March 2025 Bulletin

March 2025

We welcome spring a little early and it’s a welcome sight! No more indoor recesses due to cold weather!

I am Dan Wald, I’m filling in as the interim principal while Mrs. Kleven is out. I expect to be here for a few more weeks. I would like to share how impressed I’ve been with this whole school community. This includes teachers and other staff who do a great job of “loving up” our scholars by developing positive relationships. It includes families who are so supportive of the school community. I’ve also enjoyed working with the children. As a retired principal, I’ve really missed seeing the children from day-to-day and am grateful to get to know so many scholars over the past month here at Birch Grove.

March is a busy month for the arts. Although I worked in the Osseo School District for most of my career, I wasn’t really aware of all the amazing things happening related to the arts at Birch Grove. We have the play “Alice in Wonderland” from March 6-10. We have March Madness, March 10-14 and the Coin Wars, March 17-21. We then go on a much deserved spring break!

March also brings about the completion of the 2nd trimester. It’s hard to imagine but we’re almost ⅔ of the way through the school year! Report cards will be posted on March 12.

We hope that our Birch Grove families will enjoy some fun “family time” during spring break!

Your administrative team,

Dan Wald, Margo Kleven, & Lindsey Patterson

WaldD@District279.org

KlevenM@District279.org

PattersonLindsey@District279.org

YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE – PRICE $13.00

Order forms will be coming home beginning March 3.

Deadline to order is Thursday, March 20.

Email luncefordj@district279.org if you have questions.

See below for important information about the spring band concert in April. Email RuohoniemiJ@District279.org if you have questions.

Community feedback from January and early February helped to narrow and refine proposed attendance boundary scenarios. Specifically, scenarios 1 and 2 moved forward with some adjustments based on comments received. Visit the following webpages for details on newly proposed scenarios 1A and 2A and search tools to see how your household may be impacted:

Learn more about each of the updated scenarios by visiting the following webpages. Make sure to check out each scenario’s search tool to see how your household is impacted.

• Updated scenario 1A

• Updated scenario 2A

Community input is important: Please share your thoughts on the two updated scenarios by filling out the online feedback form or participating in an upcoming community informational meeting.

• Online feedback form

• Community Informational Meeting on Tuesday, March 4 at 5:45 p.m. in the North View Middle School cafe

• Fill out this form if you’re planning to attend; or

• Watch the presentation-portion of the event via the livestream

• Community informational Meeting on Wednesday, March 19 at 5:45 p.m. in the Osseo Middle School cafe

• Fill out this form if you’re planning to attend; or

• Watch the presentation-portion of the event via the livestream

Timeline: These events in March will likely wrap up districtwide feedback opportunities. The school board is expected to approve final attendance boundary changes in May. The new attendance boundaries will then go into effect fall 2026.

Stay tuned: Detailed information will continue to be shared at district279.org/boundaries. Feel free to reach out if something additional needs to be addressed via BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.

Stephanie Webster has been announced as Birch Grove’s principal for the 25-26 school year!

The Bobcat staff welcomed Mrs. Webster to Birch Grove with a morning meet and greet breakfast. Mrs. Webster is most excited to engage in the beloved arts programming that makes Birch Grove so special. Look for her at the 2:00 pm performance of Alice in Wonderland on Sunday, March 9th. Mrs. Webster won’t officially begin her leadership until this summer, but we’re so lucky to have her visit and start to understand what makes Birch Grove the absolute best place to work and learn.

The theme for February's building-wide arts initiative is "ART at the HEART". Each Friday in February, students participated in an activity altogether in their classrooms.

February 7th: Draw-Along with Ms. Brown

February 14th: Bobcat Boogie featuring the Cupid Shuffle

February 21st: Sing-Along with Mr. P

February 28th: Mad Hatter Tea Party Dress-Up Day

March's Arts Initiative theme is ARTS MADNESS! A bracket has been created with some of the most-loved activities in four different categories (music, dance, visual arts, and drama). Which activity will be voted Birch Grove's favorite? Find out in next month's newsletter!

Birch Grove was excited to welcome back guest performers Siama's Congo Roots! This musical duo is made up of husband and wife Siama and Dallas and they perform traditional African music for their audiences. They spent three mornings at Birch Grove in February performing with grades 2-4 during their music class.

Learn more about Siama's Congo Roots!

Birch Grove Bobcats love to read! Students in Mr. Radder's 2nd grade class enjoy some independent reading time with their library books in the media center. Check out this link for some fun literacy activities you can do at home with your child during the month of March!

Thanks to a grant from the District 279 Foundation, Birch Grove was able to purchase a set of ukuleles! Students have the opportunity to learn how to play the ukulele as an elective option. Students in grades 3-5 will get ukulele lessons during music class in the near future.

Read more about the ukulele lessons at Birch Grove!

Birch Grove participated in the Health Partners Power Up Challenge during the month of February and focused on three different areas of healthy habits: Eat Better, Move More, and Feel Good. Students participated in different activities in their classrooms related to these focus areas. They even had the opportunity to taste test different vegetables! Ask your student which veggies they liked and didn't like from the taste testing!

The weekend of March 1, Carson from Mrs. Robinson’s 3rd grade class participated in the Grass Seeds Academy which was sponsored by the Minnesota Bluegrass Association. Carson spent the weekend learning new skills on his violin and a new song. At the end of the weekend, he played his new song, "Bile ‘em Cabbage Down", with 2 other students on stage in front of 200 people! He learned a lot about playing his violin and playing in front of large groups of people. Orchestra teacher Mrs. Pim was very proud of his accomplishment!

