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District News Archive
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Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to offer free dental care at Zanewood Recreation Center
Uninsured and underinsured families are invited to visit the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile clinic on Wednesday, May 30 from 9 am-2 pm at Zanewood Recreation Center. The dental mobile clinic will provide free dental services to all students who schedule an appointment and who meet the eligibility requirements. Please see flier for more information on how to schedule an appointment. The dental mobile clinic is a collaborative effort between ISD 279 Community Education, Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest and the Northwest Hennepin Family Services Collaborative.
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Inspire confidence as a Math or Reading Corps tutor
The Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps are seeking tutors to serve in classrooms across the state, including several elementary schools in the Osseo Area Schools district (Crest View, Edinbrook, Garden City, Park Brook, Zanewood, Elm Creek, Fair Oaks and Woodland). To apply, visit Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps.
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Two Osseo Senior High students named Gates Millennium Scholars
Olufunmilayo Arogbokun and Elizabeth Johnson have been named Gates Millennium Scholars, marking the second consecutive year that Osseo Senior High seniors have earned this prestigious award. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program awards good-through-graduation college scholarships to 1,000 students selected from a nationwide pool of 23,000 applicants. The scholarships can be used to pursue degrees in any undergraduate major at the accredited college or university of the recipient's choice. Originally funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship program promotes academic excellence and leadership development. Read more about Arogbokun and Johnson.
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Osseo Senior High basketball coach named Coach of the Year
The Minnesota Boys Basketball Coaches Association has named Osseo Senior High boys' basketball coach Tim Theisen 2011-12 State Coach of the Year. Theisen shares this title with Woodbury High School basketball coach, Scott Swansson. Theisen is in his 11th season as the Orioles' head coach. Under his leadership, the Orioles have won two state championships, including one this season, and numerous section and conference titles. Read the Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park Sun Post story. Photo credit: Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park Sun Post.
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Celebrate National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 8
National Teacher Day is Tuesday, May 8. National Teacher Day provides a special opportunity to say thank you to the nearly 1,500 licensed teachers in the Osseo Area Schools district. This day gives us the opportunity to honor our local educators and acknowledge the crucial role teachers play in helping all students achieve their dreams, contribute to community and engage in a lifetime of learning.
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Preschool Open House May 16 at Arbor View and Willow Lane
Find out what you need to know to enter your child into preschool. You'll have the opportunity to check out classrooms and enjoy family friendly activities as well. In addition, each child will receive a free book! Open Houses will be held May 16 from 6:15-7:45 pm in two locations: Arbor View Early Childhood Center, 9401 Fernbrook Lane
Maple Grove and Willow Lane Early Childhood Center, 7020 Perry Ave. N., Brooklyn Center. See flier for more information.
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Cargill grant to fund STEM programming at Osseo Senior High
The Cargill Foundation has awarded Osseo Area Schools a $35,000 grant that will allow for the extension of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) science, math and engineering education to students at Osseo Senior High, the seventh and final secondary school in our district to offer PLTW programming.
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Explore American Indian culture with your family April 28 at Osseo Junior High
The 17th annual American Indian Education Day and Wacipi is Saturday, April 28 from 1-6 p.m. at Osseo Junior High. This free, lively event features artisan exhibits, demonstrations, Native American dance, and more. New this year, ISD 279 Native American students will host the “Why Treaties Matter“ exhibit. This traveling exhibit explores the relationship between American Indians and the United States government through land treaties. Experience our continent’s rich indigenous history and visit with educators who infuse Native American education and culture into all subject areas. Local colleges, including event co-host North Hennepin Community College, will recruit students, and a special ceremony will honor local American Indian graduating seniors. All members of the community are welcome to attend. See the event flyer for more details and watch this video to learn more about what to expect this year.
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Osseo Area Schools named best community for music education for 4th consecutive year
For the fourth consecutive year, Osseo Area Schools has been named one of the nation's Best Communities for Music Education by the foundation of NAMM, the trade association for the music products industry. Osseo is the only school district in the state that has earned this honor in each of the past four years, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education as part of the core curriculum.
