S.T.E.M. Newsletter

March 6th, 2026

As part of the Osseo Area Schools operational plan and strategic direction, the district's communication team is working together with schools to help create improved communications between the district and its families and community members. Our new e-newsletters are more accessible and translatable, and they can be shared for easily in a variety of formats. We hope you enjoy catching up with the latest Zanewood Community STEAM School news in this new format.

As we have completed our second trimester, I want to thank you for your continued partnership to ensure successful learning experiences for our scholars. Please know that parents may view report cards in ParentVUE on March 18th. We continue to remind students to follow the Panther Path to show respectful interactions with others and make choices that ensure a safe and inclusive school community. We continue to celebrate being together in community through our House Meetings and House Celebrations. I hope your scholar shares the excitement of these with you as well as how many points they have earned both individually and as a member of their House.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with families during Winter Conferences. Please continue to reach out to your child’s teacher at any time should you have questions or concerns. Additionally, I would love to visit with you about the things that are going well for your scholar and ideas you may have for now to make Zanewood Community School even better.

With appreciation and in partnership,

Jenny Tollefson, Principal

Zanewood Community Elementary School

Phone: 763-549-2435 x81450

This past January, our students kicked off the new year with a high-energy visit from the "Wise with Waste" assembly! This interactive program, supported by Hennepin County, used music and games to teach our school community the "how's and whys" of smart waste management. Students had a blast learning how to distinguish between recycling, organics (composting), and trash, ensuring that we keep as much as possible out of the landfill.

Since the assembly, we’ve already noticed our students taking more pride in how they sort their waste in the cafeteria. You can support this at home by asking your child to show you their "sorting skills"—they are now experts on which bin that milk carton or banana peel belongs in! Our thanks to Hennepin County for helping us foster a cleaner, greener future for our students.

Our 4th and 5th graders recently transformed into budding scientists during a high-energy visit from University of Minnesota chemist. The students took a deep dive into the molecular world, performing hands-on experiments using red cabbage juice as a natural pH indicator to classify acids and bases through vibrant color changes. The was also two spectacular demonstrations: the "Elephant Toothpaste" reaction, which showcased a massive, steaming fountain of oxygen-rich foam, and the "Metal Salt Flames," where various elements turned fire into a dazzling rainbow of greens, reds, and purples. It was an unforgettable day that brought the periodic table to life right in our own classroom.

We have loved having your students in Gym, Music and Art this trimester!

Gym:

It seems like spring is here, which means we might be able to go outside for P.E. to enjoy the weather and the space! While we were stuck inside, we got to experience our basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse units. Many of which can be played outside or inside. The 3rd trimester starting means that Field Day is approaching! Field Day went really well last year, and I know the students are looking forward to it. If the students are having fun while being active, we have done our jobs.

Music:

5th grade scholars, using a design program called TinkerCad, created custom ukulele picks. These designs were printed with the 3D printer and will then be used in the music room. Some of the benefits of playing the ukulele include, improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced creativity and an increase in brain function.

Art:

Scholars have been busy in art the past trimester. January was full of geometry and studying shapes and form. In February scholars celebrated Black History Month by learning about different Black Artists and their contributions to the art world. Mr. Hill teamed up with 5th grade teachers to study Renaissance art and how it impacted the art world. As we end tri 2 and go into tri 3, scholars will begin exploring color and optical illusions.

Come and celebrate all of our scholar's hard work at STEAMFest on May 21st from 5:00-6:30 pm. See what your students have learned in class with their projects, enjoy our Scholastic Book Fair, visit our community partners and incredible staff! More information to come.

Arrival

Our arrival and dismissal times remain the same: School doors will open at 9:10, the school day starts at 9:30, and school is over promptly at 4:00.