January 2026 Birch Grove Bulletin
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Hi Caregivers,
Welcome back to school and 2026! We are hitting the ground running and revved up for teaching and learning. We'll be reviewing expectations, getting back in the swing of things, and starting new units in literacy and math. Third grade had the most PBIS tickets for the month of Dec. and are taking care of our Bobcat triplets. I wonder which grade level will earn the most tickets at our end of month assembly next time! Our scholars earn tickets for following the 3 B's of Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind. This also applies to our school buses. Thank you for reinforcing this at home. Your partnership is appreciated. As always, don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, and/or compliments.
In partnership,
Stephanie Webster
Principal
Birch Grove Elementary
WebsterS@District279.org
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. Conferences may be held virtually over Google Meets during the morning sessions only (8:00-9:00 am) or in person during the afternoon sessions (4:40-7:20 pm) at Birch Grove.
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
ParentVUE access and account setup
The Scholastic Book Fair will be back during conferences! Stay tuned for more information.
Glow Run Fundraiser
The Birch Grove PTO will host the Glow Run Fundraiser on Friday, February 6th! Money raised for this fundraiser will contribute to activities, learning materials, and educational opportunities for students. The fundraiser will kick off on Tuesday, January 20th! More information to come, including how to donate and details about the Glow Run.
Targeted Services Winter Session
Students will receive the enrollment paperwork for Winter 2026 Session of Targeted Services and Enrichment Program upon returning from break. The enrollment form will be due on January 16, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Targeted Services takes place after school from 4:00-5:30 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from February 3rd - March 18th. Any questions can be directed to Emily Wenz at WenzE@district279.org
Increased Illnesses at BG
We have been experiencing an increase of illness at school. Below are helpful tips for when students should remain at home to help avoid the spread of illnesses.
Please consider keeping your child home if they show signs of: (consider calling your child’s primary physician’s office to assist you with any questions or concerns)
· Earache, ear drainage
· Stomachache, nausea
· New or Persistent cough
· Runny nose and/or nasal congestion
· Unidentified/Suspicious skin rash
· Headache
· Sore throat
· Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in one or both eyes, especially if they are unable to remember to not touch their eye and to wash their hands after touching their eyes
Students must stay home if they are experiencing:
· Vomiting, or diarrhea (must be vomiting or diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school)
· Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (your child must be fever free for 24 hours, without the use of medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen) before your child returns to school)
· If diagnosed with strep throat, your child may return after taking the prescribed antibiotic for 12 hours and has been fever free after 24 hours (if they had a temperature over 100.4)
· Live Lice, students cannot return to school until treated for lice (medication can be purchased at any Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) When your child returns to school, the nurse must check your child’s hair for any signs of live lice
Helpful Tips for Caregivers
· Healthy children learn better, please keep in mind the basics of healthy living and teach your child life- long health habits
· Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night
· Encourage healthy foods: Offer lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains; limit junk foods such as sweets and chips; have regular mealtimes; encourage water for thirst instead of soda pop or juice
· Be sure your child gets DAILY exercise out in the fresh air whenever possible
· Avoid exposing your child to second-hand smoking, either in the house or in the car
· Teach your children to keep their bodies and hair clean (daily showers/shampoo), use deodorant as needed, to brush their teeth twice a day, and to wash their hands often
Medications in the school health office
All medications (prescription or over the counter) that need to be administered during school hours, must have a physician’s order and a signed medication administration consent form. Medications received without this documentation cannot be administered by the nurse and it will be sent home.
**Please contact the nurse prior to sending any new medication. The nurse will assist you will all the necessary documentation needed for your student’s new medication.
Thank you!
Ava Cipowski - CipowskiA@District279.org
Tina Wacker - WackerT@District279.org
A Reminder from Ms. CC and Ms. Nelson
Reminder: Gym Shoes are Required for Physical Education
· This is for safety
· Ease of movement
· Gym shoes protect the equipment - Mats and other equipment can easily tear or rip with boots etc.
· Students should keep gym shoes in their backpack, so they always have them
Thank you!
Important Dates for 2026-27 Preschool Programs
Osseo Area Schools will offer a variety of preschool and prekindergarten programs for children who turn 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026. Each program provides play-based learning, highly qualified staff, family and community engagement and flexible schedules to meet family needs.
