Feb. e-newsletter

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

with highlights from Community Education programs.

ABE is partnering with Eastman Nature Center and offering free Saturday classes for EL students and their families (children five years and older). The classes is scheduled Jan. 25, Feb. 1, March 1 and March 8 from 1-3 p.m. Each class has a different topic, and students can sign up for one, or all four Saturdays!

On Feb. 1, students learned about Minnesota wildlife, including foxes, coyotes, black bears, bats and snakes. A naturalist educator guided the lesson, discussing each animal's natural habitat, unique physical features and addressed some common myths. Before going outdoors, students had the opportunity to get an up-close look and touch a hognose snake if they wanted to. The second part of the class featured a guided trail tour led by the naturalist educator around Eastman Nature Center. Students learned about woodpeckers, squirrel nests, maple and ash trees, deer crossings and owls commonly found in Minnesota. A highlight of the experience was meeting Jack, the Great Horned Owl.

Special thanks to District 279 Foundation for funding a grant for this student experience.

In July 2024, ABE received new grant funding from the State of Minnesota for Adults with Disabilities. The funding provides ABE with more tools and resources to support student success. Learn more about Aissatou Sow's story, one example how the new funding is making an impact beyond the classroom.

To compliment online and in-person Teen Driver's Education classes, Osseo Area Schools' Community Education is now offering a new Self-Paced Teen Driver's Education course. The self-paced course allows students increased flexibility to learn on their own time. This new course can be completed in as little as ten days or extended as long as six months. Learn more at osseo.ce.eleyo.com.

Community Education's Targeted Services funding provides after school programming for students in Osseo Area Schools designed to meet individual needs through hands-on experiences. Brooklyn Middle STEAM School (BMS) is one of the schools that receives the funding. Three days a week after school, 300 students dive into engaging enrichment activities that expand interests, encourage skill development and foster personal growth and community building. Student activities including Bold Movers Step Dance Club, Future Chefs, Animal and Plant Club, Chess Club, School of Rock, Code Academy, Anime, Hoops and more.

Sadie Gelle has joined District 279 Foundation as the Administrative and Events Coordinator. Sadie has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Consumer Science Education with a tier 3 licensure for grades 5-12. Most recently she has served as the Enrichment Program Coordinator for Elk River Community Education including being a member of the events team. She did her student teaching at Park Center Senior High School An IB World School and lives in Brooklyn Park with her husband and newborn. Sadie is looking forward to sharing her administrative and event planning skills to help the Foundation’s mission of supporting and enhancing the district’s dedication to all scholars.

District 279 Foundation's A Night Out event was held on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at Edinburgh USA Golf Course. During the event, Fund A Need raised over $11,300, the silent auction exceeded its $15,000 goal, and overall the event net approximately $50,000. Proceeds from this fundraiser help fund District 279 Foundation’s grants program which supports creative projects for scholars in Osseo Area Schools.

The District 279 Foundation's website has a new look, with more intuitive navigation, increased one-click opportunities and some other great new features. We’re excited for you to explore and enjoy the improved experience! Take a look around—we hope you like what you see!

On Feb. 3, Early Childhood and Family Education (EC&FE) staff gathered for a professional development day. The framework for the day included online and in-person group sessions.

Children's teachers participated in LETRS online training.

Parent Educators and ESP's learning session highlights:

• Beth Junso and Leia Robideau, ECSE teachers, presented on two ways children develop language: Analytic Language Development and Gestalt Language Development and discussed strategies that support both styles of language development.
• Jane Kvalheim, EC&FE nurse presented on PostPartum Depression signs and symptoms and resources to share with families.
• Caitlyn Vortherms, St. David's Therapist presented on best practices for fostering resilience and creating a trauma-informed environment that supports healing and strategies for building meaningful, supportive connections between staff, children and their families.
• At the end of Vortherms’ session, staff participated in a group activity called The Web We Create. While in a large circle, they tossed a ball of yarn to and from one another. With each toss of the yarn, staff shared words of affirmation or a compliment about the recipient of the ball of yarn. The activity demonstrated the importance of interconnectedness in our lives

At the end of Vortherms’ session, staff participated in a group activity called The Web We Create. While in a large circle, they tossed a ball of yarn to and from one another. With each toss of the yarn, staff shared words of affirmation or a compliment about the recipient of the ball of yarn. The activity demonstrated the importance of interconnectedness in our lives

Some new class highlights include:

• Infant Yoga: Bond with your pre-crawling baby through yoga, music, movement, and more.
• Family Yoga: Enjoy partner poses, songs, and games with your little ones (ages 4–8).
• Black Indigenous People of Color Parenting Community: A space to celebrate identity, build connections, and create a supportive community.
• Circle of Security - Online Class: Gain confidence in understanding your child’s emotions and behaviors.
  

Each ECFE class typically includes time for parents and children to play together, followed by a separate discussion time where parents can connect, share experiences, and receive helpful insights from licensed parent educators. Register for a class at osseo.ce.eleyo.com.

Promotions to Lead Building Supervisor:

Tom Donahue – Fernbrook Elementary School

Karen Waldman – Rush Creek Elementary School

Liz Oakland – Basswood Elementary School and Rice Lake Elementary School

Aram Eskridge – Park Center Senior High School An IB World School

Dean Schwichtenberg – Woodland Elementary School

Edwin Criollo Morales - Edinbrook Elementary School

New Building Supervisors:

Marisa Brown

Roy Doron

New Auditorium Managers:

Ryan Balcome

Kristen Baker

Madeline George

Andy Spraungel

New Auditorium Techs:

Cristian Angeles

Jo Ruth Antolin

Abby Chanzu

Carter Hickerson

Tyler Kennemore

Zachary Montero

Shane Schrieber

Paige Smith

Amber McGee

Farewell:

LaToya McKinley

On Jan. 20 Kidstop and Four Star Express held an in-service training day at Maple Grove Middle School for all staff from both programs. The framework for the day included break out sessions, lunch and three team-building activities.

Preschool and prekindergarten registration is happening now for the 2025-26 school year. Four Star Express, EC&FE's Preschool and PreK and the Enrollment Center have strong enrollment so far.

Families can learn about all of the programs on the district website including an at-a-glance chart to compare programs by key topics and frequently asked questions. Enrollment will remain open in each program until full.

Osseo Area Schools has planned a wide range of activities and learning experiences for students in early childhood through high school. Programs include STEM adventures, arts exploration, sports, parent and child classes, academic enrichment, Teen Driver's Education and more! Learn about summer programs happening in the district.

Osseo Area Schools 2025 Career Expo will be on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Zanewood Community: A STEAM School. This is an excellent opportunity for you to share with friends and community members who are looking to explore exciting job opportunities in the school district, including Community Education.

Looking for summer employment or know someone who is? Community Education programs are hiring! View open positions and apply today.

Like” and “Follow” to stay updated an engaged with Community Education! Encourage other staff, volunteers, participants and community members to like, follow and share posts!

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Email Kathryn Polum, Communications Specialist at polumk@district279.org.

Nov. CE Staff E-Newsletter
Sept. CE Staff E-Newsletter

July CE Staff E-Newsletter

Osseo Area Schools Community Education

11200 93rd Ave. No.

Maple Grove, MN 55369

Phone: 763-391-7000

www.ce.district279.org