Connect-Oct. 13

On Oct. 9, students at Osseo Senior High School had the opportunity to participate in a virtual reality (VR) field trip, thanks to a collaboration between Perpich Center for Arts Education and the nonprofit organization Act One. The VR headsets brought students on visual and audio journeys to explore different cultures, without having to leave the walls of the classroom.

Minnesota’s Education Commissioner, Willie Jett, made stops at three district schools Oct. 8. Jett toured facilities, met with school leaders and visited with students and staff during his morning at Aspen Ridge Elementary School, Maple Grove Middle School and Maple Grove Senior High School.

Jett graduated from Osseo Senior High School and later worked at both Osseo and Park Center senior high schools on his path to becoming the state’s education commissioner in 2023.

The nomination window for Minnesota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year program is open until Nov. 1. If there’s a teacher who has made a positive impact that you’d like to see recognized, find more information and the nomination form on the Education Minnesota website.

Osseo Area Schools recently welcomed 300 families and scholars to Family Bowling Day at Lucky Strikes. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of bowling, arcade games, delicious food and, most importantly, opportunities to connect and build community. Attendees shared how much they enjoyed the experience and appreciated the opportunity to meet others.

“Our family had so much fun,” one attendee said. “The best part of the event was meeting the family that bowled with us. This is what it’s all about—meeting new people and making connections.”

Oct. 12-16 is National School Lunch Week! In schools across the district, our nutrition services team works diligently every day to provide delicious and nutritious meals. To celebrate the week, we asked staff what their favorite school lunch was when they were in school. Add your favorite school lunch in the Facebook reel comments! 🥞🍗🥗🍔🌮🍝

Explore unique learning opportunities through Osseo Area Schools’ magnet programs for the 2027–28 school year. From arts and STEAM to STEM, health science and global studies, magnet schools offer specialized experiences designed around scholars’ interests and strengths.

The Magnet Prioritized Lottery application is open Oct. 15–Dec. 15, 2026. Families interested in a magnet school are encouraged to explore their options and submit an application by the deadline.

Explore magnet schools and apply at osseoschools.org/magnet-schools.

Schools around the district work to create opportunities for parents/caregivers to engage in the school community and be part of their child’s education. Birch Grove School for the Arts has a tradition of hosting Donuts with Grown-ups events a couple of times per year to provide space and time for families to enjoy a light meal together, meet other families and staff, and shop for books at a book fair with their students.

“Our Donuts with Grown-ups event has become a tradition that many of our families look forward to each year, including grandparents, uncles and aunties that get a chance to support our school,” said Birch Grove Principal, Stephanie Webster. “We want our families to feel connected with Birch Grove’s school and school community, and this event is one way we can bring people together.”