School Spotlight: Rush Creek Elementary

About 870 children attend Rush Creek Elementary in the Osseo School District. Principal Tim Brown says students aim high and standardized test scores show they’re reaching their goals.

For math, 81 percent of students at Rush Creek Elementary met or exceeded state standards in 2017 compared to 59 percent statewide For reading it was 78 percent, compared to 60 percent statewide.

A school-wide enrichment program called “maker space” allows students to challenge their creativity and technology skills. Students also came up with a way to challenge their muscles. In December, the second-grade class started the Rocky’s Recess Run Club.

“Since January 8th, doing laps right at the start of the school day, and then it’s optional at recess,” said teacher Angela Kettner. “They’re really excited about it.”

And thanks to parent volunteers, students get to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. Gina Walseth started a photography club where students use their iPads to capture the world.

“We teach them composition and for me it’s getting the kids to see the world from a different perspective,” Walseth said. “Instead of seeing things straight on, they can look at things from a worm’s eye view or a bird’s eye view.”

Principal Brown says the school is just a good place to be. He says even retired teachers come back to substitute because they miss the learning environment.

“Everyone here in this building, licensed and non-licensed loves being here,” Brown said.

Maple Grove

School Spotlight