
October 2023 Birch Grove Bulletin

October 2023
A Message From Principal Salazar
Dear BG Families,
The first month of school is over and we are moving forward with all the great things we do at BG. During the week of the 25th all grade level teams met for three hours to analyze the results of the reading assessment and to develop plans for supporting all students using small groups. During the meetings, teachers worked with Ms. Vleck on planning arts integration as well.
Every day for 30 minutes, every grade level will work in small groups with the support of special education, English Language Learners, ESPs, academic intervention, Title I teachers and our social emotional team (counselor, school psychologist, social worker) to provide students with the skills they need and enrichment.
About 270+ students completed the forms to try out for Troupes. It is a larger number of students than last year, and we are so excited about the high level of participation. We appreciate the value that your family puts in the arts and the time your student(s) spend doing the type of art they love.
Winter will be here soon, and I would like to invite you to check with our social worker, Ms. Ruhland, if your student(s) need winter attire or other items. Please get in touch with her at RuhlandM@District279.org.
Please complete the form for educational benefits (free-reduced) because it impacts the school budget.
Visit the district website or read below for more information on the referendum. If the referendum passes, all magnet schools will benefit with several improvements including an outdoor learning center.
We appreciate your support. Have a wonderful month of October.
Dr. Ronald Salazar, Principal
Building a Better Future, Phase II
What happens if the school building funding request is not approved by voters?
So what happens if the school building funding request - Building a Better Future, Phase II - is not approved by voters?
School building projects to improve safety/security would not proceed.
Crowded conditions and large class sizes would continue. Attendance boundary adjustments would be required at the elementary, middle and high school levels to provide relief, which is estimated to move 6,000 students from their current schools. Such changes would be recurring because of continually growing student enrollment, resulting in increased service costs and longer bus rides.
School buildings and learning spaces would continue to age and become less relevant. This would limit learning resources demanded by our students and families, particularly in math, science and career learning spaces, specialized learning spaces and library media centers.
Inconsistent learning experiences would continue.
Budget cuts would be required. These cuts are projected to be at least $31 million or approximately 300 jobs.
You don’t have to wait until election day to vote. You can vote early by mail or in person between now and Nov. 6:
To vote early by mail, request an early voting ballot via the City of Brooklyn Park's website.
To vote early in person, head to Brooklyn Park City Hall’s multipurpose room at 5200 85th Ave. N. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Note: These voting processes apply to all Osseo Area Schools voters, including those that reside in the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Rogers and Osseo. Please go to the Secretary of State’s website to find Nov. 7 election day polling place locations.
Learn more by attending a Community Informational Meeting. One is being held at 6 p.m. October 3rd at Osseo Senior High School’s forum room and at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Maple Grove Senior High School’s cafeteria. There you’ll hear details on why a bond referendum is being held and the school building needs that would be addressed if the Phase II plan is approved by voters. Continue to stay tuned to district279.org/BetterFuture.
Announcements & Important Information
Sign Up For Conferences!
- Tuesday, October 10th from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:20-7:20 pm
- Thursday, October 12th from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:20-7:20 pm
- Monday, October 16th from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:20-7:20 pm
You may sign up for conferences on ParentVUE starting Monday, October 2nd.
Information about how to access ParentVue or set up a ParentVue account can be found by clicking the link below. For specific information on scheduling a conference, scroll down to "Frequently Asked Questions" and select "How do I schedule conferences?" Instructions are available in English, Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Oromo, and Hmong.
Click here for information on ParentVue & conference scheduling
Get Ready for the Book Fair!
After School
Tuesday, October 10th from 4:30-7:30 pm
Thursday, October 12th from 4:30-7:30 pm
Friday, October 13th from 5:00-6:00 pm
Monday, October 16th from 4:30-7:30 pm
Student Shopping Days
Friday, October 13th during the school day
Monday, October 16th during the school day
*Please note that these days are only for student shopping. Staff will not be letting anyone into the building to shop.
Volunteers are needed to help run the cash registers. Be sure to set up an eWallet for your student to shop! Click the links below for more information:
Ski & Snowboard Passport Program for 4th Graders
Attention families of 4th grade students! The Minnesota Ski Areas Association is offering an unlimited ski and snowboard passport for the 2023-24 winter season. This passport costs $34.95 and is valid at 20 different ski and snowboard locations around Minnesota, including the Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area, Buck Hill, and Spirit Mountain!
Click here to learn more about the Passport Program and to purchase a season passport
Coming Soon: Nothing Bundt Cakes FUNdraiser!
The Nothing Bundt Cakes FUNdraiser is back this fall! Order forms will be sent home with students in October and bundt cake delivery is expected in mid-November. Bundlets will cost $6 and are available in a variety of delicious flavors. Keep an eye out for more details soon!
Upcoming Events
October 7th: Reading is Fun 5K
The Reading is Fun 5K is on October 7th! Money raised for this event are allocated to libraries and media centers in the Osseo Area Schools to purchase learning resources. Walk up registration is available the day of the event - bring your family and join the fun!
EVENT DETAILS:
8:00 AM Check In
9:00 AM 1K Run/Walk & Mascot Race
9:30 AM 5K Run/Walk
10:15 AM Community Gathering
Elm Creek Park Reserve
12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
October 12th: Picture Retake Day
Picture retakes are Thursday, October 12th! Please make sure you communicate with your child's teacher if they need their picture taken.
October 13th: Movie at the Grove
Please join us for dinner and a movie at Birch Grove, hosted by the PTO! The movie will be held in the Birch Grove gym. Ku•Ma•In, Yum Yum Truck, and Griddle on the Go will be on site for food and beverage purchase from 5:00-7:00 pm. The Book Fair will be open to shop from 5:00-6:00 pm. Please bring your own blanket/chair as seating will not be provided. All children MUST be accompanied by an adult. The movie will start promptly at 6:30 pm!
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Friday, October 13th
Time: 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School Gymnasium
October 14th: Kindergarten Information Fair
Children entering kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year are welcome to join us at the Kindergarten Information Fair to meet kindergarten teachers, participate in fun activities, and learn about the kindergarten school day! Caregivers will have the opportunity to learn how to enroll their future kindergartener, speak with our community partners, receive more information on our magnet schools, and ask questions.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Fernbrook Elementary School, 9661 Fernbrook Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
*This is an open-house style event, come anytime between 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Information Fair below!
October 17th: PTO Meeting
PTO meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month. Birch Grove's next PTO meeting will be on Tuesday, October 17th at 6:00 pm in the Birch Grove Media Center. You may also join online at the Google Meet link below.
October 19-20: MEA Break
Birch Grove Quick Calendar
Contact Information
Dr. Ronald Salazar, Principal: SalazarR@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: RuhlandM@District279.org
Jean Thurmer, Nurse: 763-549-2308 / ThurmerN@District279.org
Help Desk & Tech Support: HelpDesk@District279.org
Useful Links
Osseo Area Schools are Hiring!
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.
4690 Brookdale Drive
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Phone: 763-561-1374
Transportation: 763-391-7244