Monthly Boost

October 2025

As a synchronous online school, scholars are expected to log in and actively participate in every class. Missing class means missing learning, and you’ll receive an absence notification. Going to class is how scholars Engage in their education, one of our DEN expectations.

Even when a teacher is absent, learning doesn’t stop! Lessons and exit tickets will be posted in Schoology, and both need to be completed for attendance. If the exit ticket isn’t completed, the absence will be marked unexcused. Scholars can always email their teacher if they need help. If a substitute is assigned, a message will be posted under “Updates” in Schoology with instructions.

If you have concerns about attendance, please reach out to Assistant Principal Bisson at BissonR@district279.org or 763-391-8682. We are here to partner with you and support your scholar in showing up, staying engaged, and thriving every day.

-Ms. Swanson and Ms. Bisson

September 30: Fall Academic Conferences 3:30-8:00PM (VIRTUAL)

October 4: Reading is Fun 5K

October 7: Fall Academic Conferences 3:30-8:00PM (VIRTUAL)

November 13: 279Online School Picture Retake & Make-Up Day
November 26: Mark Reporting Day - No School for Students
November 27 & 28: District Closed for Holiday - No School for Staff and Students

December 1: Start of Trimester 2

December 23: Last Day of School before Winter Break

December 24-31: Winter Break - No School for Students

December 25 & 26: District Closed for Holiday - No School for Staff or Students

Please mark your calendars for Trimester 1 Conferences. Conferences will be held virtually.

Conference scheduling is available NOW in ParentVUE and will close Monday, September 29th at 3:00PM. If you will need interpreter services during the conferences, please let the teachers know.

279Online's Fall Conference Dates:

Tuesday, September 30th: 3:30-8:00pm (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, October 7th: 3:30-8:00pm (Grades 6-12)

We highly encourage you to create a ParentVUE account if you do not have one already. Please follow these instructions on how you create an account.

For ParentVUE Conference Scheduling Instructions, please visit our district’s ParentVUE page. If you scroll down to Frequently Asked Questions and then expand the “How do I schedule conferences” section, you will see links to directions in various languages.

**If you are unable to schedule your conference in ParentVUE, please contact your teacher(s) directly to schedule.

Join us to learn more about AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination). AVID is a career and college readiness program that prepares students to be future ready with important skills that are useful in middle, high school, college and job training programs.

We will be holding an info session on each conference date to learn more and ask any questions:

• Tues, Sept 30 at 6:30 PM
• Tues, Oct 7 at 6:30 PM.

Use https://meet.google.com/lookup/279MHSDAS to drop in to meet our AVID Site Coordinator, Megan Heitkamp, and learn more about AVID for your 6th or 9th grader.

Senior year is here, and it’s moving fast! During fall conferences, our high school counselor, Andrea Dorn will be hosting an informative virtual session called “It’s Senior Go Time” at 5:30pm on September 30th. She will talk about what this exciting year means for your student — from graduation requirements and key deadlines to planning for college, careers, and everything in between. This is your chance to get the inside scoop on how to help your senior finish strong and launch into what’s next. We hope you’ll join us! Click the link HERE to join the meeting at 5:30pm on Sept. 30th.

Join the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Webinar and learn more about how we are partnering with families and the community for the 2025-26 school year! During the session, you'll hear about the FACE team's goals, upcoming programs and activities, and ways to connect with us and get involved. We hope to see you there!

Info sessions are being held during conference night at the following times

• Tues, Sept 30 at 6:00PM - Click HERE to join.
• Tues, Oct 7 at 6:00PM - Click HERE to join.

If you have any other questions, please contact our main office at online@district279.org OR 763-391-8670.

Each year we ask scholars and parents/caregivers to read and sign an agreement between themselves and 279Online concerning expectations and mutual understanding about appropriate behavior and responsibilities.

Please consider attending the Virtual MTSS Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 7th from 3:30-4:30.

The purpose of this meeting is to share data and information about our students at 279Online, share the work that the MTSS Team does to address the needs of our students, and to ask for your feedback in better supporting the needs of our scholars.

If you are interested in attending the MTSS advisory council meeting, please complete this form to receive an invite to the event!

Welcome to Counselors’ Corner!

Each month, our school counseling team will share updates, helpful resources, and tips to support scholars and families. From academic planning and college/career readiness to social-emotional learning and wellness, our counselors are here to help scholars thrive. Be sure to check back each month for new resources and updates!

If you or someone you know is looking for more information on the college and financial aid process, we are here to help! Join us during the months of October and November for a series of college and financial aid webinars created specifically for students and families to walk through components and steps of apply for college and financial aid.

