Maple Grove education

The introduction of two new SMART Tables at Basswood Elementary School will make learning much more entertaining and interactive for students. Basswood’s Parent Teacher Organization donated $25,000  to the school, allowing for the purchase of these portable computer tablets which can accommodate as many as eight students at a time. The goal of the SMART Tables is to help kids build technology proficiency and develop stronger communication skills, all while working as a team, according to library media specialist Jennifer Perusse.  Read more about Basswood Elementary Receives Two SMART Tables for Interactive Learning

A brand new school building will open its doors this summer in Maple Grove. Ave Maria Academy, a Catholic school with a history of more than two decades, is constructing a new campus off of Bass Lake Road after renting another space in the area for 17 years. The building is being funded by generous donors and stands on land that the academy has owned since 2002. The new campus will serve children ages 3-13 (PreK-8) and also offer an early childhood center. Read more about Maria Academy to Open New Campus in June

Maple Grove charter school Beacon Academy has been recognized as a Reward School by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Beacon ranks in the top 15 percent of Title I schools based on the The Multiple Measurements Rating. These schools represent the highest-performing schools on the four domains in ratings. The MDE plans to share practices from these schools with other schools in an effort to replicate best practices across the state. Read more about Beacon Academy Receives Excellence Award

Kate Maguire, the Osseo School District’s Superintendent, has been named the 2014 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year, a prestigious honor sponsored by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). Each year, candidates are measured on leadership for learning, communication skills, professionalism and community involvement.
     Read more about Osseo’s Kate Maguire Named 2014 Superintendent of the Year

Leaving behind a half-day kindergarten program for a full-day one is a transition for students, teachers and parents alike. In the last legislative session, a bill was passed to create funding for kindergarten state-wide which opened the door for a longer school day. For all kindergarteners this fall, Osseo Area Schools will begin a full-day kindergarten program at all sites, which many see as a positive change. With more time, the students will be able to do many more activities. Read more about Osseo Area Schools Welcomes All-day Kindergarten

Two new faces have been a part of Maple Grove Senior High (MGSH) this school year. Michael Lehan and Eric Mjolsness have joined the MGSH faculty as assistant principals. Lehan previously served as the assistant principal for Harding High School in St. Paul. Mjolsness spent 13 years in the St. Paul school district as a social studies teacher as well as in various leadership positions, including assistant principal. Mjolsness cites the hardest part of the move has been learning the way the Osseo area schools run in comparison to the St. Paul district he left. Read more about Maple Grove Senior High Gains Two New Assistant Principals

Teachers dedicate their lives to imparting knowledge to young people. Along the way, many inspire students with their enthusiasm and desire to make a difference in the world. Three such teachers were voted this year’s ‘best teacher’ finalists in Maple Grove Magazine’s Best Of reader survey. Now that school is back in full swing, take a peek at some of what makes Mark Cook, Matt Detloff and Steve Borgstrom stand out in a crowd of wonderful local teachers. Read more about Three of Maple Grove’s Best Educators Discuss their Dedication to Teaching