Falcon Newsletter

Dear Fair Oaks Families,

As we move deeper into this season of gratitude and celebration, we want to pause and share how thankful we are for each of you. The joy of this time of year is felt in our classrooms, hallways, and community gatherings—and it is your support and partnership that make Fair Oaks such a special place.

We encourage you to continue joining us for school events and activities. Your presence brings energy, connection, and a sense of belonging that enriches our school culture. Please know that you are always welcome here—our doors and hearts are open to you, and our connection with families is both important and deeply valued.

Looking ahead, the upcoming winter break offers a wonderful opportunity for family connection, rest, and renewal. We hope you find time to enjoy traditions, create new memories, and simply be together. We also recognize that for some students, returning to school after a long break can feel challenging. Please be assured that when they walk back through our doors, they will be welcomed with open arms, encouragement, and care. Our staff is committed to helping every child feel supported and ready to continue growing.

We are proud of our students, inspired by our staff, and grateful for the strong partnership we share with you. Together, we are building a community rooted in joy, empathy, and growth.

With appreciation and warmth,
David
Principal, Fair Oaks Elementary

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR FAIR OAKS WINTER SING-ALONG!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23RD, FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR OUR YEARLY WINTER SING-ALONG IN THE GYM.

THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE AFTERNOON (SPECIFIC TIME TBD)

FAMILIES ARE WELCOME TO TAKE THEIR STUDENT HOME EARLY AFTER THE ASSEMBLY.

We are changing our book checkout policy at the Fair Oaks library to ensure students have more access to books! That means even if a child has forgotten their library book, we are still allowing them to checkout a new book. This may be confusing to some students. Please remind your child to return their books when they are finished with them. Each class has a library checkout time, listed in the table below. They should return their books on that day.

Here are the days each class has library checkout

MONDAY - MUNTEAN, BROWN

TUESDAY - TOLLETTE, DOMKA, MERSEREAU, RUEKERT

WEDNESDAY - ROD, FREI, PFEILSTICKER, C ORTON, LEM, KELLY

THURSDAY - MOGER, CAGLE, RODEBERG, A ORTON, RAWITZER

The 7 Days of Reading is returning in December!

To help ease into winter break, Fair Oaks will have 7 days of celebrate reading! Each day will have a reading related activity! This is to encourage your students to read at home over break! All activities are optional for students!

2ND GRADE - SAVE THE DATE!

Second grade will be making gingerbread houses on Friday December 19th from 2:30-3:30 pm. Adult family members are invited to help their child with the gingerbread house. Please no younger siblings. We will b working on geometry as we make the houses. Invitations will be brought home next week.

As the weather begins to change, please remember to send tennis/athletic shoes with your child for gym. This is a requirement for their participation in class. Thank you.

E-newsletter article and/or email - Beginning Oct. 28

RE: 2026-27 Attendance boundary changes: Reminder and next steps

While the 2025-26 school year is still young, Osseo Area Schools is already making preparations for a smooth transition to new attendance boundaries at the elementary and middle school levels for the fall of 2026. Families can double-check whether or not their household is impacted by using the 2026-27 search tool available via osseoschools.org/boundaries.

Families who have students impacted by next fall's attendance boundary changes can expect to receive a letter before the end of November with information about their new school and other pertinent details.

Families with 2026-27 fifth and eighth graders will be asked whether or not they’d like to utilize a Remain in Place option, where they could stay their final year at their current school with family-provided transportation. Details will be shared mid-November.

Students relocating can expect a similar educational experience across district schools, with shared goals for academic rigor and a welcoming environment at all sites. Efforts have also been made to keep neighborhoods together as much as possible so that any school changes are made with familiar students.

These changes can be tough; however, every effort is being made to ensure families have great experiences at all schools. Special activities will be held starting next spring to welcome and support families relocating. Families are also welcome to check out school websites and/or schedule a tour in the weeks and months ahead.

The flexibility with this needed change is appreciated. Questions? Check out osseoschools.org/boundaries, or reach out to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.

