April newsletter

This e-newsletter is intended for Osseo Area Schools Community Education staff with highlights from Community Education programs during the month of April.

Osseo Area Schools routinely conducts four types of safety drills -evacuation, shelter in place, lockdown and severe weather shelter during the school year with students, staff and visitors across all school buildings. In April, Adult Basic Education students and staff participated in the safety drills. The practice gave students the opportunity to learn about the types of safety procedures, including seasonal weather in Minnesota and how to stay safe. The drill practices empower students to engage in conversations and connection with their family members at home. Additionally, it offers adult learners a better understanding of what their school-age child(ren) are learning and practicing at school.

Adult enrichment classes give adult learners the chance to to explore a new hobby, sharpen skills, indulge curiosity or try something new!

Afterschool Soccer is one of the most popular youth enrichment classes this spring offered at Elm Creek Elementary School, Fernbrook Elementary School and Rice Lake Elementary School. Students are developing skills and confidence dribbling, shooting and scoring!

Your dedication and contributions to our team have been invaluable, and your presence will be greatly missed. Your professionalism, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond have left a lasting impact on all of us.

Polly will be joining the Enrollment Center team beginning May, 6th. She will be our newest Administrative Assistant to the team. The Enrollment Center is excited to welcome Polly to the team!

Since online enrollment opened on February 21, 2024 (2 months ago) we have seen approximately 600 families complete the online process for the 2024-25 school year. In addition, 400 more families have started the process, but have not completed it yet. Families have been wanting this option and the feedback is overwhelming positive! Great job Enrollment Center Team!

In Ms. Pam's prekindergarten classroom at Arbor View Early Childhood Center students celebrated Earth Day on April 22 by learning about animal habitats! From the frogs in the water to the loons on land, they discovered how different animals live in Minnesota. First, they painted a habitat mural with water, land, trees, and sky. Then, they made many different animals to go on and around that.

The artwork was displayed in the hallway near the classroom and also in the classroom.

Registration is open for the 14th annual Reading is Fun 5K on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Elm Creek Park Reserve. This family-friendly event will raise funds to purchase learning resources for media centers in Osseo Area Schools. Register today and get early bird pricing and a guaranteed t-shirt!

Welcome new Building Supervisor Emma Sprenger!

Apply online at district279.org/careers

Kidstop summer is now fully staffed, marking a significant milestone since the pre-COVID era. This fills us with excitement as we prepare to support our school-age care community. Across three school locations, Basswood Elementary School, Oak View Elementary School and Woodland Elementary School-this summer, we are welcoming 1,150 students. Our team includes 165 Education Support Professionals, 26 Instructors, 9 Lead Instructors. Additionally, we will soon welcome 10 site supervisors, all dedicated to supporting our students throughout the summer. With 72 field trips planned, ranging from visits to swimming pools, zoos, parks, and more, there's plenty of excitement ahead.

Darby Throne, program manager organized an Activity Fair, providing a platform for out-of-school time professionals to exchange resources and ideas for quality activities and programming. This collaboration invited various metro area school-age care program professionals and showcased innovative and enriching activities designed to engage students beyond regular school hours. A special acknowledgment goes to our Lead Instructors, who demonstrated our daily school-age care programming activities, including music, STEM, Social Emotional Learning, Gym Games and Culinary projects, showing the incredible work we do each day.

Please join us in welcoming Alejandra Cantarino to Osseo Area Schools Kidstop and Four Star Express team! Alejandra is the new Community Education Application Specialist and started in the role on May 3.

Hey there! I’m Alejandra Catarino. I’m coming back to Osseo Area Schools after working for Robbinsdale’s enrollment center the last four years. I actually graduated from Osseo High back in 2013. I started out working at Kidstop in 2016 and continued to work for the district as admin assistant and interpreter until 2022.

One of my favorite things to do is hosting dinner parties with friends. I also love to get crafty and enjoy creating things out of unconventional materials. This summer, my plans involve lots of hiking and kayaking. I’m so excited to get to meet new and old friends again. I hope I’m able to contribute to our in team in a meaningful and impactful way.

Osseo Area Schools Community Education Program Advisory Council (CEPAC) hosted a free Mental Health and Well-Being Adult Enrichment event on May 11 from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m at Osseo Middle School. The free adult enrichment event was designed to bring together community members, talented enrichment instructors, professionals and passionate Community Education staff and volunteers for a time to connect, learn, and rejuvenate.

Osseo Area Schools Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE) program is hosting an annual Spring Social event on Tuesday, May 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Arbor View Early Childhood Center. This free family event for early childhood families and staff will offer games, playground activities, nature play area, big trucks, henna art, tattoos, food trucks and more! The event will also include a special performance from the Teddy Bear Band in celebration of ECFE’s 50th anniversary in Minnesota. Community partners Eastman Nature Center and Maple Grove Hospital will also be joining the event. Flyer and parking map.

These social media pages serve as a hub for communication and connection about all of our Community Education programs. Click on the links below to “Like” and “Follow” to stay updated an engaged.

Osseo Area Schools Community Education on Facebook

Osseo Area Schools Community Education on Instagram

Once you're connected, encourage other staff, volunteers, participants and community members to like, follow and share future posts!

Email Kathryn Polum, Communications Specialist at polumk@district279.org. Content and photo(s) are requested on or before the 20th of each month.

March CE Staff E-Newsletter

February CE Staff E-Newsletter

January CE Staff E-Newsletter

December CE Staff E-Newsletter

November CE Staff E-Newsletter

11200 93rd Ave. No.

Maple Grove, MN 55369

Phone: 763-391-7000

www.ce.district279.org