TOMORROW NIGHT: NBAPS is proud to welcome Jackie Bird, renowned Native American singer, hoop dancer, storyteller, and puppeteer, for an evening of storytelling!

Jackie has shared Indigenous culture around the world, including a performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is bringing her talents right here to North Branch this Friday, April 24.

This event is FREE from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the NBAHS glass classroom. See flier for details and RSVP using the QR code. We'll see you there!
3 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
🚽✨ Potty Training Support for Parents! ✨🚽

Is your child showing signs they might be ready for potty training? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself!

Join us for a supportive, judgment-free session where we’ll talk about:
👶 Signs of readiness
🧠 How to support your child’s development
💡 Practical tips and strategies
💛 Handling setbacks with confidence

Potty training can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and encouragement, it can be a positive experience for both you and your child!

📅 Check out the flyer for details and registration info—we’d love to have you join us!
3 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
Potty training
SPREAD THE WORD: NBAPS is proud to welcome Jackie Bird, renowned Native American singer, hoop dancer, storyteller, and puppeteer, for an evening of storytelling!

Jackie has shared Indigenous culture around the world, including a performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is bringing her talents right here to North Branch this Friday, April 24.

This event is FREE from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the NBAHS glass classroom. See flier for details and RSVP using the QR code. We'll see you there!
4 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
Storytelling event

SPREAD THE WORD: NBAPS is proud to welcome Jackie Bird, renowned Native American singer, hoop dancer, storyteller, and puppeteer, for an evening of storytelling!

Jackie has shared Indigenous culture around the world, including a performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is bringing her talents right here to North Branch this Friday, April 24.

This event is FREE from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the NBAHS glass classroom. See flier for details and RSVP using the QR code. We'll see you there!

6 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
PLEASE SHARE: Help us spread the word about next Friday's Storytelling Event with Jackie Bird, nationally renowned Native American singer, hoop dancer, storyteller, and puppeteer!

Jackie has shared Indigenous culture around the world, including a performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is bringing her talents right here to North Branch.

This event is FREE from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the NBAHS glass classroom. See flier for details and RSVP using the QR code. We'll see you there!
9 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
Storytelling event
What an amazing Grandparents Day Open House!

We welcomed over 300 adults and 130 children for a fun-filled evening. Grandparents, family members, and friends were invited to explore the school alongside a special preschooler in their lives.

Families enjoyed board games, playdough, dramatic play, building activities, crafts, snacks, and a photo booth.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We loved seeing our classrooms filled with so much joy and connection!
16 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
We had a 6/7 kind of day celebrating the 67th day of school! 🎉

Ms. Carmen and Ms. Lorie’s classrooms had an amazing day counting, comparing, dancing, singing, and snacking with the numbers 6 and 7. From creative activities to joyful movement, our students brought learning to life in the most fun and engaging ways!
26 days ago, Pat Tepoorten
67th day of school
67th day of school
67th day of school
67th day of school
67th day of school
67th day of school
67th day of school
The Viking Newsletter is available now! Read it at: https://app.smore.com/n/vq07k
about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
What an incredible night at our “We Are All the Same” Sock Hop! 💙💛

Over 400 community members came together at the North Branch Area Education Center to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day—and it was nothing short of amazing. From the dance floor to the face painting, the energy, joy, and sense of belonging filled every corner of the event.

Families enjoyed music from our DJ, fun crafts and activities, delicious treats, and even fresh Heggies pizza. Most importantly, the night was a beautiful reminder of what makes our community so special—connection, inclusion, and celebrating each other.

We’re so grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this event such a success. Take a look at some of the highlights from the evening—we think you’ll see just how special it was!
about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop
Sock hop

Students at the Ed Center enjoyed a special visit from Viktor this morning; on hand to promote tonight's We Are All the Same Sock Hop at the North Branch Area Education Center.

The Sock Hop starts at 5 pm and goes until 7 pm, and includes a DJ dance party, free snacks and treats, a photo booth, crafts and activities, and Heggies pizza for purchase. Admission is free for all!

We Are All the Same is a wonderful way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and we hope you can join us!

about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
Viktor at NBAEC
The NBAHS National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive next Wednesday, March 25, 8 am - 2 pm. To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code on the flier or use this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=NBHS
about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
Blood drive
Mark your calendars! Walk and Roll to School is coming up on Wednesday May 6. Participants will meet at St. Gregory's starting at 7:05 am, with the walk to follow at 7:15 am. See flier for more details.

