6/4/2024

As part of the Osseo Area Schools operational plan and strategic direction, the district's communication team is working together with schools to help create improved communications between the district and its families and community members. Our new e-newsletters are more accessible and translatable, and they can be shared for easily in a variety of formats. We hope you enjoy catching up with the latest Zanewood Community STEAM School news in this new format.

Hello Zanewood Families,

As you know, I have decided to resign as principal at the end of the year. Becoming a STEAM school gave us a purpose and an identity to foster innovation, creativity, inquiry, curiosity, and unmeasurable knowledge of self. This experience will forever be etched in my heart as the highlight of my career. I will remember our scholar's talents, tenacity, and perseverance as they conquered STEAM challenges. Thank you for your support of our program and for entrusting me with the privilege of educating your children. Please continue to choose Zanewood as the school for your children to learn, grow, and thrive.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to shape the lives of children. Have a wonderful STEAMY summer. 😊

Your proud principal!

Ms. Pendelton

Zanewood scholars enjoyed working with many of our Community Partners this trimester! Three Rivers visited each classroom to share a science lesson in our outdoor classroom. Our scholars embarked on an enriching journey with Three Rivers Park District, delving into the wonders of nature across various grade levels. Pre-K, 1st, and 3rd graders delved into the captivating world of Reptiles and Amphibians, expanding their understanding of these fascinating creatures. Kindergarten and 2nd graders explored the importance of Rot and Recycle, gaining valuable insights into sustainability and environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, our adventurous 4th graders embarked on a hands-on exploration, dissecting muscles to deepen their understanding of anatomy. Lastly, our industrious 5th graders engaged in a captivating Soils Lab, where they not only studied the vital components of soil but also had the opportunity to create their own, enriching their project-based learning journey. These field experiences not only fostered a deeper connection to the natural world but also ignited a passion for discovery and inquiry among our scholars.

Gale Woods Farm, which is an extension of Three Rivers Park District has been instrumental in helping us maintain the Zanewood Garden. Ms. Hana, engages with every classroom out in the garden. This year, each grade level has an assigned garden bed, where scholars planted items that will be used in the fall with the science curriculum. Ms. Hana, the naturalist educator from Gale Woods Farm and Three Rivers Park District, embodies a profound commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and education within our community. Her tireless dedication to supporting our garden work is evident in her hands-on approach, where she not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates a deep appreciation for the natural world. Ms. Hana seamlessly integrates her expertise into all garden lessons, enriching the educational experience that inspire curiosity and exploration. Furthermore, her provision of professional development opportunities for educators ensures that her passion for environmental education extends far beyond her direct interactions, leaving a lasting impact on both students and teachers alike. With Ms. Hana's guidance, our garden flourishes as a living classroom, nurturing future generations of environmental advocates.

createMPLS worked with scholars in the Engineering Lab to deliver 12 engineering lessons this trimester to the following classrooms: Ms. Thompson's class, Mr. Price's class, Ms. Loken's class, and to our Pre-K scholars in both sessions. Each classroom at Zanewood visit the Engineering Lab with createMPLS and Ms. Bennett, the TAG teacher, for one trimester. Scholars work with different LEGO kits and use the Design Process to complete different builds while they collaborate with their peers. In 3rd grade, scholars in both classes had the opportunity to learn how to code an Edison robot and learn about different sensors. In 4th grade, scholars used our most advanced LEGO kit: Spike Prime to build and code. In 5th grade, scholars learned how to use a Microbit to develop projects centering on 3 of the 17 Global Goals. In addition to learning how to build and program, scholars are engaged in building their collaboration and critical thinking skills.

We have loved having your students in Media, Music, Gym and Art this trimester!

Wrapping up our Media Center for the year is always hard, but just because our school library has closed for the summer, student reading doesn't need to stop! Osseo has many opportunities for our scholars to access free digital books all year long.

This year, we have access to Capstone Connect with over 3,000 ebooks! Simply visit http://login.pebblego.com/, enter the username osseosd and the password school to access these books all summer long!

You can also visit Ebooks Minnesota for thousands more ebooks, no login needed! If you prefer to have books in hand, make sure to check out the Brooklyn Park public library, or the little free libraries here at Zanewood! Happy Reading, and we can't wait to see you next year.

Finally, if students remember their login information, they can visit clever.com/in/osseo-area-schools and browse books on Mackin Via using the blue cloud login. In the databases, there is also ComicsPlus, with many comics and graphic novel options!

Music could be felt all throughout our school this year! Scholars learned a new theme song for Zanewood and our Panther Path, and became experts at reading rhythms and notes! Our fifth grade scholars, after using the ukuleles, got to make their own cardboard ukuleles that operated using computer codes and our Makey Makey computer kits! It was a fantastic way to combine art, music, math, and technology in one project!

Mr. Lane has been working with scholars on practicing fitness through games. This spring, students had many opportunities to go outside and exercise in the fresh air! Teamwork and collaboration are always priorities in phy ed, as well as exposing students to a variety of sports and physical activities. Basketball is always a favorite around Zanewood, and the four square courts were busy this year!

With Mr. Hill in Art, fifth grade scholars practiced using digital media to create posters and works of art that showed off their individualism, and their science research for STEAMfest. Scholars quickly developed experience with Adobe Express. Mr. Hill is also an accomplished of his own, and had his artwork displayed at the Hennepin History Museum. He was able to take third grade scholars on a tour to the museum to explore all of the incredible art, including interactive quilt-making.

Celebrate the final week of the 23-24 school year! Help us wrap up a wonderful year at Zanewood by engaging in our Spirit Week Activities!

If you have a fifth grade scholar, join us to celebrate their move to middle school on June 6th from 3-4pm.

Zanewood is offering an exciting experience for K-5th grade!

Brooklyn Park's Fusion programs combine primary activities such as sports, painting, jewelry making, gardening, and dance, incorporating youth leadership and healthy living elements. We design this program to be a well-rounded, enriching afterschool experience that your kids will love. This summer, we are partnering with Three Rivers Park District to provide a 4-day Explore camp from July 22-25!

For ages 5-12 years old. Kids must be 5 years old by June 1, 2024, and entering kindergarten to participate. Limited slots are available! Meals and snacks will be provided.

Monday-Thursday | June 17-August 8**
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Zanewood Recreation Center - 7100 Zane Ave. N.
Fee: $75 Resident/ $95 Non-Resident

Register Today -> https://ow.ly/V31R50RJKv2
**There will be no Summer Fusion programming June 19-20 & July 3-6.

Like our school on Facebook for regular updates! https://www.facebook.com/zanewoodsteam/

Arrival

Next year, our arrival and dismissal times remain the same: School doors will open at 9:10, the school day starts at 9:30, and school is over promptly at 4:00. Please stay tuned over the summer for any changes in our routines.

Have an amazing summer!