Connect-Jan. 27

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 21 was a slam dunk for literacy at Palmer Lake Elementary School, when the school welcomed the Minnesota Timberwolves Education Station for a special visit with kindergarten and first grade students.

Find out more about the visit

Three staff members smiling at the camera

Trio of ESPs make for student support dream team

At Woodland Elementary School, there’s a student support room where young learners can go to take a break from the classroom if needed to re-center or get behavior support. And when students arrive in that space, they are greeted by one or more of the three young men who staff the room: Dezvious Ellis-Ristamki, Sherrod Russell and Malik Wilson.

Check out the Staff Spotlight

Share your preliminary thoughts to help us prepare for the event

Mark your calendars – the next Community Conversation is set to take place Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. at Osseo Middle School. Community Conversations are being held this school year to better understand from family and community members what’s going well and what needs improvement as well as ensuring all feel valued and heard. District leadership and school board members host the events.

In the meantime, it’d be great to hear from you on what you think about our schools via this Google form. Your responses will help us form the discussion topics for the Feb. 3 conversation. Additionally, please share your name if you’re planning to attend.

A summary of the results will be shared community-wide after this year’s final conversation in May. Thank you, in advance, for your partnership on this journey. Questions? Reach out to Kay Villella, Executive Director of Community Relations at villellak@district279.org.

Osseo Area Schools’ operations team is coordinating Building A Better Future construction plans to ensure timelines are met and buildings are ready for students and staff at the start of the 2026-27 school year. Final summer construction schedules and timelines were confirmed this week. With plans now set, we can provide clearer guidance for facility rentals during the summer months.

Learn more about upcoming summer facility use

At the Jan. 20 school board meeting, a resolution was passed affirming student safety, legal compliance and access to education. The full document is available in the board meeting materials online as well as this web article.

recent opportunities for learning and fun around Osseo Area Schools

Edinbrook students enjoy after-school Scotties Club

Edinbrook Elementary School students have been spending January afternoons in a fun, meaningful way at Scotties Club, which is after-school programming that allows kids to take part in activities of their choice as part of the school’s Targeted Services programming.

Scotties Club began after winter break and will run through most of February. Club options are plentiful and include opportunities like Hmong language club, cheerleading, theater, ukulele lessons, legos, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities and more.

Park Brook hosts winter celebration

Park Brook Elementary School’s winter celebration was postponed in December due to illness, so the school had a welcome return to holiday festivities and cheer on a cold January day with their rescheduled celebration Jan. 21. Students in different grade levels took turns on stage to perform winter, holiday and community-themed songs for family and friends to enjoy.

Preschool students participating in programs

Apply now for 2026–27 preschool programs

Families with children who will turn 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026 are encouraged to apply now for Osseo Area Schools’ preschool and prekindergarten programs for the 2026–27 school year. Learn more about preschool programs and deadlines.

Osseo Middle School students shine at math competition

Students in the Osseo Middle School Math League recently competed at the Minnesota Junior High School Mathematics League. OMS was represented by 15 students that were led by math teacher Allison Richter. One team earned first place overall, while a second team finished sixth overall among all competitors. Additionally, KC Williams and Drew Erickson placed in the top 10 overall, and Parker Lintgen took home first place individually.

Feb. 2: No school for students, licensed staff workshop
Feb. 3: Community Conversation
Feb. 6: District 279 Foundation’s ‘A Night Out’
Feb. 10: School board work session
Feb. 16: No school for students, holiday
Feb. 26: School board regular business meeting

Timberwolves Education Station "howls" for reading at Palmer Lake Elementary Timberwolves Education Station "howls" for reading at Palmer Lake Elementary

Staff Spotlight: Woodland Elementary School ESPs Staff Spotlight: Woodland Elementary School ESPs

Trio of ESPs make for student support dream team

Next Community Conversation being held Feb. 3 Next Community Conversation being held Feb. 3

Share your preliminary thoughts to help us prepare for the event

Summer facility use update – Building A Better Future construction Summer facility use update – Building A Better Future construction

School board passes resolution amidst recent events School board passes resolution amidst recent events

Edinbrook students enjoy after-school Scotties Club

Park Brook hosts winter celebration

Apply now for 2026–27 preschool programs

Osseo Middle School students shine at math competition

Looking ahead Looking ahead