pisode 32 – Growing Together: Pre-K and 8th Grade Voices from Saint Albans City School

In this heartwarming episode of Tap Into Maple Run, Assistant Superintendent John Muldoon and Superintendent Bill Kimball continue their end-of-year journey—this time stopping at Saint Albans City School.

With another school year coming to a close, John and Bill sit down with some of the youngest and oldest students in the building: Pre-K learners just beginning their Maple Run story, and 8th graders preparing to step into high school. Through authentic, candid conversations, listeners will hear the wisdom, humor, and hope that come from both ends of the educational journey.

Students share reflections on their favorite experiences, the lessons they've learned, and the people who have impacted them the most. Whether it’s wide-eyed wonder from the Pre-Kers or thoughtful insights from the 8th graders, each voice brings something unique—and deeply human—to the story of growing up in the Maple Run community.

Questions included:

What has this year in Pre-K been like for you?

What’s been the best part of your time at Maple Run and why?

If you could change one thing about your school experience, what would it be and why?

Can you tell us about someone in the school system who’s made a big difference for you?

Once again, it’s the students’ voices that shine the brightest.

Stay with us as Tap Into Maple Run continues this special reflection series with upcoming visits to Bellows Free Academy and the Northwest Career & Technical Center.

Episode 31 – Growing Together: Pre-K and 8th Grade Voices from Fairfield Center School

In this thoughtful and uplifting episode of Tap Into Maple Run, John Muldoon, Assistant Superintendent, and Bill Kimball, Superintendent, continue their end-of-year journey—this time at Fairfield Center School.

With the school year winding down, John and Bill sat down with Pre-K students just beginning their Maple Run adventure, and 8th graders preparing for the transition to high school. Through authentic conversations, you’ll hear about joy, growth, and the powerful connections formed along the way.

Students reflect on their favorite moments, what they’ve learned, and the people who have made a difference in their lives. Their responses are honest, heartwarming, and sometimes humorous, as only students can be.

Questions included:

What has this year in Pre-K been like for you?

What’s been the best part of your time at Maple Run and why?

If you could change one thing about your school experience, what would it be and why?

Can you tell us about someone in the school system who’s made a big difference for you?

As always, it’s the voices of the students that shine the brightest.

Stay tuned as the Tap Into Maple Run series wraps up its student reflections with visits to Saint Albans City School, Bellows Free Academy, and the Northwest Career & Technical Center.

Same questions. Different students. All are exploring what it means to grow within the Maple Run community.

Episode 30 – Transitions and Reflections: From Pre-K to 8th Grade at SATEC

In this heartwarming episode of Tap Into Maple Run, John and Bill visit Saint Albans Town Educational Center to talk with some amazing students at very different stages of their educational journeys. With just 12 days left of school, excitement and reflection are in the air!

You’ll hear from four 8th-grade students preparing to take their next big step to BFA, and five pre-kindergarteners eagerly looking ahead to kindergarten. Through smiles, laughter, and thoughtful conversations, the students share what they’ve loved about their time at Maple Run, what they might change, and who’s made a lasting impact on their learning journey.

Questions included:

Looking back on this year in Pre-K, what has it been like for you?

What’s been the best part of your time at Maple Run and why?

If you could change one thing about your school experience, what would it be and why?

Can you tell us about someone in the school system who’s made a big difference for you?

The kindness, insight, and enthusiasm of these students shine through in every moment.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as John and Bill continue these powerful student conversations at Saint Albans City School, Fairfield Center School, Bellows Free Academy, and the Northwest Career & Technical Center.

Same questions. Different students. All reflecting on what it means to grow, learn, and transition within Maple Run.

Taking Flight – Abby Demar’s Journey Through Independent Learning

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with BFA senior Abby Demar, who recently earned her private pilot’s license after dedicating a year and a half to flight training - all while still in high school. Abby shares how she turned a dream into reality through BFA's Flexible Pathways and Independent Learning, carving out a school day schedule that allowed her to pursue flight lessons, apply for scholarships, and master aviation theory.

From a simple idea at the end of her sophomore year to being accepted into 13 out of 14 colleges, Abby’s story shows how self-direction, time management, and taking initiative can unlock life-changing opportunities. She also talks about her aviation roots, including family connections to commercial and military flight, and her recent feature on the FAA’s Air Up There podcast.

