Birchwood Links
Birchwood Elementary School opened its doors to students in September 1956. Today, the school serves approximately 400 students.
School Arrival and Dismissal Times
Students should not arrive at school before 7:45 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:55 a.m. Students are dismissed at 2:10 p.m.
Report an Elementary School Absence
Elementary School parents are asked to telephone the school nurse before 8 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival.
- Birchwood Elementary (518) 344-2910, ext. 10704
- Craig Elementary (518) 377-0156, ext. 11704
- Glencliff Elementary (518) 399-2323, ext. 12704
- Hillside Elementary (518) 377-1856, ext. 13704
- Rosendale Elementary (518) 377-3123, ext. 14704
Please leave a message stating your child’s homeroom teacher, the date and time and the reason for the absence.
Visiting Birchwood
We love having family members visit and volunteer at Birchwood School! For the safety of our students, all visitors need to check in at the office upon entering school. We ask that you enter through the main office where you will be asked to sign into the visitor’s book and take a visitor’s badge. Please also remember to sign out as you leave.
In order to keep interruptions to the classrooms at a minimum, we ask that you leave snacks, lunches, lunch money, birthday treats, instruments, or other items forgotten at home in the office. We promise to deliver them in a timely manner.
Birchwood PTO
The Birchwood Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) organizes or supports many enrichment activities and events that benefit all our students, teachers, and families.
- Visit the website for our school’s PTO.
After School Enrichment Program (ASEP)
ASEP is our After School Enrichment Program, organized and run by the PTO Two different sessions run during the school year – one in the fall, one in winter/spring. ASEP classes run from 2:15-3 p.m. The fee for ASEP classes varies depending on the class for which your child enrolls. ASEP catalogs come home with students before each session. The catalog has descriptions of all classes, days of the week the classes are offered and registration information/fees.
Elementary Family Guide
View information about the school day, how to handle absences, visitor policies, the best ways to drop off or pick up your child and more.
- Access the Elementary Family Guide.
Elementary Curriculum
Visit the Academics page for a comprehensive look at the Niskayuna elementary experience, outlining the district’s standards-based curriculum and instructional models across core subjects like literacy, math, and science.
Meet the Principal
A Message from Ms. Grabicki
Dear Birchwood Elementary Families and Friends,
It is with great excitement and humility that I write to you today as your new principal. I am deeply honored to join such a dedicated team of educators and administrators at Birchwood Elementary.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the positive energy and commitment to excellence that I have already witnessed here. Birchwood Elementary has a well-deserved reputation for its nurturing environment and academic achievement, and I am eager to build on that foundation together with each of you.
As we embark on this journey together, I believe strongly in the power of collaboration and open communication. I look forward to learning from the Birchwood school community as we work towards our shared goals of fostering a supportive learning community where every student can thrive.
Change can be difficult and I hope to help everyone feel comfortable in this transition. I value your input in keeping things moving forward. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions, suggestions, or just to introduce yourself. My door is always open, and I am here to support you in any way that I can.
Thank you once again for your warm welcome. I am excited about the year ahead and the opportunity to work alongside each of you to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.
Warm regards,
Rebecca “Becky” Grabicki, Principal
Back-to-School Startup Guide
The Back-to-School Startup Guide provides families with current-year administrative updates, district policies, operational schedules, and procedures for the school year.