Thursday, September 20, 2012

School News 9-19-12

Talk to us!

We here at North Branch Area Public Schools take pride in being one of the most transparent school districts you are likely to find in the state of Minnesota. The level of access to information that you can find using our various tools is astounding!

One of the things we are most proud to offer, thanks to technology, is the opportunity for anyone with an internet connection to listen to our school board meetings via podcast. Go to our district homepage (www.northbranch.k12.mn.us) and click on the playbar to listen to the most recent meeting. You can keep up with school district business from the comfort of your own home.

Other ways we communicate include our website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, my blog, our student information system (SchoolView) and mass communication system (Parentlink). The school district also publishes The Voice, which can be found in Community Education’s seasonal catalogue, distributed to each household in the school district.

Need to reach someone in the school district? Our website includes a searchable staff directory with e-mail addresses, making it easy. Employees are encouraged to use e-mail. Of course you can always call us too! Phone numbers for sites are conveniently located at our webpage, and they will be happy to direct your call to the appropriate individual.

If you need to speak to me, my office phone number is (651) 674-1012, my cell phone number is (651) 249-8893, and my e-mail address is dhenton@northbranch.k12.mn.us. My door is always open to you. We pride ourselves on being responsive to our community; we are here to serve you.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can direct you to the appropriate individual or address your concerns personally, depending on the situation. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Welcome back everyone!

After a hiatus for the summer, here is the first School News column of the 2012-13 school year:

Come on a Patron Tour

Another school year is upon us and, judging by open houses, we are more than ready! Staff were brimming with enthusiasm, buildings were gleaming, and students were excited about the future.

You may be wondering what there is to be so excited about. Well, why not come and find out?

Last year we implemented Patron Tours and they were a huge success. A success not just for those who took four hours out of their busy lives to see what it is we do here at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS), but for the staff and students who are so proud of the education here at NBAPS as well.

The tours start with a chance to talk with me about anything (and I mean anything) before we embark on a tour of our facilities. You will get a first-hand look at education at NBAPS from early childhood through high school. Included are classroom visits, a chance to talk with students and principals, and a wonderful lunch provided by Taher.

You might think that these tours are a chance for school district supporters and employees to get together and agree on everything, but I think the tours have been most successful with those a bit skeptical of our mission and performance.

I believe a large part of the criticism we sometimes face is from those who don’t have a true understanding of what we do and how we do it. I have heard more than once the phrase, “I had no idea...” from tour attendees who realized for the first time the scale of what we are expected to do, and the impressive way we meet challenges.

This year’s Patron Tours are scheduled for Oct. 12, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, April 26, and May 31. All are Friday tours. I strongly encourage you to consider joining us for one. If you would like to attend, call Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018
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