March Family Newsletter

Special Guest Writer: Felicia Cornell Family Liaison

Dear Garden City Families,

February is a meaningful month at Garden City Elementary as we honor, celebrate, and learn about Black History Month. This year is especially significant as we recognize 100 years of Black history being formally shared and taught in schools across the nation and around the world.

This February, our scholars will be learning about and spotlighting Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History. Dr. Woodson believed deeply that understanding history helps us better understand ourselves and one another. It is because of his vision and determination that Black history is recognized, taught, and celebrated today.

At Garden City, we know how important it is for all students to learn accurate, inclusive American history. History that reflects the strength, brilliance, and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, educators, and change-makers. Through classroom learning, literature, writing projects, music, and community experiences, our scholars will explore why Black History Month exists and why it continues to matter.

Please be on the lookout for additional family communication as we prepare for our Soul Food Breakfast with Principal Branch in celebration of National African American Parent Involvement Day. We look forward to welcoming families into our school to learn, reflect, and celebrate together. More details will be shared soon.

To conclude, here are some powerful words from Dr. Carter G. Woodson, whose legacy continues to guide our work:

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

Felicia Cornell

💥💥 MARCH!!! 💥💥

NO SCHOOL---Mark Reporting Day:

3/6

NO SCHOOL:

3/20

NO SCHOOL---SPRING BREAK:

3/23-3/27

Parent Vue

Parent Vue is a web application used by Osseo Area Schools for parents to access their child's report card, sign up for conferences, view health information, etc. It is critical that all parents/guardians have access to Parent Vue. To use, simply install the app on any smart phone and create your account. To ensure confidentiality, each student has their own access code.

Please go to the main office/or call 763-561-9768 for your child's special access code (if you do not have your Parent Vue set up yet).

All back to school forms MUST be completed and/or verified to enter ParentVue for the first time each school year. ParentVue will prompt you to do this when you login. Be sure to select the begin registration button. You will have to verify ALL CHILDREN in your home, even young siblings!

Late Arrival

A late arrival will be marked for students that arrive at school after 9:40am. Late arrivals can be marked as excused, or unexcused, based on reasoning. Arriving at school on time is incredibly important for your child so they are a part of all classroom community building and learning opportunities.

Birthdays/Celebrations

Out of respect for instructional time, family and religious choices, and many food allergies, birthday treats are NOT permitted in the classrooms. This is a district wide policy.

Arrival and Dismissal for Students Who Are Parent Pick-Up

Students should arrive at school NO EARLIER than 9:10 am as there will not be adult supervision.

Students should be picked up from school NO LATER than 4:00 pm

• We begin to call family numbers at 3:50pm
• There is NO left turn into the parking lot. Cars need to line up on 65th Avenue facing East so you make a RIGHT turn into the Family Pickup Zone.
• Do NOT block the bus lane.
• Do NOT park on the street or stop in the line to send someone to get your student(s). You need to line up in the line like all other families. When in line, you need to stay in line, waiting your turn like other families.

*IMPORTANT END OF DAY NOTICE*

To ensure the safety of all our students…

If there are ANY changes to pick up at the end of the day (example- your student(s) being a parent pick up instead of taking the bus home, or a different family/friend picking up etc) please notify the

OFFICE NO LATER than 2:30pm.

Call 763-561-9768

Bus Transportation Information

As a reminder, transportation is only available to students who live within the Garden City attendance boundaries.

If you have further transportation questions, need to make changes to your student's bus information, etc. please email transportation at BusQuestions@district279.org. or call at

763-391-7244.

Please make sure you download the new FirstView 1.0 Bus Tracking App for all the latest bus real time bus route timing and info. More info below.

FirstView 1.0 Bus Tracking App

Download updated bus tracking app to receive real-time info

Stay connected with your student's bus via our updated bus tracking app – FirstView 1.0.

