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. ❤️💙
Jason Hehir is the next Northern Edge Head Boys Hockey Coach. The Northern Edge boys hockey program includes St. Francis High School (SFHS) and North Branch Area High School.
Hehir brings more than 25 years of hockey coaching experience across all levels—from mites to high school varsity to junior hockey. He most recently served as an assistant coach for the Northern Tier Stars program as an assistant coach from 2022-24.
Hehir has been an active member of St. Francis Youth Hockey for more than a dozen years, which includes coaching mites through U14 and serving as a board member since 2018. He has been a lead instructor with Sharpen Your Edge Youth Camp since 2017 and served as a head coach of a Hometown Hockey AAA Club (10U through peewee) since 2018.
In addition to his coaching background, Hehir has been a dedicated employee with East Bethel Public Works for the past 26 years, demonstrating strong commitment and leadership in all he does.
Welcome!
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!
Claire Patterson has been hired as the next head girls basketball coach for NBAPS. She will also be teaching math at the high school.
Patterson grew up in Stillwater and graduated from Stillwater High School in 2017. She fell in love with basketball at a young age and played every chance she could get. Claire was a 4-year Varsity player at Stillwater, a captain her senior year, and continued her career at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona. She was again a 4-year player and 2 year starter and captain.
As soon as she was done playing AAU she got involved in coaching and spent 5 years coaching with the MN Heat program as both an assistant and a head coach for the 7th-8th grade premier teams. Claire's most recently been an assistant JV and Varsity basketball and assistant softball coach the last 4 years in Wisconsin at Osceola High School.
"I was so excited when I saw the job posting at North Branch for both high school math and the head girls basketball coach," said Claire.
Jason Hehir is the next Northern Edge Head Boys Hockey Coach. The Northern Edge boys hockey program includes St. Francis High School (SFHS) and North Branch Area High School.
Hehir brings more than 25 years of hockey coaching experience across all levels—from mites to high school varsity to junior hockey. He most recently served as an assistant coach for the Northern Tier Stars program as an assistant coach from 2022-24.
Hehir has been an active member of St. Francis Youth Hockey for more than a dozen years, which includes coaching mites through U14 and serving as a board member since 2018. He has been a lead instructor with Sharpen Your Edge Youth Camp since 2017 and served as a head coach of a Hometown Hockey AAA Club (10U through peewee) since 2018.
In addition to his coaching background, Hehir has been a dedicated employee with East Bethel Public Works for the past 26 years, demonstrating strong commitment and leadership in all he does.
Welcome Claire and Jason!
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!
NBAHS held a walking pep rally for 3 golfers and 6 track and field athletes who qualified for the state tournament. SKOL! and congratulations to these amazing athletes!
Golfers headed to state are senior Ashley Bistodeau, 9th grader Nick Melvin, and sophomore Carter Magnison (the boys chose not to walk today). They will golf on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 at the Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.
Girls Track and Fielders will be competing at the MSHSL state meet next Wednesday and Thursday at St. Michael Albertville High School after qualifying at the section tournament. They are:
Sophia Thorsen - 200M Dash, 4x100 and 4x200 Relay
Ella Kuhlman - 400M Dash, 4x100 and 4x200 Relay
Dakota Esget - Pole Vault, 4x100 and 4x200 Relay
Sophia Benedict - 4x200 Relay
Ella Dick - Pole Vault, 4x100 Relay
Brooke Giese - Pole Vault
They also placed second as a team!
Good luck to all!!
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!
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.
On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college.
SKOL! and congratulations to Matthew Fenton, who will continue his football career at St. Scholastica!
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
On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college.
SKOL! and congratulations to Nathaniel Edwards-Gaona, who will continue his football career at the University of Minnesota-Morris!
On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college.
SKOL! and congratulations to Ashley Bistodeau, who will continue her golf career at Baldwin-Wallace University!
Congratulations to Section 6A Boys Tennis Singles Champion, Wyatt Helberg!
Wyatt lost the first set 3-6, then came back to defeat his opponent in the next two sets 6-3 and 6-1.
Wyatt will compete at the state meet on June 5th/6th at the Reed-Sweatt Tennis Center. This is Wyatt's second trip to the MSHSL State Tournament.
Last Friday, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. Over the next couple of weeks we will honor each individually for their achievement!
SKOL! and congratulations to Johanna Bartkey, who will continue her volleyball career at the University of Minnesota-Morris!
🎶 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!