Important application dates:
Tuition Free Prekindergarten (also called Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) for four year olds:
- For Birch Grove School for the Arts (magnet school): Review qualifications and apply online at nws.k12.mn.us through Dec. 17, 2025 for Lottery 1. Apply Jan. 21-March 11 for Lottery 2. Contact Northwest Suburban Integration School District at 763-450-1303 with questions.
- For other non-magnet schools: Review application qualifications and apply by Jan. 15, 2026, for the lottery of non-magnet elementary schools that have this program. Application questions can be directed to the Enrollment Center at (763) 585-7350.
Preschool for Threes, Preschool for Three to Fives, Nature Preschool and Prekindergarten for Fours:
- Jan. 14, 2026: Registration opens at 9 a.m. online at osseo.ce.eleyo.com.
- Feb. 13, 2026: Registration deadline for the lottery is noon.
- Feb. 17, 2026: Registration lottery drawing held.
- Feb. 20, 2026: Lottery results emailed.
- Feb. 25, 2026: Registration reopens to the public.
Four Star Express (full-day prekindergarten plus child care)
- Jan. 14, 2026: Registration opens at 9 a.m. online at osseo.ce.eleyo.com.
- Feb. 2, 2026: Registration deadline for the lottery is 9 a.m. Lottery held on this day.
- Feb. 9, 2026: Families notified by email.
Blast Wrap Around Care is an extended care childcare program at Oak View Elementary School. Registration information for school year 2026-27 will be sent to families after their student’s prekindergarten registration at Oak View Elementary School is approved.
Families are encouraged to frequently visit osseoschools.org/preschool. The website includes important dates, application deadlines, lottery details and answers to frequently asked questions. Stay tuned! Information will continue to be shared on this website about the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Registration Open for Winter/Spring Community Ed Classes
Osseo Area Schools' Community Education offers classes, programs and events for all ages from early childhood, youth to adult learning, facility rentals and more!
Register online at osseo.ce.eleyo.com for Winter/Spring classes including:
- Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) - Classes for parents and children birth to age 5
- Youth Enrichment - After school classes for students
- Teen Driver’s Education - Classes online, in-person or self-paced
- Adult Enrichment classes - Classes in-person or online
View the Winter/Spring Community Education guidebook mailer to learn more about these opportunities and more in Osseo Area Schools’ Community Education that serves our vibrant school district community including - Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, Plymouth and Rogers.
No matter your age or stage in life, Osseo Area Schools' Community Education keeps you learning, growing and enjoying meaningful experiences.
January 13th: District 5th Grade Band Winter Concert
5th graders from Birch Grove and other elementary schools in the district will perform their Winter Band Concert on Tuesday, January 13th at Osseo Middle School. Family and friends are welcome to attend! Contact band director Mr. Abbott if you have any questions. AbbottJ@District279.org.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, January 13th
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Osseo Middle School
10223 93rd Ave N
Osseo, MN 55369
January 14th: PTO Meeting - New Dates & Time
NEW DATES AND TIME! 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, January 14th
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Birch Grove Media Center
January 15th: PTO School Sprit Night at Cheap Skate
Join the Birch Grove PTO for school spirit night at Cheap Skate! Purchase tickets at the link below - make sure you choose the Birch Grove Sprit Night option! You may also purchase tickets at the door on. Please mention you are with Birch Grove!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, January 15th
Time: 5:00-7:30 pm
Location: Cheap Skate Roller Rink
3075 Coon Rapids Blvd
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
January 16th: Remote Learning Day
Students will have a remote learning day on Friday, January 16th. Students will bring their school-issued device home with them on Thursday, January 15th. Devices will be given to students turned off and fully charged. Chargers are attached to device carts so they will not be sent home.
Your child's teacher will post assignments to Seesaw and provide any necessary materials. All teachers will have optional virtual office hours and they will share those times with you. Contact your child's teacher directly if you have any questions about assignments or remote learning expectations.
January 19th: No School
There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. School resumes on Tuesday, January 20th. Students are not expected to complete any remote learning activities on the 19th.
January 26th: 5th Grade Silver Orchestra Demo Concert
Join BG 5th grade Silver Orchestra students for their demonstration concert with other 5th graders throughout the district! This concert will be held at Osseo Middle School. Everyone is welcome to attend! Details are below.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday, January 26th
Time: 8:00 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 | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese
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.