News and events
Oxbow Creek Families,
The leaves are beginning to turn colors and the crisp fall air can be felt in the morning. Fall is a season of change, and the start of a new school year is often one of the biggest transitions our families experience. Shifting from the more laid-back days of summer into the structured rhythm of school takes time, especially as our students navigate new routines, learn their teachers' styles, and connect with new classmates.
We know these initial weeks can feel like a whirlwind; however, it has been incredible to watch our students rise to the occasion and find their groove.
Here at Oxbow, we truly appreciate the energy and flexibility it takes to adapt to a new school year. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you for your patience, partnership, and encouragement as we navigate this transition together. I am so proud of how quickly our students are settling in, and watching their confidence—and their smiles—grow each day is the best part of my job!
Mrs. Monson - Oxbow Creek Elementary Principal
- 2nd Grade - The Works Museum: Friday, October 30th
- 3rd Grade - Mill City Museum:
Friday, November 6th (3MI and 3TU)
Friday, November 13th (3JO, 3SM, 3UN and 3WH)
Voters to decide Permanent School Fund allocation formula on November 3
Along with casting votes for candidates for office this fall, ballots for voters in Anoka-Hennepin and across Minnesota will include a question that, if approved, would adjust the Minnesota Permanent School Fund to increase revenue for education without increasing property taxes.
What is it? The Permanent School Fund was formed when Minnesota became a state in 1858 as proceeds from land provided from the federal government were directed to fund public education for children as included in the state constitution. A change or amendment in the constitution requires a statewide vote.
Why it matters: The majority of revenue to operate Anoka-Hennepin Schools is provided by taxpayers at the state, national and local level. Permanent School Fund revenue is generated through timber sales, mining, land leases, and other resource activities generated by the 2.5 million acres of land and 1 million acres of mineral rights managed through the fund.
The question: The ballot question would increase the funding allocation from the PSF to 4.5% of proceeds, up from the current 2.5% allocation. For Anoka-Hennepin, this would result in an estimated $33 increase in per-pupil funding or $1.2 million annually. If not approved by voters, the fund would remain at its current allocation level, the land would remain in trust and operations would continue in their current format.
Go deeper: The ballot question was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature following a 134-0 vote in the House of Representatives and strong bi-partisan support in the Minnesota Senate. This action followed a recommendation from a non-partisan task force assigned to study and recommend updates to the allocation formula with the goal of providing a sustainable funding source to support Minnesota’s children in alignment with the original purpose of the fund.
Vote: In order to gain approval for a Minnesota constitutional amendment, a majority of all voters participating in the election would need to vote yes. If a voter leaves the question blank, it counts as a no vote.
Learn more: Detailed information is available at https://www.mnpsfamendment.org/.
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OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE
“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?”
Voters who bypass voting on the ballot measure are considered “no” votes.
Pre-K to Grade 3 Parenting Education: Did you know?
Conferences are most families’ first official chance to connect with teachers and talk about their child’s progress. To feel prepared and take advantage of this opportunity, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Include your child in the conference. Let them know why you’re going to school and ask them if they have any questions for their teacher.
Write down the questions you’d like to ask the teacher. For example:
“Can you show/tell us examples of _________________?”
“At home, how can I reinforce what they’re learning in school?”
“How can we partner to work together and support my child?”
Other questions? Contact a PreK – Grade 3 parent educator.