279Connect-March 18
March 18, 2025
Updated attendance boundary change scenarios available to view
Feedback opportunities include online form and info meetings
Community feedback from January and early February helped to narrow and refine proposed attendance boundary scenarios. Specifically, scenarios 1 and 2 moved forward with some adjustments based on comments received. Visit the following webpages for details on newly proposed scenarios 1A and 2A and search tools to see how your household may be impacted:
Learn more about each of the updated scenarios by visiting the following webpages. Make sure to check out each scenario’s search tool to see how your household is impacted.
Community input is important: Please share your thoughts on the two updated scenarios by filling out the online feedback form or participating in an upcoming community informational meeting.
Community informational Meeting on Wednesday, March 19 at 5:45 p.m. in the Osseo Middle School cafe
Timeline: These events in March will likely wrap up districtwide feedback opportunities. The school board is expected to approve final attendance boundary changes in May. The new attendance boundaries will then go into effect fall 2026.
Stay tuned: Detailed information will continue to be shared at district279.org/boundaries. Feel free to reach out if something additional needs to be addressed via BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.
Basswood Elementary School hosts Math and Science Night
Basswood Elementary School hosted a Math and Science Night on March 11, where students and their families could participate in various STEM activities. The goal of the night was to create a passion for learning and foster a potential future in math and science for many of these students.
Osseo Robotics students compete in state tournament
The Osseo Robotics program saw remarkable success this season, with three of their teams participating in the state tournament on Feb. 27-28. This achievement represented the culmination of significant hard work, dedication and technical skill by the students, who have spent countless hours designing, building and programming their robots.
CCX Media: Modern Band at Cedar Island Elementary School
CCX Media recently joined Stefan Wolf and Michael Fruncillo's Modern Band during their rehearsal at Cedar Island Elementary School.
“The kids are learning tactile skills that they don’t necessarily see everywhere else in their life in the way that they used to,” Fruncillo said. “They come and they learn how to twist pegs to tune a guitar. They learn how to hit drums, they learn how to set things up and break them down. It’s all those skills– it’s wonderful.”
Fernbrook Elementary School students compete in Destination Imagination
Students in the Destination Imagination (DI) after-school club at Fernbrook Elementary School recently competed in the State Competition. Fernbrook sent seven teams to the State Competition, with four of those teams qualifying for Global Finals by placing in the top three in their category. Global Finals will take place May 22-25 in Kansas City, MO.
279Online hosts March Madness secondary night
On March 6, staff and students in grades six through 12 gathered for a secondary activity night. At the event, students made bracelets and bead art, played basketball in the gym, enjoyed pizza and snacks and hung out with their friends, families and staff! Family and Community Engagement (FACE) lead Bingo that students could participate in to win prizes. The school also collected food items at the event to be donated.
District employees inducted into technology-related Hall of Fame
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), a professional association for leaders in education technology, will induct two of Osseo Area Schools’ technology workers into its 2025 Volunteer Hall of Fame during its annual conference April 1.
Anthony Padrnos, who serves as the district’s executive director of technology, and Ryan Cox, a technology director, will be honored by CoSN at a special recognition event during the conference.
CoSN Director Me’Shell Sheffield said the pair’s dedication and leadership have played a crucial role in advancing the organization’s mission.
“Their leadership, vision and hard work have been invaluable in helping us achieve our mission, and the success of CoSN is a direct result of the dedication and generosity of volunteers like [Padrnos and Cox],” the organization said.
District 279 Foundation grant opportunities
District 279 Foundation’s grants program provides learning opportunities for scholars in Osseo Area Schools by funding programs, projects and other opportunities that are not currently funded through the district's budget. Any district employee, school volunteer or community member can apply. Applications for the 2024-25 school year close on March 31. For more information on guidelines, visit the grants information on the District 279 Foundation’s website.
Career Expo coming March 26
Osseo Area Schools is looking for passionate individuals to join our district as we unleash and enhance the brilliance of our scholars to thrive and change the world.
Date: Wed. March 26
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Zanewood Community STEAM School
This event is a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to connect with hiring managers in special education, support staff, custodial/facilities, and community education.
Looking ahead
- March 18-May 20: Kindergarten orientation events
- March 18: School Board Regular Business Meeting
- March 19: Registration opens for ECFE summer programs
- March 19: Community Informational Meeting
- March 24-28: No school (Spring Break)
- March 26: Career Expo
- April 11: Deadline for families to accept assignments/enroll at magnet schools
- April 15: School Board Policy Committee Meeting and Work Session
- April 18: Magnet schools lottery application closes
- April 21: Student asynchronous (remote) learning day, licensed staff instructional planning
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Our mission is to inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence, courage and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning.