Orioles Newsletter

Immigration-related safety, support and resources

Dear OMS families,

This continues to be a very trying time in our community. Many of our families and colleagues are dealing with immense feelings of fear and anxiety due to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) action taking place. Our foremost priority during this time, as always, is to create safe and secure learning environments, and to provide meaningful education to each and every student in our community.

Our district and school teams have put many plans into place to ensure the continuation of this opportunity for all of our students. Please refer to our dedicated website for the most up-to-date information, including on topics like learning options, meals and safety/security procedures.

We recognize that this may be an emotional and uncertain time for many members of our school community. Please know that we remain committed to supporting students and families with care, dignity, and compassion.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we work together to ensure that our school remains a safe, welcoming place for every student.

Brian Chance, Principal

Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal

Lost and Found

Midway through the year and the Lost & Found is out of control! If you are missing water bottles, jackets, sweatshirts, gloves/mittens, hats or lunch boxes please have your students stop my the tables in the GYM to look for their items before the get donated.

As we approach Ramadan, we want to ensure we are providing thoughtful and appropriate support for your child during the school day.

If your child observes Ramadan and requires accommodations—such as access to a prayer space, an alternative supervised area during lunch while fasting, or flexibility in Physical Education or music classes—please complete the Ramadan Participation Permission Form before February 16, 2026.

The form allows us to document parent/guardian permission, plan for adequate space and supervision, and ensure students understand expectations when accessing alternative spaces.

Please note that parent/guardian permission is required for all accommodations. We also expect students to demonstrate the Oriole Way—being respectful, responsible, and resourceful—when participating in any alternative arrangements.

If you prefer, you are welcome to call Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal, directly at 763-391-8556 to discuss your child’s needs.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to supporting your child during this important time.

Maple Grove Farmers Market

The Maple Grove Farmers Market is coming back early! We’re adding two bonus indoor markets this winter on Thursday, Feb. 12 and Thursday, Feb. 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. inside the Maple Grove Community Center.

Join us for our full indoor season on the following Thursdays:

• February 12

• February 26

• March 12

• March 26

• April 9

• April 23

Shop local vendors, fresh goods, and handmade products while staying warm indoors. We can’t wait to see you back at the market!

Maple Grove

Black History Month Film Festival

Join us for Black History Month Film Festival. During the month of February, watch one influential movie on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. and then discuss the movie afterwards. All are welcome.

February 3 – Selma (PG-13)
February 10 – Remember the Titans (PG)
February 17 – Malcom X (PG-13)
February 24 – Till (PG-13)

Glow in the Snow

Join Maple Grove parks and recreation at Gleason Fields for sledding under the stars. Enjoy an evening of fun with free glow sticks for your rides down the hill and a cozy hot chocolate bar in the warming house. Bring a sled or borrow one. This free event is a great way to celebrate the snowy season with family and friends!

Ages: All ages
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Gleason Fields sledding hill

Vintage Market

Step back in time at the Maple Grove Vintage Market on Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maple Grove Community Center. This free-to-shop indoor market features a curated lineup of vintage vendors offering unique finds, along with food and coffee, music, and fun activities throughout the day. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply love the nostalgia of all things vintage, this event offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere to shop and explore.

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Maple Grove Community Center

Brooklyn Park

Luminary Snowshoe

Explore the farm at night on snowshoes under the full moon with our Luminary Snowshoe event! Walk the back loop and warm up by the campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. This is a pre-registration event, limited quantities of snowshoes are provided. Feel free to bring your own if you have them.

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $8 per person
Location: Historic Eidem Farm

All Abilities Resource Fair

Join Brooklyn Park Recreation & Parks in partnership with District 279 Osseo Area School District for the All Abilities Resource Fair!

This FREE event invites individuals with disability related needs, families, and caregivers to explore a wide range of inclusive community resources, services, and programs designed for all ages and abilities.

We will have exhibitors, resources, a make and take activity, refreshments, a sensory room and supervised child care. We will also have language interpreters including American Sign Language.

Event Details
When: Thursday, February 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Community Activity Center – 5600 85th Ave N

Black History Month Showcase

Join the City of Brooklyn Park for our annual Black History Month Showcase.

This year’s celebration embraces the national theme, “100 Years of Commemoration,” honoring a century of preserving, uplifting, and reflecting on Black history and contributions.

Engage with community leaders and cheer on local performances. Get to know Brooklyn Park’s artistic community and enjoy food from our amazing restaurants.

Food samples are available for the first 200 guests through the door.

Event Details
When: Friday, February 20 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Community Activity Center – 5600 85th Ave N

February is Heart Health Month

American Heart Month occurs every February to raise awareness about heart disease, to educate how common it is and promote a healthy lifestyle to improve cardiovascular health.

Tips to become heart healthy:

Eat a heart healthy diet. Whole foods, reduced sodium, and healthy fats. The more colorful your plate of food is, usually the more nutrients.
Move more. Take stretching breaks during the day, try to be physically active for at least 10 minutes a day and work your way up to 30 minutes per day.
Manage stress (easier said than done). You can start by just checking in with yourself.
Improve sleep. Try to have a consistent sleep schedule and minimize screen time.

Take care of yourself, there is only one you that the world will ever get.

Important Links

February 16- Presidents Day NO SCHOOL

March 6- Mark Reporting Day NO SCHOOL

March 9- Trimester 3 begins

March 20: Conf Release NO SCHOOL

March 23-27: Spring Break NO SCHOOL

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