The Oriole Newsletter

November/2023

By nature we are reflective at OSH, and so far it has been a great fall at Osseo Senior High. Scholars have been focused and courageously committed to the learning while staff continuedly innovate creative learning environments that connect content to applicable and responsive examples. Thank you to both our staff and scholars for their commitment to conscientiously engaging in higher level thinking -- it creates such powerful learning experiences within our classrooms and walls.

Tuesday Tutoring started this month at OSH! Instructional staff are available each Tuesday in our Media Center from 2:15-4:30pm, providing additional support to scholars. Activity buses are available for all scholars who need transportation. We've attached our Osseo Support Calendar detailing many of the opportunities scholars can utilize at OSH.

November is American Indian Heritage month. This month and every month, we work to remove barriers, create equitable experiences, embrace our diversity, and celebrate the value each scholar brings to OSH. We look forward to honoring and celebrating our indigenous scholars and community this month at OSH!

• November 7th: No School
• November 23rd: No School
• November 24th: No School
• November 30th: Last day of Trimester 1
• December 1st: No School

OSH celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15). National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans while also celebrating heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. A special thanks to our Latinx Scholar Club as well as their advisor Ms. Norma for their hospitality and and hard work hosting a community event featuring traditional foods, crafts and dancing -- even special performances by Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca,

We wrapped up the month with a beautiful custom that has become a tradition at OSH. In anticipation of Dia de Los Muertos, our community comes together to transform a few of our display cases into ofrendas, reflecting on and recognizing loved ones we've lost. Thank you, our Latinx scholars, and our Latinx families for your daily impact on our community! The diversity of our community continues to be our best asset!

Congratulations to Jules Davis as well as our boys cross country team who qualified for the Minnesota State Cross Country Championship. The Orioles will compete this Saturday, November 4th, at the Les Bolstad Golf Course on the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities campus. Attack the course courageously Orioles! Good luck & we are so proud of your hard work!

Girls Qualifier: Jules Davis qualified for her 5th straight State CC Meet

Boys TEAM Qualifier: The team qualified with the runner-up spot, first time since 2008 to make State as a team.

FR L to R: Matt Trzynka, Ty Swanson, Cade Sanvik, Ty Prokop, Earl Peter

BR L to R: Coach Rundquist, Eli Berg, Keiran Hollingshead, Ben Sanvik, Raleigh Rundquist, Quinlan Rundquist, Coach Harrison

Safety and security is a priority of Osseo Area Schools and we take our annual Safety Day very seriously at OSH! Emergency preparedness plans (ERP) including compliance with state mandated drills are completed by each school, each year. Assistant Principal Mrs. Berling, was focused on safety and security as a building and district priority as she led scholars and staff through Safety Day fire evacuation, lockdown, shelter in place and severe weather drills on Friday, October 6th.

Our drills went very well and our staff got involved with their usual spirit and commitment - donning (orange, naturally) safety gear while positively reinforcing messages and procedures throughout the day. Safety first Orioles!

Did you know OSH is home to a number of magnet programs? Our Health Science Magnet Program gets extra time to shine twice a year at OEC Camp! Health Science scholars enrolled in the Osseo EMS program participated in a five day Opportunities in Emergency Care Workshop in Amery, WI from Oct 26-30.

Our scholars were conscientious as they attended classes and training preparing them for careers in the medical field including: Lifts/Carries, Back Safety, Ambulance Operations, Moving CPR, Fire Safety, Splinting and Bandaging, emergency response and team building activities. The workshops were led by instructors from the Osseo Health Science Magnet program and from the the Spring Lake Park & Southwest Metro programs along with many volunteers -- including Osseo EMS program graduates currently working in the medical field as EMT's, paramedics, firefighters, nurses and physicians! Scholars put their skills to the test as responders and patients for emergency scenarios and mass casualty simulations.

Special thanks to the Maple Grove Fire Relief Association for their efforts to help make this event financially possible for scholars to attend!

Osseo Area Schools uses STOPit Solutions as an online reporting tool designed to deter and mitigate bullying, cyber abuse, and other inappropriate behaviors. It consists of an app, tip line and a back-end incident management system for school administrators. Students and parents/caregivers have access to the STOPit mobile app and 24/7 phone support. Concerns that need immediate attention for the safety of individuals involved should be reported to 911.

On November 7th, our Osseo Area Schools community will determine whether critical school building needs will be addressed. Make a plan to vote and ensure your family, friends and neighbors have a plan also:

• Option 1: Vote early between now and Monday, Nov. 6. Head to Brooklyn Park City Hall’s multipurpose room at 5200 85th Ave. N during the following hours. Please note: this is the early voting location for all Osseo Area Schools voters.

• From Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 3 the hours are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• On Saturday, Nov. 4 the hours are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• On Monday, Nov. 6 the hours are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• 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.

Remember: the one-question ballot focuses on critical school building needs with regard to safety, learning and space. If approved by voters, proposed projects would address districtwide needs, including for: schools in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, schools in the city of Osseo and surrounding area and schools in Maple Grove. This list of ten reasons why a bond referendum is being held is a helpful summary.

So what happens if the referendum fails?

• Projects to improve safety/security would not proceed.

• Crowded conditions and large class sizes would continue. Attendance boundary adjustments would be required at all levels to provide relief, which is estimated to move 6,000 students from their current schools.

• Learning spaces would continue to age and become less relevant.

• Inconsistent learning experiences would continue.

• Budget cuts would be required. Projected to be at least $31 million (approx. 300 jobs).

Questions? Email BetterFuture@district279.org, call 763-391-8990 or visit district279.org/BetterFuture.