May Bulletin
Dear BG Families,
The last few weeks we have celebrated the latest fundraiser. It has been fun seeing staff completing their pledges with the culminating assembly last Friday. Friday night was fun having staff camping out at school and reading books to our students online. We appreciate your support and hard work to make sure fundraisers are successful. On the 16th we will have another school wide get together to play bingo, have a BBQ, a buy one-get one free Book Fair, and most of all, spend time with the big BG family. It is so wonderful to be part of a community that works and celebrates together. This month is busy with performances, field trips and class celebrations. 5th graders are looking forward to a couple of field trips including a trip to Base Camp.
Most state mandated assessments are complete. Preliminary MCA data shows significant progress being made in reading and science. Several initiatives are having a positive impact on student learning: focusing on the high operational practices of National Urban Alliance, using phonics to teach reading, having teachers meet once a month for 3 hours to review data, plan for academic support and arts integration, ESPs supporting small reading groups, having a full social emotional team, our Title I and academic support teachers, arts offerings and having your support. Our staff uses data to determine what students have learned and what they still need to learn then provide all students with the academic support they need including enrichment.
This summer we will provide opportunities for our students to continue learning. Kindergarten and first grade students will be taking home math and literacy kits to review some of the essential skills learned during the school year. Our Title I teacher, Ms. Anderson, will have training sessions for caregivers to teach you how to use the kits. Second, third, and fourth grade students will take home 3 books to motivate them to read during the summer. Then, twice during the summer they will receive an additional book to add to their mini-summer library. Also, twice during the summer Ms. Anderson will offer live read aloud time online to encourage students to read. We will be sending two postcards prior to mailing the additional books so students will know to keep an eye on their mailboxes for the books. In addition, we encourage you to take advantage of your local library for additional books and summer activities. Teaching students to read is a partnership between us and you. Our goal is to have all students reading at grade level. Please let us know if you have any questions about this initiative or any additional support that you may need from us. I would like to thank Dr. Bass, assistant superintendent for Equity and Achievement for providing the resources for this summer program.
We have many events coming up this month for music, arts, and family engagement. Please be sure to look at the upcoming events section for everything happening at Birch Grove in May.
Please contact us with any questions/recommendations. We are blessed with your support and having your students at our school.
Have wonderful May!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ronald Salazar, Principal
Birch Grove Recognized as a 2024 Merit School of Excellence
Birch Grove was recently recognized as a 2024 Merit School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America. Principal Ronald Salazar, curriculum coordinator Stephanie Vleck, and 2nd grade teacher Alisha Cromwell attended the National Conference of Magnet Schools in New York City from April 16-20 where they were presented the award.
Birch Grove Field Trip to the Ordway Theater
Thank you to the Ordway Theater and the District 279 Foundation for providing this opportunity for our students!
Birch Grove Student & ESP Receive District 279 Foundation Award
Birch Grove is proud to announce that 5th grader Omael Sobro and Connect ESP Sharon Sarell are recipients of the District 279 Foundation Investment in Youth Award!
Omael has been attending the Osseo Area Schools since kindergarten, and has been at Birch Grove since he was in 3rd grade. He is responsible, accountable, empathetic, kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. He takes the initiative to lead and does so in a kind way. He is mindful of his peers and does his best to think of all and involve others. He has a great sense of humor and will use it to cheer others up. He's often sought out by other students as a friend and partner. Omael has been recognized in the category of Significant Investment in Modeling for Youth: demonstrating through words and actions as an example for young people.
Ms. Sharon has worked in the district for 18 years as an ESP for Kidstop and in special education. Sharon has been dedicated to providing support for our youngest students with autism. She is attentive to teaching them simple skills that many of us take for granted. She is a bright star and perseveres in a space that can often appear chaotic and unmanageable. Her quiet personality radiates with a joyful heart and unending patience that can often go unnoticed. Our students and staff are so lucky to have her as part of our team. We can all learn more from her humble dedication, and the love and care she provides to our awesome Connect students every day. Ms. Sharon is being recognized in the category of Significant Investment in the Betterment of Education: showing commitment to education by giving time, talents, or resources.
