Connect-Feb. 3

Feb. 3, 2026

Two teachers from Osseo Area Schools are among the candidates for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award! Huge congrats to Kathryn Grivna from Maple Grove Senior High and Michael Herdan from Maple Grove Middle School!

This continues to be a very trying time in our community. Many of our families and colleagues are dealing with immense feelings of fear and anxiety due to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) action taking place. Our foremost priority during this time, as always, is to create safe and secure learning environments that allow us to meet students where they're at and to provide meaningful education to each and every student in our community.

Our district and school teams have put many plans into place to ensure the continuation of this opportunity for all of our students. Please refer to our dedicated website for the most up-to-date information, including on topics like learning options, meals and safety/security procedures.

National School Counseling Week takes place Feb. 2-6 and recognizes the myriad ways school counselors support students and schools. These dedicated professionals play a critical role in the lives of students and in the smooth operation of our school buildings. Osseo Area Schools is proud to highlight a few of the district's many hardworking school counselors throughout the week.

Our latest Community Conversation is set to take place tonight from 4-6 p.m. at Osseo Middle School's Cafe. Anyone is welcome to join so please feel free to stop by.

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.

A summary of the results will be shared community-wide after this year’s final conversation May 12. Thank you, in advance, for your partnership on this journey. Questions? Reach out to Kay Villella, Executive Director of Community Relations at villellak@district279.org.

District 279 Foundation is preparing for a magical evening Friday, Feb. 6 with its A Night Out-Winter Wonderland gala. This annual fundraiser supports grant programs for students in Osseo Area Schools.

One way to support students and take part in the event is by registering for a free Remote Bidder Pass. The pass provides full access to the silent auction from home.

How to register for Remote Bidder Pass:

1. Click "Purchase Tickets" on the event website.
2. Create an account.
3. Start bidding

District 279 Foundation’s A Night Out silent auction opens for viewing at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Bidding opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6 and close at 8 p.m. that evening.

• Feb. 3: Community Conversation
• Feb. 6: District 279 Foundation’s ‘A Night Out’
• Feb. 10: School board work session
• Feb. 16: No school for students, holiday
• Feb. 24: School board regular business meeting