Orioles Newsletter

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, we want to encourage all students to continue making strong choices both academically and behaviorally. May is always an exciting time of year, but it is also important that we stay focused on learning, attendance, and maintaining a positive school environment. Being in class, arriving on time, and following the Osseo Middle School Oriole Way expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, and Resourceful will help everyone finish the year successfully.

We are also looking forward to celebrating our students with our End of the Year Party! Students who consistently demonstrate positive behavior, attend class regularly, and avoid unsafe or disruptive behaviors will have the opportunity to participate in this celebration featuring food trucks, games, music, and activities.

Students may not be eligible to attend the End of the Year Party due to:

• Excessive unexcused tardies
• Excessive unexcused absences
• Referrals for unsafe behaviors or significant behavior concerns

Our goal is for every student to be able to participate, and we appreciate families partnering with us to help students stay engaged, safe, and successful during these final weeks of school.

Families can support students by encouraging them to:

• Arrive to school and class on time each day
• Stay in class and engaged in learning
• Follow school expectations and use technology appropriately
• Use safe behaviors and make positive choices with peers
• Finish assignments and communicate with teachers when support is needed

Let’s work together to help all Orioles finish the school year strong!

Brian Chance, Principal

Jan Bitzer, Assistant Principal

Spring into Summer

Kick off the season with a fun party at Central Park on Saturday, May 16, from noon to 5 p.m.. Enjoy food from The Lookout Bar & Grill, refreshing drinks, live music, and activities for all ages in a family friendly atmosphere. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the start of summer!

Ages: All ages
Date: May 16th
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Central Park of Maple Grove

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Join Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and the Osseo-Maple Grove American Legion in commemorating Memorial Day. This nonprofit honors and supports veterans, service members, and their families.

Ages: All ages
Date: May 25th
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Central Park of Maple Grove

Photography Contest

Maple Grove’s annual online photography contest runs June 1–30. Residents can submit photos taken in Maple Grove in a variety of categories, with cash prizes awarded and winning photos featured in city publications and displays. Learn more about the contest.

Sustainable Safari Live Animal Show

Sustainable Safari will bring a fun, interactive animal show featuring animals like kangaroos, foxes, alligators, and more, while teaching guests about conservation and caring for wildlife.

Ages: All ages
Date: June 4th
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Town Green

Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos

Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos delivers a high-energy, interactive music show where two pianists face off, take song requests, and get the crowd singing, laughing, and fully involved in the fun.

Ages: All ages
Date: June 11th
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Town Green

Chalkfest

Chalkfest is a free, two-day street art festival with entertainment, food, and family fun! This event features professional art enthusiasts from all over the world. For more information, visit the official Chalkfest website.

Ages: All ages
Date: June 13 & 14th

Pop Up Splash Pad

Grab your towels, throw on your swimsuits, and get ready to get soaked! Join the Fire, Police and Parks & Recreation Departments for a splashing good time as the fire truck sprays water high in the air, perfect for running, laughing, and cooling off. Dive into fun water games and enjoy icy cool treats. Firefighters will be on site to answer your burning questions including how to create a family escape plan and proper use of smoke alarms. Police will have a squad car open for tours, it’s the ultimate way to beat the heat, so don’t miss this water-filled fun time! If weather is questionable, please contact the weather hot-line at 763-494-5959 for cancellations or updates.

June 16 - Grove West
(7520 Inland Lane N., Maple Grove, MN 55311)

July 14 - Boundary Creek
(10455 Nathan Lane N., Maple Grove, MN 55331)

August 18 - Thoresen Park
(6259 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55331)

Ages: All
Price: Free
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

Cross Community Players Theater

Join our local community theater at their summer performance of Shrek the Musical! To learn more or to purchase tickets visit Cross Community Players.

National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 4, Maple Grove, along with over 16,000 communities nationwide, will be celebrating National Night Out. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Maple Grove Police and Fire Departments are sponsoring a free lunch and emergency equipment show at Central Park. You’re also invited to host a block party in your neighborhood during the evening. These parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors, have fun, and even receive a visit by Maple Grove police or fire personnel. Please contact Maple Grove Police Community Outreach at 763-494-6134 or crimeprevention@maplegrovemn.gov to register your neighborhood and receive planning information for National Night Out 2026.

