Orioles Newsletter

A note from the Principals

Feedback Opportunity On Attendance Boundary Considerations

Dear Osseo Middle School Families,

Over the next several months, elementary and middle school attendance boundaries will be reviewed to determine needed changes. These adjustments will reassign the elementary and/or middle school some households are zoned to attend. Our community’s support of Building a Better Future in 2023 is helping to minimize the extent of the changes.

Community involvement matters: There will be multiple ways for staff, students, parents/caregivers and community members to be involved throughout this process. The first opportunity is to share what considerations should be adhered to during the review via this ThoughtExchange. Please note any responses you provide are anonymous and can be completed within minutes. The provided feedback will help the team create draft attendance boundary scenarios. Staff, students, parents/caregivers and community members will then be able to provide feedback on each of the possibilities presented.

Timeline: This first feedback opportunity is open until Oct. 9. Scenarios will be created mid-October through December using the considerations shared. These scenarios will be presented shortly after winter break. Edits may be made based on that feedback, and again presented with the opportunity to share comments. The overall process is expected to wrap up in the spring. The new attendance boundaries will go into effect fall 2026.

Stay tuned: Detailed information will continue to be shared on the district website, district279.org. Any questions or concerns should be directed to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.

Brian Chance, Principal

Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal

Tips From Our Counselors, School Social Workers and School Psychologist!

Student Services Corner

Supporting a Safe and Respectful School Environment at OMS

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and our team of school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists at Osseo Middle School (OMS) is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all students. Bullying—whether physical, verbal, or online—has no place at OMS, and we are committed to ensuring every child feels respected and valued within our community.

At OMS, we take a proactive approach to preventing bullying through education and support. Our staff provides lessons on empathy, respect, and positive peer interactions while also offering restorative practices to help students resolve conflicts and repair relationships. These practices promote accountability, understanding, and long-term solutions to prevent further issues and create a more supportive school culture.

Families are essential partners in this effort. We encourage you to speak with your children about the importance of standing up to bullying and reaching out for help if needed. If you or your child have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our school counselors, social workers, or school psychologists for support. Together, we can ensure OMS remains a safe, welcoming environment for all.

Ms. Johnson

School Counselor

Grade 6 & Grade 7 (A-L)

johnsonj2@district279.org

Ms. Brawford

School Counselor

Grade 7 (M-Z) & Grade 8

brawfordm@district279.org

Ms. Lorron

School Social Worker

lorronl@district279.org

Ms. Boloor