Birch Street Elementary School 309 North Birch Street, Kalkaska, MI 49646

"I went to this school many years ago (roughly 1981 - 1982). I distinctly remember Mrs. Griswold, my fifth grade teacher. I suspect she has since passed on, but I often think back on her, her encouragement, and her inspiration. When I left that school she told me to ask her if I ever needed money for college. While I never took her up on her offer, the encouragement drove me throughout my entire life. I eventually went to college... and graduate school..... What a fantastic teacher!"

"Birch street has been a fantastic school for my kindergartner. His teacher is amazing, and everyone seems to truly care about the children."

"The staff is VERY rude. You know the type that hates their life so they walk around determined to bring everyone else down. The class sizes are huge and the students are out of control, or maybe it's because the staff is inadequate. Do not send your students here! It would be much easier on your life if you did not step foot in their building."

"I love this place because I use to go to this school."

"My child hated this school, in fact it was a thorn in my side the entire 3 years she attempted to attend here. Almost everyday she had school she was hysterical, when I came to get her she was hysterical. She was essentially vanquished from the school two times between kindergarten and second grade, at which point I moved her to another school within our district, where she has performed well and enjoys attending. At Birch Street many staff members are overtly rude, obviously hate their jobs and are NOT suitable to work with children. The principal is a pill pusher and would like to have very young children on drugs rather than work to address and remedy the real issues. Bullying is rampant and many staff members instigate the bully mindset. If you want your child to have a miserable educational experience I recommend Birch Street Elementary, otherwise I'd advise you enroll your child elsewhere."