Each session will have live interpretation in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Sign up and attend to be entered into a drawing to win one of two $1,000 scholarships!

Follow this link to learn more! --> www.bit.ly/25CollegeSeries

AVID is a college and career readiness program that helps students build the skills they need to succeed in middle school, high school, jobs, college, and future careers. At 279Online, AVID is woven into Advisory and daily classes, with a focus on organization and academic skills so all scholars are prepared for what’s next.

A key part of the AVID program is the AVID Elective class. We are currently recruiting 6th and 9th grade scholars who are motivated to succeed and eager to grow in a supportive environment. In the AVID elective, scholars will:

• Join a safe and welcoming classroom community

• Build academic skills for success in school, work, and life (study strategies, note-taking, critical reading, communication, time management, and organization)

• Explore future opportunities through career fairs, guest speakers, and college visits

• Take part in fun and engaging field trips

• Receive personalized mentorship tailored to their goals and interests

Learn more by exploring our 279Online AVID website, and/or attend an info session.

Attend an info session to learn more and ask any questions: Tues, Sept 30 at 6:30 PM, or Tues, Oct 7 at 6:30 PM. Use https://meet.google.com/lookup/279MHSDAS to drop in to meet our AVID Site Coordinator, Megan Heitkamp, and learn more about the AVID elective for your 6th or 9th grader.

• Facebook at 279Online
• X (formerly Twitter) at 279Online
• Instagram at 279Online_
• 279Online website.

We’re excited to launch a new social media campaign to keep our school community connected and inspired! Each weekday will have its own theme:

• Motivation Monday – uplifting quotes, shoutouts, and milestones to kick off the week.

• Tech Tip Tuesday – quick tips, tricks, and tools to support digital learning.

• Wisdom Wednesday – academic spotlights, study skills, and college/career readiness.

• Thriving Thursday – celebrating school culture, wellness, and community connections.

• Future Friday – family engagement, enrichment ideas, weekly highlights, and upcoming events.

Follow along to see the amazing things happening at our school and join the conversation!

• Keep your contact information current in ParentVUE. You can update phone numbers and email addresses at any time in ParentVUE. For instructions, please visit the ParentVUE Site.
• Please check Schoology for current grades, daily assignments, and overall progress. Mid-trimester grades and Trimester grades are posted in ParentVUE.
• Review our current and past newsletters on our website for important information.

Check your email regularly for Mass Notification and Schoology emails from us. If you aren’t seeing them, please look in your junk folder or check your setting to make sure you don’t have emails blocked.

The Reading is Fun 5k, presented by NorthStar Bus Lines, is coming up on Saturday, October 4. The course begins at Maple Grove Crimson Stadium, follows a Three Rivers Park trail, winds through the neighborhood and ends back at the stadium. Proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit the Osseo Area Schools’ media centers. Register today to join the fun!

Click this link for more info: http://bit.ly/45XUINW

In the event that your scholar's teacher is absent and our continuous building substitute is not available, your scholar is still expected to engage in the class work asynchronously.

• When the teacher is absent, they will post a message in Schoology with instructions for the lesson and an exit ticket to complete for attendance. It’s important that your child does both the lesson and the exit ticket. If the exit ticket is not completed, they will be marked unexcused.
• If they have any questions, they can email their teacher for help.

State and District assessments for the 2025–2026 school year are now underway. If you are considering opting your scholar out of any testing, please visit the following resources for detailed information and guidance.

The Osseo Area Schools assessment plan is posted on the Osseo Area Schools website under Academics - Data and Assessments.

If a parent/caregiver chooses to opt-out their child/children from assessments, they will need to complete the Parent/Guardian Decision Not to Participate form. Universal screening opt-out forms will automatically be sent to parents/caregivers, data and assessment coordinator, and assistant principals and school assessment coordinator (SAC).

8th Grade Families will have an opportunity to preview all print and media materials used for high school Health including the abstinence based unit or Health including the abstinence until marriage unit of both courses.

A preview of materials is held each year before registration. All print materials are available in each middle school throughout the year. You can preview materials at any of the sites below:

Brooklyn Middle School 7377 Noble Ave. N Brooklyn Park MN on:

● Thursday October 23, 2025, 3:00-7:15 p.m.

● Thursday, January 22, 2026, 3:00-7:15 p.m.

Maple Grove Middle School 7000 Hemlock Lane Maple Grove MN on:

● Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

● Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 3:30-7:00 p.m.

● Wednesday, January 28, 2026 3:00-4:00 p.m.

North View Middle School 5869 69th Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN on:

● Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m.

