June 2025 Bulletin

June 2025

Please welcome Ms. Stephanie Webster as the next Principal of Birch Grove, effective July 1, 2025!

Ms. Webster brings 25 years of accomplished educational experience and a deep passion for fostering creativity and student success. For the past three years, she has served as Principal of Crest View Elementary, where she has successfully improved academic performance and strengthened the school community. Prior to that, she spent seven years as Assistant Principal at Oak View Elementary and was a classroom teacher for 13 years in Minneapolis Public Schools.

Beyond her impressive leadership experience, Ms. Webster is deeply committed to the power of the arts in education. She believes that creative expression is essential to student growth and is eager to support Birch Grove’s vibrant arts-integrated learning environment. She is excited to collaborate with staff, students, and families to further enrich the school's artistic culture while maintaining high academic expectations.

Ms. Webster earned her undergraduate degree from Augsburg College and her master’s degree and administrative license from St. Mary’s University, where she graduated with honors. She was also an Urban Scholar through St. Paul Companies.

She describes herself as a dedicated and visionary leader who is committed to building an inclusive, welcoming school community where all students can thrive. Her goal for Birch Grove is to continue fostering a learning environment that nurtures creativity, embraces diversity, and amplifies the unique gifts of every student.

• Osseo Schools Free Meal Program: Osseo Area Schools will provide free meals to children at schools as well as community locations. Visit the link for a full list of locations and times/dates the program will be available.
• Community Education Summer Programs: Summer programs for youth of all ages through Osseo Area Schools Community Education.
• Hennepin County Library Summer Programs: Find free programs for youth and summer reading tutoring at all Hennepin County Library locations. Students can also get a library card online or by visiting any Hennepin County Library location.
• Hunger Impact Partners: A phone app that connects families with sites nearby that provide free meals to children.
• Brooklyn Park Community Resources: A hub of various resources in and around Brooklyn Park.
• Free Immunization Clinics for Youth: Hennepin County is hosting several free vaccination clinics for children age 0-18 this summer, including one at Park Center High School in August.

Congratulations to two of Birch Grove's very own for their Investment in Youth Awards! Mother and son duo Sue and Khalon Ready were nominated for awards in the following categories.

Significant Investment in Developing Their Own Talents: this award went to 5th grade student Khalon Ready. Khalon could have won this award for several categories. As a fifth-grade patrol, he demonstrates responsibility and determination. Khalon is a natural leader and a compassionate and kind classmate. He is sought after by his peers as a playmate and work partner. Khalon is a gifted actor and has been awarded several lead roles in Birch Grove's annual musicals. He is a joy to watch on stage as he captures the attention of the audience. No part is out of his reach, but he definitely has the gift of humor and silliness and we're lucky he's willing to share that gift with us.

Significant Investment in Modeling for Youth: this award went to Birch Grove ESP, parent, and PTO member Sue Ready. As the front desk receptionist and recess Educational Support Professional, Sue has made it her goal to know and build a relationship with everyone at Birch Grove. She serves on our PTO and frequently meets the needs of our community by offering transportation assistance to those in need. She is a servant at heart, always willing to help where needed. She has made a significant impact on the students of Birch Grove as she kindly sets high expectations while encouraging each and every student. She is a huge part of what makes Birch Grove the best place to learn and the best place to work.

9th graders in Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) classes at Park Center High School spent two mornings at Birch Grove. The AVID students read books, taught lessons, and played games with students in grades K-3.

Read more about the Park Center service project here!

A mama duck chose the Birch Grove courtyard to build her nest and lay eggs! Both staff and students were invested in little family of ducks. The babies hatched on May 19th. Because the courtyard is completely enclosed, the ducklings were unable to leave the space once they hatched.

Resource manager Mrs. Lunceford reached out to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville for a little help. Gretchen and Anthony came to BG to safely relocate the ducklings.

On May 16, 2025, EL students in 3rd through 5th grades were invited to Delta Air Lines Operations Control Center at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at Terminal 1.

During the visit, the students experienced the entire process of a real traveler from checking in at DELTA passenger’s counter to going through TSA. After checking in, the students were taken to a DELTA conference room where the students met Captain Rich Jaeger, a veteran pilot at Delta Air Lines. Cap Jaeger generously shared his time speaking to students about his career as a pilot and what it takes to fly a jet. Students listened and asked many questions. While touring the Operations Center, the students were allowed to walk around and view Delta Air Lines staff as they worked in keeping the planes safe as they flew in and out of the airport.