Ages: All ages
Date: August 4th
Time: 11a.m. to 1 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Central Park of Maple Grove

Tater Daze Parade

Start your day at the parade cheering on your favorite school teams, local community organizations, and public safety vehicles.

Confirmed Parade Performers: Park Center HS Marching Band, Osseo HS Marching Band, Maple Grove HS Marching Band, Rince na Chroi, Lions Drum and Dance, Golden Thread Studio, River City Rhythm, TKO, and Hijinks.Confirmed Parade Performers: Park Center HS Marching Band, Osseo HS Marching Band, Maple Grove HS Marching Band, Rince na Chroi, Lions Drum and Dance, Golden Thread Studio, River City Rhythm, TKO, and Hijinks.

Learn more about the Tater Daze Parade >

Ages: All ages
Date: May 30th
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Parade Route: 101st – Regent- Oak Grove Pkwy

Tater Daze Community Gathering

Join us for live performances, a food truck festival, inflatables & bounce houses, a community marketplace, sports samplers, activity stations, Art in the Park make-and-takes, open skate, bingo, and games!

Confirmed Food Trucks: Ku-Ma-in, BBQ Junkies, La Cocina, Outlaw Donuts, Yum Yum Truck, Deep Roots Connection, Yummy Tummy MN, Ice Cream Kingz, Blue Tin Cup Kafe, and Heavy Rotation Brewing Company

Confirmed Stage Performances: Tropical Zone Orchestra, Duniya Drum & Dance, Yalla Drum and Dance, Siengkane Lao Dance, and Eurphoria Dance Team

Confirmed Art Stations: Walker Art Center, Face painting, Wow Bus Metal Lab, MN Doodle Booth, Paper Plains, Rumriver Art Center, and MNZZ

Learn more about the Tater Daze Community Gathering >

Saturday, May 30
12:00-4:00 p.m.

Community Activity Center
5600 85th Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

Walk the Park

Join us for Walk-the-Park, a neighborhood walk and play event, hosted by Trinity Gardens neighborhood. Welcome the return of summer. Meet some of your neighbors. Enjoy the trails and park in the Trinity Garden neighborhood.

This is a non-competitive, family-friendly neighborhood walk and play event.

• Bring your dogs, kids, neighbors and guests
• Play in the park along the way
• Win great prizes in our drawing
• Visit with the Fire and Police Departments, other city departments, a selfie station, candy, water and more!
• Look for activities and games along the trail between King’s Crossing and Park Pavilion

Walk route

• Walk at your own pace
• 1- and 2-mile marked circular route
• Join in at any point along the route and at any time between 9 and 11 a.m.
• Accessible for strollers, wagons and wheelchairs

Ages: All ages
Date: June 6th
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Where: Trinity Gardens Neighborhood
View a map and directions to Trinity Gardens >

Cops N Kids Fishing

Brooklyn Park Police Officers, alongside other area first responders, will be casting a line with area youth at the Community Activity Center’s Sunfish Pond.

Participating youth will be shown the basics to get them hooked on fishing, and will take home their very own rod and reel to help them tackle their next fishing trip. This annual event helps foster meaningful connections between officers and youth in our community, and provides an opportunity for youth to explore and enjoy outdoor recreation.

Registration includes an event t-shirt, gift bag, snacks, and lunch. Transportation options will be available.

Ages: All ages
Date: June 10th
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Where: Community Activity Center (Sunfish Pond)
5600 85th Ave. N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

Registration

Register here>
Cops N Kids Fishing is open to youth ages 7-15 who live in Brooklyn Park. Registration is capped at 100 participants.

Twins Fantasy Camp for Kids

Join Brooklyn Park Adaptive Recreation, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Sports & Recreation Department, and the Minnesota Twins Community Funds for ‘Twins Fantasy Camp for Kids’! We welcome all youth and teens with cognitive or physical disabilities to join in the fun.

This FREE camp will feature adaptive baseball/softball activity instruction and fun engaging station rotation. All activities can be adapted to fit the needs of each participant.

All athletes are asked to bring a positive attitude and tons of energy!

What’s Included?
– Each player will receive a customized MN Twins Jersey
– Interaction with current MN Twins players
– Special TC Bear appearance
– Four (4) tickets per registered player to a MN Twins game on June 12, July 9, or July 30.
Please Note: Ticket inventory is limited; therefore, we recommend keeping all dates open as your preferred game date may not be guaranteed. Game dates are subject to change
– 2 hours of fun!

