Falcon Newsletter

A Strong Start: Growing Together 🌱

Dear Fair Oaks Families,

We’re off to a fantastic start this school year, and we couldn’t be more proud of our students, staff, and the incredible partnership we share with you.

Across classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds, our students are showing what it means to live out CARES—Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control. These core values are not just words on a poster; they’re becoming habits of heart and mind that shape how we learn and grow together.

Our staff has stepped into the year with deep commitment and care, working tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of every learner. Whether it’s through thoughtful instruction, meaningful feedback, or quiet moments of encouragement, their dedication is evident in every corner of our school.

We also want to take a moment to thank you—our families—for your ongoing support and partnership. The connection between home and school is vital, and we’re grateful for the ways you show up, communicate, and collaborate with us. Together, we create a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired.

This year, our theme is Growing Together. It’s a reminder that growth is not just academic—it’s emotional, social, and relational. We invite you to reflect with your child:

How are you growing at school?
How are you growing at home?
What does it mean to grow with others?

Whether it’s learning to solve problems with peers, taking on new responsibilities, or practicing empathy in everyday moments, growth is happening all around us. And we are committed to nurturing it—together.

With gratitude and excitement,

David Freeburg, Principal

Fair Oaks Elementary

Your student will have their picture taken on Tuesday, October 7th during the school day.

You do NOT need to fill anything out or order anything in advance. You will receive an email from Kemmetmueller Photography 7-10 days after picture day. This is where you will order your student's pictures.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to the photographer directly at: 952-473-2142 or info@k-photography.com

Join District 279 Foundation’s annual Reading is Fun 5K on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Maple Grove Senior High School’s Crimson Stadium. This family-friendly event raises funds that are allocated to the media centers of Osseo Area Schools.

Schedule:

8 a.m.: Check-in

9 a.m.: 1K and mascot race

9:15 a.m.: Community gathering and Jazzercize stretch

9:30 a.m.: 5K race begins

Complete your 5K registration online today!

This year’s route is new! It starts and ends at Crimson Stadium and takes participants through nearby trails and neighborhoods.

Want to help? Volunteer opportunities are available. Learn more about volunteer activities by viewing this sign-up form.

Can't attend? Consider one of Reading is Fun 5K virtua l options and register by Sept 12.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S FALCON LEADERS!

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Fifth Grade Falcon Leaders! These students have chosen to volunteer their time this year to learn more about leadership and do extra jobs to help other students and the school. This year's leaders are:

Adnan Hassan

Ares Desoto

Arika Yang

Cayden Coleman

Christopher Olivera-Marin

Fernanda Perez Minero

Fransisco Maldonado

Jaylani Marin

Journee Miller

Kellen Yang

Khesania Wright

Patience Merritt

Sofia Vera

Ziyah McNeary Coleman

Emmanuel Rotimi

Evelyn Yang

Ilhan Browning

Ivan Vang

Joel Gonzales Ortiz

Karma Green Nick

Kayla Vasquez

Levi Davis

Lex Buckley

Lexey Johnson

Maria Thao

Mila Yang

Noah Zayzay

Sa'Riyah Moritz

October is National Bullying Prevention Month!

National Bullying Prevention Month is a time for everyone to unite, raise awareness, learn, and take action. This month, students will be engaging in lesson and activities to stop bullying and promote kindness. Every student has a right to feel safe and supported. Everyone's actions matter. We all have a role to playing bullying prevention!

BOOKS AND PUMPKINS EVENT!

Families are invited to participate in our 4rd annual Pumpkin Book Character decorating event. Students can bring in their decorated pumpkins on Tuesday October 22nd.

Books and Breakfast and Pumpkins!

Join us Tuesday October 28th from 8:30am – 9:10 am for Books, Breakfast, and Pumpkins! Families are invited to view our decorated pumpkins, enjoy some breakfast treats, explore options of books to read, and learn about the benefits of reading together with their students. All are invited! Title I Funds will be used for this event.

Los padres están invitados a ver las calabazas y aprender más sobre el valor de leer juntos el martes 28 de octubre en nuestro evento "Desayuno con Libros" (8:30-9:10 a. m.), patrocinado por el Título I.

Screen time and online safety are more important than ever! Click the links below for helpful information about screen time and online safety for your child. Also available in Spanish.

When are kids ready for social media?

