April Bulletin
Dear BG Families,
Happy April,
Days are getting longer and eventually the weather will be consistently warmer. Looking forward to a few April showers so by May we can have tons of flowers. We appreciate your help making sure students come to school with appropriate winter clothing for our cold/snowy days in March and first couple of days in April. Students were able to enjoy recess because they were dressed for the weather.
Testing season is upon us. The last few weeks, our English Language Learners took the Access test. This test shows their progress learning English and is used to determine if they are ready to graduate out of ELL classes. Our students supported their classmates by respecting the “Please be Quiet” signs posted in the classrooms used for testing. In a few days everyone will be taking the MCAs. Our main ask is for students to get enough sleep the night before testing. A good breakfast at home or at school is also recommended. We are aware that there is more than one way to demonstrate learning including artistic work in music, drama, and visual arts. Thank you for your support for all our arts programming and shows including the school musical.
As you are aware there is a significant change in the way reading is being taught. Last year several teachers and I completed a year-long course called LETRS. LETRS is not a curriculum guide but instead, it demonstrates what the science of reading shows works well for teaching reading. The Minnesota Legislature decided that our state will use the science of reading to teach reading. The science of reading has a strong phonics component that teaches students letter sounds, blending and sounding out words in general. Reading also includes understanding the meaning of what is being read, not just decoding. This year, many more teachers are learning about the science of reading as it continues being implemented in our district. Last week, I listened to a podcast called “Sold a Story” which provides a historical perspective of teaching reading and explains the science of reading. Here is the link in case you would like to listen to it. https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/
Because reading comprehension is more than decoding words, I continue to encourage you to spend time reading to your children, tell them stories, make up stories, or just converse with them. Students with a richer vocabulary are more likely to become stronger readers. If your family knows more than one language, please continue talking/reading to your children in the other languages your family knows. Knowing other languages provides windows and open doors into a much larger world. It also enriches your child’s vocabulary and communication skills.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your student.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ronald Salazar, Principal
Coin Wars Results
- Ms. Jarrett, Mrs. Garcia, and Queen Johnson will dress as queens and princesses for the day!
- Ms. Cromwell will have a pie thrown at her face!
- Ms. P will do Patrols in her PJs, with crazy hair, AND wearing roller skates!
- Mr. Novak will run a mile around the school wearing a tutu!
- Dr. Salazar will be taped to the gym wall!
- Ms. Brown, Ms. CC, Ms. Holsen, and Mr. P will host a Glow Party in their classes!
And so much more! Ask your student about some of the other wacky things BG staff members pledged to do for Coin Wars, and stay tuned for the May newsletter for pictures. Thank you to Ms. Brown and the Birch Grove PTO for organizing Coin Wars, collecting donations, and taking the coins to be counted!
Fun Fact: On the first day of Coin Wars, a total of 8,270 pennies were collected! That's over $82 worth of pennies weighing over 45 lbs!
We Are Still Looking for Volunteers 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.”
Resource: Homework Starts With Home
View information in: Hmong - Russian - Spanish - Somali - Vietnamese
Power Up Challenge
In April, Birch Grove is partnering with Health Partners to complete a Power Up School Challenge to encourage our students to (1) Eat Better, (2) Move More, and (3) Feel Better. Within this month, each class will participate in at least one weekly activity that emphases one of these goals. We are also partnering with Methodist Hospital's and Park Nicollet's Nutrition team to complete a grade-level taste testing experiment that encourages the use of their five senses to really understand the complexity of different foods, along with of course, being able to experience a fun tasting experience.
Upon returning from spring break, your student will receive a Power Up magazine to bring home that has activities and information related to this challenge. Please feel free to reach out to Emily Wenz, School Psychologist, with any questions (WenzE@district279.org).
Birch Grove Spring Musical: Finding Nemo Jr.
Titambe Dance Residency
Titambe West African Dance Ensemble returned to Birch Grove this year to perform for students in grades 3-5. Titambe artists perform music and dance from Ghana and educate audiences about West African culture. Ask your student about what they learned from the performance!
Learn more about Titambe and see a video of one of their performances.
School Breakfast Week Winner
March 4th-8th was National School Breakfast Week. To celebrate National School Breakfast Week, the Osseo Area Schools Food & Nutrition department provided a hidden Golden Ticket that was randomly included in a school breakfast given to a student during this week at all schools. Congratulations to 4th grader Noah from Ms. Zettler's class, the lucky winner of the Golden Ticket and a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!
Lego Time with Mrs. Patterson
Did you know? Birch Grove students can earn Paw Prints from staff when they show BG CARES! CARES stands for Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control. Students can enter their Paw Prints into drawings for prizes and activities. One of these prizes was Lego Time with assistant principal Mrs. Patterson! Rio in Mrs. Olson's room won this activity for the whole class. Both the students and Mrs. Patterson had a lot of fun!
April 16th: PTO Family Dinner Night at Jersey Mike's
April's family dinner night fundraiser will be with Jersey Mike's in Brooklyn Park! Jersey Mike's will donate 25% of their sales made between 4:00-7:00 pm on April 16th back to Birch Grove. Email PTOBirchGrove@gmail.com if you have questions!
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, April 16th
Time: 4:00-7:00 pm
Location: Jersey Mike's
5901 94th Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
April 19th: Remote Learning Day
Friday, April 19th will be a remote learning day for students. Devices and assignments will be sent home on Thursday, April 18th. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions about classwork. If you need a hotspot for internet use at home, please email Jodi at SchneiderJ@District279.org.
If you are experiencing any issues with your child's technology during remote learning, please contact Help@District279.org and describe the issue. Tech support will be standing by all day to assist with any problems that may arise.
April 27th: Indian Education 27th Annual Wacipi
On April 27th, the Osseo Area Schools Indian Education will host its 27th annual Wacipi, also known as a Powwow. Join for an afternoon of fun with traditional dancers, drum groups, and more. Please contact Ethan Neerdaels for more information and registration at NeerdaelsE@District279.org.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Saturday, April 27th
Time: 1:00-6:00 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School
10223 93rd Ave N
Osseo, MN 55369
April 30th: Band Concert
Birch Grove band students, along with band students from several other Osseo elementary schools, will be performing their Spring Concert. Friends, family, and community members are welcome to attend!
Performing students should arrive at 7:40 pm with their instrument, music, and stand and wear concert attire (no clothing with holes/distressed and no logos/graphics).
EVENT DETAILS
When: Tuesday, April 30th
Time: 8:00-8:30 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School Gymnasium
10223 93rd Ave N
Osseo, MN 55369
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.