Please consider coming to support Omael and Ms. Sharon at the District 279 Foundation awards ceremony on May 5th. You may also show support by donating to the District 279 Foundation in honor of award recipients. More information about the event can be found in the "Upcoming Events" section of the newsletter or by visiting this link.
MDE Redesigning Assessment Reports – Your Voice Matters!
Do you have ideas about how the statewide assessment results, like the MCA, could be shared with the public and school and district staff?
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is beginning the process of redesigning the statewide assessment reports. This includes evaluating how student results are organized and communicated (including the labels like "does not meet” or “exceeds" the standards, and what the reports will look like for new academic standards). The redesigned reports will be seen for the first time in summer and fall 2025.
Please take the survey to share your experience: tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey. It should take no longer than 15 minutes. Responses are completely anonymous and needed by May 19.
Your voice is important to this process. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Please reach out to mde.testing@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about the survey or feedback process.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Summer Learning Kits
Birch Grove has purchased summer math and literacy learning kits for current kindergarten and 1st grade students to practice skills over the summer. We are asking caregivers to attend a training session to better know how to use these kits with your child. The kits will come home at the end of the school year.
Please attend one of the following training times:
- Thursday, May16, 5:15pm-5:45pm in the Gym. (Prior to the BG BBQ)
- Wednesday, May 29, 9:20am - 9:50am in the Media Center.
- Wednesday, May 29, 3:10pm - 3:40pm in the Media Center.
Email Sara Anderson at AndersonS2@District279.org if you have questions or would like more information.
Birch Grove is Hiring for Fall!
Birch Grove is hiring four licensed staff positions and one ESP position for the 2024-25 school year. If you or someone you know is interested, please follow the link below for job openings and descriptions. Applications for the licensed staff positions will open on May 6th, 2024 and will not be visible until then.
Positions available: 3rd grade teacher, Title I teacher, Connect teacher, building substitute, special education/resource ESP
Coin Wars Pledges
BG Staff made good on their pledges from Coin Wars! The students loved seeing their teachers do silly things throughout April for meeting their Coin Wars goals. Dr. Salazar was so excited to be taped to the wall in the gym!
Here are some more of the silly things BG staff members did for the Coin Wars fundraiser.
Mr. Kolonight, Ms. Olson, Ms. Stone, Ms. Elise, Mr. Flemming, and Ms. Lindner camped out overnight at Birch Grove and read bedtime stories over Google Meets!
Ms. Ready threw a big Hello Kitty & Friends party for one class - Ms. Hentges's students were the lucky winners!
Birch Grove & Urban Boat Builders on CCX
Birch Grove was recently featured in a story on CCX Media highlighting the partnership with Urban Boat Builders this year. High school students from Breck came to BG once a week and worked with a group of 5th graders to design and build their own longboards from scratch. They completed their boards on April 24th and tested them out for the first time.
Photo by CCX Media.
BG Receives a New Sensory Wall
The Connect and Occupational Therapy staff applied for a District 279 grant in order to get a sensory wall for Birch Grove. This Project was called "Sensing Our Way Into a Wonderwall."
A sensory wall is a space on a wall that provides tactile, visual, and auditory sensory input to children’s fingers, hands, ears, and body. The wall allows students to really explore their senses and discover the world around them. It helps to ensure students receive the needed sensory input to support focus, concentration, calming, and language development.
Sensory walls help teach students with special needs and other behavioral health challenges how to learn to regulate their bodies in a way that allows them to achieve success in the classroom. Sensory walls improve focus and information processing which can make a significant impact on a student's ability not only to learn, but in how they engage with their teachers and peers.
