Our School Program
Core Knowledge Sequence
Birch Grove Community School believes that what is
taught and how it is taught are equally important. We have reviewed
and reflected on different and innovative methods of instruction
and have selected the nationally recognized Core Knowledge Sequence
to be the foundation of our academic program.
The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of
specific content to be taught in language arts, history and geography,
math, science, and the fine arts. As the basis .of at least 50% of
a school's curriculum, it can provide a solid, coherent foundation
for learning, while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.
The curriculum at Birch Grove Community School will
weave together the Core Knowledge Sequence and the Minnesota State
Academic Standards benchmarks into a comprehensive curriculum map
for both the primary and intermediate classrooms.
The Benefits of Core Knowledge are:
For the students:
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Provides a broad base of knowledge and a rich vocabulary
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Motivates students to learn and creates a strong desire to learn
more
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Provides the knowledge necessary for higher levels of learning
and helps build confidence
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Provides as academic focus and encourages consistency in instruction
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Promotes a community of learners - adults and children
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Becomes an effective tool for lesson planning and communication
among teachers with parents
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Guides thoughtful purchases of school resources
For the Parents and the Community:
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Provides a clear outline of what children are expected to learn
in school
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Encourages parents to participate in their children's education
both at home and in school
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Provides opportunities for community members to help obtain and
provide instructional resources
Multi-grade classrooms
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Younger children actively use older children to develop
skills and to acquire knowledge.
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Mixed-age play offers unique opportunities for creativity and
the practice of skills.
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Age mixing provides opportunities for children to find others of
matching abilities.
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Older children actively assert responsibility for younger ones
and develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of that responsibility.
Special Education
Special education services will be offered on site at Birch Grove
Community School. If your child qualifies for these services, he/she
will receive services from qualified special education staff.
Respect and Responsibility Program
Birch Grove Community School will integrate the "Respect and
Responsibility" program into everyday life of the school. In each
classroom there will be a student designee that will review the "Respect
and Responsibility" "word of the week". The concepts
of the words will be discussed and practiced. Examples of the "word
of the week" are: kindness, sharing, honesty, responsibility,
trust, etc. The student designee will also lead the school in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
The Great Outdoors
We live in one of the most beautiful natural environments in the state.
We mean to take advantage of it!! Included in our program is the opportunity
to go cross-country skiing and ice-skating. We have skis, poles, and
skates available for all children! Not only will they be able to do
these exciting activities with their classmates, but they will also
have the opportunity to rent the equipment for a very small fee and
take them home!!
Please feel free to contact the school office if you have any further
questions. We would be happy to talk with you!!
Birch Grove Phone: 218-663-0170 - Fax: 218-663-7904