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Birch Grove Elementary student battling leukemia receives community support
Staff and students in the Birch Grove Elementary community, along with Home Depot, are rallying to build a playhouse for classmate Ashley Calhoun, whose fight with leukemia was recently featured in the Osseo Maple Grove Press and on Channel 12 News. Photo credit: Osseo Maple Grove Press.
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Wastebasket Revue awards 18 scholarships this year
Eighteen District 279 seniors have earned Wastebasket Revue scholarships this year. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in activities, leadership, honors and awards, service, and financial need. Since 1967, The Wastebasket Revue organization has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to District 279 seniors. Learn more about the organization and this year’s fundraising variety show here.
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Palmer Lake Elementary girls’ Future Problem Solvers team advances to international competition
The Palmer Lake girls’ Future Problem Solvers team took first place at the state competition and will advance to the International competition in Indiana in June. The boys’ team also did well, placing third at state. Students were judged on their ability to, within a 2-hour period, formulate and present a plan of action on the topic of trade barriers.
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Let’s Talk About Bullying workshop
Let's Talk About Bullying: Learn more about how you and your student can recognize and stop bullying behavior. Osseo Area Schools is sponsoring two workshops for parents: April 12 at Fernbrook Elementary and April 17 at Zanewood Community School; please register (763-391-7119) by April 5. Download flier.
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North View Junior High and Park Center Senior Model UN compete at state
The Park Center IB World School and North View Junior High IB World School Model United Nations team competed at the state Model United Nations senior level conference at Hamline University. Park Center juniors Lacy Myrman and Jolene Rotich won Best Position Paper for their work on India’s position on the problems in the Horn of Africa. Congratulations to the team as well as their coach, Nancy Ziemer.
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Park Center IB World School senior Jessica Sukharan named Channel 12 Standout Student
Congratulations to Park Center IB World School senior Jessica Sukharan who was profiled as Channel 12's Standout Student. Jessica is a leader at Park Center as well as a National Merit Finalist with big dreams. Watch the Channel 12 story.
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Welcome back, State Basketball Champs!
With the start of spring term, we welcome back the state champions in boys’ basketball, the Osseo Senior High Orioles. The Orioles won a hard-fought game against Lakeville North to take the crown. Relive the highlights and read a Star Tribune interview with senior DJ Hebert here.
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Osseo Senior High boys’ basketball wins semifinal against
After three overtimes, the Orioles won a nail-biter of a semifinal against defending state champs Hopkins, 87-86. The team will play for the state title Saturday night against Lakeville North. This is the third consecutive year the Osseo Senior High boys' basketball team qualified for the state tournament.
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Feed the hungry in our community at the Empty Bowls event
On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 11 am - 7 pm at the Maple Grove Community Center, bring your family and friends for an evening to share a basic meal and take home a lovingly created handmade bowl in return for making a donation to CROSS Food Shelf. Enjoy music from District 279 students and keep your bowl and display it to serve as a reminder of those who go home to empty bowls each day. Lyndes, Maple Grove Tavern and Boston’s of Maple Grove will provide soup for the meal. All of the donations will go directly to the food shelf. See the event flyer.
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Osseo Senior High student Kathryn Reget named Ch 12 Standout Student
Osseo Senior High senior Kathryn Reget was selected as a Channel 12 Standout Student in recognition of her academic excellence and her keen interest in medicine. Kathryn was among a select few students nationwide to attend a prestigious summer research program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Watch the Channel 12 story.
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Attend the Minnesota Education Fair March 19
Does your student know what he or she will do after high school graduation? If not, urge your student to attend the Minnesota Education Fair on March 19 at Maple Grove Senior, Osseo Senior and Park Center Senior highs. Representatives from nearly 100 educational institutions and other organizations will be there to answer questions and provide guidance. Visit the registration website for more details and to pre-register. Admission is free.
