The Viking Newsletter - August 2024 is now available: https://secure.smore.com/n/18buw. All the news that's fit to print!
Three school logo murals were just completed at Sunrise. The "graduate" logo was painted on the school's north stairwell wall; the Viking "V" is in the east stairwell, and the helmet logo is located on the west stairwell of the building. These projects were requested by the district Wellness Committee. Lee Ann Falen, North Branch Area Middle School art teacher, was excited about the opportunity to promote school pride and agreed to take it on. Our North Branch logos are especially compelling and powerful with their bold colors, shapes and lines.
It took about nine sessions over the course of ten days to complete all three murals. Mrs. Falen noted her favorite parts about the paintings were how satisfying it is to see progress being made (especially when working on the first layer of color) and working on such a large scale. The toughest part was it took four layers of paint for the two different reds to cover well and become opaque. Working with the indents between the bricks is also a challenge since it is difficult to keep the lines consistent. It was her first time ever working on scaffolding as well. She said the murals make her smile every time she sees them and she hopes it will have the same effect on the students, staff and parents at Sunrise too!
A huge "THANK YOU" to Zach Berg, Director of Buildings and Grounds for North Branch Area Public Schools, and his crew for all their help with setting up and transporting the scaffolding for this project. Thanks also to Sunrise River Elementary School principal, Taylor Swanson, for his collaboration and support to make sure this project could happen.
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.
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 2024-05 NBAPS student supply list is out. See the URL below for your school's list!
https://www.isd138.org/documents/resources/parent%2Fstudent-resources/calendars%2C-supply-lists%2C-and-more!/school-supply-lists/485266
ATTENTION: Tomorrow evening's concert in the park is moving indoors to the High School auditorium due to the rainy weather.
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!
Recognizing our staff with 5 years of service....Thank you! Annette Fairbanks, Jim Larson, Jenny Gibbs, Rochelle Molde, LeAnn Moore, Becky Reich, Chris Thompson, Kathy Tilbury, and Kaitlyn Turner. (Not Pictured: Deb Beyatt, Carmen Money, Stephanie Pribyl)
Recognizing our staff with 10 years of service....Thank you! Becky Wille, Mike Kolb, Reid Anderson, Chad Carlson, Maggie Hubbing, Shelley Brinkman, Jen McCann, Josh Reistad, Tanya Roske, and Tony Sletten. (Not Pictured: Brent Lundgren and Jen Thompson)
Recognizing our staff with 15 years of service....Thank you! Deb Goodman, Britney Heisick, and Kyle Kahl.
Recognizing our staff with 20 years of service....Thank you!
Lisa Maurer, Cindy Berg, John Grund, Tammi Minke, Lynne Wilzbacher. and Tammy Siedlecki,
Recognizing our staff with 25 years of service....Thank you!
Kristen Johnson, Jenel Korkowski, Ian McWilliams, Amy Randall, and Rachelle Weinand.
2024 NBAPS Staff Recognition Ceremony took place on Friday, June 7th. To start off our recognition of staff, we want to congratulate Jenel Korkowski on becoming our NBAPS Teacher of the Year. Jenel is a 2nd grade teacher at Sunrise River Elementary School. Congratulations!!
🌟 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! 🌈
Our softball stars are heading to state! The team was greeted at each building for a celebratory walkthrough that created awe inspiring moments, motivating our youngest Vikings. Congratulations & Good Luck!!
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.
