Message from Mr. Fredrickson Dear Families,
Although some of us may have been in denial, there is no way around the fact that winter in Minnesota has arrived. This letter is intended to keep you informed of some of our procedures as we see more snow fall and temperatures begin to drop.
Snow Removal After a storm, snow removal can take several days. Our custodial staff works with buildings and grounds over several days to get snow completely removed from all areas around the building. In the mornings, our custodian focuses his time on getting pathways cleared to the building. This includes a path from parent drop off to the back door and a path from busses to the front door. Buildings and grounds plows driveways and parking lots starting with earlier start schools. They then move on to later start schools. They come back later for detailed removal. Once initial removal is complete, we move on to other safety concerns such as shoveling out doors that may have drifted over. This ensures clear exits from the building. Eventually, snow is removed from all areas. This includes widening out all of our sidewalks, getting the space between the planters in front, etc. Depending on the amount of accumulation, this entire process may take several days. Thank you for your patience as we dig out from under storms this winter.
Recess Students need the Winter Five every day for recess. We go outside everyday unless the temperature (including wind chill) falls below -10 degrees. Even if you think it will be too cold for recess, please send your child with all of their winter gear to school each day.
I am always available to answer questions on these topics. I also invite you to contact me directly if you have any concerns.
Warmly, in spirit anyway,
Mr. Fredrickson
News from Our Specialists Here's what has been happening in gym class!
S.T.E.M Day 2020
Birchview is hosting a school-wide science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) day on January 17 and we are looking for volunteers to present to our classes at 8:45 and 9:30. If you work in a field where you use any part of S.T.E.M. and would like to come present or demonstrate some of what you do, we would love to have you.
Lost and Found Our lost and found is overflowing with hats, mittens, gloves, sweatshirts, jackets, lunchboxes and water bottles. Next week, we will have them spread out on tables in the main hallway so that lost items can be found more easily. Please encourage your student to look for their lost items!
Free Food Over Winter Break December 21 through January 5, 4-5 pound bags of food provided for free over winter break at all Twin Cities YMCA branches. Simply go to the front desk and ask for a bag of food. No membership is required. To find the nearest location, visit The Sheridan Story website.
Supporting Our Community Birchview Night Out! Join the Birchview Community for food and fun at our BV Eats Fundraiser January 14, 4:00-9:30 p.m. at Punch Pizza in Wayzata (1313 Wayzata Blvd E.)! Please tell the cashier you are dining to support Birchview Elementary, or show them the attached flyer, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to our school.
Amazon Smile for Birchview Elementary! Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase you make to Birchview Elementary? It costs you nothing and couldn't be easier:
Did You Know? Trojan Pride Shout Out Congratulations to Abby, Jax, Norah, Ian, Asheb, Sophia, and Marc who were part of this week's Trojan Pride Shout Out. These students did great work showing Trojan Pride in the lunchroom, hallways, Bright Start, and their classrooms. Keep showing the 4 C's, everyone!
Reminders Emergency Contact Information It is very important that we have accurate emergency contact information for each parent/guardian. Please take a moment to verify and update your family information in Skyward Family Access.
Birthday Book Program Our popular birthday book program will be back this year. This program helps grow our library collection while formally commemorating a special day in the lives of our students.
PTA News
Around the District December Wayzata Legislative Action Committee Update Home Base is Hiring! Wayzata Education Fund's Thank a Teacher Program We've had so many great Ask Ali questions in our inbox – thanks to all who have submitted! Ali, along with her network of local experts, has been working hard to answer these questions. Responses are posted every Monday on her blog at partnersinpreventionmn.org/askali. Parents, you've got to check out the responses to these questions! There are some interesting ones that have been asked; chances are you might be wondering some of these things.
Community Ed Winter after school class opportunities at Birchview: Financial assistance is available, find more information here or call 763-745-5200. Upcoming Events:
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