Gretchko Newsletter
January 13, 2023
No school Monday, January 16-MLK Holiday
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
Lost Student Glasses.
What an exciting week! I have lots of good things to share as we kick off 2023 together. The week began with grade-level assemblies for students. I reviewed our whole-school goals of being safe, responsible, and respectful; we pumped ourselves up for NWEA testing and the chance to "show what we know;" and we talked about the upcoming Martin Luther King holiday and preparations for our Gretchko peace walk we held today.
Our Kindergarten classes got to start an 8-week Friday yoga class today, thanks to a grant from the Great West Bloomfield Community Coalition. Each Friday, kindergarten classes are meeting together to practice relaxation, stretching, and mindfulness. They had a blast!
But without a doubt the highlight of the week was our Peace Parade today. Thanks to the work of our Global Equity Team (made up of staff and family members...all are welcome!), we planned a peace parade for the whole school for this afternoon. Each student learned a bit about Dr. King's work for peace and unity, and then each student created a visual representation of themselves and/or what is important to them. Students walked through the halls holding their pennants, and they even learned a sweet song about Martin Luther King to sing along the way--ask your child to teach it to you!
While we did not get our ideas together soon enough to invite families in for this event, we are looking forward to our Valentine's Day parties in just a month! Those will be held on February 13th. More info to come from classroom teachers.
I hope to see some of you on Sunday at 1:00pm at West Bloomfield Middle School for our annual West Bloomfield United We Walk event.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal, Principal
Featured Book
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. Against the odds, these children used their voices to change the world.
We are having classroom Valentines Day Parties on Monday February 13, 2023! The classroom party times are listed below: · 12:45-1:30 2nd Grade · 1:45-2:30 1st Grade · 2:45-3:30 Kindergarten The PTO and room parents are PARTY PROTOCOL: 1. Our teacher will be sending an RSVP form- please fill this out if you plan on attending the class party. You do NOT need to have an ichat to attend but you must RSVP and bring your ID. 2. You will enter the building through the front door. 3. If you choose to take your child home after the party you must sign them out from the classroom teacher. 4. Please leave promptly so the next round of cars (or buses) can get in easily. 5. There will be a police car stationed in front of the school as extra precaution. Do not be alarmed. Please reach out with any questions! Thank you!
Congratulations to Nolan Jarco for completing all 100 books to read in kindergarten.
Congratulations Star Slip Winners
Keep up the good work Gretchko Stars!
I center Update
What book will win at Gretchko?
Gretchko readers are participating in a MOCK CALDECOTT this month in iCenter. We will read the latest and greatest NEW picture books and vote on which one should be the winner of the gold Caldecott Medal. Here are some interesting facts about the Caldecott medal...
- The medal is named after Randolph Caldecott, the creator and illustrator of books that are often considered the first modern picture books.
- The first award was given in 1937.
- Books have to meet 4 requirements in order to win the medal...
- The illustration technique is done well.
- The illustrations have to be a good match for the mood of the story.
- The illustrations are critical to understanding the story.
- Children want to read this book!
We will read 6 different NEW titles and determine who our Caldecott winner will be! We are super excited to read these brand new titles and add them to our Gretchko library collection in the iCenter.
Mental Health Resources
WBSD has partnered with Parent Guidance.org to give parents free access to resources and helpful information. We have shared this information with our families. We hope that it will be useful for some of you as well!
ParentGuidance.org is an online service by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions.
Global Equity Team
The MLK Peace Parade was thanks to the work of our G.E.T. planning in the month of December. This group of staff, family members, and kids too(!) come together each month. New members ALWAYS welcome! Our next Global Equity Team meeting will be January 26th at 6:30pm on Zoom: https://wbsd-org.zoom.us/j/86252963878. We hope you will consider joining us!
World Celebrations This Month
If you celebrate something this month and do not see it listed below, please email Jen Teal to add it to our list!
- January 22 – Lunar New Year – sacred Chinese holiday; also celebrated in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia.
- January 26 – Vasant Panchami – Hindu festival
- January 27 (sundown to sundown): Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 30 - Fred Korematsu Day
NWEA Winter Testing Starts in January
When we return from winter break, our winter NWEA testing window will begin. In January, students will take the reading and math portions of the NWEA so we can assess their progress. While this is just one of the data points we use in school to assess student growth and proficiency, it does serve as a predictor for student success on later standardized tests and allows us to measure our students' progress against district, county, and national averages. Please look for an email from your classroom teacher regarding when testing will occur in their classroom. You can support your child by making sure they get a good night's sleep, have breakfast at home or at school in the morning, and understand that this is a great chance to SHINE and show their best effort.
Kindergarten Round-Up
New Health Requirements for Upcoming Kindergarten Students
As kindergarten registration time approaches, we would like to share information about statewide public health requirements and guidelines related to Hearing and Vision and Dental Screening. Oakland County Health Division provides both services at no cost for children who live and learn in Oakland County.
Hearing and Vision Screening Required Before 1st Day of School
According to the Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), children entering kindergarten must have their hearing and vision tested before the first day of school and parents must submit a certificate of hearing and vision screening or statement of exemption to the school district.
Additionally, the Revised School Code (Act 451 of 1976, section 380.1177 requires that parents of children entering kindergarten present a statement to school officials confirming they have received the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vision Screening, or a statement signed a Health Department Technician, a licensed eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) or medical/osteopathic physician. School officials are required to enter vision screening data into the MCIR/SIRS system for all kindergarten students’ new entrants by November 1st of each year. A separate report to MDHHS or the Oakland County Health Division is no longer required.
The goal of the law is early identification and treatment of hearing and vision problems that can affect the child’s ability to learn. Although the Public Health Code rules state hearing and vision screening shall be done at least once during the ages of 3 through 5 years, best practice is within six to twelve months of entering kindergarten.
Oakland County Health Division offers free hearing and vision screening by appointment for all children who will attend Kindergarten in Oakland County.
Kindergarten Dental Screening Program
On December 29, 2020, a new law was passed in Michigan recommending students entering kindergarten have a dental screening before or shortly after their first school year begins.
Dental cavities are a common childhood illness that can cause pain. Cavities can prevent children from eating and keep them awake at night. Both eating and sleep help kids learn. Dental screening helps identify and treat oral health problems, so children are well-rested, able to eat, and ready to learn!
Oakland County Health Division is now available to offer Kindergarten dental screening in Oakland County schools.
Join Us For Casino Night!
Community Resources
There are many community resources available to families in need. See the Oakland County Community Resource Guide, which includes resources about topics including Abuse & Protective Services; Food Pantries, Clothing & Household Support; Healthcare Services; Housing Assistance; and Parenting & Pregnancy Resources.
211 (United Way) offers resources/connections for family support as well. Parents/adults can call, text, or email. Here is the link to the 211 website, which is searchable by topic. Additionally, see these 211 flyers in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Finally, here are some resources for Food Pantry/Supplies near WB/Oakland County.
Community Education classes for January 2023
Karate for Kids
TRUE Martial Arts provides students with a positive, professional, safe, and challenging learning environment. Co-ed class, After the Bell on Fridays. Cost includes uniform.
January 13 - February 24 (no class on 1/20)
Grades K-2
Register online here.
Math Rocks! Check out the December/January Home Connections for Math
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/ or see the QR code here:
Gretchko Calendar
January 15 - United We Walk
January 16 - Dr. MLK Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
January 19 - Half Day - All Schools
January 20 - Half Day - All SchoolsFebruary 1 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Gretchko Contact Information
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.