💡 Wellness Tip of the Week: Take The Controls

Wellness grows from confidence and independence. When you step outside your comfort zone and take initiative, just like Abby, you’re not only chasing your goals, you’re also building purpose, resilience, and well-being.

🎙️ Whether you’re a student with a big idea, a parent, or an educator, this episode is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when schools support real-world learning.

Celebrating Community, Compassion, and the 10th Annual Autism Walk with Danielle Roberts and Shawna Shappy

In this episode of Tap Into Maple Run, we are joined by Danielle Roberts, Director of Community Relations at Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS), and Shawna Shappy, Team Leader of NCSS’s School-Based Adaptive Program.

Danielle, who joined NCSS in June 2024, shares her journey from studying accounting and management to finding her passion for community work right here in Franklin County—where her entire family lives within a one-block radius! With a love for travel, animals, kids, and exploring new cultures, Danielle brings energy, compassion, and a deep connection to the NCSS mission of supporting the physical and emotional well-being of our community.

Shawna, a BFA Saint Albans graduate from Georgia, Vermont, left briefly to earn her bachelor's degree from UMass Amherst before returning to her roots. She tells us about the incredible growth of NCSS’s school-based programs—from just five people in 2008 to 55 team members today—highlighting how these partnerships strengthen families and schools. Shawna’s vibrant personality (and her 40+ pairs of fun, funky glasses!) make her a beloved part of the NCSS family.

Together, Danielle and Shawna talk about the 10th Annual Autism Awareness Walk, happening May 18th at Collins Perley—the only walk of its kind in Vermont! This full day of family fun will feature community partners, free neurodiversity resources, and lots of opportunities to celebrate small wins that are truly big victories. It’s a day to come together, create a team, and make joyful memories.

Special thanks to all the sponsors, donors, and families who make this event so special. Come join us - show up and be part of something meaningful!

Wellness Tip of the Week:

Celebrate Small Wins! Whether it's showing up for a community event, making a new connection, or simply taking time to enjoy the moment, small victories build a stronger, happier you.

Tune in and get inspired!

Tap Into Maple Run - Episode 25

In this episode, we welcome Beth Hayford, Maple Run’s Wellness Coordinator, and Tim Viens, Director of Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center. Beth has dedicated 11 years to promoting wellness at Collins Perley and in our schools, and Tim has been an integral part of Collins Perley for three decades, starting as Assistant Director before stepping into his current leadership role.

Beth shares her journey into fitness, revealing how movement has helped her manage depression and how she sees herself in her work every day. She knows our community needs to move more to combat anxiety, depression, and obesity in both kids and adults. What you might not know—Beth is also a poet! Maybe one day, she’ll even publish her work.

Tim reflects on his 30 years at Collins Perley, calling it the "Diamond of Franklin County" and a true hub for the community. From field maintenance to budget planning, no two days are the same, and he loves every aspect of his job. His passion for the center shines through, knowing it provides something for everyone—kids, adults, and families alike.

Special thanks to the talented BFA student Grant Sheehan-Myers for our intro and outro music!

Wellness Tip of the Week: Spring Into Action!

With warmer weather here, get outside with family and friends! Whether it’s walking, hiking, or simply enjoying the fresh air, movement boosts mental health and strengthens connections. Let’s embrace the beauty of Vermont and make wellness a group effort!

Tune in and get inspired!

Episode 24: Growing Together in Early Education with Stephanie Ripley

In this episode of Tap Into Maple Run, Bill and John sit down with Stephanie Ripley, Maple Run’s Early Education Director. Stephanie started her journey in the district as a Speech-Language Pathologist and has always been a hands-on learner who thrives on engagement and discovery. She’s passionate about early learning, working with families, and witnessing the incredible transformation of babies into little kids.

Stephanie shares insights on Maple Run’s preschool programs, highlighting the excitement of this stage for children and families. With preschool registration now open, she explains the process, including upcoming preschool playdates on May 14th and May 16th—a wonderful opportunity for families to meet teachers, complete paperwork, and build connections before the school year begins.

Beyond the classroom, Stephanie and her team provide early intervention services throughout the community, supporting young learners and their families as they transition into school. She loves her job because every day brings joy, growth, and the happiness of children.

And of course, we couldn't end the episode without a fun debate: Do Bill, John, and Stephanie enjoy ranch dressing? And how do they eat their chicken nuggets?

🎵 Music Intro & Outro by Kaydince Dezotelle, a talented BFA student.

