Bulldogs Newsletter October 2, 2023
For the week of October 16, 2023
Issue #7
Building a Better Future, Phase II: Answers to FAQ, make a plan to vote
I thought the 2022 levies addressed safety/security. What are the current needs?
The safety and security of our students, staff and community is the highest priority of the district. Last year’s community-approved technology levy funded the technology needed for safety and security improvements at district schools. The Phase II plan, if approved by voters, would address safety and security needs in relation to the physical school buildings. This includes improvements to the entrances at Maple Grove, Osseo and Park Center Senior High Schools and additional safety/security enhancements at all schools perimeter-wise in order to meet district standards as well as the latest safety/security best practices. Last month’s CCX interview with Supt. Dr. Hiel showed an example of the entrance need.
What are the school building needs of our special education, multilingual learner and gifted talented programs?
More students are a part of our specialized learning programs. An extensive five-year study determined that additional space is needed to accommodate the growth of students and any existing spaces need to be adjusted to fully accommodate the unique learning needs of our students. Right now there are many instances where dedicated space doesn’t exist so students receiving specialized services are moved from room to room throughout the day. Additionally, spaces created in the 1950s and ‘60s aren’t equipped to handle the unique learning needs of our students. Unfortunately, learning needs aren’t fully being met and inconsistent learning experiences are occurring throughout the district as a result.
Will attendance boundaries change regardless of the outcome of the election?
Yes. Attendance boundaries will change regardless of the outcome of the election:
If approved: attendance boundaries will change at the elementary and middle school levels. This means fewer students would be impacted. Additionally, parameters would be adhered to more positively, e.g. reasonable bus rides.
If not approved: attendance boundaries will change at the elementary, middle and high school levels. This means more students would be impacted (an estimated 6,000). Additionally, parameters may not be adhered to, e.g. longer bus rides. As these would be ineffective, changes may happen year after year.
Make a plan to vote!
Option 1: Vote early between now and Monday, Nov. 6. You can vote early by mail or in person. To vote early by mail request an early voting ballot via the City of Brooklyn Park’s election website. To vote early in person head to Brooklyn Park City Hall’s multipurpose room at 5200 85th Ave. N between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Option 2: Vote on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 7. Go to pollfinder.sos.mn.gov to find your election day polling location. Then visit your designated polling location between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Please note school is not in session this day.
Note: These voting processes apply to all Osseo Area Schools voters, including those that reside in the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, Plymouth and Rogers.
Get informed! Learn more by watching the short overview video, visiting district279.org/BetterFuture, emailing BetterFuture@district279.org or calling 763-391-8990.
PTO Kindness in Chalk
October is National Bullying Awareness Month. PTO is sponsoring a Kindness in Chalk event at Basswood on Sunday, October 15, open house style from 3pm to 5pm. Let’s cover the Basswood sidewalks with messages of love, peace, hope, and acceptance with the intention of bringing smiles to the faces of those who need it the most. A flyer went home this past Wednesday.
LET’S GRAB SOME CHALK AND SPREAD SOME SMILES!
Conferences
We have one more conference date: Monday, October 16. If you need assistance scheduling a conference or if you need an interpreter during your conference, please contact the Basswood office at 763.494.3858.
Four Star Express
Four Star Express is a unique childcare and school readiness program that jump starts your child’s
skills for Kindergarten. The purpose is to provide a cooperative and developmentally appropriate
child care experience that supports the early learning needs of four-year-old children in a school setting.
Students must be 4-years-old by September 1, 2024, to be eligible. Registration starts in early January and is limited to 20 students per class section. Openings are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Visit for Four Start Express website at www.FourStarExpress279.org or call 763-585-7281 for more information.
Volunteering at Basswood
We love our volunteers at Basswood. If you would like to join the team, please complete the volunteer application to get started.
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.
Snack Drive for Students
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.
If you would like to donate, please label donations as “Snack Drive” and drop it off in the front office. Please note that some of our families have nut allergies and it would be nice to have some nut-free options.
This week at Basswood...
- October 15: PTO Kindness in Chalk 3pm to 5pm
- October 16: Conferences
- October 18: Unity Day! Wear ORANGE to school! 🍊
- October 19 & 20: NO SCHOOL
Coming Up at Basswood...
- October 24: Evacuation Drill 1:10pm
- October 27: School Spirit Day: Border Battle...Wear your Viking / Packer gear!
Good to Know...
Did you know 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!
TAG (Talent Development, Academic Challenge, & Gifted Support)
Talent Development, Academic Challenge and Gifted Support (TAG) services are available to Basswood students in 3rd through 5th grade to strengthen interests, extend grade-level content, and apply skills and concepts in authentic ways.
To learn more about TAG services, please click on Basswood TAG Services - Community letter. Basswood TAG Services - Community letter.
phone: 763-494-3858