Gretchko Newsletter
December 1, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
Despite the gloomy weather, we have had a terrific end to the week. There is definitely a sense of excitement about the book fair, as well as tonight's family movie night. But additionally, students were generally just excited to see one another again after a few days off last week. It's always great to see how happy kids are to return to school! Students have also enjoyed welcoming a familiar face to our permanent staff. Mr. Daniel Carpenter, who has been a regular guest teacher here this fall, has just joined our school community as a building support paraprofessional. If you see him at drop-off and pick-up, please give him your warm welcome! He is very excited to be here.
Next week, we have two more wonderful PTO-sponsored activities: our full school field trip to see James and the Giant Peach at WBHS on Monday and an assembly called Holidays around the World at the end of the week. All permission slips for James and the Giant Peach should be in teacher's hands and ready for the trip at this point. If you had extenuating circumstances and your child has not turned in a permission slip, you can find a printable copy here. Please fill out, sign and email to the teacher before Monday. We would like to thank West Bloomfield School District for providing transportation at no charge. Holidays Around the World is being presented by Sunset Theatre Company. Please see the flyer below and look for an opt-out from your classroom teacher next week if you would prefer your child not attend.
Enjoy your weekend!
Warmly,
Jen Teal
Featured Book:
A Day With Yayah by Nicola Campbell
Set in the Nicola Valley, British Columbia, in Canada's westernmost province, a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. A grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life and the natural world to her young grandchildren.
Star Slip Winners
Thank you to all of our students for continuing to work hard to follow our social contracts. We have so many good citizens to draw names from in our bins in the front lobby. Congratulations to the following students whose names were drawn for the week of December 1. Sophia Deghetto, Ethan Gagniuk, Jade Zietlow, Samuel Andrews, Isabel Kalish, Jacob Hermiz, Rosemary Higgins, Amir Cottingham, Cameron Cagle, Trent Mason, Morgan Kronk, Brianna Sonshine, , Savannah Sawicka, Riley Howell, Isabella Marcozzi, Alethea Robinson.
Music Notes
During the second quarter we are focusing on Melody in our music classes. We are singing, listening and playing games that reinforce the concept of Melody. In kindergarten we call it high and low. In 1st grade we learn about the pitches of Sol and Mi. In 2nd grade we learn about melodic direction, labeling it as up or down. Our students are fully engaged in the lessons and enjoy learning about music.
Susan Rabotnick, Gretchko Music Teacher
ICenter Update
We’re excited to invite you to our Scholastic Book Fair. This event is an opportunity for students of all ages to build their home libraries and further their love of reading. As always, all purchases benefit our school. Our Book Fair is open from November 28 – December 7 in the Gretchko Makerspace. Students will shop during their iCenter time throughout the week.
Our Book Fair offers eWallet, a safe and secure alternative to cash. Simply create a free account to add funds and/or invite family and friends to contribute so your child can select their own books. Any unused funds can be spent at The Scholastic Store Online or to fund a future eWallet. As always, students may bring cash to shop, however the safest way to make sure money is not misplaced or lost on the bus, is to set up an eWallet for your child.
If you would rather shop from the comfort of your own home, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
100 Books to Read in Kindergarten
So many Kindergartners are on their way to completing their 100 Books to Read in Kindergarten posters! Nicholas Thiry in Mrs. Ross' Class has read well over 80 books on his 100 poster and is even working on his 100 MORE Book poster too! Nicholas has been checking out books from the WBTPL and reading, reading, reading with his family. Way to go, Nico! All WB students are eligible to get a WBTPL card at either library branch locations. The library has all the 100 Books to Read in Kindergarten in a special area to make checking out these titles easy to locate. We are looking forward to seeing some completed posters in the very near future. Monica Hammerick, Gretchko ICenter.
Yoga Comes to Gretchko
Throughout this school year each class at Gretchko will have the opportunity to enjoy yoga classes for a period of time. First up will be our second grade students. (see pictures below). This program is sponsored by the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition and the Jamie Daniels Foundation. We would like to thank them for bringing this worthwhile experience to our students.
Field Trip to WBHS: December 4, 2023 Sponsored by PTO and WB School District
Holidays Around the World: Sponsored by PTO
December Lunch Menu
United We Walk: January 14, 2023
Gretchko Calendar
December
12/1 - Movie Night 6:00pm
12/13 - Late Start (10:10am)
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
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.