Recognizing Veterans Day

Each year on Nov. 11, Osseo Area Schools recognizes Veterans Day to celebrate and honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Across the district, students participated in various activities to commemorate Veterans Day. Here are just a few examples of how Veterans Day was honored:

Brooklyn Middle STEAM School

While sixth grade students spent time on Veterans Day doing presentations on specific aspects of Veterans Day topics of their choosing, the school’s seventh and eighth grade students took part in an escape room-style activity where they worked in groups to solve codes and riddles to find answers to Veterans Day-related questions. 

The code-breakers answered questions such as the number of veterans who served in the Vietnam War, details about sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. 

Cedar Island Elementary School

Students in Ms. Haugen’s third grade class at Cedar Island Elementary School had a video chat with one of the students’ dad, who is currently serving in the Army in Kuwait. Students had the opportunity to hear about his experience and ask him questions, including what his favorite and hardest part of his job is and what he does when he is not overseas. 

Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE)

In honor of Veterans Day, Community Education’s EC&FE students participated in a classroom activity decorating place mats. The place mats will be delivered to a local senior living facility to show appreciation for veterans who served.
 

Fair Oaks Elementary School

All fifth grade students at Fair Oaks Elementary spent time with fifth grade teacher Marisa Brown, who was a member of the United States Air Force from 2010-2017 and was deployed to Iraq when her two sons were very young. Brown gave students information about her experiences in the Air Force and her deployment. She shared mementos and photos of important events during her military service, explained and passed around her different uniforms to the students and answered their questions about her experience. 

Kidstop

Students in Community Education’s Kidstop program at Basswood Elementary School, Cedar Island Elementary School, Fernbrook Elementary School, Rice Lake Elementary School and Weaver Lake: A Science, Technology and Math School recently took on a student service project, collecting "Treats for Troops." The students gathered more than 600 pounds of candy, which will be sent to troops overseas. The initiative not only brought smiles to the students’ faces but also provided a way for them to give back to those serving far from home.

Maple Grove Middle School

Maple Grove Middle School students recognized the holiday in a few different ways. Sixth grade students were taught a lesson that included a video and discussion time, while eighth grade students watched a video on Veterans Day, held discussions and made cards for veterans. Seventh grade students had veterans come to the school and share about their experiences in the military.

Some of the volunteers who spoke this year included community members Joe Wagner, Leah Meyer and Jeffrey Barnes, who shared stories and answered questions about their experiences in the Air Force and Marine Corps. 

 

Oak View Elementary School

Oak View Elementary school parent and military veteran, Geno Faraci, sat down for an interview with Principal Ryan Gibbs on the school's news station, Oak View TV. Faraci shared about his experiences joining the United States Army in the wake of the September 11th attacks, which students viewed on Veterans Day. See Faraci's message to students. 

 

Woodland Elementary School

The father of a Woodland Elementary student, Steve Scott, came to the school to share about his experience serving in the United States Army. He explained the different military branches, shared about the different badges and patches on his uniform and read the students a book. Lieutenant Colonel Scott has been in the military for 20 years.