This sensory wall will become a standard learning tool in the hall outside of the Connect and occupational therapy rooms. It will be used daily throughout the year. Students will work on their visual, tactile, and auditory processing along with their fine and gross motor skills.
Terrariums in Ms. Lindner's Class
The 5th graders in Ms. Lindner's class got the opportunity to create their own terrariums as part of their science class. Students started with nutrient-rich soil containing alfalfa and rye grass seed. They then gathered leaf litter and other natural elements from outside. Some students even have earthworms or caterpillars in their terrariums! Students care for their terrariums by watering them every other day and observe them as things grow and change.
Fun with Science
Ms. Emily's after-school robotics class recently did a cool science experiment. Students learned how a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar could inflate a balloon. The class thought it was really interesting and had a great time trying it out for themselves! This experiment is simple and requires just a few materials. Try it at home with your kids!
Power Up School Challenge: Eat Better
As part of the Power Up Challenge during the month of April, all students got the opportunity to participate in the Taste Test Challenge. Members of the Methodist Hospital Nursing Team came to Birch Grove and brought a variety of different vegetables for students to sample - and their best fruit and veggie outfits! Students were able to taste broccoli, red cabbage, red bell pepper, and yellow squash. After trying each veggie, they could show a thumbs up, thumbs to middle, or thumbs down. Ask your child which vegetables they tried and which ones they liked or disliked and some of the facts the team shared about the veggies they tasted!
May 2nd: 2nd Grade Presents "The Marshmallow Mystery"
EVENT DETAILS
When: Thursday, May 2nd
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Gym
May 5th: District 279 Foundation Investment in Youth Celebration
The District 279 Foundation hosts the Investment in Youth celebration to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and success stories of the students, volunteers, and staff of Osseo Area Schools. Birch Grove is proud to recognize 5th grade student Omael Sobro and Special Education ESP Sharon Sarell as recipients of this year's award! Please consider coming to the awards ceremony to celebrate Omael and Ms. Sharon. The awards ceremony is free to attend.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: Park Center Senior High School
7300 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Enter from Noble Ave - park in the north parking lot
May 8th: Family Dinner Night at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
May's family dinner night fundraiser will be with Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Brooklyn Park! Freddy's will donate 15% of sales made between 4:00-8:00 pm back to Birch Grove. You may order in store or online with the promo code GIVEBACK. Email PTOBirchGrove@gmail.com if you have questions! More information can be found at the link below.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, May 8th
Time: 4:00-8:00 pm
Location: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
9901 Xenia Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
May 9th : PTO Meeting
May's PTO meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9th.This is the last PTO meeting of the 2023-24 school year. Please come to this meeting to vote for officers for the 2024-25 school year. Join in the Birch Grove media center and online at the link below.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, May 9th
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
May 9th: 5th Grade Beginner Orchestra Concert
Come support the 5th grade beginner orchestra students at their concert! Students in orchestra should arrive at 7:30 pm with their instrument, music, and stand. This concert is for 5th grade beginner orchestra only. All other students will have their concert at a later date.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Thursday, May 9th
Time: 8:00-8:40 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School Gymnasium
10223 93rd Ave N
Osseo, MN 55369
May 10th: 4th & 5th Grade Spotlight on the Arts
Information for caregivers of Troupe Students:
- Drama Troupe and Choir Troupes will stay after school.
- Art Troupe and Media Arts Troupe will go home and should arrive back at school by 6:30.
- BG LEADS will not participate in the performance.
