Birchview Elementary presents expanded extracurriculars to Wayzata board; volunteers and students highlight benefits

Birchview Elementary principal Ashley Farrington and staff presented the school’s expanded extracurricular offerings to the Wayzata Public Schools Board on Jan. 12, describing seven programs created to increase student connection and extend learning beyond the school day.

Programs highlighted include Bobcat News (student anchors and weekly broadcasts), Bobcat Readers (one-on-one reading support with 31 community volunteers), Mighty Math Club (third–fifth grade math enrichment, with a waitlist), Girls on the Run (grades 3–5; season fee with sliding-scale assistance; registration in February) and choir and music clubs with expanded performance opportunities. Staff said many clubs are free to families; coaches and volunteers — many district parents and high school students — power the programs.

Students told the board these activities improved confidence, cross-grade connection and feelings of belonging. Principal Farrington said the programs support the district’s strategic goals for student experience and instructional quality and noted transportation is under discussion to remove barriers to participation. Administrators noted community education and the Wayzata Education Fund may help address busing and snack needs.

Board members praised the presentations and asked about scaling and lesson-sharing across buildings; staff said they will work with district leaders to share promising practices.