Wellness Tip of the Week: Wellness isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental resilience, emotional well-being, and fostering strong relationships. When we prioritize connection, education, and action, we create a healthier, more supportive community.

Tune in for a heartfelt and fun conversation about early learning, community connections, and maybe even a few surprising food preferences!

👉 Listen now!

Episode 23: Literacy, Learning, and Collaboration with Angie Fitzgerald

In this episode of Tap Into Maple Run, we welcome Angie Fitzgerald, Literacy Instructional Coach at Saint Albans City School. Angie works closely with the literacy intervention team and classroom teachers, supporting literacy development across the school. She began her journey at City School as a first-grade teacher and has been a dedicated educator there for the past five years.

With a school spanning PreK through 8th grade, Angie finds it challenging to balance her time across all grade levels. She hopes to work more with 7th and 8th graders, expanding literacy support where it's most needed. As a member of the district literacy committee, she collaborates with teachers 1:1, helping them use data to improve student outcomes.

Beyond her role as an educator, Angie is also a parent of three children in three different Maple Run schools—giving her a unique perspective on learning at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She shares her insights on education, collaboration, and how her experiences as both a teacher and a parent shape her approach.

We also dive into I Love to Read Week, now in its third year at City School, a fun and engaging celebration that brings the entire school together to share the joy of reading.

Join us as we discuss Angie's journey, her passion for literacy, and how she’s making an impact beyond the classroom.

Episode 22 - Finding Joy in Teaching with Liz Sato 🎙

In this episode, John & Bill sit down with Liz Sato, a passionate and energetic 3rd & 4th grade math teacher at Saint Albans City School. Liz's journey in education spans across the globe—she has taught 1st through 6th grades in Alaska, Japan, Colchester, and now, for the past seven years, at City School. She originally joined as a writing teacher for grades 4-6 before transitioning to math, bringing her love of language, culture, and kids into every classroom she’s been a part of.

Liz's deep connection with language led her to Japan to learn Japanese, and her love for both language and children naturally merged into her teaching career. Raised in Alaska, she spent years moving between Japan and Alaska before settling in Saint Albans 13 years ago. She describes herself as a "bossy know-it-all," a personality trait she says is well-suited for teaching. More than anything, Liz gets kids—she understands their struggles, their joys, and their energy, and she finds endless inspiration in their curiosity and humor.

Her family is a huge source of her energy. Her husband, a former BFA employee, now owns KiaJu Kitchen, a beloved Japanese takeout restaurant in Saint Albans. Their two sons are musically inclined, much like their father. Liz, who played trombone until her senior year of high school, encourages her students to embrace music, dance, and self-expression without fear of judgment.

For Liz, "School is where my people are!" She thrives on collaboration with other teachers and is dedicated to creating a joyful learning environment, even when math isn’t every student’s favorite subject. She reminds us that while learning can be challenging, it should also be filled with laughter, connection, and a sense of belonging.

💡 Weekly Wellness Tip: Care for Yourself. Listen to Yourself.

Grief, loss, and trauma affect each person differently - there is no single "right" way to respond. Your feelings are valid, no matter what they are. Take the time you need to process at your own pace, whether that means connecting with others or seeking solitude.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Liz brings energy, humor, and heart to her classroom every day!

🎙 Episode 21 - Supporting Student Well-Being with Lance Metayer & Corretta Enos 🎙

In this episode, John & Bill sit down with Lance Metayer, a dedicated Mental Health Counselor at Bellows Free Academy, and Corretta "Cori" Enos, a compassionate Social Worker at BFA. Both are deeply committed to supporting students’ well-being, whether through mental health counseling, substance use prevention, or social-emotional learning (SEL).

Lance brings a wealth of experience from residential care to direct service and management, and he loves the diversity of his role at BFA. Beyond his work, he’s passionate about woodworking—especially turning bowls on a lathe—a hands-on craft that keeps him grounded and focused.

Cori’s path started in mathematics, but after teaching at an alternative program, she found her true calling in student support services. She now works one-on-one with students, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop strong relationships.

💡 Wellness Tip of the Week: The Power of Self-Care & Grooming – Taking time to care for yourself—whether it’s a fresh haircut, a skincare routine, or simply wearing something that makes you feel good—can boost confidence and overall well-being. When you feel good on the outside, it positively impacts your mindset, motivation, and mental health!

🎧 Tune in to hear how Lance and Cori are making a difference in students' lives and how their unique journeys brought them to BFA!