Dear Basswood Families,

I would like to help the Basswood community understand how the Building A Better Future: Phase II will impact schools in Maple Grove. Please read on to learn more.

Critical school building needs would additionally be addressed at Maple Grove Senior High School, Maple Grove Middle School and area elementary schools if the Nov. 7 ballot question is approved by voters.

Proposed projects for all Maple Grove schools within the district:

• Adding additional safety and security enhancements.

• Updating classrooms to accommodate varied learning needs, including special education, gifted/talented and multilingual learner needs.

• Updating classrooms and common areas with new furniture and flexible learning spaces.

• Modernizing library media centers to better support teaching and learning needs.

Additionally proposed projects at Maple Grove Senior High School:

• Enhancing the security features at the school’s main entrance (to reach district safety/security standards).

• Due to rapid growth and development, classroom and cafeteria additions are proposed. This would reduce overcrowding and the number of students throughout the district who would need to move schools to address space constraints.

• Expanding and modernizing career and technical education learning spaces.

Additionally proposed projects at Maple Grove Middle School and area elementary schools:

• Due to rapid growth and development, an elementary school in northwest Maple Grove is proposed. This would reduce overcrowding and the number of students throughout the district who would need to move schools to address space constraints.

• Expanding and modernizing science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) spaces at magnet schools (Brooklyn Middle STEAM School, Birch Grove School for the Arts, Weaver Lake: A Science Math & Technology School and Zanewood Community: A STEAM School).

• Adding an outdoor classroom to elementary and middle schools currently without such a space.

Learn more by attending a Community Informational Meeting at Osseo Senior High School at 6 p.m. on Oct. 3 or Maple Grove Senior High School at 6 p.m. on Oct. 11. Additional details, including answers to frequently asked questions, are at district279.org/BetterFuture. You can also reach out to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990 for further assistance.

In partnership,

Steven Schwartz

Basswood Principal

You are welcome to come cheer on your favorite Bulldogs. Here is the schedule:

9:30am: Kindergarten and 4th grade

10:45am: 5th grade

12:15pm: 4 Star and 2nd grade

2pm: 1st and 3rd grades

Are you interested in serving on an advisory group for the Osseo Area Schools. We are seeking a few Basswood community members to serve on the District Planning Advisory Council (DPAC). This advisory group meets one evening a month to help influence the future of the Osseo Area Schools. Additional information can be found on the DPAC webpage.

Basswood is having a snack drive to support our students! Our goal is to create a learning environment where every child is operating at their personal best. Some snack donation ideas are crackers, applesauce pouches, fruit snacks, granola bars, pretzels, raisins, and animal crackers. No perishables please. Individually wrapped options work best.

The Basswood PTO publishes an all-school directory each fall. The directory is a listing of students enrolled in Basswood for the academic year and is a great resource for connecting with other families, planning birthday parties, etc. This is different than directories some classroom teachers publish for their class.

If you wish to participate, please complete the online form by Monday, September 25th. https://bit.ly/BWDirectory2023-24 You'll also have the opportunity to opt in to email and text updates from the PTO.

A live link is available on the Basswood PTO Facebook page or by pressing the “Register” button in Peachjar. Submitted information will be printed and distributed to all Basswood families in mid-November. Please contact BWptoDirectory@gmail.com with any questions.

• September 28: Evacuation drill
• September 29: Fun Run Event!!!
• October 1: Conference schedules open to Parents in ParentVUE

• October 5: Picture Day
  
• October 9, 11, 16: Conferences
  
• October 15: PTO Kindness in Chalk 3pm to 5pm

Basswood Conferences

Conference dates are October 9, 11, and 16. Parents can begin scheduling conferences with their homeroom teacher on Sunday, October 1, through your ParentVUE accounts. If you need an interpreter during your conference, please contact the Basswood office at 763.494.3858 or email iaconot@district279.org after you have scheduled your conference.

Is Basswood on Facebook?

Yes! You will be able to follow us on Facebook. Our first posts went live on September 5th. Please note that we are moving away from Twitter (@BWPrincipal279) for Basswood social media. Click here below to follow us.

Did you know that Basswood has afternoon preschool for 4 year olds?

Early Childhood Family Education is offering a preschool class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons at 12:50pm to 3:20pm at Basswood. Call ECFE at 763-391-8777 for more information!