January Family Newsletter
January Dolphins Family Newsletter
A message from the principal
January Principal Corner: Supporting Families
Over the past several weeks, events in and around our community have deeply impacted many of our students, families, and staff. We want to acknowledge what families may be experiencing and share how we are supporting one another as a school community.
Some families connected to Garden City have been affected by immigration enforcement activity near homes, bus stops, and workplaces. Others are carrying grief, fear, or uncertainty connected to recent acts of violence in our broader community. For many, these experiences are personal and deeply emotional.
At Garden City, students are supported through individual and small group check ins, strong relationships with trusted adults, and access to school based mental health support. In addition to responding to family outreach, trusted adults may proactively check in with students to help them feel safe, supported, and connected throughout the school day.
Families may reach out for support regardless of immigration status. Our role is to care for children and families, and seeking support will never impact a student’s access to education or services. Communication with school staff is handled with care and confidentiality, with student and family dignity at the center of all conversations.
We also want families to know that immigration enforcement cannot come onto school grounds unless they have a warrant. A safety plan is in place, and your children are safe while they are at Garden City. Student safety, well being, and belonging remain our highest priorities.
If you notice immigration enforcement activity or have safety concerns in the surrounding area, please communicate directly with Principal Branch so we can respond and support our community. Families may also contact Noemi Sandoval, our Bilingual Assistant, at 763-561-9768 for help connecting to community resources and support.
Please know that you are not alone. We are here to listen, partner, and care for your children and your family.
Every Voice. Every Day.
Principal Branch
Upcoming Events- Mark your calendars!
💥💥 JANUARY!!! 💥💥
1/22: Families to Families (Virtual) 5:00-6:00 PM
FUTURE:
2/19: Black History Month Celebration Day & STEM Day (All happening during the school hours)
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT NEWS & UPDATES:
Hello GC Families,
We have several exciting upcoming events and important schoolwide kickoffs we would love to share with you.
First and foremost, we want you to know how much we appreciate, value, and truly see each of you. Garden City is a strong and caring community, and together, we will continue to support one another and grow. Your partnership, trust, and presence make our school a special place for our scholars.
Looking ahead:
- January 22 – We will host our first Virtual Families-to-Families Meeting. This will be a space to connect, share, and strengthen our school community together.
- January 26 – We are excited to kick off our School Store once again. This initiative allows families and community affiliates to donate directly to classroom teachers, helping support classroom supplies and other learning needs. Your generosity makes a direct and meaningful impact on our scholars’ daily learning experiences.
Additionally, please keep an eye out for school survey cards. Your voice matters to us. Sharing your feedback and leaving Garden City a review helps us reflect, grow, and continue building the best possible school experience for our students and families. We are committed to being a welcoming school where every voice is heard, every day.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Garden City community. We are grateful for you and look forward to the days ahead.
With appreciation,
Felicia Cornell
Family Liaison
Important Information...
Parent Vue
Parent Vue is a web application used by Osseo Area Schools for parents to access their child's report card, sign up for conferences, view health information, etc. It is critical that all parents/guardians have access to Parent Vue. To use, simply install the app on any smart phone and create your account. To ensure confidentiality, each student has their own access code.
Please go to the main office/or call 763-561-9768 for your child's special access code (if you do not have your Parent Vue set up yet).
All back to school forms MUST be completed and/or verified to enter ParentVue for the first time each school year. ParentVue will prompt you to do this when you login. Be sure to select the begin registration button. You will have to verify ALL CHILDREN in your home, even young siblings!
Late Arrival
A late arrival will be marked for students that arrive at school after 9:40am. Late arrivals can be marked as excused, or unexcused, based on reasoning. Arriving at school on time is incredibly important for your child so they are a part of all classroom community building and learning opportunities.
Birthdays/Celebrations
Out of respect for instructional time, family and religious choices, and many food allergies, birthday treats are NOT permitted in the classrooms. This is a district wide policy.
Arrival and Dismissal for Students Who Are Parent Pick-Up
Students should arrive at school NO EARLIER than 9:10 am as there will not be adult supervision.
Students should be picked up from school NO LATER than 4:00 pm
- We begin to call family numbers at 3:50pm
- There is NO left turn into the parking lot. Cars need to line up on 65th Avenue facing East so you make a RIGHT turn into the Family Pickup Zone.
