March newsletter

This e-newsletter is intended for Osseo Area Schools Community Education staff.

In support of MCEA's Community Education Advocacy Day at the Capitol, Community Education staff from across Minnesota traveled to the Capitol on March 5, 2024 to meet one-on-one with state senators and representatives to engage in discussions about issues critical to community education.

Carrie Cabe, Melissa Henderson, Nancy Johnson, Kathryn Polum and Kari Sawyer represent Osseo Area Schools to highlight the significance of Community Education in our district!

You're invited! The Community Education Program Advisory Council (CEPAC) will host a free Mental Health and Well-Being Adult Enrichment event on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Osseo Middle School .

Adults, including staff and community members are invited to attend.

This free Adult Enrichment event will be dedicated to adult personal growth, mental health and well-being and is designed to bring together community members, talented enrichment instructors, professionals and passionate Community Education staff and volunteers for a morning to:

• Build meaningful relationships.
• Discover enrichment opportunities available through Osseo Area Schools Community Education.
• Expand mental health and well-being knowledge and skills.

What: Mental Health and Well-Being Adult Enrichment Event
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024

Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Osseo Middle School
Event Information and Registration: bit.ly/ISD279CEPACEventMay11

Audience: Adults only

Cost: Free for attendees

Registration Questions? Contact Susie Cox, Community Education AESP

email: coxs@district279.org | phone: 763-391-7114

Please share this free event opportunity with staff and families in your building, department, or program.

• Summer employment opportunities

• 10 new Site Supervisor positions

We are looking for instructors for Camp Invention- a camp offered through Youth Enrichment each summer. Camp Invention is a national organization – they write the curriculum, provide all the supplies, marketing materials, registration, etc. Camp is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17, 18, 20 and 21 at Elm Creek Elementary School.

Are you interested in being an instructor/teacher for this summer camp?

Contact:

• Sarah Heyer, Program Manager at heyers@district279.org or 763-391-7122
• Christina Saugstad at saugstadc@district279.org

On Saturday's during the month of March, Adult Basic Education (ABE) English Language (EL) students and their families participated in a free Nature for English Learners class series in partnership with the Eastman Nature Center in Maple Grove to learn and explore what Minnesota parks have to offer. The class series included time for learning with a naturalist educator in an indoor classroom and exploring the outdoors. Learning topics included map reading, animals and trees found in Minnesota. Students received a Nature Walk Journal to use during the class to write and draw their experience and observations. The journals were made possible through a grant funded by the District 279 Foundation.

• Prepare Your Own Will: 63 enrollments in two classes
• Marvelous Macarons: 50 enrollments in five classes
• Exploring Pottery: 40 enrollments in two classes
• Asian Favorites: 18 enrollments
• Paint Like Van Gogh: 16 enrollments

• Summer AESP seasonal positions – 6 weeks from approximately July 24– Sept. 4.
• Registered Nurse

On March 7, families were invited to Arbor View Early Childhood Center and Willow Lane Early Childhood Center for an evening of early learning activities, snacks, food and fun with Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE) staff. Arbor View Early Childhood Center in Maple Grove welcomed thirty-seven families while Willow Lane Early Childhood Center in Brooklyn Center welcomed thirty-two families.

The event, centered around the theme of reading, gave families the opportunity to visit classrooms where dedicated EC&FE staff led activities such as painting stations, sensory play, a “Stop, Drop and Read'' story time, motor room and gym time. In addition to the activities, families had a chance to connect and build meaningful relationships during a meal or snacks that were served.

Fun fact: This spring marks the 50th Anniversary of Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in Minnesota!

Lottery registration for summer offerings began on Wednesday, April 3 at 8 a.m. The registration lottery is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1. Families will be notified of their class placements by Friday, May 3 at 4 p.m. For more information on summer ECFE fun and learning for families with children birth to age 8, visit bit.ly/ECFEOsseo.

Rush Creek Elementary School Four Star Express Bee Room celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. World Down Syndrome Day is marked each year on the 21st day of March to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

District 279 Foundation’s Investment in Youth celebration will be held on Sunday, May 5 at Park Center Senior High School. For over 20 years, District 279 Foundation's Investment in Youth celebration has honored the many achievements and success stories of students, volunteers and staff in Osseo Area Schools.

The 6 p.m. awards ceremony is open to the public and can be attended at no charge. You are invited to join for this inspirational celebration of 70 individuals in Osseo Area Schools who contribute to our community with confidence, courage and competence.

Cheryl Berge- Facilities Scheduling Building Lead

Nicholas McClenon-Adult Basic Education Student

Sally Nault-Maurer- Early Childhood & Family Education Program Coordinator (retired)

Pallavi Sarin- Early Childhood & Family Education Volunteer

Debbie Palmer- Enrollment Center Administrative Assistant

Marva Sullivan- Adult Basic Education Volunteer

These social media pages serve as a hub for communication and connection about all of our Community Education programs. Click on the links below to “Like” and “Follow” to stay updated an engaged.

Osseo Area Schools Community Education on Facebook

Osseo Area Schools Community Education on Instagram

Once you're connected, encourage other staff, volunteers, participants and community members to like, follow and share future posts!

Email Kathryn Polum, Communications Specialist at polumk@district279.org. Content and photo(s) are requested on or before the 20th of each month.

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