Orioles Newsletter

Dear OMS Families,

As we approach winter break, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the first part of the school year. It has been a busy and meaningful few months at Osseo Middle School, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us each day.

Our students have worked hard—academically, socially, and emotionally—and we have seen so many examples of growth, kindness, and perseverance. None of this happens without the support you provide at home. Whether it is encouraging your child on a tough day, staying connected with teachers, or celebrating small successes, your role matters greatly.

Winter break begins on December 24, and students will return to school on January 5. This time away from school is an important opportunity for rest, reflection, and connection. We hope your family is able to slow down, enjoy one another, and recharge. Please remember that routines, rest, and balance can make a big difference for students as they transition back to school after the break.

We look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready to continue learning together in the new year. Until then, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyful winter break.

Warm regards,

Brian Chance, Principal

Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal

• Elm Creek Park Reserve: Offers tubing (with lifts!), skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on extensive trails.
• Three Rivers Park District: Offers a variety of free activities and events.
• Central Park (Maple Grove): Features an ice skating loop and unique Crokicurl (curling/Crokinole hybrid) on the ice.
• Eastman Nature Center (Dayton): Explore snowshoeing and hiking trails through forests, plus learn about nature at the center.

• Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) (Minneapolis): Free admission and often hosts family days, a great cultural outing.
• Slick City Action Park (Maple Grove): An indoor inflatable park perfect for kids to burn off energy.
• Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley): Check for their popular holiday light displays (often ticketed).

View the route map!

View the route schedule.

It’s officially cold and flu season, just a friendly reminder to keep your student home if:

• They have a fever of 100.4 or higher. They must be fever free without medicine for 24 hours before they can return.

• They are not well enough to learn (any cough should be improving and not disruptive to the learning environment)

• Any vomiting or diarrhea (they must have no episodes of diarrhea or vomiting for 24 hours to return to school)

December typically has lots of family gatherings and get togethers, so let’s do our best to keep each other healthy!

Tips to stay healthy:

• Cover your cough

• Wash your hands frequently, but especially before eating

• Drink lots of water, your body needs to be hydrated to function at it’s best

Did you know that Middle Schoolers can self-carry over the counter pain medicine? Everyone gets aches and pains, whether they are headaches, random pains or monthly cramps. Carrying over the counter pain meds is a great way to help students become independent and helps to keep them in class. A parent or guardian just needs to complete the “Self-Administration of Medication Authorization” form (available online, at the school or https://oms.osseoschools.org/departments/health-services under forms). Please review with your student how much they should take, how often and to not share with friends. If you or your student has any questions, please feel free to reach out.

• 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.

December 24 - January 2: Winter Break

January 5: Classes Resume

January 16: Remote Learning Day

January 19: MLK Day- No School