Please register in advance by Friday, May 15.

**Registration Open: Monday, April 13 @ 10 a.m.
**Registration Close: Friday, May 15 @ 11:59 p.m.

Registration link

Where: Community Activity Center (Sunfish Pond)
5600 85th Ave. N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

River Park Discovery Day

Recreate with us! Bike, paddle, walk, or drive to River Park on June 27 for a day of fun for the whole family. This event features nature activities and community resources for recreating all summer long. Walk the trail to explore our Discovery Stations, enjoy a bite to eat with food truck La Cocina, or browse our community resource fair!

Discover Stations:
Paper Making with Paper Plains
Birding with My Bird Club
Paddling with Twin Cities Kayaking
Recreate with Rec on the Go …and more to come!

Ages: All ages
Date: June 27th
Time: 10 to 2 p.m.
Price: Free
Where: River Park (Sunfish Pond)
2 83rd Ave. N
Brooklyn Park, MN

Brooklyn Park Farmers Market

The Brooklyn Park Farmers Market is excited to offer a gathering place to purchase vendor-grown produce and vendor-made specialty foods and consumable items. The 2026 season will run from July 8-October 7. The Farmers Market meets each Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. at North Hennepin Community College.

Stop by the NHCC West Broadway entrance on Wednesdays for a mid-week grocery run and support farmers and our local businesses.

Date: Wednesdays July 8th – October 7th
Time: 1-6pm

Where: North Hennepin Community College (access off West Broadway)
7411 85th Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Flick & Float

Join us for a fun family movie as you relax in the pool. A limited number of floats are available; please bring your own.

Doors open at 6 p.m. movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

Children ages 6 and under must have an adult within arms reach. Ages 7-12 must have an on deck. 3 children per 1 adult.

Ages: All ages
Date: May 30th
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Community Center 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center 55430

Pop-up Splash Pad

Join us for a fun afternoon of water, activities and a good time.

Bring a towel and dress in clothes ready to get wet.

Ages: All ages
Date: July 1st
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Where:
Firehouse Park
6535 N Bryant Ave
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430

BC Bike Bash

The bike ride leaves from the Centennial Park Amphitheater at 11 am and goes to Palmer Lake and back.

Grab your helmet and your bike and join us for a ride. If you don't want to bike, there will be other activities available.

This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the summer day.

• Ages: All ages
  Date: May 30th
  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Where:
  Centennial Park Amphitheater
  6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
  Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430

Entertainment in the Park- Movie

Bring a blanket and lawn chair to enjoy the movie, How to Train Your Dragon (2025 live action).

Don't forget bug spray!

Ages: All ages
Date: July 24th
Time: 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where:
Centennial Park Amphitheater
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430

Entertainment in the Park- Movie

Bring a blanket and lawn chair to enjoy the movie, Elio.

Don't forget bug spray!

Ages: All ages
Date: August 27th
Time: 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where:
Centennial Park Amphitheater
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430

Community Education’s Camp ROCKS! Mini Camps give students a fun and active way to learn new skills and make new friends during the summer. Enrichment camps are led by experienced instructors and cover a wide range of topics such as arts and crafts, coding, dance, game design, guitar lessons, languages, inventing, robotics, sports, technology, woodworking and more. Click here to learn more!

As we begin planning for next school year, please remember that the health office requires updated self-carry medication forms, medication orders, and action plans each school year for any student who takes medication at school. In addition, all current 6th grade students must have two updated immunizations completed prior to starting 7th grade. Summer is a great time to schedule appointments and gather updated paperwork.

The self-carry medication parental consent can be completed online through ParentVue, when you complete the back-to-school forms. This can be used for over-the-counter pain medicine (Tylenol, Advil etc.), cough drops, inhalers, etc. The forms can also be found online at: https://oms.osseoschools.org/departments/health-services.

Have a safe and healthy summer!

• Welcome to OMS: General Information, Parent Drop Off/Pick Up, Cell Phones &
• School Year Calendars
• Staff Directory
• Technology, Nutrition Services, and Student Support
• 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.

May 12 - Community Conversation at Maple Grove Middle School 5:00 PM

May 25th - Memorial Day NO School

June 5th - Last day of School