Bulldogs Newsletter October 2, 2023
For Week of October 13, 2025
Issue #7
NO SCHOOL - October 16 & 17
Note from the Principal
Hello Basswood families,
We had a big week at Basswood! I hope you heard a lot of talk yesterday about the Basswood Masked Singer Extravaganza. We sure had a lot of fun together celebrating our community and the ongoing support we receive at Basswood. We were delighted to have Dr. Kim Hiel, Osseo Area Schools Superintendent, visit yesterday to perform and dance with our students.
Office Team Update: This week Mrs. Kennedy will begin a medical leave of absence and she will be out of the office through November. While she is taking care of herself, she will not be available by phone or email. During her absence, I ask that you direct communications directly to me. We will all miss her while she is gone, but she will be zipping through the Basswood hallways before we know it.
Social Emotional Supports: (Repeat)
In the Osseo Area Schools, students in grades 2-12 will take the mySAEBRS assessment this fall and again this spring. The mySAEBRS assessment, which stands for Minnesota Student Academic Behavioral Rating Scales, is a student self-evaluation. It provides valuable insights into areas such as social skills, emotional well-being, and behavioral strengths and challenges. This assessment helps our Student Support Team gain a more comprehensive understanding of your child's needs, allowing us to better support their growth and development. This data helps to ensure that we are using our counselor, social worker and other supports for those that need it most. For more information about assessment items and questions asked click here.
If you would like to opt your child out of this assessment, please complete the Parent Refusal Form located at https://www.district279.org/academics/assessments.
In partnership,
Steven Schwartz
Basswood Principal
Picture Day!
Kemmetmueller Photography will be at Basswood this Tuesday, October 14, to take student pictures. Paper copy of flyers went home on 10/01 and 10/08 with all the details on how to order pictures. No forms need to by filled out before.
PTO Kindness in Chalk
PTO is supporting National Bullying Awareness during the month of October! They would like to invite families to come to Basswood between 3pm - 5pm this Sunday, October 12, to help cover the sidewalks with messages of love, peace, hope, and acceptance. Chalk and snacks will be provided!
Cell Phone & Electronics Part II
Cell Phone and Electronics: Procedure for Violations
Incident:
1st: Warning
2nd: Device turned into office. Student picks up at the end of day.
3rd: Device turned into the office. Student picks up at end of day and parents are called.
4th: Device turned into the office. Parent picks up device at school.
5th: Individual plan created for student (i.e. device turned into office daily and picked up at day's end).
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...
- October 12 - PTO Kindness in Chalk 3-5pm
- October 13 - Conferences
- October 14 - Student Picture Day
- October 16-17 - NO SCHOOL
Coming Up at Basswood...
- October 22 - School Spirit Day: Unity Day! Wear Orange to show your support.
- October 23 - Evacuation Drill: 2:35pm
- November 4 - 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
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.