APRIL Family Newsletter
April Dolphins Family Newsletter
A message from the principal
Principal’s Corner - Updates and Important Information
As we move into April, we have several important updates and opportunities to share with our Garden City families.
MCA Testing Begins Next Week
Students in grades 3–5 will begin the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) next week. These assessments focus on student growth toward proficiency and are required for all students across Minnesota. Families can support students by helping them:
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Eat breakfast at home or school
• Arrive on time and ready to learn
We are proud of the hard work our students have shown all year. We encourage them to do their best and approach testing with confidence. If your child is feeling anxious about testing, please reach out so we can support them together. Learn more: MCA Family Q&A Click Here
Attendance Boundary Changes and Welcoming New Families
This spring, we will begin welcoming new students and families to Garden City as part of upcoming attendance boundary changes. These students will officially join our school community in Fall 2026.
We are excited to build relationships early and invite both new and current families to upcoming events:
• Welcome Night for New Families – April 23
• Springo – April 29
• Every Voice, Every Day: Literacy & Community Night – May 13
Our May 13 event will focus on literacy and community building and will replace Multicultural Night this year. Multicultural Night will return in Fall 2027.
Learn more: Attendance Boundary Information Click Here
Supporting Students Through Transitions
We recognize that attendance boundary changes may also mean that some students will be transitioning to a new school next year. Students leaving Garden City remain an important part of who we are, and we are committed to their belonging and inclusion through the last day of school on June 5.
Transitions can be challenging. We have mental health supports in place for students who may need additional care during this time, and our staff will continue to check in and support students throughout the transition. If your child is feeling anxious about this change, please reach out so we can partner in supporting them.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us build a strong, welcoming community for all students. Every Voice. Every Day. Principal Branch
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NEWS!
Hello Garden City Families!
It’s hard to believe, but we are quickly approaching the end of the school year—wow! What a journey it has been so far. Through it all, our GC community has shown resilience, positivity, and heart, and we are so proud of how our scholars and families continue to show up each day.
Our 5th graders are stepping into the spotlight! They are partnering with Shapeshift Dance Company in Minneapolis for an exciting two-week Superhero-Themed dance residency. This incredible experience will wrap up with a performance on April 14th you won’t want to miss it! Be on the lookout for more details coming soon.
Looking ahead, we have a calendar full of fun, connection, and celebration:
April 23rd '26-27 Kindergarten/New Families Orientation Night
April 29th Springo (our fun-filled spring bingo event!)
May 4th–8th – Teacher Appreciation Week (let’s show our educators some love!)
May 13th – Every Voice, Every Day: Literacy & Community Night (will focus on literacy and community building)
May 21st – Family BBQ (good food, great company, and lots of fun!)
There is always something special happening at GC, and we are excited to share these moments with you. Please keep an eye out for flyers and additional communication as each event gets closer.
Let’s finish the year strong—together!
With appreciation,
Felicia Cornell
Upcoming Events- Mark your calendars!
💥💥 APRIL!!! 💥💥
4/2: 2nd Grade Mill City Museum Field Trip
4/3: NO SCHOOL
4/7-5/1: MCA Testing Begins
4/14: 5th Grade Shapeshift Performance
4/14: 5h Grade Blue Band Rehearsal (Edinbrook Elementary)
4/21: 5th Grade Blue Band Rehearsal (Edinbrook Elementary)
4/23: Incoming '26-27 Kindergarten & New Family Orientation Night
4/28: 5th Grade Orchestra Rehearsal (Edinbrook Elementary)
4/28: 5th Grade Blue Band Concert (Osseo Middle School @ 8pm)
4/29: Springo
Important Information...
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.
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.
Reminder: Fill out Application for Educational Benefits
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:
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
Scan the QR code (attached)
Community Resources:
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!