Tap Into Maple Run

In Episode 14, we highlight the Maple Run Core Value of Collaboration & Relationships from Fairfield Center School, where students and staff are bringing this value to life every day through teamwork, connection, and hands-on learning.We also hear about STARBASE Vermont, where 5th graders recently took part in a five-day STEM experience in Burlington. Through engineering, physics, and flight activities, students worked together to solve problems, test ideas, and strengthen their understanding of teamwork in action.This episode also features a wellness tip on building stronger connections through active listening, plus reflections from students and staff on what collaboration means to them.Thanks for listening. Episode 14 reminds us that learning is strongest when we work together.Music: Chill Guitars by BFA student Sam Olsen

In Episode 13 of Tap Into Maple Run, we’re talking about Joy & Curiosity. We hear from students, staff, and community members about how embracing joy fuels learning and connection, and how curiosity inspires new ideas and personal growth. Finding moments of joy and exploring new interests can lift your mood, spark creativity, and help you feel more connected every day.This week’s wellness tip is all about sparking curiosity and play: take a few minutes to notice something new, try a small activity, or ask a question about something unfamiliar. Even small moments can make a big difference in your day.Our guest is Elisabeth Smith, Social Worker at Bellows Free Academy. She shares her journey, what motivates her, and how she brings joy and curiosity into her work each day.Teaser for Episode 14: Next, we’ll explore Collaboration & Relationships and how working together strengthens our schools and community.Music: Modern Changes

In Episode 12 of Tap Into Maple Run, we focus on the Maple Run Core Value of Collaboration & Relationships, exploring how students, families, and community members can work together to make a difference, strengthen connections, and support one another both in school and beyond.This week, our wellness tip is all about building connections: taking time to reach out, collaborate, and actively support those around you. Strong relationships make challenges easier and accomplishments even more meaningful.Our featured guests are Erin Creley, Public Health Services District Director at the St. Albans Health Office, Vermont Department of Health, and Zoey Quigley, Community Engagement Coordinator / AmeriCorps VISTA with United Way of Northwest Vermont. They share how the Maple Run community comes together to make an impact through volunteering and highlight the 2nd Annual Volunteer Fair:Tuesday, April 16th, 3:00–6:00 PM at Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center.This event is a wonderful chance for students, families, and community members to connect, explore opportunities, and collaborate to support our schools and local organizations.We celebrate our community partners and all the students, staff, and families who model collaboration and relationship-building every day, showing that together, we can create lasting impact.Music Intro & Outro by Modern Changes

In Episode 11 of Tap Into Maple Run, we’re talking about Independence & Perseverance. We hear from students and staff about how they tackle challenges, stay motivated, and celebrate progress—one step at a time. Learning can be hard, but breaking big goals into small, doable steps makes it feel possible and keeps momentum going.This week’s wellness tip is all about micro-goals: don’t try to do everything at once. Take it one small step at a time, celebrate each win, and watch those tough challenges start to feel manageable.Our guests are Oskar Boyea, grade 5, Leah Marie Smith, grade 8, and Meg Jarvis, Home to School Coordinator for grades 5–8 at Saint Albans City School. They share stories of perseverance in learning and how students—and staff—stay motivated and grow through challenges.We also shine a light on the students, staff, families, and community members who model grit, determination, and progress every day. It’s a reminder that even small steps can lead to big accomplishments.Teaser for Episode 12: Next up, we’ll explore Creativity & Innovation, looking at how students and teachers spark new ideas, solve problems, and bring fresh thinking to learning and our community.Music: Chill Guitars

In Episode 10 of Tap Into Maple Run, we focus on the Maple Run Core Value of Respect & Diversity, exploring how empathy, understanding, and inclusion guide the work we do across our schools. Staff and students continue to model respect every day, creating inclusive spaces where every voice is valued and every person belongs.This week’s wellness tip is active listening, taking a moment to fully listen without interrupting or planning a response. Truly hearing others strengthens relationships, builds understanding, and fosters respect across classrooms, offices, and homes.Our featured guests are Madison Sanguinetti and Stacey Tully, educators at Fairfield Center School and certified Restorative Practices trainers. They share how Restorative Practices are used across Maple Run to resolve conflicts, build meaningful relationships, and support student leadership. Madison and Stacey also reflect on their work training colleagues, sharing strategies and insights that help embed empathy, respect, and collaboration into every part of school life.We also celebrate students, staff, families, and community partners who model care, inclusion, and respect every day, making Maple Run a place where everyone feels supported and valued.As we wrap up Episode 10, we reaffirm our Mission, Vision, and Core Values, especially Respect & Diversity, and thank listeners for pausing with us to reflect, listen, and grow together.Teaser for Episode 11: Next time on Tap Into Maple Run, we’ll explore Independence & Perseverance with Meg Jarvis and students who have overcome challenges, celebrating resilience, growth, and the power of breaking big goals into small, achievable steps.Music Intro & Outro by Grant Sheen

