Bulldogs Newsletter October 2, 2023

Dear Basswood Families,

A common greeting in parts of Europe at this time of year can be translated as "Good slide in the New Year!" With the recent rain and cold temps we have all had a good slide in Minnesota. Freezing rain aside, I do wish everyone a wonderful new year.

It has been great to be back at Basswood this week. Our students slipped right back into the rhythm of the school day and they did not miss a beat. The second trimester provides a great opportunity for student growth and in just a few weeks parent teacher conferences will be here. We look forward to sharing the many ways your students have grown through the school year. Stay tuned for details about conferences.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Steven Schwartz
Basswood Principal
#WeAreBasswood!

Basswood Elementary School 2025-2026’s yearbook is available for sale! Order your yearbook by 04/09/2026.

Basswood and our fabulous PTO are continuing the Medallion Hunt! Clues will begin on Monday, January 19. Clues will continue daily until the Medallion is found. A flyer with all the details will be going home next Wednesday.

While the 2025-26 school year is still young, Osseo Area Schools is already making preparations for a smooth transition to new attendance boundaries at the elementary and middle school levels for the fall of 2026. Families can double-check whether or not their household is impacted by using the 2026-27 search tool available via osseoschools.org/boundaries.

Families who have students impacted by next fall's attendance boundary changes can expect to receive a letter before the end of November with information about their new school and other pertinent details.

Families with 2026-27 fifth and eighth graders will be asked whether or not they’d like to utilize a Remain in Place option, where they could stay their final year at their current school with family-provided transportation. Details will be shared mid-November. Students relocating can expect a similar educational experience across district schools, with shared goals for academic rigor and a welcoming environment at all sites. Efforts have also been made to keep neighborhoods together as much as possible so that any school changes are made with familiar students.

These changes can be tough; however, every effort is being made to ensure families have great experiences at all schools. Special activities will be held starting next spring to welcome and support families relocating. Families are also welcome to check out school websites and/or schedule a tour in the weeks and months ahead.

The flexibility with this needed change is appreciated. Questions? Check out osseoschools.org/boundaries, or reach out to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.

January 13 - 5th grade Band Concert at Osseo Middle School - 8pm
January 13-15 - Vision & Hearing Screening for 1st, 3rd, 5th grades
January 16 - E-Learning Day for Students (No Students at Basswood)

January 19 - No School/Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 19 - Medallion Hunt Clues begin!
January 22 - PTO Meeting 6:30pm
January 23 - 5th grade DARE Graduation 11am
January 26 - 5th grade Orchestra Concert at Osseo Middle School - 6:30pm

What time does my student eat lunch?

2nd grade: 10:45 - 11:10am
4th grade: 11:15 - 11:40am
1st grade: 11:45 - 12:10pm
3rd grade: 12:15 - 12:40pm
5th grade: 12:45 - 1:10pm
Kindergarten: 1:15 - 1:40pm

Will your student be absent from school for vacation?

If you are planning a family vacation or just time away from school, please remember to call your student's absence into the attendance line. You can call 763-494-3858 and press 1 to leave a message with your student's name, student's teacher, reason for absence, and dates that your student will be gone. We really appreciate your assistance!

Is your child signed up for an after school Community Ed class?

Our district Community Education department offers a variety of after school classes. If you do sign your student up for one of these classes, please remember to let your student's teacher know about the class and when your student needs to stay after school.

What time should my student be at school in the morning?

First bell rings at 8:40am letting students into the school. Second bell rings at 8:50am letting students know they should be in their classroom ready to start the day! At 8:50am, the front doors are shut and student will need to come through the office to get a late pass.

Can my student ride home on another student's bus?

The District Transportation department only allows students to ride their assigned bus to and from school. If you have questions, you can reach out to the Transportation Department at 763-391-7244 or transportationreques@district279.org.

What do I need to do to volunteer at school?

We welcome and encourage volunteers at Basswood. You can complete an online volunteer form online at apps.raptortech.com/Apply/Nzg0OmVuLVVT and work with our volunteer coordinator, Lezlie Northagen. Volunteer information will go home the first week of school. Activities in a normal school year include being a classroom assistant, helping with classroom parties, helping with PTO sponsored activities (Carnival, Turkey Bingo, Book Fair, etc.) along with numerous other opportunities. We continue to follow state guidelines and adjust our volunteer program accordingly.

Is Basswood on Facebook?

Yes! You will be able to follow us on Facebook. Please note that we are moving away from Twitter (@BWPrincipal279) for Basswood social media. Click here to follow us.

How can I find out more about Basswood's PTO?

Every parent or guardian of enrolled students of Basswood Elementary is an automatic member of the PTO. We encourage you to join one of our next general meetings - or just send us a note if you have a question. You can find more information on our PTO website: https://sites.google.com/view/basswoodpto/home?authuser=1 or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BasswoodElementaryPto

For Week of January 12, 2026 For Week of January 12, 2026

Issue #17 Issue #17

At Home Remote Learning Day - Friday, January 16 At Home Remote Learning Day - Friday, January 16

No School - Monday, January 19 No School - Monday, January 19

The Basswood Yearbook is on sale! The Basswood Yearbook is on sale!

Medallion Hunt is back! Medallion Hunt is back!

2026-27 Attendance boundary changes: Reminder and next steps 2026-27 Attendance boundary changes: Reminder and next steps

This week at Basswood... This week at Basswood...

Coming Up at Basswood... Coming Up at Basswood...

Good to Know... Good to Know...