Thank you for choosing Birney IB World School as the place to educate your child. We know you have many options, and we’re proud you’ve entrusted us with this important role. Birney has been an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School since 2009, and our commitment to excellence and international-mindedness continues to guide our work every day.
We are proud to be recognized as an SDUSD Quality Neighborhood School, a California Distinguished School, a California STEAM School, and an Honors School. We also have two California Association of IB World Schools Primary Years Exemplary Educators of the Year teaching here at Birney. These honors reflect the dedication of our staff and families working together to provide the best experience for every student.
My name is Graciela Rosas, and I am honored to serve as principal at Alice Birney Elementary. I started as an educator in 2007, but my academic journey started here as a student and later as the IB coordinator. Throughout my years as an educator I have served in many roles including Spanish, English, and newcomer teacher, as well as school leader at Language Academy. I look forward to partnering with you to ensure our students grow, learn, and thrive.
At Birney, we strive to foster collaboration and inclusion while nurturing every child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Our motto, “Think globally, learn locally,” reminds us to value diverse perspectives and to treat each other with respect and compassion. We encourage our families to stay involved, ask questions, and reach out when support is needed.
Our Birney BeeKeeper Alliance (BBA)—a collaboration of our PTA and Foundation—plays a vital role in supporting the school community. Each year, the BBA raises over $175,000 to fund Spanish, Art, Garden, assemblies, field trips, and IB training for teachers. In addition to financial support, the BBA fosters connection through events like family dinners, bedtime stories, play dates, and our annual Passport to Adventure. Our families truly make a difference. If you can take a peek at the lounge revamp, you can easily see one example of why we feel so loved and supported by our families here at Birney.
Another element that has lead to our success is our commitment to our professional IB educators. In addition to individual preparation time, our teacher teams receive additional, dedicated time each week to plan, reflect, and collaborate in order to provide the best instruction possible. During that time, our students are learning with our Specialists who contribute their special knowledge and skills to provide a holistic, balanced education for every child. Our "Specials" teachers provide a well-rounded, balanced program that includes Physical Education, Garden, Spanish, Art, Music, and Dance. Our highly trained IB educators are supported with regular professional development, including IB training and funding from the BBA.
In addition, all students receive one-to-one access to devices to meet specific objectives within our IB units. We also offer a range of before- and after-school programs, including PrimeTime and SAY San Diego, as well as enrichment classes like gardening, soccer, chess, and dance.
It truly takes a village to raise a child, and Birney is proud to be part of yours. We welcome your feedback, ideas, and collaboration. We value academic growth, but we also work to ensure every child enjoys their time here and feels known and supported.
Just like all of our Birney staff and educators, I am here to support you throughout the school year. If you ever need additional information, feel free to reach out to me directly. I also send a weekly newsletter and regular updates via phone and email, so please ensure your contact information is up to date with the front office.
I am are excited to be here at Birney Elementary with you and your family.
Ms. Graciela Rosas [email protected]
Principal