Birney Elementary 2025-2026 Parent and Families Handbook
Dear Birney Families,
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 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. 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. This is my 18th year in education, and my journey started here as a student and later as the IB coordinator. I have served in many roles over the years, 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, playdates, and our annual Passport to Adventure. Our parents truly make a difference. If you can take a peek at the lounge revamp, we feel so loved and supported by our parents.
Our teachers receive dedicated time each week to plan, reflect, and collaborate in order to provide the best instruction possible. During that time, our students spend time at Specials, a balanced program that includes PE, Garden, Spanish, Art, Music, and Dance. All students receive access to devices, and students in grades 2–5 may take laptops home based on family preference. 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. This is supported by regular professional development, including IB training and support from the BBA.
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.
You will have two opportunities for formal conferences with your child’s teacher in the fall (November 17–21) and spring (March 25–27). In April, we also invite you to attend Student-Led Conferences during Family Friday on April 24. These experiences give you a clear view of your child’s growth and success throughout the year.
This handbook is designed to support you through 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.
We are excited to begin another great year with you and your children.
Ms. Graciela Rosas [email protected]
Principal