- ALL Choir Troupe students will participate in both Spotlight events. If you have a 2nd or 3rd grader in Choir Troupe, they will be staying after school and participating in the 4th and 5th grade showcase.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Friday, May 10th
Time: 7:00-8:15 pm
Location: Birch Grove
May 11th: Adult Enrichment Mental Health & Well-Being Event
- Abstract Painting
- Stem Cell Regenerative Healing for the everyday person
- Line Dancing: Music + Movement + Fun
- Preserving the Harvest – Freezing Fruits and Vegetables
- Building Boundaries, Blocking Negativity: Mastering the Art of Digital Detox
- Take Your Stress Relief in Your Own Hands
- From Chaos to Confidence: Reclaim Your Fashion Style & Embrace Sustainable Living - Instructor
- Functional, Fit and Fun Mom
The entire event, including breakfast and class participation, is free, but advance registration is required and can be completed at the link below. This event is for adults age 18 and older only.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School
10223 93rd Ave N
Osseo, MN 55369
May 14th: Birch Grove Orchestra Concert
Come support the Birch Grove orchestra students as they perform their spring concert! This concert includes 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade advanced orchestra students. 5th grade beginning orchestra will NOT perform at this concert. Performing students should arrive at Birch Grove by 6:15 pm with their instrument, music, and stand.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Tuesday, May 14th
Time: 7:00-7:45 pm
Location: Birch Grove Gym
May 16th: PTO BBQ, Bingo, & Book Fair
Join Birch Grove for the annual BBQ and Bingo Night hosted by the PTO! Burgers, veggie burgers, chips, coleslaw, beans, and fruit will be served. Bingo will begin at 6:00 pm. There is no cost to to get food or play Bingo. As always, there will be prizes! Cash and credit/debit card are accepted for Book Fair purchases. We hope to see you there!
EVENT DETAILS
When: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 5:45-7:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove
May 17th: 2nd & 3rd Grade Spotlight on the Arts
The 2nd and 3rd grade Troupes will put on their spring show for friends and family on Friday, May 10th. Please come support these students and all the hard work they've put into their art and performances! The Art Gallery will be open from 7:00-7:30 pm. Choir and Drama Troupes will perform from 7:30-8:00 pm.
Information for caregivers of Troupe Students:
- Drama Troupe and Choir Troupes will stay after school.
- Art Troupe will go home and should arrive back at school by 6:30.
- ALL Choir Troupe students will participate in both Spotlight events. If you have a 4th or 5th grader in Choir Troupe, they will be staying after school and participating in the 2nd and 3rd grade showcase.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Friday, May 17th
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Location: Birch Grove
May 21st: Kindergarten Orientation
Birch Grove is excited to welcome the Class of 2037! Students who are enrolled to start kindergarten in Fall 2024 are invited to visit Birch Grove to meet the kindergarten teachers, tour the school, and spend time in a classroom. This event is for families who have a student entering kindergarten in the fall only - NOT for students who are currently in kindergarten. Please call Birch Grove at 763-561-1374 if you have questions about this event.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Tuesday, May 21st
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary
May 23rd: Food Truck Dinner Night
Come to Birch Grove for a night of food truck fun! We will have 5 food trucks on site offering food and beverages for purchase. Come by and grab a bite from one (or more!) of these fabulous vendors:
- La Cocina: Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisine
- Hydration Shuttle: Cold drinks such as teas, sodas, coffees, and more
- Ku•ma•in: Filipino homestyle cuisine
- Brisbane's Revenge: Sandwiches, fries, chicken strips, and more
- Goodies on the Go: Fair foods including mini donuts, corn dogs, cheese curds, and more. All gluten friendly!
EVENT DETAILS
When: Thursday, May 23rd
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Birch Grove Elementary
May 31st: Kindergarten Presents "The Wide-Mouthed Frog"
The Wide Mouthed Frog is about a Mother Frog whose babies hatch from eggs. They grow into tadpoles and then into frogs. Mother Frog realizes she needs to feed her babies so she hops along to find food. She meets many animals along her way such as a giraffe, lion and elephant to ask what they feed their babies. In the end she runs into a crocodile who tries to catch them! Do you think Mother Frog will be able to escape? Come support our kindergarteners and find out!
EVENT DETAILS
When: Friday, May 31st
Time: 3:15 pm
Location: Birch Grove Gym
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