Orioles Newsletter

Dear Osseo Middle School Families,

At Osseo Middle School, we know that regular attendance is one of the biggest factors in student success. When students are present in class every day, they stay connected to learning, build strong relationships, and develop the habits needed to thrive academically and socially.

To help families stay informed and support accurate attendance, we want to share how our attendance system works and what steps you can take if you receive an attendance message.

Each school day is made up of 7 class periods, and attendance is taken during each period. If your student is marked absent for even one class and we haven’t received communication about that absence, you will receive an automated attendance message. These messages are district-generated and may sound like your student was absent all day — but that’s not always the case.

Here’s what to do if you receive an attendance message:

• Check ParentVUE to see which class periods were marked as unexcused.
• Talk to your student about the marked period(s) to see if they recall the reason for the absence.
• If you believe it was an error, please contact the teacher for that class. If the teacher confirms it was a mistake, they will contact Attendance to make the correction.

Keep in mind that attendance doesn’t always get notified when students are called to other areas like Counseling, Administration, or the Health Office, which can sometimes result in an unintentional absence mark.

Timing of messages:
If your student has an unexcused absence during Periods 1-3 and it isn’t resolved by 2:50 p.m., you will receive a second automated message around 5:15 p.m. Please check ParentVUE to see if there are additional unexcused absences from Periods 4-7 as well.

Reporting absences:
ParentVUE can be used to report a full-day absence — but only if it is entered before 10:45 a.m. on the day of the absence. Absences reported after that time will still trigger attendance messages. For late reports, please call our attendance line directly at 763-391-8800 (Option 1 for the attendance line, or Option 0 to speak with someone).

Note: ParentVUE cannot be used to change an unexcused absence from a previous day or to excuse a same-day morning absence.

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students show up, stay engaged, and succeed!

Warm regards,

Brian Chance, Principal

Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal

Spring is here—and so is testing season at Osseo Middle School! Students will soon begin taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) in reading, math, and science, along with aReading and aMath assessments to help us monitor individual growth throughout the year.

These tests give us valuable information about how students are progressing and where additional support may be needed. While no single assessment defines a student, showing up and doing their best makes a big difference!

Spring 2025 Testing Schedule

April 8–11
Reading MCA – Grades 6–8 (during English classes)

April 15–18
Math MCA – Grades 6–8 (during Math classes)

April 22–25
Science MCA – 8th Grade Only (during Science)
Reading & Math MCA Makeups

April 28–May 2
Final MCA Makeups
8th Grade Science Makeups

May 6–9
aMath – Tuesday
aReading – Thursday
Science MCA Concludes

May 12–15
aMath & aReading Makeups

How You Can Help at Home

You can play a big role in helping your child feel confident and prepared:

• Encourage a good night’s sleep

• Serve a healthy breakfast

• Make sure your student arrives to school on time

• Offer support and encouragement – let them know it’s about doing their best, not being perfect

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping every Oriole finish the year strong!

Diverse programs are crafted to spark students' curiosity, inspire creativity and instill a love for learning. Our dedicated staff have 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, school-age care and more!

• Program for students who will be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in Sept. 2025 from Osseo Middle School and Maple Grove Middle School.
• Dates: June 30 to July 31, Monday through Thursday. Closed July 3 and July 4.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on days open.
• Registration is done at sites and students must be referred and meet qualifications to participate in the program.

Each month, students recognize staff members who go above and beyond in modeling the Oriole Way—being Respectful, Responsible, and Resourceful. These individuals make a meaningful impact by fostering a positive learning environment, supporting students, and demonstrating excellence in their roles. Selected through student nominations, Staff Orioles of the Month exemplify the values that make OMS a great place to learn and grow!

Thank you to our Student Leadership Council students, along with Ms. Marvin and Ms. Craven, for your incredible leadership! We’re also grateful to our families, staff, and community members for your support and participation. Together, we raised over $1,000 to support our students!

April 8 - 12: MCA Testing, all grades ELA

April 15 - 18: MCA Testing, all grades, Math

April 21: Asynchronous Day (remote learning); Licensed staff instructional planning

April 24: Conferences from 3:30 to 7:00 PM

May 5: No Students; staff workshop

May 22: 8th Grade Dance; 5:00 to 7:00 PM

May 26: District closed; holiday

June 6: Last day of school for students

School Year Calendars

Lunch Menus

Staff Directory

ParentVUE

FirstView (bus tracking app)