Connect-Oct. 27

When colorful lights illuminate the stage and sound fills the auditorium at Maple Grove Senior High School (MGSH), much of the work that brings a performance to life has already happened behind the scenes.

For Tyler Fortney, one of five auditorium managers in Osseo Area Schools, a typical day in his role at MGSH includes preparing stages, setting up and testing microphones while teaching students how to safely handle various technical equipment. The greatest reward, Fortney says, comes from watching students he works with learn, grow and develop their own skills.

Drum roll! Our newest learning site in Brooklyn Park has a name - Crestview Center for Learning! The school board unanimously approved the recommended name at their Oct. 20 meeting.

Here’s some of the reasoning behind the selection:

• Historic link: The community feedback overwhelmingly shared a desire to keep the former Crest View/Crestview name in some way.

• Timeless: District programs naturally evolve over time so a broader primary name ensures the site won't outgrow its official title if services expand or shift in the future.

• Concise: Fits cleanly on exterior signage and print/digital communications without overcrowding.

• Unique: No one is using this exact name in Minnesota.

• Avoids confusion: Doesn’t use Community School or Learning Center, which have preconceived ideas/thoughts/feelings.

• All-encompassing: Is inclusive of the wide range of learners that the site will serve – community members birth through adult.

Additionally, a subname will be created that explains more of the site’s specific functions. A couple examples presented were: A Hub for Early Learning, Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement; and Connecting Culture, Community and Lifelong Learning. The subname will be put online, on letterhead, on marketing materials, etc.

The community feedback also had themes around indigenous and geographic names. The plan is to incorporate a set of indigenous and/or geographic names to identify the rooms within the building.

A big thank you to all who participated in this community-naming process, especially the committee members who sifted through suggestions and then researched the best direction for our district.

Continue to stay tuned on all the latest with Building a Better Future projects at OsseoSchools.org/BetterFuture.

Osseo Area Schools invites families to explore the possibilities at the Information Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at Osseo Senior High School.

Discover the many schools, programs and learning opportunities available across the district, all in one place! Meet school leaders and staff, ask questions and learn more about what makes Osseo Area Schools a great place for students to learn and grow.

Help spread the word! Current families are encouraged to share the event with friends, family members and neighbors who may be exploring school options for their children.

Park Brook Elementary School heavily invests in the physical well-being of its students, with lessons and opportunities shared early and often on the benefits of physical activity for healthy brains and bodies.

Earlier this month, many Park Brook students and their parents/caregivers loaded buses to participate in the TC 5K race during the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend. On Oct. 24, about 75 students were on another weekend fitness adventure with their school, this time at the YMCA of the North’s Resilinator event. Read more about the Resilinator event.

Students in grades 6 through 12 from schools across the district had the opportunity to participate on the CPOMG Mountain Bike team this fall. The team races a series of events put on through the MN Cycling Association against other high schools across the state of Minnesota, culminating with a State Race with the top 100 athletes in each category. Athletes score points for their high school of attendance by finishing times, and at each race the middle school and high school teams who scored the most points are awarded a trophy for that race. This year, Maple Grove Middle School athletes received a trophy at three of the four races, including an 8th place finish at the State Race.

Osseo Area Schools’ Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program is offering some new opportunities for parents/caregivers to connect, learn and grow with their children through some upcoming classes. Learn more about upcoming class opportunities.