We hope to see you there!
about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
Walk and roll flier
The We Are All the Same Sock Hop is happening this Friday, March 20, from 5–7 PM at the North Branch Area Education Center.

Dance party, crafts, photo booth, and free snacks—plus Heggies Pizza and a few additional items available for cash purchase.

Free entry and open to the entire community! 💙💛
about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
Sock hop
Join us for a Patron Tour!

Your last chance to come and see all the great things happening at NBAPS in the 2025-26 school year is coming up! Friday, April 17 is the next and final Patron Tour of the year.
The tours begin at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.

Attendees have the opportunity to meet with Supt. Paul and enjoy morning refreshments, tour all of the district facilities, meet principals, observe classrooms, and have the opportunity to lunch with students eager to answer questions about their experience at NBAPS!

Space is limited! If you are interested in attending a Patron Tour, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018 or ptepoorten@isd138.org.
about 1 month ago, Pat Tepoorten
FYI
Kindergartners worked in teams to build houses using “straw” (toothpicks), “sticks” (craft sticks), or “bricks” (foam craft bricks), just like in the classic story. They even had a surprise visit from the Big Bad Wolf—a fan—that tried to blow their houses down to see which designs were the strongest!
about 2 months ago, Pat Tepoorten
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
3 little pigs assignment
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!
about 2 months ago, Pat Tepoorten
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
6th graders with K students
🎓 Class of 2039 – Tomorrow’s the Big Night! 🎉

If you have a future kindergartener at home, don’t miss this!

Taste of Kindergarten is happening TOMORROW at North Branch Area Public Schools — and we are so excited to welcome our newest learners and their families.

📅 Tomorrow, March 3
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 North Branch Area Education Center
38705 Grand Ave., North Branch

Come explore the school, meet our incredible teachers, and let your child experience fun, hands-on activities designed just for them. This is their first step into the Class of 2039 — and it should feel exciting!

Every future kindergarten student who attends will receive a FREE tote bag, and families who complete their online Kindergarten registration will receive a FREE Class of 2039 t-shirt.

If kindergarten is in your future, this event is for you. We’ll see you tomorrow! ❤️🖤
about 2 months ago, Pat Tepoorten
Taste of K
Save the date! 🧦💙💛

Join us March 20, 2026, from 5–7 PM at the North Branch Area Education Center for the We Are All the Same Sock Hop.

Enjoy a fun-filled evening celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Many activities and treats are free, with a few cash purchase options available. All community members are welcome!
about 2 months ago, Pat Tepoorten
Sock hop
The North Branch Area Education Center had the honor of welcoming Minnesota author Mary Casanova to spend time with all of our kindergarten classes. She shared her journey as a writer and gave students a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling, imagination, and how books are created. Our students were completely engaged — curious, excited, and inspired by meeting a real, live author.

This special experience was made possible because of YOU.

Thanks to the funds raised during last year’s Viking Fun Run Fundraiser, we were able to bring Mary Casanova to our school. And through a generous grant from the North Branch Area Education Foundation (NBAEF), every kindergarten student received their own copy of One-Dog Canoe to take home.
2 months ago, Pat Tepoorten
Casanova
Casanova
Casanova
Casanova
Casanova
🎓 Class of 2039 – It’s Your Time! 🎉

Do you have a future kindergartener at home? We can’t wait to meet you!

Join us for Taste of Kindergarten at North Branch Area Public Schools — a special evening designed just for our incoming kindergarten families. This is your chance to explore the school, meet our amazing teachers, and get your child excited for the big adventure ahead.

📅 Tuesday, March 3
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 North Branch Area Education Center
38705 Grand Ave., North Branch

Families will enjoy fun, hands-on activities throughout the evening — and every future kindergarten student who attends will receive a FREE tote bag!

Plus, families who complete their online Kindergarten registration will receive a FREE Class of 2039 t-shirt. Don’t miss it!

This is an exciting milestone — let’s kick off the kindergarten journey together. We’re ready to welcome the Class of 2039! ❤️🖤
2 months ago, Pat Tepoorten
Taste of K