During our wellness event at Open House, Mrs. Craft and Mrs. Glenn invited students to “spot their feelings” about returning to school. Teachers were also encouraged to take a moment to identify and spot their own feelings about the start of a new school year.

As you can see, we are all returning to school with a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, happiness, uncertainty, and everything in between. And that’s okay!

As we begin this new school year and navigate new routines, changes, and expectations, kindness, patience, and understanding will be key to making our first week back a successful one.

Let’s remember to give ourselves and others a little extra grace as we settle in. 💛

We can’t wait to see you and start a wonderful new school year together!
about 3 hours ago, Kris Paquette
Spot Your Feelings Activity at the Health & Wellness Fair
Student Responses
Teacher Responses
North teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators had a great day of learning centered around helping students build friendships, connections, and a sense of belonging at school. This group is always engaged and fun! We have the best staff. Yesterday all of our support staff joined us to discuss safety, our mission and vision. It was great having the entire team together. Every person on our team is valuable and important. They all impact learning in a positive way. It's been a great week getting ready for students.
about 22 hours ago, Kris Paquette
Staff PD had a lot of digging into research and discussion to promote connections and a sense of belonging at school.
staff participating in PD
North staff participating in PD
North staff participating in PD
North staff participating in PD
North staff participating in PD
North staff participating in PD

Birch Run Area Schools has a Vacancy on the Board of Education. Anyone interested in filling the vacancy can find more information about the process in the attached document.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mAeGrWGtme_ADigLt4Bon07Xuwf10tSAGCxJYpwRUeU/edit?usp=sharing

about 23 hours ago, Rod Livingston
📅 First Week = Routine Week 📅

Try to avoid “just one extra day” of vacation once school begins. The first week sets habits that last all year.

Need support or want to learn more? Visit fewerthan5.com for family resources. Funding for Strive for Fewer than Five is supported by the Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center.

#striveforfewerthan5
2 days ago, Birch Run Area Schools
Being present from the very first week helps students build strong habits that keep them on track and set the foundation for success all year long.
Student Council did a wonderful job participating at the new student welcome event. A big thank you to Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Millerd for organizing the students and leading the tours. All the parents felt like they learned a lot.
2 days ago, Kris Paquette
Student Council members enjoyed meeting new students, pizza, trivia, and giving tours
North had a wonderful turnout for Open House! In fact, we were so busy we didn't get around to take many pictures of all the families and teachers. Thank you for caring about your child's education and prioritizing Open House. It really does help ease everyone back to school and helps with anxiety. A big thank you to everyone who helped at the Health and Wellness Fair. There looked to be a lot of fun!
3 days ago, Kris Paquette
students met their teachers
students met their teachers
students met their teachers
thank you to Mrs. Bitterman volunteering to run the welcome table

We are getting excited to see students! Parents- please read out newsletter for information pertaining to daily schedules, pick up & drop off, and more! It can also be found on North's webpage> menu> resources
North News 2026

5 days ago, Kris Paquette
🔥 Not needed quite yet…but we’ll be ready when it is! ❄️

After a boiler heats water, it still has to make its way throughout the building to keep BRHS warm and cozy. That’s where these brand-new pumps come in!

These new pumps are part of the boiler project at BRHS, which is now nearing completion. While we’re definitely not wishing for cold weather anytime soon ☀️😎, when those Michigan temperatures eventually drop, our new boilers and pumps will be ready to go!

A big THANK YOU to our voters for supporting the bond that made this important infrastructure improvement possible. 💙💛

#BondDollarsAtWork #BRHS #InvestingInOurSchools
5 days ago, Birch Run Area Schools
Pumps that will take the heated water from the boiler and around the school are displayed.
New circulating pumps have been installed as part of the boiler project at BRHS.
✨ Fresh space. Fresh start. ✨

This classroom is almost ready to welcome students back! But take a closer look…notice anything new? 👀

That’s brand-new carpet! 🎉

Each year, the District refreshes several classrooms with new paint and carpet as part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best spaces for our students.

It may seem like a small detail, but we believe the environment where students learn matters. 💙💛
6 days ago, Birch Run Area Schools
Classroom at BRHS that features new carpet.
Parents will receive a text message/email Monday at 4:30 announcing classroom assignments. This has been a change from our original plan communicated last spring. Please share with your friends. If you do not receive your alert, we did not have your current phone number or email. We will have a welcome table set up for you on Open House night near the office to share your child's placement.
7 days ago, Kris Paquette
Parents will receive a text message/email Monday at 4:30 announcing classroom assignments.

