March 2026 Birch Grove Bulletin
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Hello Caregivers,
It's unbelievable that we are in the month of March! The school year is flying by. I am so impressed with how hard our students and staff work to make Birch Grove an amazing school. As we wrap up trimester 2, report cards will be posted on ParentVue March 18th. The amount of growth our scholars are making is commendable. We have three weeks in March and then Spring Break, March 20-March 29th. When we return, our 3-5th graders will be taking their math and reading MCAs and Science for 5th graders.
Our big musical for the school year is this weekend! There are performances Friday evening, 2 shows on Saturday, and 1 show on Sunday. It's not too late to purchase tickets and come on out. It's an amazing production that a lot of hard work has been put into it.
Spring is on the way, and we look forward to all it has to offer.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or compliments.
Stephanie Webster
Principal
Birch Grove Elementary
WebsterS@District279.org
Junie. B Jones's Essential Survival Guide to School, Jr.
The cast and crew of Junie B. Jones are excited to finally perform the show they have been working so hard on the past three months! Friends, family, and community members are invited to attend - be ready to laugh! Showtimes are as follows:
- Friday, March 6th at 6:00 pm
- Saturday, March 7th at 1:00 pm AND 6:00 pm
- Sunday, March 8th at 1:00 pm
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door 30 minutes before showtime! We look forward to seeing you!
Report Cards on ParentVUE
Student report cards will be available to view on ParentVUE by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 18th.
- Information about ParentVUE, including how to create an account, can be found here. Please submit a ticket to Incident IQ if you have any trouble setting up or accessing your ParentVUE account.
- Follow these instructions to learn how to access your child's report card on ParentVUE. (Also available in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, and Oromo).
- Click here for information about grading and rubrics, including descriptors by grade level. (Also available in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Somali)
Important Updates to Visitor Sign In
Birch Grove families,
If you visit our buildings during the school day, you’ll notice a new Raptor Visitor Check-In iPad at the front office. This updated system was implemented at Birch Grove this month as part of a district-wide effort to better support safety and security across our buildings.
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 or by clicking the links below. 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. After following the prompts, a badge will then print with your photo, name, date, time, and visit location. Visitors must wear the badge at all times inside the building.
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 at 763-561-1374.
Sincerely,
Birch Grove Elementary School
Immigration-related safety, support and resources
This continues to be a very trying time in our community. Many of our families and colleagues are dealing with immense feelings of fear and anxiety due to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) action taking place. Our foremost priority during this time, as always, is to create safe and secure learning environments, and to provide meaningful education to each and every student in our community.
Our district and school teams have put many plans into place to ensure the continuation of this opportunity for all of our students. Please refer to our dedicated website for the most up-to-date information, including on topics like learning options, meals and safety/security procedures.
March 6th: No School
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, March 6th, for report card marking day. School resumes on Monday, March 9th.
March 6th-8th: Birch Grove Spring Musical
- Friday, March 6th at 6:00 pm
- Saturday, March 7th at 1:00 pm AND 6:00 pm
- Sunday, March 8th at 1:00 pm
Get your tickets at the link below! These tickets are for general admission.
March 11th: 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, March 11th
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
March 12th: 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, March 12th
Time: 5:00-7:30 pm
Location: Cheap Skate Roller Rink
3075 Coon Rapids Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
March 20th-27th: Spring Break, No School
There will be NO SCHOOL from Friday, March 20th - Friday, March 27th for Spring Break. School resumes on Monday, March 30th.
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.