Connect-Nov. 25
Nov. 25, 2025
American Indian Education department provides opportunities and programming
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures and histories, as well as the essential contributions of Native people in the over 90 tribal nations represented in Osseo Area Schools. The dedicated staff members in the American Indian Education department work throughout the year to provide culture-based educational programming, both in and out of the classroom.
Cedar Island Elementary School students participate in listening session
Students in Ms. Larson’s fourth grade class and Mr. Deuel’s fifth grade class at Cedar Island Elementary School participated in a listening session with district leaders on Nov. 19. Students had the opportunity to give their feedback in a fun and interactive way.
Early Childhood Special Education hosts family engagement night
Families and staff from Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) gathered Nov. 20 for a story night at Willow Lane Early Childhood Center. The event, held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., gave children and their families a chance to connect with ECSE staff, explore literacy and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities together.
Weaver Lake: A Science, Math & Technology School holds STEM in Action Fair
Weaver Lake: A Science, Math & Technology School hosted their annual STEM in Action Fair the evening of Nov. 20, where students and their families/caregivers spend time at the school to show what they have done in their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) units throughout the first trimester.
District 279 Foundation’s ‘A Night Out’ tickets go on sale Dec. 1
On Feb. 6, 2026, District 279 Foundation’s A Night Out - Winter Wonderland will be an evening to remember at Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens event center. Guests will step into a world of sparkle and sophistication — where twinkling lights, shimmering décor, and icy centerpieces set the stage for an unforgettable night.
Mark your calendar! A limited number of individual tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 1; they are expected to sell quickly. Learn more on the District 279 Foundation’s website. This annual winter event gathers generous community members to enjoy a social hour, silent and live auctions, program and dinner.
Proceeds from this fundraiser help fund District 279 Foundation’s grants program, which supports programs, projects and other opportunities for scholars in Osseo Area Schools.
High School students visit elementary schools to read
Cheerleaders from Maple Grove Senior High School’s competition cheer team visited students at Rush Creek Elementary School to read to them on Nov. 20. The cheerleaders visited many classrooms, reading books such as “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Elmer’s Walk” and “The Snowy Day.” The elementary students had the opportunity to ask the cheerleaders questions, such as how long they have been cheerleading and the differences between the different kinds of cheerleading.
Students from Park Center Senior High School's Leader Academy group spent time at Birch Grove School for the Arts Nov. 18. The high school students gave a copy of the book "Dolphins" by Emma Bassier to afternoon prek, kindergarten and first grade students as part of the One Million Book Giveaway program. The high school leaders also read the book aloud to the students in the classes they visited.
Osseo Education Center students participate in Unified flag football outing
Students at the Osseo Education Center recently put their sports skills to the test during a Unified flag football outing at the M Health Fairview Sports Center on Nov. 19. Students saw the facility, worked on their teamwork chants and practiced passing the football before participating in a flag football game.
Maple Grove Senior High School football players recognized by Star Tribune
Three players from the Maple Grove Senior High School football team were recently named to the Star Tribune 2025 All-Minnesota football team. The Star Tribune picked 25 of the top football players from across the state this season based on performance and individual success, observed games by reporters and conversations with coaches and members of the media. Congratulations to seniors James Engle, Brayden Dozier and Ryder Skanson. Learn more about the players and the All-Minnesota football team.
Looking ahead
- Nov. 26-28: No school for students
- Dec. 1: Start of trimester two
- Dec. 9: School board policy committee meeting and work session
- Dec. 16: School board regular business meeting
- Dec. 17: Magnet lottery application deadline
- Dec. 24-Jan. 2: No school, winter break