May newsletter

This e-newsletter is intended for Osseo Area Schools Community Education staff with highlights from Community Education programs during the month of May.

On May 31, students and staff from four classes of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and ECFE Family Literacy enjoyed an educational field trip experience to Eastman Nature Center. The visit extended classroom learning into the outdoors through unique, hands-on learning experiences.

Students explored indoor exhibits at Eastman Nature Center, learning about Minnesota’s native snakes, turtles and salamanders. The learning continued outdoors as students explored plants, animals, trees, ponds and identified sounds of nature while walking along the variety of trails.

Highlights for students included stepping out onto the floating boardwalk for a closer view of the water and the opportunity to ride a school bus.

Special thanks to the District 279 Foundation for funding a grant to provide bus transportation for this field trip.

• Acting Audition Workshop
• Acting for Everyone
• Fantasy Football FUNdamentals
• How Money Works: A Guide to Financial Literacy
• Paint Like Bob Ross: Lake Views
• Paint Like Bob Ross: Mountainscape
• Online: Adult Spanish Conversation -¡Vamos a Charlar! Let’s Chat! (LIVE)
• Online: Canva for Awesome Beginners
• Online: Create Social Media Content Without Panicking
• Online: Practical ChatGPT Training for Everyone

We are gearing up for summer camps and registrations keep coming in! Most popular:

• Camp Invention
• Middle School Musical: Finding Nemo Kids
• Kickers Soccer Camp
• Candy Lab Science
• Jr. NBA Basketball Camp
• Glam Lab Science

On May 15, the Enrollment Center team had their annual May retreat off site. During the retreat, the team had the opportunity to engage in discussions about what constitutes a high-performing enrollment center. It was inspiring to hear everyone's perspectives on how we can enhance our operations and better serve our community.

One of the highlights of the day was the teams focus on communication and collaboration. We explored strategies for improving communication within our team and fostering stronger collaboration across departments. These discussions provided us with actionable ideas to implement moving forward.

Additionally, each team member completed the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. This assessment offered valuable insights into our individual strengths and how we can leverage them to achieve our goals as a team. This exercise will help the team better understand each other's strengths and work more effectively together.

Special thanks to Jenny Carrier and Katie Schroden from the Kasson Mantorville School District for joining us as certified StrengthsFinder coaches. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable throughout the afternoon, and we are grateful for their support. The team is excited to build upon the momentum from the retreat and hope to apply the insights gained and work collaboratively to create a high-performing enrollment center that exceeds expectations.

On May 14, Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE) celebrated 50 years of Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in Minnesota. To mark the significant half-century milestone, early childhood staff and volunteers invited families, current and former staff and the community to an outdoor Spring Social event.

The event drew more than 1,100 attendees who came together to celebrate at Arbor View Early Childhood Center for an evening filled with free activities for children and families. Early Childhood staff and volunteers planned activity stations for families to enjoy. Activity highlights included bubbles, hopscotch, photo booth, Henna art, face painting, sensory play, popsicles, ice cream and food trucks. Community partners with activities included a naturalist from the Eastman Nature Center, a representative with resources from the Maple Grove Hospital and a variety of community vehicles that children and adults could check out up close.

Attendees enjoyed a special guest performance by Teddy Bear Band. As part of the band’s musical set for the occasion, they performed a commemorative song they wrote and recorded called ECFE We Love You- the 50th Anniversary Song.

For 26 years, District 279 Foundation’s Investment in Youth Celebration has honored scholars, volunteers and staff in Osseo Area Schools. The 2024 celebration took place on May 5 at Park Center Senior High School: An IB World School. The event recognized the many achievements and success stories of the students, staff and volunteers in Osseo Area Schools with a dinner, program and performance by Maple Grove Senior High School Sideline Cheer Team. 2024 program and award recipients.