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Public invited: Commissioner Cassellius to host meeting on No Child Left Behind waiver & new accountability system at Osseo Senior High
Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and Minnesota Department of Education staff will visit Osseo Senior High on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:00 pm. The Commissioner will hold a public meeting on Minnesota’s approved No Child Left Behind waiver and new accountability system. Parents and community members are invited to hear the commissioner present information about the new accountability system that will more accurately and fairly measure schools progress.
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Osseo Senior High student Erin Hagemeyer named KARE 11 Academic All-Star
Erin Hagemeyer, senior at Osseo Senior High, was selected as a KARE 11 Academic All Star. Erin was recognized for being in the top five in her class for academics and for her school leadership. Watch the KARE 11 story.
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North View Junior High and Palmer Lake Elementary learn lessons from Tuskegee Airmen
Thanks to videoconferencing technology, more than 8,000 students from around the country witnessed history together. Osseo Area Schools partnered with the Penn Hills School District in Pennsylvania and several other districts across the nation to host members of the Tuskegee Airmen, their family members and historians who specialize in the topic. Documented Original Tuskegee Airman Joseph Gomer presented his message via a pre-recorded message at North View Junior High. Daughter of Tuskegee Airman Susan Morgan and Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron volunteer Tim Barzen shared stories of overcoming obstacles at Palmer Lake Elementary. Watch the Channel 12 story (story starts at 10:36).
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Attend the 13th annual ISD 279 Student Art Show March 1-31
The 13th annual Osseo Area Schools Student Art Show will take place March 1-31 at the Maple Grove Government Center, located at 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway N. Sponsored by the Maple Grove Arts Council, the show will feature two- and three-dimensional works of art created by ISD 279 students of all ages. An art show reception will be held for student artists, their families and teachers from 6-7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 20 at the Maple Grove Government Center. The Government Center’s regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm.
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Elm Creek Elementary Honors military members for I Love to Read Month
Students at Elm Creek Elementary sang songs, gave speeches and are on track to have read 200,000 minutes in an effort to honor military members for I Love to Read Month. See the Channel 12 story (story starts at 21:17).
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Weaver Lake Elementary earns third national Magnet School of Excellence Award
For the third time in four years, Weaver Lake Elementary: A Science, Math & Technology School has been selected for the Magnet School of Excellence Award by the Magnet Schools of America. In 2010, Weaver Lake received a School of Distinction award.
This national award is based on a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful diversity efforts, and the consistent delivery of high quality education to students.
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Rice Lake Elementary Principal Mark French finalist for nat’l principal award
Rice Lake Elementary Principal Mark French has been named one of three finalists for Minnesota 2012 National Distinguished Principal. The prestigious award recognizes principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate. The last stage of the selection process involves an interview in early May.
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Brooklyn Junior and Weaver Lake star in nat’l TV show
The PBS science show, "SciGirls," is filming groups of students from the district’s outstanding elementary (Weaver Lake) and junior high (Brooklyn Junior) STEM programs to feature on future episodes of the show. Check out the Channel 12 story on last week's filming of the Brooklyn Junior High team.
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Adult Basic Education hosts Festival of Nations
Osseo Area Schools Adult Basic Education program hosted a Festival of Nations to celebrate the many cultures of its students who represent 79 countries. Adult Basic Education helps adult learners gain academic and work skills that prepare them for success in college, careers, and everyday living. Check out the ABE Festival of Nations photo album on the district’s Facebook page.
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Four students named National Merit Finalists
Maple Grove Senior High students Kathryn Phillips and Andrew Rehayem, Osseo Senior High student Kaitlin Kasprick, and Park Center Senior High student Jessica Sukharan have advanced to the Finalist stage of the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Of the 1.5 million annual entrants (students who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), only 15,000 nationwide make it to the Finalist stage.
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MGSH student Erin Jamieson releases her debut CD
Maple Grove Senior High junior Erin Jamieson has been in the news a lot lately. The 16-year-old, who is active in her school's music program, just released her first CD, "Without the Dark." Watch the Channel 12 story to learn more about her and her music.