- Do NOT block the bus lane.
- Do NOT park on the street or stop in the line to send someone to get your student(s). You need to line up in the line like all other families. When in line, you need to stay in line, waiting your turn like other families.
*IMPORTANT END OF DAY NOTICE*
To ensure the safety of all our students…
If there are ANY changes to pick up at the end of the day (example- your student(s) being a parent pick up instead of taking the bus home, or a different family/friend picking up etc) please notify the
OFFICE NO LATER than 2:30pm.
Call 763-561-9768
Bus Transportation Information
As a reminder, transportation is only available to students who live within the Garden City attendance boundaries.
If you have further transportation questions, need to make changes to your student's bus information, etc. please email transportation at BusQuestions@district279.org. or call at
763-391-7244.
Please make sure you download the new FirstView 1.0 Bus Tracking App for all the latest bus real time bus route timing and info. More info below.
FirstView 1.0 Bus Tracking App
Download updated bus tracking app to receive real-time info
Stay connected with your student's bus via our updated bus tracking app – FirstView 1.0.
This new app replaces the previous system with improved features such as easier navigation, notifications and family/caregiver email alerts. Current users should delete the previous app and download FirstView 1.0 to continue receiving real-time bus information. Refer to the Getting Started guide for first steps once the new app has downloaded onto your device.
Questions? Visit district279.org/FirstView or email support@myfirstview.com.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
FirstView 1.0 Bus Tracking App
Download updated bus tracking app to receive real-time info
Stay connected with your student's bus via our updated bus tracking app – FirstView 1.0.
This new app replaces the previous system with improved features such as easier navigation, notifications and family/caregiver email alerts. Current users should delete the previous app and download FirstView 1.0 to continue receiving real-time bus information. Refer to the Getting Started guide for first steps once the new app has downloaded onto your device.
Questions? Visit district279.org/FirstView or email support@myfirstview.com.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Reminder: Fill out Application for Educational Benefits
The application for educational benefits takes just a few minutes to complete, and it unlocks valuable support for families who qualify. Benefits include:
Summer grocery support (Sun Bucks)
Discounted home internet and utilities
Lower college exam and AP fees
After-school and summer programs
Tutoring and academic help
Low-cost community transit
Free or discounted admission to museums, theaters and local events
How to apply:
Online through EduTrakConnect at www.district279.org/FMA. This option will create a family account allowing online access to view meal accounts.
Online at: bit.ly/3hWdk7Q This option will bypass making a family account while still allowing completion of the application.
Information regarding applications for educational benefits
We still want to encourage families who have not been directly certified through programs such as SNAP to fill out applications for educational benefits.
Letters were mailed earlier this month to families who qualify for educational benefits via direct certification through these programs. The letters state that they qualify. Families that qualify based on these programs do not need to fill out an application.
It is beneficial for families who did not receive this notification to fill out an application as it may impact federal Title funding and may help the families and student qualify for other benefits.
We cannot require a family to fill out an application or offer incentives for a family to fill out the application.
This year, as with years past, we have mailed post cards with a link to complete applications for educational benefits to all households. We also send paper applications to each site to have on hand in the office. The paper applications, the post card, as well as the Nutrition Services website has a QR code, and links to a fillable online form that’s available in 5 languages.
Below is an example script you may use to send communications to families if you’re interested.
WHY FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS WHEN MEALS ARE ALREADY AT NO COST?
Our school offers healthy meals each day. Breakfast and lunch will be available to students attending school in person at no cost for school year 2025/2026. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for important education funding. (If you received a letter this summer stating you qualified for educational benefits, you do not need to fill out a form again this year)
We encourage families to fill out an application for educational benefits at the beginning of each school year. The benefits of filling out an application and being approved (or qualifying) may include but are not limited to the following:
Applications completed and approved prior to October 1st will help provide funding for the school your child attends which can be used to provide additional resources that benefit students.
Testing fees for the ACT, SAT and AP Fees may be discounted as well as field trips and band instruments.
Reduced Internet rates with certain providers.
Athletics fees waived or reduced.
There are three easy ways to apply for free or reduced priced meals:
Online through EduTrakConnect at www.district279.org/FMA. This option will create a family account allowing online access to view meal accounts.
Online at: bit.ly/3hWdk7Q This option will bypass making a family account while still allowing completion of the application
Scan the QR code (attached)