Jan. 28, 2025

Osseo Senior High School hosted a celebration at halftime of the boys basketball game against Maple Grove Senior High School on Jan. 24 honoring their 2001 and 2012 Minnesota State Championship Boys Basketball Teams. The celebration included special recognition of both teams at halftime, along with the opportunity for fans, alumni and community members to connect with players and coaches from these legendary teams at a local restaurant after the game.

On Jan. 22, Brooklyn Middle STEAM School welcomed nearly 40 community members into the building as guest speakers for their annual College and Career Day. This year, the school’s career fair expanded from an eighth grade event only to an all-school event.

On Jan. 23, students at Maple Grove, Osseo and Park Center senior high schools had the opportunity to try out a new meal during lunch as a part of Nutrition Services’ second Spotlight on Cuisine.

The Spotlight on Cuisine featured sambusas, which are triangular stuffed pastries stuffed with fillings, such as lentils and ground beef, as well as traditional Somali spices. The sabusas were served with Bariis style rice, which is a traditional rice dish made with turmeric seasoning, cumin, onions, raisins and red peppers, and Tamarind sauce.

Staff members at Adult Basic Education (ABE), including program manager Nancy Johnson, recently helped student Aissatou Sow receive a free eye exam and glasses thanks to Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation, helping her to thrive at ABE and beyond the classroom.

“I like my new glasses. I am thankful for everyone and everything. I am thankful I can see the board in my class, and I can see fine. Thank you!” Sow said.

Elementary students from 279Online gathered for a night of laughter, games and fun on Jan. 22 at their Elementary Activity Night. Students and their families enjoyed getting to see their classmates and teachers in person as they participated in a variety of activities including creating an otter kindness mural, bowling, an otter craft, playing with legos and experiencing a Star Lab!

All through the halls of Edinbrook Elementary on Jan. 21, school staff had stations set up for its students and families to come into the school and engage in literacy games and activities. The school’s Scottie dog mascot roamed the halls to greet students, and students received free books as prizes at the end of their journey through the learning stations.

Rice Lake Elementary School buzzed with excitement and the cheerful noises of games, music and laughter the evening of Jan. 24 at their carnival! Students and their families participated in obstacle courses, bounce houses, face painting, temporary tattoos, carnival games and karate demonstrations while snacking on cotton candy and popcorn.

Please refer to the Community Resources webpage (under family support) for information on immigration-related procedures within the district and external resources that may be helpful to families and/or staff.

• Jan. 31: Registration closes for Four Star Express prekindergarten + care program
• Feb. 1: FACE Black History Month Celebration
• Feb. 3: Licensed Staff Workshop (No school for students)
• Feb. 7: Feedback on the four proposed attendance boundaries due. Visit district279.org/boundaries for details.
• Feb. 7: District 279 Foundation's "A Night Out"
• Feb. 14: Deadline for families to accept assignments/enroll at magnet schools
• Feb. 17: No school for students
• Feb. 20: All Abilities Resource Fair
• Feb. 25: School Board Regular Business Meeting