Media guidelines for kids of all ages

Healthy limits on video games

Help kids deal with cyber bullying

More Minnesotans can now get free or lower cost health insurance regardless of immigration status. Portico health helps families navigate the healthcare system and apply for health insurance through the MNSure system. Trained navigators can speak with families in multiple languages including Spanish and Hmong.

https://porticohealthnet.org/

YOU CAN CALL THE MAIN OFFICE FOR YOUR STUDENT'S PARENTVUE ACCESS CODE. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ACTIVE ACCOUNT THAT YOU CANNOT ACCESS, YOU WILL JUST NEED TO CLICK "FORGOT PASSWORD" AND GO THROUGH THE STEPS TO RESET YOUR PASSWORD.

YOU CAN ACCESS YOUR STUDENT'S ID NUMBER AS WELL AS THEIR FIRSTVIEW (BUS TRACKING) ACCESS CODE IN PARENTVUE.

SEE THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER FOR HELP TO SET UP ANY OF OUR DISTRICT APPS.

Discover Osseo Area Schools’ Community Education! Find classes, programs and events for all ages — from early childhood, youth to adult. View the catalog or register at osseo.ce.eleyo.com.

Dear Scholars and Guardians,

Osseo Area Schools provides all scholars with access to district technology resources, including an assigned 1:1 iPad or Chromebook, for educational purposes. All scholars must follow all district policies regarding the use of these devices at all times. More information can be found on the District Website under digital learning.

Although devices are in the hands and homes of our scholars, each device is and remains the property of Osseo Area Schools. Scholar devices can and may be accessed by authorized Osseo staff, including their teacher, to provide instruction, technical support, and ensure district policy is followed. If a device becomes damaged at any point, repair or replacement cost may be assessed and would be added to the scholar’s account after notification to the family. A list of costs and other information can be found on our website under digital learning. Below are the most common device repair costs:

iPads

Chromebooks

Asset tag replacement: $10.00

Charging kit replacement: up to $28.00

Charging kit replacement: up to $31.00

Damaged case: up to $50.00

Damaged keyboard: up to $25.00

Damaged screen: up to $139.00

Damaged screen: up to $185.00

Liquid damage: varies, up to $294.00

Liquid damage: varies, up to $300.00

Full replacement: up to $350.00 (Kit)

Full replacement: up to $375.00 (Kit)

Mary McGrath

Tech ESP Fair Oaks

74309

mcgrathm@district279.org

Click here to reach the help desk for any technical related issues.

10/4 - Reading is Fun 5k 8am @ Maple Grove Senior High Crimson Stadium

10/6 - Chess club (for students who are signed up) 4:10-5:10

10/7 - Fall Conferences

10/7 - Picture Day

10/8 - 5th grade to science museum

10/9 - Fall Conferences

10/10 - Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 5-8:30pm @ Park Center

10/13 - Chess club (for students who are signed up) 4:10-5:10

10/14 - Fall Conferences

10/15 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Hidden Falls

10/15 - Title 1 3rd Grade Family Night

10/16 - No School

10/17 - No School

10/20- Chess club (for students who are signed up) 4:10-5:10

10/27 - Chess club (for students who are signed up) 4:10-5:10

10/28 - Books and Pumpkins Reading Event 8:30-9:10am

10/30 - Picture retakes

13/31 - All School Morning Meeting (October CARES Champions breakfast)

THESE STUDENTS WERE NOMINATED BY STAFF FOR SHOWING C.A.R.E.S. QUALITIES!

SEPTEMBER CARES Champions

Jayceon Carson

Sa'Nyah Moritz

Jamel Binda

Illyana Williams

Jeremiah Wilson

Silas Yang

Alakai Xiong

Tina Thao

Mecheylla Holmes

Luca Lanzi

Adam Thao

Jeneter Konneh

Ousman Konneh

Hannah Kang

Ava Anderson

William Cooper

Asiyah Hassan

Marina (Tra Anh Thu) Le

Layla Castruita

Johnny Tacuz

Reilly Lee

Eli Cole

Aubrey Robinson

Celine Mulsumo

Zymere Cooper

Janelle Torres Vazquez

Kelvin Kromah

Jack Thao

Matenjay Kaba

Ja’Vion Jones Wesley

Mark Turner

Semajah Holmes

Leonel Gonzalez Castro

London English

Hunter Just

Ja’Hari Myers

Boalah Yang

Kian Buckley

Perla Noyola Colon

Jace Bloodworth

Arika Yang

Julian Cole

Yamilet Granados

Mila Yang

Eric Holmes

Mason Tep

Hamzah Lawal

Jakoby Vonghalath

***September CARES Champions were celebrated at the September All-School-Morning-Meeting.

Congratulations to all of our CARES Champions!

