March Bulletin
Dear BG Families,
It feels like winter is over, but we never know and there is a chance for a couple of nice (big) snowstorms even in April. Some may think that I am being optimistic, and others may think the opposite. This year, Ms. CC and I talked about having students experience snow shoeing, but we will have to wait for a future winter season to try it with our students. It is exciting to think it is almost time to begin getting ready for gardening. Even if you do not have a backyard for a regular garden, consider doing window gardening. There is so much our students can learn from planting a seed and seeing a new plant grow. Reading, math, science, and the arts come together as you talk with your student and visit the public library for books about gardening.
I continue encouraging you as much as possible to spend time reading, talking, and doing any type of art activity with your child. Family stories help students develop their vocabulary, expand their imagination, and develop important reading skills such as predicting and multi-tasking. Visiting museums, playing board games, cooking, listening to music and so many other activities bring families together and make students stronger and ready to learn.
We appreciate your strong support for all our school activities. It is always heartwarming to see you attend school events even if the weather is not cooperating such as during our last Bingo Night. Students and staff are working hard to get ready for the opening night of this year’s musical, Finding Nemo Jr., and we are looking forward to having you attend this great performance.
Thank you to everyone who provided input regarding next year’s budget. I am happy to share that we will have the same level of staff support including full time school psychologist, social worker, counselor, student redirection team (BIT), and lead Title I teacher. An additional Title teacher and additional TAG (gifted) teacher will be part of our school wide Title I program. We qualify for Title I programing based on the number of families qualifying for educational benefits. Thank you for completing the forms for educational benefits (AKA free and reduced).
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help your student. Feel free to stop by to talk with us or contact our school social worker, Ms. Megan Ruhland at ruhlandm@district279.org. Talking Points is the best way to connect with us regarding parent pick up and absences.
Have a wonderful March!
Dr. Ronald Salazar, Principal
Come See Finding Nemo Jr.!
The cast and crew of Finding Nemo Jr. has put in hours of hard work and dedication getting ready for their big performances! Students have been rehearsing before and after school since January learning lines, practicing choreography, crafting their set, and so much more! Come support our amazing cast, crew, interns, and directors and get ready for music and laughs!
Showtimes are...
- Friday, March 8th at 7:00 pm
- Saturday, March 9th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
- Sunday, March 10th at 2:00 pm
Purchase tickets for reserved seats online or purchase general admission tickets at Birch Grove before the show. Please be aware that general admission seats are not reserved and will be first come, first serve. Email Stephanie at VleckS@District279.org if you have question.
Trimester II Report Cards
Student report cards will be available to view on ParentVUE by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 20th.
- Information about ParentVUE, including how to create an account, can be found here. Please email Help@District279.org if you have any trouble setting up or accessing your ParentVUE account.
- Follow these instructions to learn how to access your child's report card on ParentVUE. (Also available in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, and Oromo).
- Click here for information about grading and rubrics, including descriptors by grade level. (Also available in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Somali)
Volunteers Needed for BG Boost!
BG Boost is a new volunteer opportunity!
Volunteers will partner with the school by guiding scholar’s practice in reading and math skills. Materials and information about the work with scholars will be provided. Training and assistance will be available to meet each volunteer’s needs.
Can you help our students?
Is there a time in your day that you could become a partner
with the school to increase student’s learning?
We are grateful for any time you have available!!!
Are you prepared to join the team?
Please fill out the volunteer application and let us know you are interested in volunteering.
Email Sara Anderson at AndersonS2@district279.org or call 763-561-1374 to get started. You do not need to have a student at Birch Grove - relatives, community members, and high school students are welcome to apply to volunteer!
“The greatest gift we can give children is an opportunity to grow and learn.”
Spirit Week at Birch Grove
Birch Grove had Spirit Week from February 12th-16th. Students had the option of dressing to match different themes each day. Themes included Teacher/Student Switch Day, Sports Day, Red & Pink Day, Pop Culture Artist Day, and Pajama Day. Both students and staff had a lot of fun matching their outfits to the theme of the day!
Bus Driver Appreciation
February 21st was Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Our PTO packed up goodie bags for our many wonderful bus and van drivers, and Principal Salazar handed them out during morning arrival. As a magnet school, Birch Grove has buses and vans that bring students from several cities including Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Anoka, and more. We are grateful for all the drivers who make it possible for our students to attend Birch Grove!
March 18-22nd: Coin Wars FUNdraiser
Get ready for Coin Wars! One of Birch Grove's most loved FUNdraisers is back! BG staff members are excited to offer up some silly incentives to meet fundraising goals. Students may remember Ms. Stettner dyeing her hair pink, Mr. Novak running a mile in a tutu, and several BG staff members camping out at the school overnight! We're excited to see what our creative staff is going to come up with this year.
Students may bring in coins during the week to help raise money for Birch Grove. Money raised goes toward arts programming, events, classroom tools, and more. Each day of the week will feature a different type of coin students can bring. However, students are welcome to bring any type they want on any day! Coin donations are completely optional.
Monday 3/18: Pennies
Tuesday 3/19: Nickels
Wednesday 3/20: Dimes
Thursday 3/21: Quarters
Friday 3/22: Dollars
Earn Money for Birch Grove with Box Tops for Education
Download the Box Tops for Education App and start earning money for Birch Grove by scanning your shopping receipts.