279Connect-March 11
March 11, 2025
Updated attendance boundary change scenarios available to view
Feedback opportunities include online form and info meetings
Community feedback from January and early February helped to narrow and refine proposed attendance boundary scenarios. Specifically, scenarios 1 and 2 moved forward with some adjustments based on comments received. Visit the following webpages for details on newly proposed scenarios 1A and 2A and search tools to see how your household may be impacted:
Learn more about each of the updated scenarios by visiting the following webpages. Make sure to check out each scenario’s search tool to see how your household is impacted.
Community input is important: Please share your thoughts on the two updated scenarios by filling out the online feedback form or participating in an upcoming community informational meeting.
Community informational Meeting on Wednesday, March 19 at 5:45 p.m. in the Osseo Middle School cafe
Timeline: These events in March will likely wrap up districtwide feedback opportunities. The school board is expected to approve final attendance boundary changes in May. The new attendance boundaries will then go into effect fall 2026.
Stay tuned: Detailed information will continue to be shared at district279.org/boundaries. Feel free to reach out if something additional needs to be addressed via BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.
Park Brook Elementary’s Double Dutch students show off skills in performance
Infectious energy filled Park Brook Elementary School’s gymnasium March 3, when the school invited parents and its entire student body to a showcase event for the school’s popular Double Dutch club. The club includes about 60 students from grades three through five.
Osseo Middle School AVID students participate in Base Camp trip
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students at Osseo Middle School attended Base Camp on Feb. 20. Base Camp is operated by the Northern Star Scouting organization and provides a structured and adventurous environment where teams can strengthen their bonds through shared challenges and successes. Scholars took part in rock climbing, archery and leadership challenges, all designed to encourage communication and trust.
Birch Grove School for the Arts students present "Alice in Wonderland Jr."
Months of hard work and dedication came to a head in early March as students at Birch Grove School For The Arts took the stage to perform "Alice in Wonderland Jr." The musical follows Alice as she finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, and she must find her way home. The talented students sang and danced their way across an elaborately designed stage in the family-friendly performance. The students performed two shows for their fellow students and staff at Birch Grove during the school day, and four shows over the weekend of March 7-9 for their families and community members.
Students bring ‘Finding Nemo Kids’ to life in spring musical performances
Crest View repurposing project shifts to a cost-neutral rebuild
Last spring our Osseo Area Schools community was updated on Crest View’s repurposing plans. The needs and commitments shared at that time included pre-kindergarten (cultural immersion, including native language revitalization), enrichment and community-based programming. Input was sought for the additional space available. Top themes included:
After-school programs
Family counseling services
Special needs support
Adult English language classes
Early childhood education
STEAM education
Tutoring services
Community gathering spaces
Community’s hopes and dreams included in plans: A big thank you goes out to all our community members who shared these creative ideas. Many of the received suggestions are possible, and can be built within the school site using what is called flexible learning spaces. These multipurpose areas adapt to a multitude of needs and are able to serve our community for several years to come.
Shift to a rebuild: A more detailed estimation process started after the community shared their thoughts on the additional space. During this time, it was discovered that the original support systems of the school would need to be significantly renovated because of the age of the building and unknown structural issues – greatly increasing the initial cost. It was, in fact, comparably-priced to a complete rebuild of the school site. Last month the school board agreed to move forward with a rebuild, which means Crest View will instead be torn down and reconstructed. This process will start late spring with a tentative reopening set for fall 2027. From a financial lens, this change in direction is cost-neutral and won’t impact taxpayers.
Connect with any additional considerations: Please reach out by Friday, April 4 via info@district279.org if there are any programming adjustments or space functionality you’d like the team to consider as this project shifts to a rebuild. Your thoughts will be shared with the architect.
Palmer Lake Elementary School celebrates I Love to Read Month
February was I Love to Read Month at Palmer Lake Elementary, and students enjoyed many fun activities throughout the month with a "Catch the Reading Wave, Aloha to New Adventures" theme.
The celebrations included a Hawaiian and favorite book character dress up days, time for older students to read to the school's younger learners, opportunities for students to read while relaxing on beach towels, and an Aloha bingo board that encouraged students to make a bingo by reading in various locations and trying different types of reading. Students received a scratch-off Hawaii bookmark and a lei during the month-long celebration of reading.
Looking ahead
- March 11: Registration opens for Kidstop School Year 2025-26
- March 11: School Board Work Session and Policy Committee Meeting
- March 13: Magnet schools lottery application opens
- March 18-May 20: Kindergarten orientation events
- March 18: School Board Regular Business Meeting
- March 19: Registration opens for ECFE summer programs
- March 19: Community Informational Meeting
- March 24-28: No school (Spring Break)
- March 26: Career Expo
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Our mission is to inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence, courage and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning.