The students monitored the news and weather radars on giant screens. They were allowed to interact with staff and ask questions. They watched several planes take off and land. The students stated they had tons of fun and learning. They enjoyed every minute of their field trip to DELTA Air Lines. The students were given snacks and DELTA Air Lines souvenirs. The students wish to return next year for another field trip.

Birch Grove hosted an information night for next year's newest Bobcats! Families who attended Kindergarten Orientation had the opportunity to learn about what a day in kindergarten looks like, tour the school, and visit with representatives from transportation, KidStop, the PTO and more. We are excited to welcome the class of 2038 to Birch Grove this fall!

5th grade students took a field trip to Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove! Despite the rainy weather, the students had a good time playing kickball, geocaching, and having a picnic lunch.

Our Kindergarten Bobcats made their stage debut with their performance of "Wide Mouth Frog"! The students told the story of a mother frog on a quest to get some food for her babies. On the way, she meets many animals such as lions, giraffes, elephants, and even a hungry crocodile!

• The district uses the STOPit Solutions tip line designed to deter and mitigate bullying, cyber abuse, threats of violence, identity based harm, and other inappropriate behaviors.
• Students, parents/caregivers, and community members can access STOPit 24/7 multiple ways.
• Visiting the STOPit website
• Download the STOPit app from the APP store or Google Play store.
• Call 763-265-3636
• Tips can be submitted anonymously
• Concerns that need immediate attention for the safety of individuals involved should be reported to 911.
• Within the STOPit app students have access to the Crisis Text Line
• Crisis Text Line supports students that may be experiencing or witnessing difficult emotions like bullying, negative peer pressure, or anxiety.
• Students can SMS message with trained volunteer Crisis Counselors to receive help for themselves directly.
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality anonymous text-based mental health support and crisis intervention.

Please read the following information about District 279 security protocols and visitor requirements. This is for visiting any school in the Osseo Area Schools, including Birch Grove. It is important to follow this protocol to ensure the safety of students and staff.

It is highly recommended to complete the volunteer application to make signing into the school a quicker and easier process. Please make sure to bring your ID with you anytime you come to the school.

Margo Kleven, Principal: KlevenM@District279.org

Lindsey Patterson, Assistant Principal: PattersonLindsey@District279.org

Elise Dorgan, Administrative Assistant: DorganE@District279.org

Abbie Lecy, Counselor: LecyA@District279.org

Megan Ruhland, Social Worker: 763-549-2335 / RuhlandM@District279.org

Emily Wenz, Psychologist: WenzE@District279.org

Nurse: 763-549-2308 / WackerT@District279.org

Birch Grove PTO: PTOBirchGrove@gmail.com

Maple Grove Eye Care is a local business owned by a family with students in the Osseo Area Schools. Maple Grove Eye Care has free vision screenings year round in order to monitor everyone's vision fluctuations at their convenience. Call the Maple Grove Eye Care office at 763-264-5100 to schedule an appointment or learn more about free vision screening.

Exciting news for Minnesota families! Discover the new Child Tax Credit offering $1,750 per child under 18. Don't miss out—check eligibility and claim your credit when you file: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit.

Minnesota Residents, discover the benefits of the Working Family Credit! You could qualify for a refund, even if you don't owe taxes. Check eligibility details, especially if your income is below $35,000 (joint filers). If you're a part-year resident, adjust your income accordingly for Minnesota taxes. Learn more at https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/site-search?site_search_text=m1nr

The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for caregivers who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students: the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce caregivers’ taxes to increase their refund, but is only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible. Most Minnesota caregivers qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Caregivers under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for those who do not owe any taxes. Visit Revenue's website for details.

Are you or someone you know at risk of losing your housing? The Homework Starts with Home program is grant funded and in partnership with Hennepin County and the YMCA. Here are guidelines of the program:

• Families must have a child enrolled in our school district and reside in Hennepin county.
• Families must meet income guidelines set by Hennepin county.
• Families must qualify for rent assistance of owing back rent and are at risk of eviction in order to receive utilities assistance.
• Families must provide something in writing that they owe back rent or are at risk of eviction (ledger of back rent owed, eviction notice, court date notice)
• Families must reach out before their eviction date/court date. Unfortunately we can't retroactively provide financial assistance if they have already moved.

Please reach out to Kendra Kuhlmann at HSWH@District279.org if you have questions or are interested in learning more about the Homework Starts with Home Program.

Information available in: English | Hmong | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

Download the Box Tops for Education App and start earning money for Birch Grove by scanning your shopping receipts.

Learn more about Box Tops for Education!

Osseo Area Schools ISD279 offers varies meaningful job opportunities! Learn more by completing the ISD279 Job Interest Form and our recruitment & retention team will connect with you or by visiting www.district279.org/careers.