Bulldogs Newsletter October 2, 2023
For Week of November 3, 2025
Issue #10
NO SCHOOL - Tuesday, November 4
Happy Halloween!
Hello Basswood families,
It was a great week at Basswood Elementary and there was a lot of energy in the building this week. Today's Fall parties were a lot of fun too! Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped make the parties such a success. It was wonderful to see so many parents here today.
Calling All Veterans!
Veteran's and their families are invited to attend on November 11th at 2:00pm. We are asking Veteran's to register so we can make arrangements to welcome those attending. We ask that registrations be completed as soon as possible. Please REGISTER HERE.
In partnership,
Steven Schwartz
Basswood Principal
PTO Basswood BINGO - Save the Date!
Join us for a night of fun games and a chance to win amazing prizes on Friday, November 14, at 5:30pm to 7:30pm. We will have exciting prizes, fun & games, and concessions. Mark your calendars!
Osseo Area Schools Information Fair
Explore the full range of opportunities available for every learner in Osseo Area Schools. From early childhood and preschool to elementary, middle, and high school, families can connect directly with school leaders and staff to learn what makes each school unique.
The fair also highlights specialized options that expand learning beyond traditional classrooms., including magnet programs, 279Online and community education.
Whether you are new to the district, preparing for kindergarten, navigating the move to middle or high school, exploring specialized programs or have general questions, this event offers answers, resources and next steps in one place.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 9am - noon
Location: Osseo Senior High School, 317 5th St NW, Osseo, MN 55369
*This event is an open-house style event open to the public, come anytime between 9 a.m. - noon.
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.
Clothing Request from Nurse Sarah
The health office is seeking clothing donations for children to change into when their clothes have been soiled. Any child sizes of gently used clothing and shoes would help our students.
Especially needed:
Smaller boy’s shirts sizes 5-8
Smaller boy’s pants sizes 5-8
Shoes size kids12- 4 for boys and girls
Girl’s pants sizes 5-8
Underwear sizes 6-12 for both boys and girls.
Also please remember to wash and send back any clothing that your student borrows from the health office.
Thanks so much!
Nurse Sarah
TAG - Talent Development, Academic Challenge, & Gifted Support
Talent Development, Academic Challenge and Gifted Support (TAG) services are available to Basswood students in third through fifth grade to strengthen interests, extend grade-level content, and apply skills and concepts in authentic ways. For more information about 2025-26 TAG services, please see the attachment.
With regards,
Mrs. Olson
Mrs. Berning
This week at Basswood...
- November 4 - NO SCHOOL
Coming Up at Basswood...
- November 11 - Picture Retake Day
- November 13 - 5th grade Choir Concert 6:30pm
- November 14 - PTO Basswood BINGO 5:45 - 8pm
- November 15 - Osseo School Information Fair at Osseo Senior High
- November 20 - PTO Meeting 6:30pm
- November 26-28 - NO SCHOOL
Good to Know...
What time does my student eat lunch?
- 2nd grade: 10:45 - 11:10am
- 4th grade: 11:15 - 11:40am
- 1st grade: 11:45 - 12:10pm
- 3rd grade: 12:15 - 12:40pm
- 5th grade: 12:45 - 1:10pm
- Kindergarten: 1:15 - 1:40pm
Will your student be absent from school for vacation?
If you are planning a family vacation or just time away from school, please remember to call your student's absence into the attendance line. You can call 763-494-3858 and press 1 to leave a message with your student's name, student's teacher, reason for absence, and dates that your student will be gone. We really appreciate your assistance!
Is your child signed up for an after school Community Ed class?
Our district Community Education department offers a variety of after school classes. If you do sign your student up for one of these classes, please remember to let your student's teacher know about the class and when your student needs to stay after school.
What time should my student be at school in the morning?
First bell rings at 8:40am letting students into the school. Second bell rings at 8:50am letting students know they should be in their classroom ready to start the day! At 8:50am, the front doors are shut and student will need to come through the office to get a late pass.
Can my student ride home on another student's bus?
The District Transportation department only allows students to ride their assigned bus to and from school. If you have questions, you can reach out to the Transportation Department at 763-391-7244 or transportationreques@district279.org.
What do I need to do to volunteer at school?
We welcome and encourage volunteers at Basswood. You can complete an online volunteer form online at apps.raptortech.com/Apply/Nzg0OmVuLVVT and work with our volunteer coordinator, Lezlie Northagen. Volunteer information will go home the first week of school. Activities in a normal school year include being a classroom assistant, helping with classroom parties, helping with PTO sponsored activities (Carnival, Turkey Bingo, Book Fair, etc.) along with numerous other opportunities. We continue to follow state guidelines and adjust our volunteer program accordingly.
How can I find out more about Basswood's PTO?
Every parent or guardian of enrolled students of Basswood Elementary is an automatic member of the PTO. We encourage you to join one of our next general meetings - or just send us a note if you have a question. You can find more information on our PTO website: https://sites.google.com/view/basswoodpto/home?authuser=1 or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BasswoodElementaryPto