Our volunteer coordinator is Sophie Castruita. She can help you with any and all questions regarding volunteer work at Fair Oaks. There are many events though out the year that we need volunteers to help make a success! If there is a chance that you will chaperone your student's field trips at all this year, we ask that you please fill out this application as well. You can reach Sophie at: CastruitaS@district279.org

Volunteer Application

Did you know Fair Oaks has its own Free Little Library! Students and community members are welcome to grab a book to enjoy. We are grateful to the Impact Library Program for donating the Free Little Library to our school community! Take a book or leave a book!

INCREASE IN ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

We have been experiencing an increase of illness at school. Below are helpful tips for when students should remain at home to help avoid the spread of illnesses.

Please consider keeping your child home if they show signs of: (consider calling your child’s primary physician’s office to assist you with any questions or concerns)

· Earache, ear drainage

· Stomachache, nausea

· New or Persistent cough

· Runny nose and/or nasal congestion

· Unidentified/Suspicious skin rash

· Headache

· Sore throat

· Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in one or both eyes, especially if they are unable to remember to not touch their eye and to wash their hands after touching their eyes

Students must stay home if they are experiencing:

· Vomiting, or diarrhea (must be vomiting or diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school)

· Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (your child must be fever free for 24 hours, without the use of medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen) before your child returns to school)

· If diagnosed with strep throat, your child may return after taking the prescribed antibiotic for 12 hours and has been fever free after 24 hours (if they had a temperature over 100.4)

· Live Lice, students cannot return to school until treated for lice (medication can be purchased at any Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) When your child returns to school, the nurse must check your child’s hair for any signs of live lice

Helpful Tips for Parents

· Healthy children learn better, please keep in mind the basics of healthy living and teach your child life- long health habits

· Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night

· Encourage healthy foods: Offer lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains; limit junk foods such as sweets and chips; have regular mealtimes; encourage water for thirst instead of soda pop or juice

· Be sure your child gets DAILY exercise out in the fresh air whenever possible

· Avoid exposing your child to second-hand smoking, either in the house or in the car

· Teach your children to keep their bodies and hair clean (daily showers/shampoo), use deodorant as needed, to brush their teeth twice a day, and to wash their hands often

Medications in the school health office

All medications (prescription or over the counter) that need to be administered during school hours, must have a physician’s order and a signed medication administration consent form. Medications received without this documentation cannot be administered by the nurse and it will be sent home.

**Please contact the nurse prior to sending any new medication. The nurse will assist you will all the necessary documentation needed for your student’s new medication.

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

Attendance Reminders

If your student(s) are ever late or absent from school for any reason, please be sure to call our attendance line at 763-549-2353 (this is different than our main office number). You can leave a voicemail in either English or Spanish, 24 hours a day on this line. We ask that you please let us know about your child's absence or late arrival by 10am whenever possible to avoid receiving one of the automated calls from the district about your student's attendance.

Click here to see the Fair Oaks Facebook page

Hmong families are also welcome to follow our Hmong FB page!

KOU VANG

ML Community and Communication Specialist

Educational Equity Department

Osseo Area Schools

11200 93rd Ave N. Maple Grove, MN 55369

Work Cell: (612) 394-3358

vangk@district279.org

Brooklyn Middle School (T/W/F)

Fair Oaks Elementary (TH)

Palmer Lake Elementary (M)

OSSEO AREA SCHOOLS HAS A NEW BUS TRACKING APP THIS YEAR! PLEASE DELETE YOUR OLD FIRSTVIEW APP AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP. YOU WILL NEED YOUR STUDENT'S ID NUMBER WHICH YOU CAN FIND ON PARENTVUE, AS WELL AS THE CODE: P4P7U.

NEW FIRSTVIEW BUS TRACKING APP!

The FirstView 1.0 mobile app helps you to keep track of school buses going to and from school each day. Support is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm ET for existing FirstView users with app-related questions or concerns.

Email: support@myfirstview.com

Phone:1(888) 889-8920