Community Education & Early Childhood

Sunrise and the Ed Center hosted Gameday on Friday! Kids participated in a number of fun events, such as a high jump, relay races, tug of war, parachute, and much, much more! There are tons of photos to view here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iZ1AvyfSGv6LZ23sWGbQcs4NazmqTAzN?usp=sharing

🎶 Join Us for the Teddy Bear Band! 🎶 Hosted by North Branch Area Community Education 📅 Wednesday, May 28 🕡 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM 📍 North Branch Area Education Center 🧸 B.Y.O.T – Bring Your Own Teddy! Come dance and sing with the Teddy Bear Band at this FREE outdoor event on the playground! Enjoy music, fun, and friends as we celebrate the start of summer. Don’t forget to pack a picnic! ☔ Rain or shine – we’ll move indoors if needed. 🍕 Grandpa Mike’s Pizza Rig will be available for purchase ✨ Fun for the whole family – see you there!

Coming up in Community Ed! Teddy Bear Band Concert May 28 / 6:30 - 7:15 PM Loon Painting Class May 29 / 6:30 - 8:30 PM Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People Vistual Class Ages 13 - Adult June 2 / 6:30 - 9:30 PM Avoid the Pitfalls of Perimenopause/Menopause Virtual Workshop June 2 / 6 - 7:30 PM Summer Wrestling Makes Winter Champions for Grades Entering 5 - 12 Starts June 2 / 6 - 7:30 PM Flag Football Camp Grades Entering 7-8 Starts June 3 / 4 - 5 :00 PM Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People Virtual Class Ages 13 - Adult June 3 / 6:30 - 9:30 PM Father's Day Toolbox Card with Kidcreate Studio (18 month - 6 years) June 3 / 4:30 - 5:30 PM Youth Football Camp Entering Grades 4-6 Starts June 3 / 3 - 4:00 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

Mattias Bigbear brought his now famous hoop dancing skills to the Ed Center on Tuesday for a special performance for preschool and kindergarten students. "Mattias wanted to come dance for the students here and was especially proud to show off his dancing to his former preschool and kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Johnson," said Erica Bjerketvedt.

The high school Child Care Development class recently spent time with Youth Connections at the Ed Center enjoying the weather and making snake bubbles! Thanks to all the students for spending time with our YC kids!

Coming up in Community Ed! Posture and Osteoporosis Workshop: Building Better Bones Virtual Workshop May 19 / 6 - 7:30 PM Medicare 101 May 20 / 6:30 - 8 PM School of Fish Grades 3 and Older May 20 / 3 - 5:30 PM Vehicle Fair May 22 / 5:30 - 7:30 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.