North Elementary is looking for a Literacy Coach. Job posting information below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ow8yPLlKpHoCUsPZCITDcx71X7LZKW_J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113833808455726658788&rtpof=true&sd=true

Please share!

9 days ago, Kris Paquette
Now hiring a literacy coach at North Elementary School.
Job Posting
Does your child need their hearing or vision tested because you missed our original Kindergarten Round Up or because you have concerns? Does your child need a vaccination? August 18th- walk ins welcome at the Saginaw Health Department!
9 days ago, Kris Paquette
August 18th- walk ins welcome at the Saginaw Health Department
📬 Check Back-to-School Updates 📬
Watch for school emails, texts, and posts about start dates, transportation, supply lists, and open houses. Having the details ready helps families avoid first-week absences.

Need support or want to learn more? Visit fewerthan5.com for family resources. Funding for Strive for Fewer than Five is supported by the Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center.

#striveforfewerthan5
9 days ago, Birch Run Area Schools
Be ready for day one. Stay informed on start dates, transportation, and school updates to avoid first-week absences.

Thank you for supporting our Summer ST Math Program! We appreciate you.

10 days ago, Kris Paquette
Thank you businesses for your support!

😴 Start the Sleep Reset 😴

A week or two before school starts, shift bedtime earlier by 10–15 minutes every few nights. Better sleep = easier mornings = fewer missed days.

Need support or want to learn more? Visit fewerthan5.com for family resources. Funding for Strive for Fewer than Five is supported by the Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center.

#striveforfewerthan5absences

15 days ago, Birch Run Area Schools
Better Nights = Better Mornings | Shift bedtime earlier before school starts for easier mornings and better attendance | Strive for fewer than 5 absences
Are you looking for work that fits your child's schedule? Would you enjoy working with children? Do you like having flexibility in your schedule? We need subs for all positions- no special requirements or training needed for paraprofessional subs. Even if you are a person that only has 1 day a week available- we would love to have you sign up to sub. North is a happy place to be at- helpful staff and great kids! Come join us. Start the application process at willsub.com and reach out to us for help! Also, feel free to call us and ask us questions about subbing. We'd love to discuss it with you.
15 days ago, Kris Paquette
sign up to sub at Willsub.com
Thank you to the PTO for the fun meet up at the playground for Prek, K, and Y5 today!
16 days ago, Kris Paquette
students playing
students playing
student playing
PTO served slushies!

North Elementary is hiring a elementary teacher. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to join a positive, supportive team with great students! Send resumes and letters of interest to kpaquette@birchrunschools.org In your letter, please state your current certifications. Please share!

23 days ago, Kris Paquette
North is  hiring a classroom teacher.
Job Posting

A few important notes:
1st-4th Grade Classroom teachers will be announced the week of August 17th via Seesaw. This is a change we have made due to frustrations with mail delays that we have experienced in the past. If you do not have a Seesaw account yet, be sure to sign up for one with the same email that you have enrolled your child with. Seesaw syncs with our Skyward Information System.

Please do not call the office prior to August 18th asking for classroom information as we will not be disclosing this information early. Balancing classrooms is very time consuming and can change up to the last minute. Thank you for your understanding.

Kindergarten teachers will still be sending letter via the US Postal Office.

Our Open House/Annual Health & Wellness Fair is slated for August 18th at 5 pm. If you are a community organization or resource- please sign up for a table using our Google Form (that can also be found on our website): https://forms.gle/YjGi7JmMjJgMvzw8A

about 1 month ago, Kris Paquette
Health & Wellness fair August 18th 5:00
🏫 One of the many steps that happens after a school bond proposal is approved is selling the bonds. District administration has been working with our financial consultant and we have some exciting news to share...

⭐ The District has earned an A+ credit rating—the highest rating possible! This is great news because it helps the District qualify for the lowest available interest rates, which helps make the most of taxpayer dollars.

💰 This rating reflects the District's strong financial management and long-term financial stability.

💙💛 Thank you to our voters for investing in our students and our District. Your support is helping us build a stronger future for our schools! 💛💙
about 1 month ago, Birch Run Area Schools
Birch Run Area Schools earned an A+ credit rating ahead of the bond sale.