Birch Grove Community School (BGCS) had a great start to the 24-25 school year, with one of the highest enrollment numbers in its 20 year history. The new school year started with its traditional Bell Ringing Ceremony, its annual Painting in the Woods with Mary LaBerge, garden harvesting from the Tofte Community Garden, learning school and classroom expectations, hitting curriculum both indoors and outdoors, and a show from the National Theater for Children. Birch Grove is also geared up to host the DNR Field Day for 5th graders from surrounding schools on October 1st.
Birch Buddies afterschool programs are also underway with veteran K/1 teacher, Sara Knottski, leading the HIKE! program and partnering with returning 2/3 teacher, Samantha Forster. More Birch Buddies specials this year will include a winter and spring HIKE!, Birch Buddies ~ SKATE!, and new program, Birch Buddies ~ ART! All of the afterschool programs are linked to the outdoors, a focus for BGCS.
The Saplings program, primarily for ages 3-5, and the NEW Seedlings program, primarily for ages birth-3, are also off to a great start this school year with Pam Holm, Saplings teacher, and Emily VanDoren, Seedlings teacher. Both programs have been engaging children in learning through play and projects, with time spent outdoors, mirroring the school focus.
This past year, BGCS was awarded High Quality Charter school status from the Minnesota Department of Education as well as the Award of Excellence in Academics and School Board Governance from VOA-MN, the school authorizer. Most recently, Birch Grove’s MCA scores for 23-24 rank higher than the state in both reading and math. The year is off to a great start and Birch Grove plans to continue to Work Hard, Play Hard!
It’s never too late to enroll. For more information about Birch Grove Community School or the pre-school aged programs, go to www.birchgroveschool.com or call 218-663-0170
