Activities

Birch Grove TV provides news, announcements and updates to our school community. Students help write, produce and deliver the news each day. 

For more than 50 years, the District 279 Children's Chorus has provided a high quality vocal music experience for elementary students, as well as extraordinary performances for the community. District 279 Chorus members demonstrate high vocal music skills relative to others of their age, experience or environment.

The chorus has approximately 100 members representing all of the elementary schools in our district. Every fall, students in grades 4 and 5 may audition to join the chorus.

Kindergarten and 1st grade Electives focus on building artistic skills and coordination, cutting, pasting, color theory, and movement. 2nd and 3rd grade Electives provide students exposure and the opportunity to identify their talents. 4th and 5th grade Troupes include both auditioned and non-auditioned opportunities to showcase students' talents with rich performance opportunities and real-world applications for their artistic skills.

Troupes and Electives take place during the school day and are taught by classroom teachers and arts specialists.

Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 can participate in orchestra. Students in grade 5 can participate in band. Lessons begin in October each year and students are expected to practice 4-5 times per week on their own.

The annual spring musical is open to students in grades 1-5 and involves over 80 students both on stage and behind the scenes. Past performances include Finding Nemo, Jr. Honk! Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Jr., and more.