May 2026 Birch Grove Bulletin
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Can you believe this will be the last newsletter for this school year? April and May go by so fast and are full of events, celebrations, and commitment to continued learning. I hope you will be able to attend our All School BBQ on May 14th during designated lunch times. This is our opportunity to THANK YOU for all the support you provide Birch Grove. Thank you for sending your precious children to us each day. They are joy makers.
The end of the school year is always a time for reflection, and for me, that reflection is centered on gratitude. Being the new principal this year has been a big undertaking, but the trust you placed in me from day one has been the greatest gift. Thank you for your patience, your partnership, and your commitment to our students. It has been a privilege getting to know your families, and I am excited for the journey ahead.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, and compliments.
Stephanie Webster
Principal
Birch Grove Elementary
WebsterS@District279.org
Library Book Reminders from Ms. Kimmes
It is the end of the year and time to round up and organize all the books in our school library.
All books should be returned to the media center after Memorial Day.
Email reminders come out weekly for all overdue books all school year. Emails will move to daily after Memorial Day to help remind you to return them. If you don’t get an email, all books have been returned.
Sometimes books end up back in the media center or misplaced in the classroom but are still checked out. If you receive an overdue notice, please ask your child where they think the book might be. If you feel certain it is back at school, please reach out and we can check on shelves and in lockers/desks.
Ask your child what was their favorite book that I read to them in the library this year - or their favorite project we worked on in media. Ask them what kinds of books they enjoyed reading on their own this year. Ask them what they want to start reading this summer!
If at all possible, plan weekly trips to the public library this summer and keep on reading! Try to visit different locations around the Twin Cities. There are so many fun spaces and events at the public library throughout the summer. Check out the locations and programs at Hennepin County Libraries here.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sally Kimmes
Birch Grove Elementary
Library Media Specialist
763-549-2304
Donations Needed for Nurse's Office
We are in need of extra clothing for the health office. Specifically, we are looking for boys’ pants in sizes 5–12, as well as boys’ and girls’ shirts for ages 5–12. Donations are greatly appreciated! Donations may be brought to the Birch Grove office.
Thank you!
Nurse Ava
CipwskiA@district279.org
Save the Date! Volunteers Needed for BOBCAT BLASTOFF June 5th
Birch Grove will host its annual end-of-the-year celebration, the Bobcat Blastoff! Each grade level spends their specialist time outside for a variety of games and activities. Volunteers are needed to help run activity stations!
We are also looking for donations of water bottles of any size! Donations can be dropped off in the Birch Grove office at any time during school hours.
If you would like to volunteer, please complete the volunteer application as soon as possible! Background checks take 1-2 weeks to process. The volunteer application must be completed again each school year. Background checks are valid for 3 years.
May 6th: Talent Show & Expo Showcase
Come and see all the amazing things our scholars have been doing in their troupes and electives! Student artwork and projects will be featured for viewing and there will be performances by drama, choir, media, and visual arts troupes.
The BG Talent Show Targeted Services class will perform their talent show at 2:45 pm. Caregivers with a child participating in the show will receive an invite to attend the event. All are welcome to attend the showcase and expo after school.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 6th
Time: 2:45 (Talent Show)
4:30-6:00 pm (Showcase & Expo)
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
May 7th: 5th Grade Beginner Orchestra Concert
5th grade orchestra students will perform their spring concert with the Osseo Middle School orchestra! All are welcome to attend. Participating students in this concert are 5th grade beginner orchestra students ONLY. Participants should arrive to Osseo Middle School by 6:00 pm.
Birch Grove 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade advanced orchestra students will have their concert on May 12th. More information below.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, May 7th
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School
May 12: Birch Grove Orchestra Concert
The Birch Grove 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade advanced orchestra will perform their spring concert on May 12th. Participants should arrive to Birch Grove by 6:15. All are welcome to attend!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, May 12th
Time: 7:00-7:45 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
May 13th: Kindergarten Information Night
Birch Grove is hosting an information night for students who will start kindergarten in the 26-27 school year. Students and families will have the opportunity to tour the building, spend time in a kindergarten classroom, and learn about what their school day will look like. Representatives will be here from KidStop, health and nutrition services, transportation, and more. There will be plenty of fun goodies for our future Bobcats as well!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, May 13th
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
May 14th: All-School Family BBQ
You are invited to Birch Grove's all-school BBQ! Families are invited to come enjoy lunch with their scholar picnic-style during their designated lunch time. Please RSVP at the link below with the number of people who will attend!
IMPORTANT INFO!
- You may bring your own towels/blankets/lawn chairs to sit on
- Students will be eating/outside during their grade's designated time only. Schedules cannot be rearranged to accommodate siblings.