District 279 Foundation strives to support learning and be an accessible partner for teachers and schools. Trustees selected 42 innovative and creative projects to receive $57,341 in funding in Osseo Area Schools during the 2023-24 school year. Special thanks to our donors and partners who help provide these learning opportunities for scholars. 2023-24 Grant Recipients.

Registration is open for the 14th annual Reading is Fun 5K on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Elm Creek Park Reserve. This family-friendly event will raise funds to purchase learning resources for media centers in Osseo Area Schools. Register through July 31 and get early bird pricing and a guaranteed t-shirt!

Chikezie Attama, Kate Ferguson Kristin Johnson and Anna Fox who have joined the Facilities Scheduling team.

The Site Supervisors will help students, families and staff by providing extra support and making stronger connections. During the summer, there will be multiple Site Supervisors at Summer Kidstop locations. Each supervisor will have a school year site and will also help at other locations, including Non-School Days. Program Managers will oversee and support the Site Supervisors.

"Meet the Site Supervisor" bios with pictures are linked below.

Basswood Elementary School

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Nick DeVos

Cedar Island Elementary School

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Jacob Tieszen

Edinbrook Elementary School

• Kidstop Site Supervisor: Abby Adegeye

Elm Creek Elementary School

• Kidstop Site Supervisor: Daryl Brown

Fernbrook Elementary School

• Kidstop Site Supervisor: Jordan Robertson

Oak View Elementary School

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Jill Coughenour-Lane

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Katy Scherber

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Chrissy Princeton

Weaver Lake: A Science, Math & Technology School

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Lori George

Woodland Elementary School

• Kidstop and Four Star Express Site Supervisor: Amy Cooper

• Educational Support Professional (ESP) AM Posting

• ESP PM Posting

• ESP AM Float

• ESP PM Float

• Four Star Express Instructor Rush Creek Elementary

• Four Star Express Instructor Rice Lake Elementary

• Four Star Express Instructor Oak View Elementary

• ESP Sub Posting

• Instructor Sub Posting

The Community Education Leadership Team meets quarterly during the year. The purpose of the meetings offer an opportunity for staff to:

• Connect personally, professionally and philosophically in ways that lead to continuous improvement.
• Coordinate action in ways that build capacity and meet the needs of all learners in Osseo Area Schools.

Group photo below of CE Leadership Team meeting on May 28 at the Maple Grove Library.

On May 11 the Community Education Program Advisory Council (CEPAC) hosted a Mental Health and Well-Being Adult Enrichment event at Osseo Middle School. The free adult enrichment event was designed to bring together community members, talented enrichment instructors, professional and passionate Community Education staff and volunteers for a time to connect, learn and feel energized. CEPAC members and a group of Community Education staff spent time during the school year to plan and curate the event for attendees.

Osseo Area Schools will provide free meals to children through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program through Aug. 8. Any child 18 years of age or younger may participate. Meals will be provided during the allotted time frames and must be eaten on site. Read more

Families, staff members, and the community at large can look forward to a refreshed Osseo Area Schools website that is set to launch prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. Read more

Crest View Elementary School is being repurposed as part of the Building a Better Future plan. Please share your thoughts/ideas on how to best utilize the additional space via this anonymous ThoughtExchange.

The feedback you share will help the programming team with final recommendations to provide to the designers and architects.

Social media serves as a hub for communication and connection. “Like” and “Follow” to stay updated an engaged. Once you're connected, encourage other staff, volunteers, participants and community members to like, follow and share future posts!

Osseo Area Schools Community Education on Facebook

Osseo Area Schools Community Education on Instagram

Email Kathryn Polum, Communications Specialist at polumk@district279.org.

April CE Staff E-Newsletter

March CE Staff E-Newsletter

February CE Staff E-Newsletter

January CE Staff E-Newsletter

December CE Staff E-Newsletter

November CE Staff E-Newsletter

11200 93rd Ave. No.

Maple Grove, MN 55369

Phone: 763-391-7000

www.ce.district279.org