Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolling your child in a new school is a big deal, and we know you’re likely to have questions about how we run things around here. Below, we’ve compiled answers to some of the questions we’re asked most frequently about our school policies and procedures. If you have additional questions, you can review our handbooks, which you’ll find in the quick links at the top of every page of this website. And, as always, you are more than welcome to give us a call with your questions or concerns.

Does Birch Grove provide transportation services?

Birch Grove Community School contracts for transportation with Arrowhead Transit in both Lake and Cook County. Saplings may ride the bus if there is room available.

Please remind your child that riding the bus is a privilege. In order to maintain an excellent safety record, students must follow the behavior guidelines outlined in the student/family handbook. 

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What is the school dress code?

We expect our students to dress in a clean and appropriate manner that will not create a distraction within the learning environment. Students should not wear clothing that advertises alcohol or tobacco products to school. Students should avoid wearing earrings or other jewelry that may pose a hazard to themselves or others.

We encourage you to help your child dress according to the weather conditions, as we go outside everyday in all but the most severe weather. Please label students’ outdoor wear on the inside of the item. We prefer that students have both indoor and outdoor shoes at school. 

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How will I be notified of school cancellations?

We will post snow days/late starts/early closings school on the school Facebook page, and we will notify families using the voice dialing system (on home phone, work phone, and cell phones as specified on your student’s information form). Please note that all snow days/late starts/early closings include the Saplings program.

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What if my child will be absent from school?

We believe that regular and punctual attendance is important to the community life of the classroom and the individual student’s learning and growth. However, if your child must be absent—or tardy—please contact the school office as soon as you are able. Please email the school office along with your child's teacher, or call (218) 663-0170.

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What if my child needs to take medication at school?

Students who take medication in school must:

  • Bring the medication in an original, properly labeled container
  • Bring a signed and dated permission slip explaining the purpose of the medication, times to administer, duration of administration, and any other pertinent information
  • Bring a doctor’s written order for administration (obtained from a local clinic)

We will keep your child's medication in a locked cabinet and designate a staff member to be responsible for administering the medication. Children who require the use of inhalers may carry them if they have a signed doctor and parent/guardian form. You can obtain these forms from the school office.

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Does Birch Grove offer special education services?

We provide special education services on site at Birch Grove Community School for those students who qualify for the program. If you think your child may qualify, or if you would like to learn more, please contact us.

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Do you serve school lunch?

We serve hot lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and require that the students bring lunch from home on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please visit our School Lunch page for further information about meals at school.

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How can I get involved?

We’re so glad you asked! Parental involvement is a crucial part of educational success. For information about how you can help both at home and at school, please visit our Be Involved page.

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