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Dear North Branch School District Families and Community,
The North Branch Board of Education, administrators, teachers, and support staff are ready and excited to welcome our students and families to the start of what will be another fantastic school year. The first day of school for all students is Monday, August 19th. By now, you should have received specific information from each building in order for your child to successfully begin the school year. Please check our website at www.nbbroncos.net for the most to up-to-date school calendar.
I want to thank our community for your continued support of North Branch Area Schools. I am beginning my 24th year as an employee at NBAS and my 8th as the superintendent. Our district has never been stronger as evidenced by the cover of this issue of School Talk. This past year, our school district received national recognition as U.S News & World Report identified North Branch High School, Ruth Fox Middle School, and North Branch Elementary School as Best Public Schools in the country. Locally, Lapeer County residents have selected North Branch Area Schools as BEST of the BEST in Lapeer County since 2018. There are many reasons why our school district continues to excel and we have listed our commitment to our parents and community which is also included on the front page. However, the primary reason we are thriving is we have dedicated and committed employees working throughout the district:
- North Branch Board of Education: Our board demands excellence in all areas. They want our students to excel academically as evidenced by the near one million invested in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Labs in the elementary and middle school. Over a dozen schools visited our district last year for a close up look at the hands-on learning we are providing our K-8 students. At the high school, we have a thriving Early College program that is saving students tens of thousands of dollars in college tuition as well as Advanced Placement classes at every grade level. Extra-curricular opportunities are available for all students in a wide variety of offerings. Our award-winning band continues to receive local, state and national recognition. Our drama and art programs are as strong as ever. Our athletic programs regularly win league and district titles while competing for state championships. The E-Sports gaming program is entering its second season of competition with facilities that mirror any other district in the state. We have something for everyone. Our board has done this while committing to small class sizes especially for our youngest learners at the elementary while being fiscally responsible and ensuring that our school district is healthy financially and prepared to handle the uncertain funding of schools.
- North Branch Administration: Our principals, assistant principals, and central office staff are committed to supporting our teachers and support staff in the classroom. These professionals have the singular goal of creating a learning environment where our students can be successful and enjoy their experience at NBAS.
- North Branch Teachers: I have shared this story many times with our staff. We have over 700 students who choose to come to our district through school of choice. I like to ask those parents why they chose to enroll their children with NBAS. Many respond because of our amazing facilities and a plethora of opportunities in and out of the classroom; however, the overwhelming majority state it is because of our excellent teaching staff. Our teachers truly love what they do and they care deeply about their students.
- North Branch Support Staff: Our paraprofessionals, aides, secretaries, cooks, bus drivers, maintenance staff, custodians and school nurse have bought into our “All In” theme. Their jobs are vital to ensuring your children are transported safely, enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal, learn in a safe and clean environment, and are supported in the classroom. They care about their jobs and are committed to serving your children.
In closing, we have several new staff members and we welcome them to NBAS. Our district will continue with its “All In” motto and we are excited to welcome your children back to school on Monday, August 19th. Please feel free to contact my office at 810-688-3570 if I can help you in any way during the upcoming school year.
In anticipation of an amazing school year!
Jim Fish
North Branch Superintendent
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