Gretchko Newsletter
January 19, 2024
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
Did you know that January is School Board Appreciation Month? We are so incredibly grateful for our amazing WBSD school board and the many ways in which they give back to our community, support our students, families, and staff, and advocate for public education. To learn more about our Board, please click here.
This week, our PTO spoiled Gretchko's staff once again with a snack cart. Thank you for always thinking of us!
With all of our recent snow, please remember to label all of your children's winter items. Teachers always like to say, "Label EVERYTHING." If you'd like, check out the Mabel's Labels PTO fundraiser below if you need some more labels for clothing and other items that come to school. Additionally, please continue to be extra careful when you are driving at Gretchko; keep an eye out for open card doors, kiddos, and slick surfaces.
Next week, we are very excited to be hosting our district Kindergarten Showcase event for all families with a kindergartener for the 2024-2025 school year. Please join us (and remind your friends and neighbors) starting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, January 24th at West Bloomfield Middle School.
Stay warm!
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book:
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
When something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen . . . which is just what Taylor needs.
ICenter Update
In the iCenter, students are learning and exploring with some of our fabulous technology equipment. Kindergarteners are coding with BEEBOTS, programming them to move from one location to another. They build tunnels and paths for the Beebots to move through with our Magnatiles. Kindergartners and first graders are enforcing their phonemic awareness using our TOUCHTRONIC LETTERS and iPads...identifying letter sounds and building words. First and second grade students are practicing their coding skills using our OZOBOTS by drawing color combinations to program the Ozobot to move along a path. The learning possibilities are endless in our Gretchko iCenter and Maker Space!
Powerschool Parent Portal Update Open
It is extremely important to keep your contact information current and correct. WBSD has temporarily opened the parent portal so parents are able to make changes, additions, and updates. Please log into your parent account, click on forms, click the general tab, you will see the form to add or correct the information. Thank you for your prompt response.
Kindergarten Showcase: January 24th
Meeting for Multilingual Parents: January 25th
Donuts with Dania: January 30th
Mabel's Labels
Winterfest
Upcoming Celebrations
January 18 - Bodhi Day (Buddhism)
January 25 – Mahayana New Year (Buddhism)
January 27 (sundown to sundown): Holocaust Remembrance Day
Remember to Vote on February 27, 2024
After School Offerings
FIRST Lego League starts in February
FIRST Lego League EXPLORE Grades 1-3 makes learning STEM and coding skills fun! All skill levels welcome!
This season, we’re stepping into the world of exploring how people share their hobbies and interests in creative and captivating ways.
Click here to view the MASTERPIECE Explore Set and here to check out the EXPLORE story. If you missed the Parent Information Session, please check this out prior to registering your child.
Program Highlights:
-Students will work in teams of 6, with 1 or 2 parent coaches per team
-Team Meetings will begin in February, the week of February 8th
-Ten meetings total, plus the Extravaganza (Showcase Event) on April 20 at WBMS
More information and register here. For specific questions, contact: andrea.frank@wbsd.org
Gretchko Calendar
January
1/24 - Late Start (10:10)
1/26- Bagel and Tie Dye Day
1/31 - Marco’s Pizza Night
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.