Orioles Newsletter

Dear Osseo Middle School Families,

We’re excited to share positive results from our new cell phone policy! Since implementing the policy this fall, we’ve seen a noticeable reduction in tardies to class, deeper student engagement in learning, and fewer conflicts throughout the school day. Students are connecting more with their peers and teachers, and the overall school climate has benefited.

We want to extend our sincere thanks to our families for their support in making this shift successful. Your partnership has been key in helping students adjust to new routines and focus on what matters most—learning and relationships.

As a reminder, students are expected to keep their phones in their lockers during the school day. If a student needs to reach home, there is a phone available for their use in the main office. We also ask parents to help their child memorize at least one parent or guardian phone number, as students don’t have their phones available during the day.

If a student becomes ill, we ask that they visit the nurse rather than contacting a parent directly. This allows our health office to properly assess students’ needs and helps us monitor overall wellness trends in the building.

Thank you for your continued support in creating a focused, connected, and caring school environment for all.

Brian Chance, Principal

Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal

Hello! At OMS, we partner with the Every Meal Weekend Food Program, which means your student could take home a FREE bag of food every Friday! It is FREE for all students, no qualifications required, and you can choose between 5 different nonperishable food bags tailored for your families dietary preferences. If you are interested, please email Lee Lynch (LynchL@district279.org).

Free in-person tutoring for students K-12 at 16 locations. No appointment needed.

Is your family looking for resources in the community? Has a job change impacted your access to necessary food and supplies? The Family Advocate can help. This program assists 700 families every year by connecting caregivers to resources and information.

Discover your path at the Osseo Area Schools Information Fair
Explore the full range of opportunities available for every learner in Osseo Area Schools. From early childhood and preschool to elementary, middle, and high school, families can connect directly with school leaders and staff to learn what makes each school unique.

The fair also highlights specialized options that expand learning beyond traditional classrooms., including magnet programs, 279Online and community education. Families of future kindergartners can ride a school bus to an elementary school to tour a kindergarten classroom (see bus schedule in Event Resource tab below).

Whether you are new to the district, preparing for kindergarten, navigating the move to middle or high school, exploring specialized programs or have general questions, this event offers answers, resources and next steps in one place.

Students can access Student Services for support with academic concerns, mental health, conflict resolution, and social–emotional skill building.

Appointments may be requested in the Student Services office or through the OMS School Counseling Schoology course. Please see our contact information below.

Ms. Johnson

School Counselor

Grade 7 & Grade 8 (A-L)

JohnsonJ2@district279.org

Ms. Brawford

School Counselor

Grade 8 (M-Z) & Grade 6

BrawfordM@district279.og

Ms. Lynch

School Social Worker

LynchL@district279.org

Ms. Loomis

School Social Worker

LoomisA@district279.org

Ms. Boloor

School Psychologist

BoloorJ@district279.org

• Welcome to OMS: General Information, Parent Drop Off/Pick Up, Cell Phones &
• School Year Calendars
• Staff Directory
• Technology, Nutrition Services, and Student Support
• Order your yearbook today!
• How to order school pictures.
• FirstView (Transportation app)
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus
• Family Access: Schoology for Parents, ParentVue, Parent & Family Toolkit, and more.
• Community Resources: Academics, Crisis, Family Support, Mental Health, Post-High School Planning.

November 4: No School

November 12: Almost No Tardy Party 2:40-4:30 (Requires Parent Pick-Up)

November 15: Information Fair 9am to Noon at Osseo Senior High

November 20: 8th Grade Choir Concert featuring 7th & 8th grade Orchestra

November 26-28: No School

December 1: Start of Trimester 2