● Thursday, October 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m

● Monday, October 27, 2025, 3:00-4:00 p.m

● Thursday, January 22, 2026, 3:00-7:00 p.m.

● Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 3:00-7:00 p.m.

Osseo Middle School 10223 93rd Ave. N. Osseo, MN on:

● Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 3:15-7:00 p.m.

● Thursday, October 23, 2025, 3:15-7:00 p.m.

● Thursday, January 15, 2026, 3:30-7:00 p.m.

We would love to partner with you to build our parent/caregiver community.

If you'd like to share ideas, feedback, or connect with other parents and our administration team, please contact Assistant Principal, Ryan Bisson at BissonR@district279.org or 763-391-8682.

• Show your children or the youth of our community that you are interested in their school life and their future
• Show your commitment to the community
• Help others and develop new skills
• Meet new and interesting people and develop friendships
• Share your time and talents
• Open communication between you and your child when you’re involved and know what is going on at school
• Give your child a boost -- studies show that parent and community involvement and volunteering enhances student success
• It’s fun!

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities for 279Online, please contact us at online@district279.org

Need help logging in to an account, checking in for an online meeting with a teacher, or setting up a device? Check out the technology resources in the Parent and Family Toolkit.

Need more technology assistance? The district tech support help desk is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on student days, and 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on non-student days.

The best way for scholars and families to receive technology help during school hours (7:30-4:00pm) is to contact 279Online's main office at 763-391-8670 or email us at online@district279.org.

• We will then have the technology department reach out to you as soon as they can.

The best way for scholars and families to receive technology help outside of school hours is to submit a ticket for technology assistance through our new ticketing system, IncidentIQ

• Use the following link to submit a ticket via IncidentIQ. https://district279.incidentiq.com/guest/5K9FRZD3/help-desk-kiosk.
• Once you submit the ticket, then your user information will be in IncidentIQ for the future.
• You may also call the tech department directly at 763-391-7180.

ParentVUE is an application you can use to view your scholar(s) attendance, report cards, schedule conferences, update your contact information and more. We highly encourage you to create an account if you do not have one already. Please follow these instructions on how you create an account.

You may also visit our ParentVUE page for more step-by-step instructions on how to access and change things in ParentVUE.

If you have any questions regarding your ParentVue account, please submit a ticket to our technology department via Incident IQ.

Families will need to complete the Back-to-School Annual Verification form in ParentVUE before accessing their accounts for information regarding students in the new academic year. Please review the information thoroughly to make any necessary changes to you or your scholars information.

In the back-to-school forms process, families have the ability to deny the release of all directory information (including a student’s image) or to specifically deny the release of a student’s image only. Families who wish to change their student's opt out preferences can do so at any time in ParentVUE.

What is the difference between denying a release of a student's photograph and denying a release of directory information?

• If you deny the school district the ability to release your child’s photo only, the school district will not include a photo or a video/audio recording of your child in yearbooks, school/district websites, school/district social media pages or other school/district publications accessible outside of school.
• If you deny a release of all of your student’s directory information (which includes the student’s photograph), the school district will not include your child’s name, image, voice, school of attendance, awards, participation in officially recognized activities/sports, or any other directory information in any school/district publication that is accessible outside of school.

For families who use Schoology, we created this handy reference guide to help you navigate what you’ll see in Schoology, how Schoology is different than ParentVue, and how to get support for accessing the parent side of Schoology.

Click here for the reference guide.

Parents/Guardians can access the Schoology Parent Access Code in ParentVUE under the Lunch PIN in Student Info.

Per the Minnesota Department of Education, Online and Homeschool families are not eligible for the Minnesota Free School Meals Program however, your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for important education funding. (If you received a letter this summer stating you qualified for educational benefits, you do not need to fill out a form again this year)

We encourage families to fill out an application for educational benefits at the beginning of each school year. The benefits of filling out an application and being approved (or qualifying) may include but are not limited to the following:

• Applications completed and approved prior to October 1st will help provide funding for the school your child attends which can be used to provide additional resources that benefit students.
• Testing fees for the ACT, SAT and AP Fees may be discounted as well as field trips and band instruments
• Reduced Internet rates with certain providers.
• Athletics fees waived or reduced.

• Online through EduTrakConnect at www.district279.org/FMA. This option will create a family account.
• Online at: bit.ly/3hWdk7Q.This option will bypass making a family account while still allowing completion of the application
• Scan the QR code to the right of this section.

Rather than posting numerous resources each week, we are compiling them in a Google Doc that will be updated accordingly. Please click here for assistance regarding things like mental health, food and clothing support, and Internet access.