April 2026 Birch Grove Bulletin
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Hi Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break! It is hard to believe April is already here, and the school year is truly flying by. This month is a significant one for our scholars in grades 3–5 as we begin MCA testing. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to "show what they know" and celebrate their hard work. Please help your child perform their best by ensuring they are at school, well rested and on time during these important testing days.
We have some wonderful community events this month. Please join us on the evening of April 16th for our Academic Night and Scooter City! Information is coming home this week. Please QRcode RSVP so we can ensure we order enough food for everyone. We are also looking forward to Spirit Week starting April 20th. Our scholars can join the fun with Sports Day, Dress Your Best Day, Favorite Character Day, and Wacky Hair/Hat Day. Friday of that week is no school so that's Pajama Day.
Finally, I want to share a huge thank you for your support of our Glow Run. Because of your generosity, our students will enjoy several field trips and special school experiences throughout the month. It is a joy to see those funds turn into such meaningful memories for our scholars. Thank you for your continued partnership! Don't hesitate to reach out with questions or compliments.
Stephanie Webster
Principal
Birch Grove Elementary
WebsterS@District279.org
Reminder: MCA Testing in April
Hello Birch Grove Families! As we enter into April we are also entering into taking the MCA tests in 3rd-5th grade. Please save these dates and know that attendance, breakfast and good sleep goes a long way.
- April 7th & 8th Reading MCAs 3-5th Grade
- April 14th & 15th Math MCAs 3-5th Grade
- April 21st Science MCA 5th Grade Only
-Thank you for your support
Free Immunization Clinics
Immunizations protect babies and children from serious diseases like measles, mumps, pertussis, and diphtheria.
Don't fall behind on immunizations. Stay caught up for school, sports, daycare, and more.
Hennepin County has programs that can help your child get immunized, even if you’re uninsured, underinsured, or don’t have a primary care clinic.
The next upcoming clinic in Brooklyn Park is Saturday, April 25
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Brookdale Library - Full Meeting Room and Creekside Room
- 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 800
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Please Complete the Family Stakeholder Survey
Please complete this survey while thinking about one student. Even if you have other students enrolled in our schools, please answer questions with only that student in mind. To access the survey you will need this student’s Student ID. If you do not have your student’s Student ID, it is available in ParentVue under the Student Info tab as “Perm ID”.
We expect the survey to take less than 10 minutes to complete. This survey will be open until Friday, April 17th.
Thank you for considering this request!
April 2nd: PTO School Spirit Night at Cheap Skate
Join the Birch Grove PTO at Cheap Skate for another night of skating and fun! Purchase tickets at the door or at the link below. Make sure you choose "Birch Grove Spirit Night" online or mention Birch Grove at the door so proceeds go back to the school!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 5:00-7:30 pm
Location: Cheap Skate Roller Rink
3075 Coon Rapids Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
April 3rd: No School
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 3rd. School resumes on Monday, April 6th.
April 8th: 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, April 8th
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
April 14th & 21st: Band Rehearsal
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, April 14th and 21st
Time: 4:40-5:45 pm
Location: Edinbrook Elementary School
8925 Zane Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
April 16th: Family Fun Night at BG
You are invited to Birch Grove's 2nd Annual Family Fun Night! Enjoy a variety of activities and games with BG staff, including Scooter City with Ms. Nelson and read-aloud with Mrs. Kimmes and more! Free pizza will be served in the cafeteria. This event is free to attend and open to all. All children must be supervised by an adult for the duration of the event.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 16th
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary School
April 20th-23rd: BG Spirit Week
Birch Grove Spirit Week is April 20th-23rd! Students may dress up to follow a different theme each day. Participation is optional.
Monday 4/20: Sports Day
Tuesday 4/21: Dress Your Best
Wednesday 4/22: Dress Like Your Favorite Character
Thursday 4/23: Wacky Hair/Hat Day
April 21st: 5th Grade Beginning Orchestra Rehearsal
Students in 5th Grade Beginning Orchestra will have rehearsal at Oak View Elementary to prepare for their spring concert. Please reach out to Mr. Krueger (kruegerj@district279.org) or Ms. Pim (pime@district279.org) if you have questions.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, April 21st
Time: 4:30-5:45 pm
Location: Oak View Elementary School
6710 E Fish Lake Rd
Maple Grove, MN 55369
April 24th: Remote Learning Day
April 24th will be an online learning day for students. Your child will bring their device home on Thursday, April 23rd. Devices will be fully charged and sent home turned off to preserve battery. Chargers are affixed to device carts so students will not bring a charger home. Your child's teacher will provide any learning materials needed for the day and share with you the Google Meet link for optional office hours. Contact your child's teacher directly if you have any questions about remote learning activities.
April 27th: No School
There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, April 27th for a teacher work day. Students are not expected to complete online learning activities on this day. School resumes on Tuesday, April 28th.
April 28th: Spring Band Concert
5th grade band students from Birch Grove and other district elementary schools will perform their spring band concert at Osseo Middle School on April 28th. All are welcome to attend!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, April 28th
Time: 8:00-9:00 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School
10223 93rd Ave N
Osseo, MN 55369
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. View the catalog 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.