Connect-Sept. 8

As shared last May, the district is taking a close look at technology’s role in the classroom this school year. The school board heard a progress update at their Aug. 18 work session.

The classroom technology that the learning/achievement and technology teams are reviewing anything from video platforms to educational apps to learning strategies. The central question they’re focusing on is: How do we ensure responsible use of technology for learning? The initial findings have prompted some changes that families and staff will see as they come back to school this fall.

Elementary school

• Students' ability to create Google Sites have been turned off.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) access has been turned off.

• YouTube has been blocked.

• Devices will continue to be cart based and only go home under limited circumstances, eg. eLearning, asynchronous days, intentional learning activities, etc.

Middle school

• AI applications have been restricted to Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM).

Districtwide

• Remaining social media sites – X and Instagram – have been blocked.

Parent/caregiver resources:

• Parents/caregivers will have the ability to control some of their student’s device settings at home via the Lightspeed Parent Portal. Look for an email with more details Sept. 9.

The team will continue to take a close look at classroom technology in the months ahead. A steering committee will also be formed and is expected to report out on long-term guidance and recommendations at the February school board work session.

As we begin the new school year, students and families should remain cautious when receiving emails that appear to come from Osseo Area Schools. Like many organizations and school districts across Minnesota, there has been a recent increase in phishing emails designed to trick recipients into clicking links, sharing information or providing account credentials. Official email communications from Osseo Area Schools will come from an email address ending in @district279.org. Before responding to an email or clicking a link, take a moment to verify the sender's address. If you receive a message that seems suspicious or if you are unsure whether it is legitimate, please contact your school office and report it so our school community remains safe online.

Get to know the school board candidates at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters in Brooklyn Park, Osseo and Maple Grove has invited candidates to share more information and answer public questions. The forum will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Maple Grove Government Center, Council Chamber (12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway N, Maple Grove). The forum will be live streamed by CCX Media and will be available online after the event.

This forum is not affiliated with Osseo Area Schools. It is open to the public, and individuals in attendance are welcome to submit questions for candidates. Candidates for three seats (four-year terms) are Thomas Brooks, Lauren Harris, Max Maher, Sarah Mitchell, Tanya Prince and Stacey Yurcek. Information about candidates, polling locations and more is available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Osseo Area Schools is dedicated to ensuring that every family has timely and meaningful access to information and services. With more than 125 languages spoken throughout the district, we’re committed to providing multilingual communication that promotes the inclusive participation of all families and community members.

If you’re a parent/caregiver of a student in a public school and your preferred language is not English, you have the following rights established by law:

• School districts must have a process for identifying your language needs.

• Schools must provide information in a language you understand.

• School districts must provide effective language assistance to you, such as by offering translated materials or a language interpreter.

• Schools must provide you with language assistance even if your child is proficient in English or you have some English proficiency.

• Schools must provide translation or interpretation from appropriate and competent individuals and may not rely on or ask students, siblings, friend or untrained school staff to translate or interpret for you.

• Language assistance must be free to you.

For more information on language services here at Osseo Area Schools, please visit OsseoSchools.org/LanguageServices.

Maple Grove Senior High School senior Seunfunmi Olapade, a member of the Crimson Robotics Team 2526, was one of 10 students nationwide selected as a finalist for the FIRST Leadership Award, which recognizes students who have made extraordinary contributions to their team, school and community. The recognition honors those who serve as exemplary role models for other robotics students. Olapade traveled to the world championships last May to be recognized with the other finalists.

Osseo Area Schools’ staff celebrated the beginning of the new school year with an all-staff event Sept. 3 at Osseo Senior High School. Staff from across the district came together as a community to enjoy lunch and snacks from a variety of food trucks, watch student performers and hear from district leaders. Check out a reel from the event on Facebook!