Scotties Newsletter

This month is Black History Month, and schools across the district will be dedicating time to celebrate, honor, and learn about people or events that have impacted Black culture in our country's history.

This contest allows students to use their artistic abilities and knowledge of school bus safety to create a colorful and informational poster. All students should be encouraged to participate in this contest through their respective schools.

Winners will be selected in each of the following categories – PreK-K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9-12 and all special education students. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each grade level have the opportunity to win gift cards, art supplies, and other prizes. These students will also advance to the state competition where there are opportunities to win additional prizes, including tickets to a Minnesota Twins baseball game. State winners advance to a national competition with a grand prize of $500.

Poster Details: See attached documents above for all the specific details (Contest Flyer, Contest Rules, Contest Label). Posters must be on 11”x17” or 12”x18” tagboard and feature the theme “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” must be included in the poster design.

Please read the details carefully as not following directions could result in disqualifications.

Deadline: Monday, March 2nd.

Do you know what PBIS is? PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It is a proactive, school-wide framework that teaches and reinforces positive behaviors, rather than just punishing negative ones, to create safer, more supportive, and successful learning environments for all students. The acronym we use at Edinbrook is “PAWS”. We expect students to: P-Practice Safety, A-Act Responsibly, W-Work Toward Success, and S-Show Respect. We have a school wide behavior matrix that outlines “PAWS” behavior expectations throughout the school. When showing “PAWSITIVE” behavior, our students have a chance to earn PAWS tickets that can be used at the school store, or they can put them into a drawing for special prizes! Classes can also earn golden coins that are used to earn classroom parties! The matrix is pictured below. You could create a list of expectations for home too!

In January our school was focusing on the core value of Honesty. At Edinbrook, students are learning that honesty is about more than just "not lying"—it’s about building trust, having the courage to admit mistakes, and acting with integrity (doing the right thing even when no one is watching).

We are discussing:

• The Courage to be Honest: Why it’s sometimes scary to tell the truth and how we can support each other in being brave.
• Owning Our Mistakes: Learning that mistakes are okay, but hiding them stops us from growing.
• Honesty vs. Kindness: Learning how to be truthful while still being a good friend.

How you can help at home: If your child admits to a mistake, try to acknowledge their honesty before addressing the mistake itself. Phrases like, "I’m so glad you told me the truth; that took a lot of courage," help reinforce that honesty is a safe and valued choice.

Thanks for partnering with us in this work!

February means “I Love to Read Month,” an entire month dedicated to promoting a love of reading and being read to. This idea, started many years ago, has been gaining popularity among schools and libraries.

On February 10th Author Erin Soderberg Downing will be at Edinbrook! Erin Soderberg Downing is a renowned American children's book author known for her engaging and accessible storytelling. She has written over 75 books for children, tweens, and young adults, including popular series like The Quirks, Puppy Pirates, and Disney’s Daring Dreamers Club. Downing's work often reflects her personal experiences and interests, such as her dog Wally, which inspired her to create the Puppy Pirates series. She lives in Minneapolis with her family and continues to inspire a lifelong love of reading through her writing.

During media visits, K-5th grade heard the traditional Chinese folk tale The Empty Pot by Demi, known for themes of honesty, integrity, and courage. Then, students created a “shared garden.” To practice and support AVID’s yearlong focus on building collaboration skills, each grade level worked with a partner to first discuss, then draw their flowerpot, all while practicing grade level specific AVID collaboration prompts. Students were actively practicing academic collaboration skills even though it might have “just” looked like a lot of fun!

January PE

There was so much happening in PE last month! All students in grades K-5 completed the continuous movement jogging assessment. Our EB Scotties will be asked to jog between 4 and 10 minutes (depending on their grade level). This assessment measures cardio-respiratory endurance. Make sure you ask your student how long they jogged without stopping! At the end of January, we started our 2-week bowling unit that culminates with a “moonlight” bowling event during PE!

Families with children turning 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026 can apply this month for Osseo Area Schools’ preschool and prekindergarten programs for the 2026-27 school year. Some programs are currently accepting applications. Additional programs will open on Jan. 14.

Each program has its own registration timeline and lottery process for applications.

Apply now–Jan. 15: Tuition Free Prekindergarten (non-magnet schools)

Apply starting 9 a.m. Jan. 14:

• Preschool for Threes
• Preschool for Three to Fives
• Nature Preschool
• Prekindergarten for Fours
• Four Star Express prekindergarten plus care

Apply Jan. 21–March 11: Tuition Free Prekindergarten at Birch Grove School for the Arts (magnet school, second lottery)

Families can learn more in the brand new Osseo Area Schools’ Preschool Programs Guidebook or at osseoschools.org/preschool

Free event reminder: Virtual preschool information sessions:

• Jan. 8, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
• Jan. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. -Registration is required by Jan. 12 online or by calling 763-391-8777.

Sessions will be hosted by early childhood staff and include information about each preschool or prekindergarten program plus time for questions.

2nd- No School

2nd- Afterschool Soccer starts

3rd- Community Conversation

10th- Author visit- Erin Soderberg Downing

10th- PTO Meeting

11th- Spring Picture Day

11th- Taco Bell Dine and Donate

16th- No School

23rd-26th- Conferences

24th- Urban Air Spirit Night- Coon Rapids

25th-27th- Book Fair

Mark your calendars – the next Community Conversation is set to take place Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. at Osseo Middle School. Community Conversations are being held this school year to better understand from family and community members what’s going well and what needs improvement as well as ensuring all feel valued and heard. District leadership and school board members host the events.

