Gretchko Newsletter
November 3, 2023
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
We had a terrific end to the week with our fall class parties. Thank you to families who set up games, provided food, volunteered their time, and helped organize! We definitely could not do it without you! We also finished up our Thanksgiving food drive today. We have collected so many boxes of food AND $200 that was brought in for our pajama day. Thank you to everyone who was able to contribute. We'll be delivering those donations to Lighthouse next week.
As a reminder, this weekend, we set our clocks back one hour. Don't forget to "fall back!" We also have no school on Tuesday, November 7th.
I would like to highlight a news item below about our Kindergarten field trip to the West Bloomfield Township Public Library this week. We are so grateful for our partnership with the library and its amazing resources and are glad our kindergarteners could experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the library (the drive-through book drop was a big hit), a visit to the youth area, and an introduction to the 100 Books to Read in Kindergarten challenge. Check out the article below all about the services our library provides to all students who attend WB schools!
On Monday, November 6th, teachers will send out their conference signup link. Please look for this in your email. It is our hope that all families will sign up for a conference with their child's teacher, as this partnership is incredibly important to us. Conferences will take place as follows, by appointment only.
Nov 14 4:30pm-8:30pm ONLINE
Nov 17 1:00pm-4:00pm IN PERSON/ONLINE (Please check your teacher's signup carefully to see if your conference is in person or online)
We hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Warmly,
Jen Teal, Principal
Star Slip Winners
Congratulations to the following students whose names were drawn for the week of November 3. Vera Paletta, Parker Starling, Wesley Rosemeyer, Jenai Laury, Leilani Madden, Dominic Testa, Elizabeth Cwiertak, Walter Desjardins, Asiya Cisic, Evan Sabri, Cole Szkrybalo, Kendall Leese, Ericka Zinnah, Conor Ruskin, Arianna Ketty, and Grace Baugh.
I Center Update: Learn All About our Library Partnership!
This week our Kindergarteners took a field trip to the West Bloomfield Township Public Library to learn about the 100 BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN! Our youngest readers toured the library, saw how books are checked out and returned, and listened to one of the 100 Books! We are so grateful for our partnership with the WBTPL! The library gifted each Kindergarten reader with the 100 Books to Read in Kindergarten packet including posters and stickers, a book to keep from the 100 list, and their very own library card to use at the WBTPL. ALL West Bloomfield students are eligible to receive a library card for the WBTPL, even if they do not reside in the township. Our readers can't wait to get started on their 100 Books poster and grow their love for reading. Be sure to bring your completed poster back to Mrs. Hammerick in the Gretchko iCenter for recognition when you have read all 100 books...AND take your poster to the WBTPL and share your successes with the librarians there too!
Did you know the WBTPL has 2 locations? The main branch is located at 4600 Walnut Lake Rd and the West Acres branch is located at 7321 Commerce Rd. There are many amazing conveniences the library offers for our students, such as a drive up window to pick up holds, the ability to transfer materials from one branch to the other, and some awesome programming like reading to a dog or crafting sessions. For more information about everything the WBTPL has to offer, visit wblib.org. Be sure to visit our local library with your reader and start checking out books today!
Why Reading With and To Your Child is Important
An Introduction to Robotics
November Menu
United We Walk Contest
PTO Passive Fundraising Options
We Are Hiring!
Math Is Fun!
Our students use a math curriculum called Bridges. Each month, we will send you resources in our newsletter to let you know what unit the students are working on as well as to give you ideas on how to extend your child's math learning at home. For the month of September, the resources are as follows:
District Health Policies
It remains the District’s goal to keep our students and staff as healthy as possible. Please see the attached link for the sick policy.
Upcoming Celebrations
- 11/1-2: Dia de los Muertos (Day Of The Dead)
- 11/11: Veteran’s Day
- 11/12: Diwali (Hinduism)
- 11/20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
- 11/24: Thanksgiving
Gretchko Calendar -Newly revised edition 10/10/23
November
11/6 - Zap Zone Fundraiser night 5:00-8:00 pm
11/7 - No School
11/8 - Global Equity Team Meeting at 8:00 am
- PTO General Meeting at 7:00 pm
11/14 - Conferences
11/15 - Marco’s Pizza Night
11/17- Half Day of School (Dismissal 12:12)
- Bagel Day and Favorite Sports Team Day
11/22-11/26 - Thanksgiving Break
11/29 - Late Start (10:10)
December
12/1 - Movie Night 6:30
12/13 - Late Start (10:10)
12/15 - Bagel Day and Crazy Hair Day
12/20 - Marco’s Pizza Night
12/23-1/7 - Winter Break
January
1/ 4 - Gretchko at Kalahari
1/ 8 - School Back in Session
1/10 - Late Start (10:10)
1/15 - MLK Jr. Day - No School
1/17 - Global Equity Team Meeting at 8:00 am
1/18 - Half Day (Dismissal 12:12)
1/19 - Half Day (Dismissal 12:12)
1/24 - Late Start (10:10)
1/26- Bagel and Tie Dye Day
1/31 - Marco’s Pizza Night
Technology Assistance Links
- Help with Canvas
- Help with Chromebook: www.wbsd.org/departments/technology
- Help with PowerSchool: www.wbsd.org/parents/powerschool
Gretchko Spirit Wear Now Available Online!
Does your child (or you) need some more Gretchko spirit wear? Now you can order online at https://gretchko-pto.square.site/
Gretchko Contact Information
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/gretchko-elementary-school-home
Location: 5300 Greer Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone:
- Main Office Phone: (248)865-6570
- SAFELINE to report absences: (248) 865-6572. This is a 24 hour answering machine.