As winter settles in and we reach the midpoint of the school year, Episode 9 invites listeners to pause and reflect. In this midyear conversation, we look back on where we’ve been, what we’ve learned so far, and how we move forward with intention.This episode connects closely to the Maple Run Mission and Vision and highlights one of our core values: Accountability & Integrity, being thoughtful about our actions, owning our work, and staying grounded in what matters most for students, staff, and our community.We celebrate meaningful moments happening across Maple Run and share a simple but powerful wellness tip focused on reflection as a way to reduce stress and reconnect with purpose.Our featured guest is Christina Boissoneault, Principal of St. Albans Town Educational Center, who joins us for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, reflection, and the importance of staying centered during a busy school year.We close with a heartfelt shout-out to the Maple Run community students, staff, families, and partners whose care, dedication, and integrity make a difference every day.Music Intro & Outro by Kaydince DezotelleThank you for pausing with us and for continuing to Tap Into Maple Run.

In Episode 8 of Tap Into Maple Run, we shine a light on the power of service, kindness, and community across Maple Run Unified School District. Recorded at SATEC, this episode connects directly to our Mission, Vision, and Core Value of Collaboration & Relationships, highlighting how students, staff, families, and community partners come together to support one another.We celebrate inspiring, student-led service and holiday giving efforts happening across our schools, including food drives at BFA, CP, FCS, SACS, and SATEC supporting Franklin County Operation Happiness and CVOEO Northwest Family Foods. Listeners will also hear about acts of kindness and collaborative initiatives such as coat drives with Rotary, volunteering at the local free library, and BFA’s recycled clothing thrift store. A special highlight includes SATEC students, alongside Abby Lanfear, collecting more than 1,000 items for Franklin County Operation Happiness.Our wellness tip reminds us that acts of kindness are a powerful boost for well-being. Helping others can lower stress and increase happiness. We encourage listeners to take a small moment this week to give back, whether it’s writing a thank-you note, helping a neighbor, or donating to a local drive.This episode features a conversation with Abby Lanfear, who shares her path to working at Maple Run, what inspires her work, and how collaboration and relationships make a meaningful difference, even during challenging moments. Abby reflects on teamwork, balance, and the joy that comes from serving others.We close by reaffirming Maple Run’s commitment to equity, collaboration, and community and offer a preview of Episode 9: Midyear Reflections, focused on the Core Value of Accountability & Integrity.

In this episode of Tap Into Maple Run, we celebrate the power of student leadership and the role independence and perseverance play in helping students thrive. Hosts Bill and Megan highlight student voice in action, recognizing student council members, classroom leaders, and athletic captains who are making a difference across our schools.Our guests, BFA English teacher MaryEllen Tourville and BFA sophomore Grace Vining, share insights on leadership, goal-setting, and perseverance, offering real-life examples of students stepping up and leading with confidence. Listeners will hear a lively Q&A exploring student experiences and lessons learned, as well as a community shout-out celebrating positive, student-led initiatives.Wellness Tip: Movement fuels leadership! Even a short walk, stretch, or standing break between tasks can recharge focus, boost energy, and increase confidence, helping students (and adults!) tackle challenges with a clearer, more positive mindset.Don’t miss the discussion on:How students develop independence and persevere through challengesLeadership lessons from classroom and extracurricular experiencesWays families and the community can support student leaders

In this episode, Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent Megan Grube welcome special guests John Cioffi and Eric Bushey. Together, they explore Maple Run’s Core Value of Respect & Diversity, discussing how embracing different perspectives and experiences strengthens our community and enriches the learning environment for all.Wellness Tip: Keep a mini gratitude journal! Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for—big or small—to help shift your mindset, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.Celebrate: Veterans Day and cultural events in our schools and community. Hear how staff, students, and families honor and support diversity while fostering inclusion and respect.Community Shout-Out: Listen to messages from the Maple Run community recognizing acts of gratitude, respect, and support.Even small daily reflections of gratitude can have a big impact on your well-being. Join us to hear stories, insights, and practical tips for noticing and celebrating the positive moments in life.Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to send your questions or shout-outs to [email protected]—your voice may be featured in an upcoming episode!

In this episode, Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent Megan Grube welcome Kate Howrigan, MSW, Social Worker and Home-School Coordinator at Fairfield Center School. Together, they explore Maple Run’s Core Value of Flexibility & Adaptability, discussing how students and staff grow stronger when they learn to adjust to challenges and embrace change.Discover practical strategies for supporting student well-being, building resilience, and managing stress. Plus, try this week’s wellness tip: the 4-7-8 breathing technique to calm your mind and refocus your energy.Celebrate the ways our staff nurture emotional health and help students thrive, and hear shout-outs from the Maple Run community recognizing the positive impact of social-emotional learning initiatives.Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and send your questions or shout-outs to [email protected]—your voice could be featured in an upcoming episode!