Kelsey Dawson: Osseo ISD 279 School Board Director

09/11/2026

September 11 is Patriot Day in the United States. On this 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Osseo Area Schools reflects on the tragic events and the heroism of so many on that day.

The district invites all members of our school community to pause today and honor the lives lost, the incredible bravery of those who risked their lives to help others, and the importance of coming together as one community.

09/10/2026

Today would have been my dad’s 73rd birthday. ❤️

I ran for school board to carry on his legacy. My dad believed that education was the key to unlocking dreams.

Education is absolutely about academics, but it is also about creating belonging, possibility, and believing that every student has the ability to achieve their dreams.

So, on his birthday, I want to lift up someone who embodies the heart of education: my friend, Yvette Hoffman.

Through one of the scariest and most horrific events imaginable, Yvette has persevered and found her way back home to Fernbrook—back to the students she cares so deeply about. She represents what I believe education is about…creating spaces where young people feel safe, welcomed, supported and believed in.

I am so grateful for Yvette, for the heart she brings to our students, and for the privilege of calling her and her husband, Senator John Hoffman, friends.

As I remember my dad today, I’m reminded that his legacy continues to be lived out through people like Yvette. We are so lucky to have her on our district.

🍎

Yvette Hoffman and her family survived an assassination attempt in their home in June 2025. Now, Yvette is back at work, healing in the hallways of kindergarten at Fernbrook Elementary School. “From killing to kindergarten. And how do you merge the two? But I'm grateful I'm here and that I can come back and begin again,” she told CCX News.

Click the link in the comments for the full story.

09/08/2026

And just like that… we’re BACK!

Happy first day of school, District 279!

Wishing our students, families, educators, and staff a great year!!

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09/03/2026

It’s going to be a great year in District 279!

Such a fun staff kick off with the best of the best educators in all the land!! 💜

I love our district!! 💚 🧡 ♥️

08/17/2026

📣Thank you to everyone who shared ideas, experiences, and concerns in response to my post about afterschool programs, extracurricular activities, and enrichment opportunities.

There were a LOT of great ideas, insights, and I wanted to close the loop and share some of the themes I heard most clearly:

🏀 More sports opportunities — especially bringing back middle school sports and expanding opportunities at the elementary level.

🎨 More enrichment beyond sports — music, theater, art, world languages, ASL, chess, robotics, STEM, gaming, cooking, science, outdoor recreation and more.

🌲 More opportunities to experience something new — including partnerships for hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking, rock climbing, environmental education and other experiences students may not otherwise have access to.

🚌 Transportation is a huge barrier. Families talked about activity buses not always aligning with schedules, off-site activities, working parents, and situations where families can afford the activity but can’t get their child there.

💰 Cost matters. Families want more free and low-cost options, access to scholarships and equipment assistance, and better awareness of supports that already exist.

📣 Communication matters. A LOT. Families need an easier way to find out what activities are available, who to contact, when they happen, how to register, what they cost, and what transportation is available. This is especially important for families who are new to the district or don’t already have connections within our schools.

🤝 Community partnerships could be a big part of the solution. I heard great ideas about partnering with organizations like Three Rivers Park District, the Minnesota DNR, YMCA, MacPhail, nonprofits, community centers, local businesses and others.

♿ Accessibility and inclusion have to be part of the conversation. Families want students with disabilities, multilingual families, and students who may face financial or other barriers to have meaningful opportunities to participate.

❤️ And most importantly, I heard that these opportunities aren’t simply “extras.” Families see sports, arts, clubs, enrichment and experiential learning as opportunities for students to build confidence, friendships, leadership, belonging and social capital—and to discover something they love.

So, what’s next?

The School Board will be discussing afterschool programs, extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities tomorrow at 6:15 at the Educational Service Center (11200 93rd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369), and I have shared these themes and questions with the board and team. This initial conversation will be foundational in terms of where things are currently when it comes to activities and opportunities in the district.

If you have additional ideas, experiences or solutions, please keep them coming. And if you’re able to attend the work session, I encourage you to come and hear the conversation. It will be recorded so you can listen when it’s posted online as well.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share. 🍎

07/14/2026

📣Would love your thoughts!!

One of the upcoming School Board work sessions (in August) I requested is focused on afterschool programs, extracurricular activities, and enrichment opportunities because this is something I am VERY passionate about!!!

I believe extracurricular activities aren’t just “extras”—they’re an important part of the entire educational experience. Whether it’s sports, music, theater, robotics, art, clubs, or other activities, these experiences help students build confidence, friendships, leadership skills, and discover what they love…that’s how you build community and social capital. They also boost academics like literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, math, etc.

I also believe too many students—especially Black, Brown and Indigenous students and students from big families or families with limited financial resources—miss out because of barriers like cost, transportation, equipment, time, or access. Every child deserves the opportunity to participate and benefit from these experiences.

As a mom of four, I know first hand how expensive extracurriculars can be and have also seen how important they actually are. I want to think creatively about how we can make these opportunities more affordable and accessible for all students.

So I’d love to hear from you:

🎨What extracurricular or enrichment opportunities would you like to see our district offer?

🏀What barriers have you or your family experienced?

🎭 What ideas do you have to make these opportunities more accessible?

I’m listening, and your input will help shape the questions and ideas I bring to our School Board work session. You can comment here or message me!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!!!🍎

06/19/2026

Juneteenth represents freedom, but also of the importance of truth. I will continue to say this…accurate history matters because it helps us understand our past, our progress, and our future. We have to fight to continue to teach the FULL story of our nation so young people have knowledge to know who they are and are empowered to achieve their dream’s!!!

Osseo Area Schools recognizes the significance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day. In observance of this holiday, all district schools and administrative offices will be closed today, June 19. We wish our entire community a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth!

06/10/2026

Beautiful tribute Education Minnesota and way to honor (the highest honor) to the incredible Ternesha.❤️

Osseo was so fortunate to have Ternesha. Her presence, drive, advocacy for justice, and passion for education left a legacy that shaped and will continue to shape our district. She is deeply missed and loved. ✨

The late Ternesha Burroughs is the 2026 winner of Education Minneso...

06/04/2026

Congratulations to all of our Adult Basic Education graduates! 🎓

This is what education is all about!! No matter where you are on your journey, graduation is a HUGE accomplishment and it’s also a reminder that it is NEVER too late to achieve your dreams!

I’m so proud of every graduate, Congratulations!!🍎

05/29/2026

I love graduation season!!

This year I’ll unfortunately miss the Osseo, Park Center, 279 Online, and Maple Grove graduation ceremonies due to a family commitment —it’s the highlight of the year for me!

But today I had the honor of attending the Osseo Area Learning Center (OALC) graduation, and I was definitely in tears. It was such a beautiful ceremony, and the student speeches were powerful and moving!! Watching these graduates reminded me that our future is in very good hands. ❤️

The coolest part was seeing Cristian (our student school board representative) officially turn his tassel and graduate. It was so special to be there for that!

Happy graduation season!! 🍎