Crimson Newsletter - Dec. 2, 2024

Greetings, Crimson Families, and welcome back from what I hope was a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with your families and friends. It's great to have the kids back in the building, seeing all the smiles (amidst the yawns, too), and reconnecting after the long weekend. And, Mother Nature gave us the first dusting of snow this winter, to boot.

This year, Maple Grove Senior began implementing the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination), following Maple Grove Middle and Osseo Middle Schools. It aligns with the rigorous educational practices and systems which have existed at Maple Grove for years, and provides students with even stronger learning experiences and supports. Moreover, it prepares students for college and career readiness, and supports students who aspire to take rigorous/AP courses by building their academic skills. Crimson students will learn by instructional strategies which reinforce critical academic skills, specifically writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR). One strategy that many classrooms are utilizing is focused note-taking, which involves processing notes, connecting to prior learning, summarizing and reflecting, and then applying the new knowledge.

In addition, we run two AVID elective courses (one for freshmen, and one for sophomores), which will expand to eventually reach all four grade levels. The AVID elective focuses on the strategic development and refinement of WICOR skills, provides the structure for students to be successful with rigorous courses, and highlights the importance of using academic tools for post-secondary success.

Overall, we're excited to be implementing AVID at Maple Grove, and look forward to the growth of the program to positively impact each Crimson student!

As always, thank you for your support and partnership. Feel free to contact me with any questions at beckerb@district279.org.

Yours very respectfully,

Bart Becker, Principal

The beginning of the second trimester is the official transition from fall to winter, and what better way to embrace and enjoy the season than to attend any of our amazing fine arts concerts!

• December 9: Orchestra concert
• December 10: (6:00 p.m.) Band 9 and Wind Ensemble concert
• December 10: (7:30 p.m.) Crimson Winds and Symphonic Band concert
• December 13: Jazz Band concert
• December 16: Choir concert

Come enjoy the incredible music from our Crimson students and staff – you won't be disappointed!

The Crimson Yearbook website is live! You can visit www.MapleGroveYearbook.com to order a yearbook, submit a senior portrait, baby ad, or community photo.

You can visit www.MapleGroveYearbook.com to order a yearbook, submit a senior portrait, baby ad, or community photo. Seniors should view the senior flyer on the website for more detailed information on how to submit your senior photos and baby ads.

Issues or questions about the website or yearbook? Please email Ashley at ashley@maplegroveyearbook.com.

• FAFSA will open for everyone in December. The CRC will be covering FAFSA with senior students during Foundations in December.
• The CRC will host a virtual FAFSA Q&A support session for families on Thursday, January 23 from 5:00–7:00 pm.
• Genesys Works is an opportunity for students to participate in a paid internship during senior year and earn up to $16,000. As high schoolers, Genesys Works students are offered business technology skills training, meaningful paid internships, college and career counseling, and alumni support. Genesys Works fuels students’ ambition so their dreams become lifelong realities. Students are placed with a partner company for the duration of their senior year of high school. Genesys Works partners with 49 local corporations. Partner companies include Target, Caribou Coffee, and Huntington Bank. Students receive skills training, college and career coaching and continued support in college as an alumni of the program. Current juniors will learn about the program during Foundations in December and applications will open in January for interested students. Apply here!
• The Career Resource Center (CRC) is already preparing to gather volunteers to conduct over 600 professional interviews for our seniors on April 4, 2025. If you are interested in volunteering with the CRC, please fill out this form.

Visit the CRC website for more information!

• December 2: Second trimester begins
• December 9: Orchestra concert
• December 10: Band concert
• December 13: Jazz Band concert
• December 16: Choir concert
• December 21: Winter break begins
• January 6: Return from winter break
• January 17: Asynchronous learning / Staff collaboration
• January 20: No school (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• January 30: Mid-trimester conferences
• January 31: NWSC Preview concert

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