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Students contribute to community during Celebrating the Many Faces of Brooklyn Park event
Students in Osseo Area Schools contributed their talents to the community at the Celebrating the Many Faces of Brooklyn Park event. The community event celebrates the richness of the Brooklyn Park community. Students from the Osseo Area Schools American Indian Education program danced in the opening ceremony and students from the Opportunities in Emergency Healthcare program at Osseo Senior High performed an impromptu flash mob to demonstrate the basics of CPR. Watch video from the event on the district’s YouTube channel.
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MGSH Phil Horn Channel 12 Standout Student
Versatile may be the best way to describe Maple Grove High School senior Phil Horn. The 17-year-old has a mind for math, but he has a personality that can light up the stage. Read more and watch full story on the Channel 12 website.
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Maple Grove Junior High student earns spot on USA Junior World Taekwondo team
Maple Grove Junior High student, Zachery Budde, has earned a spot on the U.S. Junior World Taekwondo team. In April, Zachery will represent the USA at the 2012 Taekwondo Junior World event in Egypt.
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ACHIEVE earns top marks from the College Board
The College Board has given the ACHIEVE program an Honorable Mention for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, along with $1,000 to expand arts programming. The judges said the program is a testament to the kind of positive impact that high expectations for all students can have on their learning.
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Osseo Senior High basketball raises money for cancer research
The Osseo Senior High girls and boys basketball team raised $1,500 for Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The program empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
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Budget planning for 2012-2013: What would you keep? What would you reduce?
With a cautious eye to the future, the Board has directed administration to develop a 2012-2013 budget that reduces expenditures by $2 million to more closely match staffing to enrollment, and takes an additional $1 million reduction to help stretch the fund reserve further into the future. We want to hear your ideas about how to reduce expenditures for the 2012-2013 school year. By sharing your suggestions, you can help the School Board and administrators understand what’s important to you, as well as where you think schools could save money. Learn more and share your ideas here.
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Annual report available online
The 2010-2011 Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement provides a quick overview of the district’s progress on student achievement last year. You'll find easy-to-read graphs, tables showing test scores and growth data, and examples of other ways we measure progress in student achievement. Did you know that last year, the district marked three-year highs in ACT scores, National Merit recognition and AP Scholars, and graduated our first cohort of International Baccalaureate Diploma students? Learn more in the report, now available on the district website.
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Zanewood students win gold during 1st trimester
Five District 279 schools are participating in a grant-funded Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports program that seeks to maximize academic and social behavior outcomes for students. These students at Zanewood Community School won their school’s GOLD behavior award for the first trimester. GOLD is an acronym that helps students remember to Give their Respect; Own their Actions; Listen and Learn; and Do their Best.
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Woodland WordMasters earn national honors
Woodland Elementary students recently won high honors in the national WordMasters Challenge – a language arts competition that draws more than 200,000 U.S. participants each year. Coached by Nicole Ewing, Woodland’s team of 4th graders tied for 7th place in the December meet. Two Woodland Elementary students also earned highest honors for individual achievement in the WordMasters Challenge: 4th grader Anika Deshpande and 5th grader Amelia Lund were among the few who earned perfect scores.
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MGSH Theater Department shines and wins SpotLight awards
Congratulations to Maple Grove Senior High for earning 14 awards for the fall musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone," in the Hennepin Theater Trust's SpotLight Musical Theater program! The play earned Outstanding Overall Performance; Outstanding Overall Production; and Outstanding Performance by a Student Orchestra. In addition, 11 students received Outstanding Performance or Honorable Mention recognition. Read all the details here.
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Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts performs in showcase
Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts and Company Arts Troupes presented their annual Winter Troupe Performance to a full house audience. More than 130 students are members in dance, drama, visual arts, show choir and media arts troupes. The priority application deadline for magnet schools for next school year is January 15; more info at www.nws.k12.mn.us/MagnetApp.html.
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Target volunteers create memories for Park Brook students
A team of 20 volunteers from the Beverage Department at
Target Headquarters helped Park Brook Elementary students create gingerbread houses that they could take home to their families. The Target volunteers provided all the materials, helped the students build the houses, and spent a full afternoon at the school.
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