Remodernization Update

As construction continues on our campus, we have an important update regarding school access. Beginning this school year, the main entrance to Birney will be located on Meade Avenue and will serve as our single point of entry for all students, families, and visitors.

• August 10–14 (First Week of School): The gate will open at 8:30 a.m. for students and families.
• Beginning August 17: The gate will open at 8:40 a.m. for student entry.

To support a safe and smooth arrival for all students, families are welcome to walk students onto campus and help support their transition during the first week of school. We understand that the beginning of a new school year can bring excitement and big feelings, and we appreciate families helping their children feel comfortable and confident.

Beginning August 17th, we ask that families say their goodbyes at the gate. Our staff will be there to greet students and help them transition confidently to class while keeping walkways clear and ensuring students can enter campus safely.

Dismissal Procedures

To ensure a safe and organized dismissal, we will have a staggered dismissal process:

• TK/K Families: Families may enter campus at 1:05 pm on minimum days/ 3:10 pm on regular days. to meet their child at their class line or through the New TK Play Area. After picking up their child, families may exit through either the Meade Avenue Gate or the Joint Use Field Exit.
• Grades 1–5: Students will be dismissed through the Meade Avenue Gate at 1:15 pm on minimum days/ regular days and 3:20 pm.

Joint Use Field area can be used for dismissal. If you plan to pick up your child from the Joint Use Field Exit, please notify your child’s teacher in advance so they know where to release your student.

The Joint Use Field Gate is available for families who would like to connect with other parents or watch their children participate in Running Club before school.

• Joint Use Field Gate Opens: 8:30 a.m. (for Running Club families and parents gathering in the field area)
• Garden Pathway Gate Opens: 8:40 a.m. (see map above)

Families may also use this area for student dismissal. However, if you plan to pick up your child from the Joint Use Field Gate, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the teacher in advance so that your child can be released at this location.

Dismissal Procedures

For the safety of our students, no child will be released through this gate without an adult. Because this gate is located near a busy intersection, students will only be released to a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult.

The Running Club Entrance is designated only for students participating in Running Club before school. This entrance is not a general campus entry point and should not be used for regular morning drop-off or other campus access. Running Club will begin August 11th.

Access to the Running Club Entrance is available from Park Avenue through the parking lot area as well as the Joint Use Field Entrance. This gate will be closed during dismissal.

Please note that this area is no longer a through street. Families must turn around and exit back onto Park Avenue after using the entrance, as vehicles cannot continue through to Campus Ave. We ask all families to please drive slowly, follow traffic directions, and be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles. Your patience and attention help us create a safe arrival experience for our students and families.

We are still an active construction site, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as improvements continue across our campus. Our construction teams are working diligently to prepare our spaces for students and staff. I met with the construction team today and they said they are meeting the deadline and school will be ready to go by the first day of school.

The blacktop will be paved and resurfaced this Thursday, and the lines for student activities, like four square and hopscotch, will be painted on Friday. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work through these campus improvements. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to a refreshed and improved Birney!

The TK/K playground was demolished over the summer break. This area will be closed for the entire 2026-2027 school year. They will be rebuilding a new playground and adding a new TK classroom.

We understand how important play and movement are for our youngest learners. We are adding a fenced area in front of Kinder classes room 24 and 25 to allow for our students to have a designated play area. The area will be taking up some of the garden to allow students to play and explore as well as add a sandbox. They will have trikes, tunnels, giant LEGOs, spinning balance seats, and other age-appropriate play equipment.

Over the summer, our TK and Kindergarten teachers, admin team, and construction team met and carefully designed a safe, fun play space for students.

We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and support as we continue improving our campus for students. We are committed to ensuring our TK and Kindergarten students continue to have joyful, active, and developmentally appropriate play opportunities during this transition year.

The demolition of our beloved front office has been completed as part of our campus transformation. We know that seeing familiar spaces change can be difficult, especially for families who have built so many memories at Birney over the years.

While it is bittersweet to say goodbye to a space that has been such an important part of our school community, we are excited for what is ahead. This work brings us one step closer to our new office building, coming soon.

Our front office is open and ready to support our Birney families. However, due to ongoing construction and active work areas on campus, we ask that any family needing to visit the front office call the Birney Office first (619) 495-3500 so we can assist you and ensure a safe arrival.

Please note that prior to August 5, all individuals coming onto campus must be escorted from the main entrance to the front office area. This process is required while construction is still active and helps us maintain a safe environment for everyone on campus.

We understand this may not be the most convenient process, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these temporary changes. Thank you for helping us prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and families while we continue building an improved Birney campus.