School Profile

Although Birch Elementary School is considered to be a traditional neighborhood school, we offer a wide scope of learning opportunities and a variety of instructional strategies to meet the learning styles of its individual students. These strategies include hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning, real life math application and integrated thematic instruction. As a result, Birch has stimulated student interest and has fostered a love for learning within the community which is evidenced by the many high achievements of our students.

In addition to the academic strategies, students also have access to a wide variety of fine arts opportunities through which to express themselves and demonstrate their gifts. These include instrumental music, general music, Birchoir, bell choir, art club, art classes, student musicals, and talent shows. At Birch, student need is the driving force behind instruction. In order to meet these needs, our teachers differentiate within the classroom. Special services are available for students with disabilities and for those who are talented and gifted. Also, Birch provides small group reading opportunities and instruction targeted at the student's individual reading level through the literacy program.

Finally, the element that serves as the adhesive for our school is the community. Birch is truly a neighborhood school, and the vast majority of our students come from the immediate area. Birch students are wonderful children who come to school each day enthused and ready to learn.

Underlying the vision of education at Birch is the realization that every individual needs to be needed and respected. Our vision is: SKILL, AND ATTITUDE -- EVERY CHILD A WINNER! Therefore, we assume personal responsibility for fostering an environment in which we celebrate and respect the diversity that each individual brings to the enrichment of community life at Birch. The focal points of our vision are to 1) provide an atmosphere in which learning is an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding challenge, 2) provide an opportunity for every student to acquire the basic academic and personal skills necessary to function effectively throughout life; skills which include problem solving, decision making and reasoning skills, 3) provide an opportunity for every student to learn according to his/her own growth patterns and abilities, 4) develop in each student a good and realistic self- image, 5) develop a feeling of responsibility in each student for his/her own actions and achievements.