Birch Buddies

Community Service has created Birch Buddies (BB), an after-school program that is designed to provide a safe and fun environment for children after the normal school hours. Our Birch Buddies program is available to all currently enrolled students in kindergarten through grade 5. This program is available every day that BGCS is in session. The program opens at 3:15 p.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Please see the school calendar for specific dates. We also offer Birch Buddies on non-school days if a minimum of five children have signed up.

Only qualified and caring staff work at the BB program! Our staff members work hard to ensure that your child’s participation in the program is a positive experience. All of our staff have experience working with children and have current certifications in CPR and first aid.

Participants also have access to the playground, tennis courts, ice skating rink, warming hut, pavilion, and nature trails located at the Birch Grove Center.

Afternoon Session: 3:15–5:00 p.m.

This program has been suspended for the 2019–2020 year.

The afternoon session includes planned activities by the BB staff. Activities and interactions may include outside time, gym time, on-going art projects, and hands on activities that are exciting to young children. At 4:45 p.m., the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing until close at 5:00 p.m. We begin to assess a late fee at 5:05 p.m. The rate is $1 per minute for pick-ups.

All Day Birch Buddies

We offer All Day Birch Buddies child care that on non-school days. This service helps working parents fill child care needs on teacher work days or during school vacations. All Day Birch Buddies is open for the entire community, any children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Parents must pre-register. Ways to sign up include sending a note with your child to school, emailing Jessica Klemmer, or calling her at (218) 663-0170. 

Homework Help

Homework help may be available to your child on an as needed basis during program hours. Licensed teaching staff may be available to assist children in understanding how to complete homework assignments; however, students/parents are responsible to see that assignments are completed. If your child needs help understanding how to complete homework assignments, please call the Community Service office at (218) 663-0170, ext. 26.

Tutoring

Tutoring may be available during program hours for an additional fee. To arrange, please call the Community Service office at (218) 663-0170, ext. 26.

Brightwheel

Brightwheel is a secure online billing and payment system that allows digital payments directly from your bank account or credit/debit card. You receive paperless invoices, email receipts, and tax reports. Sign-up is easy! If you would like to use this system, please let us know what email address you would like to use, and we will send you a secure invitation to set up your account.