February 2026 Birch Grove Bulletin
Dear Families and Caregivers,
As we turn the calendar to February, I want to start by acknowledging the heavy heart our city is carrying right now. You and your families may be experiencing anxiety regarding safety and immigration enforcement in our neighborhoods. I know many of our families are feeling stressed, fearful, or exhausted. Our priority, above all else, is the physical and emotional safety of your children. We remain committed to welcoming every student, regardless of background or status, with love and stability. We have staff available to support our students through these trying times.
This February, our celebration of Black History will give us an opportunity to amplify and lift up the major contributions past and present of black people. We are focusing not just on history, but on Black Joy and Resilience. We can't wait for your students to share with you all the amazing learning taking place and the visibility of the learning in the building. You'll be able to see what's happening during conferences!
THANK YOU for all of your donations to our Glow Run!! As of 2/2, we are currently at 75% of our goal. Your donations do so much to support student experiences and learning. Students are pumped up to participate in our Glow Run this Friday. If you haven't had an opportunity to donate or send out to friends and families, please consider doing so. See below for the donation link.
Stephanie Webster
Principal
Birch Grove Elementary
WebsterS@District279.org
Reminder: Still Time to Donate to the Glow Run!
As of February 2nd, BG is 75% of the way toward their goal of $10,000! Donate at the link below. Be sure to select your child's teacher to help their class win a special activity! Donations are accepted through Friday, February 6th at 8:00 am. Money raised goes toward classroom materials, experiences, field trips, guest performances, and more.
Winter Conferences
Winter Conferences are coming up! Conferences will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, February 10th from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:40-7:20 pm
- Thursday, February 12th from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:40-7:20 pm
- Tuesday, February 17th from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:40-7:20 pm
Conferences may be scheduled through ParentVUE between February 2-9. Instructions on how to schedule may be found below. If one of your child's teachers has already reached out to you and scheduled a conference, you do NOT need to schedule on ParentVUE.
How to schedule conferences on ParentVUE: English | Arabic | Hmong | Oromo | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
The Book Fair is Back!
The Scholastic Book Fair is back at Birch Grove! There will be several opportunities for both families and students to shop.
FAMILY SHOPPING
- February 10th from 8:15-9:00 am - Donuts with Grownups
- February 10th from 4:00-8:00 pm - During conferences
- February 12th from 4:00-8:00 pm - During conferences
- February 17th from 4:00-8:00 pm - During Conferences
STUDENT SHOPPING
- February 11th from 9:15-10:00 am
- February 12th from 9:15-10:00 am
- February 13th from 9:15-10:00 am
- February 17th from 9:15-10:00 am
Set up an eWallet for your student here!
Spring Musical Information: Junie B. Jones
The cast, crew, interns, and directors have been working hard the past month rehearsing for the spring musical, Junie B. Jones's Essential Survival Guide to School, Jr.! General admission tickets will go on sale starting Monday, February 23rd at the link below.
Cast members will get information for RESERVED ticket sales (with a different access code) that go sale beginning Feb. 16th.
Apply for Preschool Programs for the 2026-27 School Year
Families with children turning 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026 can apply this month for Osseo Area Schools’ preschool and prekindergarten programs for the 2026-27 school year. Some programs are currently accepting applications. Additional programs will open on Jan. 14.
Each program has its own registration timeline and lottery process for applications.
Apply now–Jan. 15: Tuition Free Prekindergarten (non-magnet schools)
Apply starting 9 a.m. Jan. 14:
- Preschool for Threes
- Preschool for Three to Fives
- Nature Preschool
- Prekindergarten for Fours
- Four Star Express prekindergarten plus care
Apply Jan. 21–March 11: Tuition Free Prekindergarten at Birch Grove School for the Arts (magnet school, second lottery)
Families can learn more in the brand new Osseo Area Schools’ Preschool Programs Guidebook or at osseoschools.org/preschool
Free event reminder: Virtual preschool information sessions:
- Jan. 8, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
- Jan. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. -Registration is required by Jan. 12 online or by calling 763-391-8777.
Sessions will be hosted by early childhood staff and include information about each preschool or prekindergarten program plus time for questions.
February 10th: Donuts with Grownups
Scholars and their grownups are invited to shop the book fair, socialize, and enjoy delicious donuts.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, February 10th
Time: 8:15-9:00 am
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
February 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, February 11th
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
February 16th: No School
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.