Greetings Birch Lane Families,

This week our school had the opportunity to watch the student Variety Show and it was inspiring to watch so many of our students demonstrate their passions/hobbies outside of school. I want to personally thank Helen Spangler, Ellie Miller, Josh Crowell, and Debbie Beauchamp and all of the participants for the countless hours they put into making the variety show happen this year!

Garth Lewis, Yolo County Superintendent of Schools, is trying to connect children across Yolo County with improved services. He is holding a big meeting in Davis on May 1 from 5:30-7:30 at Harper Junior High to seek feedback from kids and families. Can you help spread the word? Childcare and dinner provided, and the sessions will be conducted in both English and Spanish. Registration link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctt7MXmg96EgrDpdh4HhbfkJXhM9JpKFzXqwOEBSjDUZbLMQ/viewform

CITY SPONSORS MAY IS BIKE MONTH EVENTS

To celebrate May is Bike Month, all students in Davis are welcome to participate in Walk and Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, and “Orange You Glad You Biked Today” on Wednesday, May 10, at all DJUSD elementary schools. Thousands of students across the nation will ride or walk to school to celebrate this healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation.

Walk and Bike to School Day encourages students to bike, walk or scooter to school on May 3 while raising awareness of creating safer routes for bicyclists and pedestrians and emphasizing the importance of increasing physical activity among children. In addition, the school with the most bike trips this day will win a Popsicle Party on May 17.[B1]

“Orange You Glad You Biked Today” is a partnership with the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD), Yolo Food Bank and the City’s Safe Routes to School program to promote healthier habits by handing out free oranges to students who walk or bike to school[DT2] [DT3] [DT4] at all of DJUSD’s elementary schools.

These events help build connections between families, schools and the broader community and encourages the many benefits of bicycling. The City of Davis is also hosting a contest on May 11 to see which school has the most bike trips by counting the percentage of bicycles on racks. [B5]

For more information about the Safe Routes to School Program visit: www.cityofdavis.org/saferoutes. For more information, contact City of Davis Safe Routes to School Coordinator Daniela Tavares at [email protected]

Press contact: Jenny Tan, [email protected], 530-400-7814

Please check the schedule below as 3rd and 4th grade students begin state testing this week.
BLE CAASPP Parent Notice 2023

As we approach the end of the year, I am looking for ways to improve our practices at Birch Lane for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. I would like to invite you to participate in a brief survey about your experience at our school. Your input will help us make informed decisions about how we can best support our students and families. The survey is anonymous. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this survey: https://forms.gle/ocU9K18fr954ii4G7

Upcoming Dates:
May 1st - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Shout out to our amazing certificated and classified staff! A thank you to our PTA for providing lunches for our teachers on Thursday.

May 3rd - PTA General Meeting, 7pm online and in person New MPR

May 5th - Book Exchange, Old MPR, 8:10 and afterschool

May 8th - Site Council Meeting, 6:30pm online

May 13th - Carnival/Auction, BLE Campus
Carnival: 10-2pm; Auction: 11-3pm

May 14th - Happy Mother’s Day!

May 15th, 16th, 17th - BOGO Book Fair,
Afterschool in the old MPR. Open only afterschool.

May 16th - Montessori Parent Advisory Meeting, 7pm-8pm

Birch Lane Library - May 17th, Volunteer Tea
1:30-2:00pm Quad


Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

word bubble Make Them Smile Monday
Give your teachers a compliment. Words are free, but incredibly valuable.

TreatsTreat 'em Tuesday 
Bring your teachers a little treat to enjoy. A little sweetness goes a long way.

colored pencilsWork of Art Wednesday
Draw or paint your teachers a picture.
A picture can say a thousand words.

thank youThank-you Note Thursday
Write a note that says "thank-you." It's amazing what those two little words can do.

flower heartFlower Friday
Bring some flowers for your teacher. A nice, hand-picked bouquet from home is a great way to show you care!






Montessori News:

The parent organization for the Montessori program is still in need of support next year, if you would like to be part of the board please contact Cara Baker.

President: convene and preside over regularly scheduled MPAC meetings; ensure that an agenda is prepared and presented; coordinate the work of officers of the association and create committees as needed for MPAC to meet its objectives; be the official representative and spokesperson of MPAC. Work with fellow board members on their projects and be aware of the current status of each initiative; Serve as representative to Superintendent Parent Advisory Committee; Maintain relationship with PTA president and board members and regularly attend PTA meetings.

Treasurer: receive and deposit all funds collected on behalf of MPAC in an account at a recognized financial institution approved by the executive board; disburse funds authorized by the executive or members; maintain an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures and make a report at each board meeting

Auction News:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4BA4A92CA6FF2-auction

More information to follow. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact Sandy Fitzpatrick at [email protected].

Have a great week, and feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns at [email protected]. Please check our website for daily updates at https://birchlane.djusd.net/home.