New attendance boundaries go into effect at district elementary and middle schools the 2026-27 school year. Please double-check whether or not your household is impacted by using the 2026-27 search tool available via osseoschools.org/boundaries.
Families with 2026-27 fifth and eighth graders will be asked whether or not they’d like to utilize a Remain in Place option, where they could stay their final year at their current school with family-provided transportation. Details will be shared mid-November.
These changes can be tough, however, please keep in mind educational programs and services are similar throughout the district. Efforts have also been made to keep neighborhoods together as much as possible so that any school changes are made with familiar students.
Special activities will be held next spring to welcome and support families relocating. Families are also welcome to check out school websites and/or schedule a tour.
Last year’s board report details the full change process. As shared at that time, changes were needed because of a significant enrollment imbalance. The community’s support of Building a Better Future limited adjustments to elementary and middle schools.
The flexibility with this needed change is appreciated. Questions? Reach out to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.

FOOD RESOURCES

Local Food Resources

CEAP Food Market in Brooklyn Park: https://www.ceap.org/
NEAR Food Shelf in Crystal: https://www.nearfoodshelf.org/
Food Shelf in a Box at Zanewood Recreation Center (2nd Tuesday of the month): https://www.goodinthehood.org/our-programs/food-programs/
Hunger Solutions hotline (1-888-711-1151) or food finder tool: https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/
Second Harvest Heartland food finder tool: https://www.2harvest.org/find-food/resource-map
Loaves and Fishes find a community meal: https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/find-a-community-meal/

This is a tough time for many in our Fair Oaks community. Please know that support is available for a variety of needs. Our school social worker, Krysta Sather, can assist you in making community connections.

Fair Oaks elementary will continue to have the weekend food bag program provided by EveryMeal. If you have not signed up for this program, but want to participate please contact our school social worker, Krysta Sather, via email (satherk@district279.org), phone (763-549-2356), or TalkingPoints to request a sign up brochure.

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.

12/8 - Hoops Skills 4:10pm (For students who are signed up)

12/8 - Robotics: Muscle Bots (for students who are signed up) 4:10-5:10

12/10 - Fair Oaks Fun and Learning 4:10pm-5:10pm (for those who are signed up)

12/11 - 5th Grade field trip to MN History Center

12/17 - Fair Oaks Fun and Learning 4:10pm-5:10pm (for those who are signed up)

12/18 - 3rd Grade field trip to Como

12/19- 2nd Grade gingerbread house making event 2:30

12/23 - All School Morning Meeting - Celebrating December CARES Champions 9:15am

12/23 - Winter Sing-Along (afternoon- time TBD)

12/24-1/2 - No school - Winter break

1/5/26 - School will resume after winter break

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

DECEMBER CARES Champions

Raimi O"Neal

Alonzo Robinson

Mabel Weah

Massa Swaray

Kenji Yang

Esmael Kasim

Abdulaye Kamara

Moussa Keita

Leila Zayzay

Musa Donzo

Rayden Moua

Malia Green

Heaven Saldivar Rivera

Isaac Mulsumo

Serenity Xiong

Adan Ventura

Alberto Villanueva Tapia

Wennie Selegajallah

Charlene Lewis

Priscilliano "Damian" Calvario Lopez

Charlene Lewis

Royal Carr

Aamir Gesaade

Sheyla Salines

Perla Lopez

Isaias Joya

Colton Roberts

Kaylee Garcia Tarrios

Nicholas Vang

Felicia Richards

Samantha Thao

Israel Rotimi

David Tapia-Manzanares

Brian Faseemo

Adriana Deras Alvarez

Delany Munoz Andrade

Wyatt Yang

Jamarion McCoy

Alex Ponce

Joel Gonzalez

Nathan Thao

Lexey Johnson

Evelyn Yang

Naznin Gonzalex Kadir

Fernanda Perez Minero

Patience Merritt

***DECEMBER CARES Champions will be celebrated at the December 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

There's lots of creativity coming out of the Fair Oaks Makerspace! Our 3rd and 5th graders have been busy building with K’Nex, challenging each other in Chess, playing QBitz, and following multi-step directions to create detailed drawings. Fourth graders have been diving into the Engineering Design Process by designing and testing catapults connected to their Middle Ages CKLA unit—using just eight popsicle sticks, five rubber bands, and a plastic bottle top!

Our youngest Makers have been exploring creativity through Duplo LEGO builds, Zoobs, and vibrant watercolor painting.

More exciting projects are on the way in the next three weeks as we head into Winter Break!

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

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