- Parking will be available in the main parking lot, the school bus lots, and along Noble Avenue.
The schedule is as follows:
11:30-12:15 5th Grade
11:45-12:30 1st Grade
12:00-12:45 Kindergarten
12:15-1:00 3rd Grade
12:30-1:15 2nd Grade
12:45-1:30 4th Grade
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, May 14th
Time: See above
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
May 20th: PTO Meeting
The Birch Grove PTO meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30. All caregivers are welcome to attend! Join in person in the Birch Grove Media Center or online at the link below.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 20th
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
May 21st: 2nd Grade Concert
Second graders will perform their spring concert! Look for more information from your child's 2nd grade teacher later this month.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, May 21st
Time: 4:30-5:15 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
May 22nd: Kindergarten Showcase
Kindergarten families are invited to attend the Spring Kindergarten Showcase! Look for more information from your child's kindergarten teacher later this month.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday, May 22nd
Time: 2:15-3:00 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
May 25th: No School
There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. School resumes as usual on Tuesday, May 26th.
June 3rd: 5th Grade Celebration
Way to go 5th graders! Join us to celebrate our 5th grade scholars as they get ready to go to middle school. This event will include a slideshow and students will be awarded certificates. The event will be held in the grassy area on the west side of the school (along Noble Ave). Parking is available in all school parking lots and along Noble Ave. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, June 3rd
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
June 4th: Senior Alumni Walk
Birch Grove senior alumni are invited to do a victory lap around the place where it all began! Seniors may arrive at Birch Grove beginning at 3:00 pm and the building walk will begin promptly at 3:10 pm. Caregivers and non-alumni may wait outside for their scholars. Alumni and caregivers are asked to leave Birch Grove by 3:30 to facilitate end of day dismissal procedures.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, June 4th
Time: 3:10 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
June 6th: Bobcat Blastoff & Last Day of School
We will wrap up another fantastic year at Birch Grove with the annual Bobcat Blastoff end of year event! Students will participate in outdoor games and activities with their grade level during specialist time. Volunteers are needed - sign up below!
Date: Friday, June 5th
Times:
- 9:45 - 3rd grade
- 10:30 - 2nd grade & morning PreK
- 11:15 - 4th grade
- 12:00 - LUNCH/BREAK
- 12:30 - 5th grade
- 1:15 - 1st grade
- 2:00 - Kindergarten & afternoon PreK
- 3:00 - Connect
Download Raptor Safe
Have you downloaded Raptor Safe yet? Raptor Safe is the district's safety and security management system, which manages visitor sign-in, student sign-out, and school day events. Downloading the app and creating an account simplifies check-in and student sign-out processes. Please consider setting up an account through Raptor Safe as there are several events coming up in May and June that will require check in.
Download Raptor Safe on Google Play
Download Raptor Safe on Apple App Store
Two ways that visitors are able to utilize this new system
1. NEW: Visitors can utilize the Raptor Safe app. This app can be downloaded for free through your phone’s app store. Families can set up an account, and then each time they visit can open the app and use the iPad to scan a personalized QR code located in the app for a faster check in. RaptorSafe allows you to register in advance for school events and will send a QR code "ticket" directly to your phone. This allows for the quickest and most streamlined experience.
2. Visitors can scan a drivers license or Minnesota state ID using the iPad camera. After scanning, visitors will follow prompts on the iPad to select their destination inside the building. Following the prompts will produce a badge to wear.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe. If you have questions or need support, please contact our school office.
Sun Bucks for Summer Groceries
SUN Bucks is an income-based food support program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. Most eligible children are automatically enrolled. When children no longer receive free meals at school, their households might need extra help putting food on the table. The SUN Bucks program is designed to meet this seasonal need.
Learn more about the program and eligibility at the link below.
Osseo Area Schools Community Education
Discover Osseo Area Schools’ Community Education! Find classes, programs and events for all ages — from early childhood, youth to adult. Browse Community Ed or register at osseo.ce.eleyo.com.
Free Food Bags with EveryMeal
Would you like to take home a FREE bag of nonperishable groceries each week? Scan the code to sign up for Every Meal food program. Questions? Reach out to Jennifer Anderson, School Social Worker, 763-549-2335
Office of Multicultural Services
Hennepin County's Office of Multicultural Services (OMS) offers help in your language. OMS can help with applying for government benefits, employment opportunities and applications, housing needs, and more. Visit the website at the link below for more information, including information in multiple languages.
Contact
Phone: 612-348-2193
2215 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Homework Starts with Home
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 | Somali | Spanish
Save Receipts for School Supplies
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.