This new app replaces the previous system with improved features such as easier navigation, notifications and family/caregiver email alerts. Current users should delete the previous app and download FirstView 1.0 to continue receiving real-time bus information. Refer to the Getting Started guide for first steps once the new app has downloaded onto your device.

Questions? Visit district279.org/FirstView or email support@myfirstview.com.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Download updated bus tracking app to receive real-time info

Stay connected with your student's bus via our updated bus tracking app – FirstView 1.0.

This new app replaces the previous system with improved features such as easier navigation, notifications and family/caregiver email alerts. Current users should delete the previous app and download FirstView 1.0 to continue receiving real-time bus information. Refer to the Getting Started guide for first steps once the new app has downloaded onto your device.

Questions? Visit district279.org/FirstView or email support@myfirstview.com.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

The application for educational benefits takes just a few minutes to complete, and it unlocks valuable support for families who qualify. Benefits include:

• Summer grocery support (Sun Bucks)

• Discounted home internet and utilities

• Lower college exam and AP fees

• After-school and summer programs

• Tutoring and academic help

• Low-cost community transit

• Free or discounted admission to museums, theaters and local events

How to apply:

• Online through EduTrakConnect at www.district279.org/FMA. This option will create a family account allowing online access to view meal accounts.

• Online at: bit.ly/3hWdk7Q This option will bypass making a family account while still allowing completion of the application.

Information regarding applications for educational benefits

• We still want to encourage families who have not been directly certified through programs such as SNAP to fill out applications for educational benefits.

• Letters were mailed earlier this month to families who qualify for educational benefits via direct certification through these programs. The letters state that they qualify. Families that qualify based on these programs do not need to fill out an application.

• It is beneficial for families who did not receive this notification to fill out an application as it may impact federal Title funding and may help the families and student qualify for other benefits.

• We cannot require a family to fill out an application or offer incentives for a family to fill out the application.

• This year, as with years past, we have mailed post cards with a link to complete applications for educational benefits to all households. We also send paper applications to each site to have on hand in the office. The paper applications, the post card, as well as the Nutrition Services website has a QR code, and links to a fillable online form that’s available in 5 languages.

• Below is an example script you may use to send communications to families if you’re interested.

WHY FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS WHEN MEALS ARE ALREADY AT NO COST?

Our school offers healthy meals each day. Breakfast and lunch will be available to students attending school in person at no cost for school year 2025/2026. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! 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.

There are three easy ways to apply for free or reduced priced meals:

1. Online through EduTrakConnect at www.district279.org/FMA. This option will create a family account allowing online access to view meal accounts.

2. Online at: bit.ly/3hWdk7Q This option will bypass making a family account while still allowing completion of the application

3. Scan the QR code (attached)

Child Development Lab Play School

WHO? We are looking for children ages 3-5 years old

WHAT? To participate in the Child Development Lab Play School (free!)

WHEN? Weekly starting April 7 or 9 and concluding on May 19 or 21, 2026 (Children can attend a Tuesday 8:45-10:55 a.m., Thursday 7:35-9:45 a.m. or both)

WHERE? Park Center High School Play School Lab-Room 148-Address: 7300 Brooklyn Blvd Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

If interested contact J. Bauerly at bauerlyj@district279.org

Attention Parents/Guardians! The Child Development Lab class at Park Center Senior High School in Brooklyn Park is looking for preschool-aged children ages 3, 4, and 5 who are toilet trained to attend Park Center Playschool about 2-4 hours per week for about 7 weeks beginning April 7 or 9 and concluding on May 19 or 21, 2026 (You will choose to attend a Tuesday 8:45-10:55 a.m., Thursday 7:35-9:45 a.m. or both). This is a free opportunity! Contact Joanne Bauerly, Instructor, with questions or to RSVP email bauerlyj@district279.org or call Park Center at 763-569-7600 to leave a message. Please contact us on or before March 30, 2026 to reserve a space!