May 13, 2025

Over the last several months, our community has had the opportunity to share their thoughts on the parameters and proposed changes surrounding elementary and middle school attendance boundary changes. This community feedback helped shape the final recommended scenario, which is scenario 2A with two key adjustments based on input.

The school board reviewed the final recommended scenario at their work session last week. Please take a look at the full report for details on the overall process, community feedback results and next steps. Next Tuesday, the school board will vote on the final recommended scenario at their scheduled meeting. If approved, the new boundaries will go into effect the 2026-27 school year. Note the only exception to this will be Crest View Elementary School – for Crest View Elementary School, the new attendance boundaries will apply to incoming kindergarteners starting in the 2025-26 school year.

A similar update will be shared after the May 20 board meeting. In the meantime, information on this change process can be reviewed at district279.org/boundaries, which includes an updated search tool to check household school assignments for the 2026-27 school year and onward. Feel free to reach out to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990 with any questions or concerns.

One last important note, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and being flexible with this needed change. Our Osseo Area Schools team will continue to do all that it can to make this transition go smoothly.

Many artists from Maple Grove Senior High School, Osseo Senior High School and Park Center Senior High School recently competed in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Art Festival at the Perpich Center for Arts Education on April 12 and 26. Each school submits 18 different works from 12 different categories. Each student's work is judged and awarded as Superior, Excellent or Achievement.

Students whose works were considered best in show by one of the judges were awarded Spotlight on Scholarship Awards and were represented at the MSHSL State Art Festival on May 10 at Perpich Art Center. Congratulations to all of these talented students!

As part of the Ordway theater’s commitment to keeping performances accessible and affordable, the organization recently partnered with Zanewood Community: A STEAM School to bring a performance from Afoutayi Dance Music & Arts to the school May 9.

The energetic performance had all students on their feet, dancing along as performer Djenane Saint Juste and her mom entertained and informed about Haitian music and instruments. Students and even staff had a chance to participate in multiple different ways during the show, which served as a kickoff event for a new partnership between the Ordway and Zanewood.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Osseo Area Schools’ graduation rate surpassed the state. Overall, the district graduated 85% of students in 2024 compared to 84% at the state level. This information was shared in an update by the Minnesota Department of Education May 7. Some of our district’s notable gains included a 7% increase (75% in 2023 to 82% in 2024) at Park Center Senior High School and a 3% increase (84% in 2023 to 87% in 2024) at Osseo Senior High School.

Supt. Dr. Kim Hiel met with Principal Patrick Smith after the new elementary school groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Watch to find out one of the many things he is excited about.

Osseo Area Schools thanks the voters for supporting Building a Better Future in 2023 to make this new school a reality. Stay up to date with updates on the new elementary school and other Building a Better Future projects by visiting district279.org/betterfuture.

Osseo Area Schools’ Crest View Elementary School in Brooklyn Park opened its doors as a K-5 school in 1960, and for 65 years it has been a cornerstone of the surrounding community, providing a safe, welcoming and enriching place for students to grow and thrive.

As Crest View shifts to a new role as a community learning center for future years, plans are underway to celebrate Crest View with an alumni event Tuesday, June 3, from 4-6 p.m. at the school. All Crest View alumni, along with staff, students, families and the community, are warmly invited to attend the festivities, which will include old memorabilia and photographs, food trucks, school tours and community building.

This event will take place rain or shine. We cannot wait to celebrate Crest View’s rich legacy with you on June 3!

The grounds surrounding Park Brook Elementary School were filled with activity and laughter May 7, when the school hosted its first day of spring boot camp. The popular after-school activity runs through May and plays host to a full half of the school’s student body, who sign up to take part in engaging after-school games and activities.

Park Brook’s boot camp is just one way the school fulfills its Focus on Fitness philosophy, providing ample opportunities for students to enjoy a wide variety of physical fitness-related activities all through the year.

The students at the Osseo Education Center have been hard at work for weeks building greenhouses, planting seeds and watering, growing and nurturing the plants for their greenhouse sale! The sale kicked off May 8-9 and continues May 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Osseo Education Center (324 6th Ave NE, Osseo, MN 55369). Flowers, vegetables, hanging baskets and mixed pots, as well as iced coffee and handmade soap, are all available for sale via cash or check.

On April 10, Sara Vernig, principal of Osseo Senior High School (OSH), was recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives at its meeting. The House recognized the City of Osseo for its 150th celebration and OSH for its 100th anniversary.

Check out the feature that Press & News did on the recognition.

Second and fourth grade students at Fernbrook Elementary School showcased their musical skills for their family members in showcase events on May 1-2 and May 6-7. The second graders sang songs such as “Monta” and “Charlie Over the Ocean” and used rhythm sticks and cups. The fourth graders sang songs such as “Shosholoza,” “Getting to Know You” and “Heal the World” and used recorders, drums and shakers.

• May 20: School Board Regular Business Meeting with Retiree Recognition
• May 22: Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE) Spring Social Event from 5-7 p.m. at Willow Lane Early Childhood Center
• May 26: District closed, holiday
• May 30-June 9: Graduation ceremonies
• June 3: Crest View Elementary School Alumni Event
• June 6: Last day of school for students
• June 10: School Board Policy Committee Meeting and Work Session
• June 19: District closed, holiday