In the meantime, it’d be great to hear from you on what you think about our schools via this Google form. Your responses will help us form the discussion topics for the Feb. 3 conversation. Additionally, please share your name if you’re planning to attend.

During each Community Conversation, the team will be focused on listening to understand. The goal is to help inform our team of the why behind what is working well and what areas of growth are needed. Knowing this information will guide us toward improving our day-to-day work, making necessary adjustments and continuing to become the best place to learn.

A summary of the results will be shared community-wide after this year’s final conversation in May. Thank you, in advance, for your partnership on this journey.

3:30pm - 4:30pm

Have you attended any of these Edinbrook events in the past?

Fund Walk - Scholastic Book Fairs - Bingo Night - Family Fun Night

These events (and more) are planned and run by parent volunteers. Help make a difference in our school as a part of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Parents, grandparents, or guardians of Edinbrook Scotties can join for free - NO dues!

When?

February 10th, 2026

Where?

Edinbrook Elementary Media Center

Edinbrook Elementary is inviting dads and father figures to get involved and make a meaningful impact in our school community. Volunteering is a great way to support students, connect with staff, and spend valuable time in your child’s school environment.

There are a variety of ways for dads to lend a hand throughout the school day. Whether you have just one hour to spare or are available for a full day, your time and presence make a difference. Flexible volunteer options make it easy to fit helping out into your schedule.

Edinbrook Elementary values the involvement of dads and looks forward to welcoming

you into the school. Join us in supporting our students and strengthening our school

community—one volunteer hour at a time.

Email KinneA@district279.org to learn more!

• Registration is now open for District 279 Foundation's A Night Out which will take place on Feb. 7 at Edinburgh USA Golf Course. Proceeds from this fundraiser help fund District 279 Foundation’s grants program, which supports creative projects for scholars in Osseo Area Schools.
• District 279 Foundation’s grants program provides learning opportunities for scholars in Osseo Area Schools by funding programs, projects and other opportunities that are not currently funded through the district's budget. Any district employee, school volunteer or community member can apply. Applications are open now through March 31. Learn more and apply for a grant today!
• Help us spread the word! We encourage everyone to share the exciting job opportunities available in our district with families, friends, and their networks. Your support can make a difference in connecting talented individuals with meaningful roles in our community. Learn more or apply at www.district279.org/careers! For questions, reach out to Yer Her, Recruitment & Retention Partner at 763-391-7262 or hery@distirct279.org.

I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish standards for students in the appropriate use of personal electronic devices at school and during school related activities.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. Students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices, including smart watches and earbuds/air pods to school.

B. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that respects the rights of others. Use of a personal electronic device (including cell phones, smart watches, computers, cameras, recording devices, listening devices, earbuds/air pods and any other device that can be used to transmit or capture images, sound or data) in a manner that interferes with a positive, orderly, educational environment or does not respect the rights of others is prohibited.

C. Students bring personal electronic devices to school at their own risk. The District assumes no liability for loss, theft, damage, nor liability for any unauthorized use of an electronic device. If a device is confiscated under this policy, no responsibility for the safety or security of the device is guaranteed.

D. Student personal electronic devices are subject to search upon reasonable suspicion that the device has been used in a manner that violates the law or school policy. Any search of a student’s personal electronic device must be conducted at the direction of the building administrator and must be narrowly tailored to respect a student’s privacy.

E. This policy applies to student conduct occurring on school property, during school related activities, or for student conduct which creates a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

III. RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS IN USE OF PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY

A. Students are prohibited from using personal technology under the following circumstances:

1. Using a personal electronic device to photograph, video record/capture images, audio record/capture, listen-in on, track, or engage in surveillance of any student or staff person: (a) without their knowledge or consent; and (b) in a manner that is harmful to another or an invasion of privacy. This provision would not apply to pictures, video or audio recording of persons present at school sponsored events open to the public when the student is otherwise complying with school board policy.

2. Using a personal electronic device in locker rooms, restrooms, rooms designated for changing clothing or in other areas where there is an increased expectation of privacy.

3. Using a personal electronic device to engage in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, or wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.

4. Using a personal electronic device on school property or at a school sponsored activity to create, send, share, view, receive, or possess an indecent or obscene visual depiction of oneself or another person.

5. Possessing a surreptitious surveillance device on school property or during a school sponsored activity without the expressed permission of building administration.

6. Using a personal electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on school property.

B. Notwithstanding the prohibitions/limitations set forth in this policy, use of a personal electronic device may be permitted to the extent allowed or required by a student’s individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, Health Plan or if it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.

C. Students permissibly using a personal electronic device while on school property must exhibit respect for the educational environment by:

1. Following the classroom teacher or a building administrators’ instructions for use;

2. Using the device in a manner that does not distract from the educational process or disturb other students;

3. Using the device in a manner that respects the property and copyright rights of others;

4. Using the device in a manner that does not interfere with the safe operation of school transportation, or the safety of students or driver.

IV. CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS

Use of a personal electronic device in violation of this policy may result in temporary confiscation of the device; revocation of the privilege to possess the device on school property or at school sponsored activities; and/or disciplinary action, up to and including suspension; expulsion; and/or referral to law enforcement.

V. The school board directs the superintendent and school district administration to establish rules and procedures regarding student possession and use of cell phones in schools consistent with this policy. These rules and procedures should seek to minimize the impact of cell phones on student behavior, mental health, and academic attainment. These rules and procedures may be designed for specific school buildings, grade levels, or similar criteria.