Future Aspen Ridge Elementary Students Work on New Mascot, School Logo
A group of elementary school students in the Osseo School District has a historic assignment — they must help pick a new school mascot, choose school colors and assist with designing a logo.
The students, who currently attend Fernbrook Elementary, will make history when they attend the brand new Aspen Ridge Elementary next year.
“There’s no words that can describe the excitement for it,” said new Aspen Ridge Elementary Principal Patrick Smith. “When you think about building a school from scratch, the identify of our school is essential for community and for our district.”
Aspen Ridge, located in Maple Grove, will be the district’s first new school in 20 years.
“It’s super exciting. It’s a lot of work,” said Smith. “And the more input we can get from our community, and most importantly, from our students, that’s what’s going to make it really genuine and great start-out for our brand new school.”
Kay Villella with Osseo Area Schools helped guide students through the selection process.
An Owl, a Bear, or a Coyote?
A team of 12 Fernbrook Elementary students consisting of a few from each grade were part of the selection process. Community input has also helped guide the process in choosing a mascot.
Students had to pick between an owl, a bear and a coyote.
School leaders presented the students with a variety of logo designs and colors for each of the three mascot choices.
Opinions varied.
“I like the owls the best,” said second-grader Blair Herbert. “Because it just sits on a tree and stuff like that.”
If an owl is selected, it would fit with the new school name, which was inspired by the aspen tree. Aspens are indigenous to the area.
Fifth-grader Dylann Ophoven weighed in on the school colors.
“I kind of like the reds and the blues and browns kind of,” said Ophoven. “I feel like they kind of go with the outdoors … and then with the owls and the trees.”
Smith said this was likely the last meeting with students. He said there’s no definite timeline but expected a decision “soon” on a mascot and logo.
“We should have a good idea and narrow it down,” said Smith. “Then it’s just a matter of finalizing the design concept and how the colors fit in.”
Related: Osseo School District Breaks Ground on New Maple Grove Elementary School