If you are interested in looking at opportunities like this for your child, please check out the Minnesota Bluegrass Association. The website is MinnesotaBluegrass.org.

There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, March 7th for report card marking day. School resumes on Monday, March 10th.

You are invited to see Birch Grove's annual spring musical, Alice in Wonderland Jr.! There will be a total of four performances for family and friends. Tickets can be purchased at the link below, or at Birch Grove starting 30 minutes before show time.

DATES & TIMES:

Friday, March 7th at 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 pm AND 7:00 pm

Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 pm

LOCATION: Birch Grove Gymnasium

Electives students are presenting their work during showcases for their friends and family! Come see what the students have been working on during their electives. Because these events are held during school hours, all guests over 18 must check in at the office with an ID and get a visitor tag. Please check the dates below to see when your child will present!

DATES:

Wednesday, March 12th - 2nd and 3rd Grade Showcase

Monday, March 17th - 4th and 5th Grade Showcase

Tuesday, March 18th - 1st Grade Showcase

TIME: 3:00-3:45 pm for all dates

LOCATION: Birch Grove Cafeteria

March's PTO meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13th. Meetings occur the second Thursday of each month in the Birch Grove media center and online at the link below.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, March 13th

Time: 6:00-7:00 pm

Location: Birch Grove Media Center

You and your family are invited to enjoy an evening of fun and learning activities at Birch Grove! Activities including read alouds and games will be hosted by Birch Grove staff. Free dinner will be provided and free books for students to take home! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event was made possible with funding from Title 1 at Birch Grove.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Friday, March 14th

Time: 5:00-6:30 pm

Location: Birch Grove Elementary School

It's time for Birch Grove's annual Coin Wars Fundraiser! Students may bring in coins throughout the week with a different piece of currency "featured" for each day.

Monday, March 17th - Pennies

Tuesday, March 18th - Nickels

Wednesday, March 19th - Dimes

Thursday, March 20th - Quarters

Friday, March 21st - Dollars

There will be NO SCHOOL on from Monday, March 24th through Friday, March 28th for Spring Break. School resumes on Monday, March 31st.

Join the Osseo Area Schools at the Career Expo to connect with hiring departments, including special education, community education, custodial/facilities, food services, and supporting staff roles. Take advantage of this opportunity for assistance with online applications, explore exciting job opportunities, and more. Visit www.district279.org/careers to view all openings. Don't forget to bring your resume and save the date!

For accommodations, please reach out to Human Resources at HR@district279.org or call 763-391-7007.

RSVP here - recommended but not required.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Zanewood Community School

7000 Zane Ave N

Brooklyn Park, MN 55429

• The district uses the STOPit Solutions tip line designed to deter and mitigate bullying, cyber abuse, threats of violence, identity based harm, and other inappropriate behaviors.
• Students, parents/caregivers, and community members can access STOPit 24/7 multiple ways.
• Visiting the STOPit website
• Download the STOPit app from the APP store or Google Play store.
• Call 763-265-3636
• Tips can be submitted anonymously
• Concerns that need immediate attention for the safety of individuals involved should be reported to 911.
• Within the STOPit app students have access to the Crisis Text Line
• Crisis Text Line supports students that may be experiencing or witnessing difficult emotions like bullying, negative peer pressure, or anxiety.
• Students can SMS message with trained volunteer Crisis Counselors to receive help for themselves directly.
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality anonymous text-based mental health support and crisis intervention.

Please read the following information about District 279 security protocols and visitor requirements. This is for visiting any school in the Osseo Area Schools, including Birch Grove. It is important to follow this protocol to ensure the safety of students and staff.

It is highly recommended to complete the volunteer application to make signing into the school a quicker and easier process. Please make sure to bring your ID with you anytime you come to the school.

Margo Kleven, Principal: KlevenM@District279.org

Lindsey Patterson, Assistant Principal: PattersonLindsey@District279.org

Elise Dorgan, Administrative Assistant: DorganE@District279.org

Abbie Lecy, Counselor: LecyA@District279.org

Megan Ruhland, Social Worker: 763-549-2335 / RuhlandM@District279.org

Emily Wenz, Psychologist: WenzE@District279.org

Nurse: 763-549-2308 / WackerT@District279.org

Birch Grove PTO: PTOBirchGrove@gmail.com

Hennepin County Public Health is hosting free immunization clinics for children. COVID and flu vaccines will be available for adults. Visit the link below for dates and locations of upcoming immunization clinics in Hennepin County.

Maple Grove Eye Care is a local business owned by a family with students in the Osseo Area Schools. Maple Grove Eye Care has free vision screenings year round in order to monitor everyone's vision fluctuations at their convenience. We believe good vision is essential for students to maximize their learning potential and for staff to work efficiently and comfortably. See below for more information.

Exciting news for Minnesota families! Discover the new Child Tax Credit offering $1,750 per child under 18. Don't miss out—check eligibility and claim your credit when you file: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit.

Minnesota Residents, discover the benefits of the Working Family Credit! You could qualify for a refund, even if you don't owe taxes. Check eligibility details, especially if your income is below $35,000 (joint filers). If you're a part-year resident, adjust your income accordingly for Minnesota taxes. Learn more at https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/site-search?site_search_text=m1nr

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.

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

Download the Box Tops for Education App and start earning money for Birch Grove by scanning your shopping receipts.

Learn more about Box Tops for Education!

Osseo Area Schools ISD279 offers varies meaningful job opportunities! Learn more by completing the ISD279 Job Interest Form and our recruitment & retention team will connect with you or by visiting www.district279.org/careers.