Gretchko Newsletter
December 23, 2022
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
It's hard to believe that winter break is already here. I want to thank the Gretchko community for welcoming me into the West Bloomfield family and for supporting our staff throughout the first half of this school year. Every hour of volunteering, message of appreciation to a teacher, donation of an item, and commitment to your children makes Gretchko the special place it is. While the weather outside is so very cold, I hope you can enjoy the warmth of family and friends this season. We look forward to welcoming our Gretchko Stars back in 2023!
At the start of the new year, it might be a good time to make sure your student has a change of clothing available at school. Since we go out in the winter weather, we find that sometimes children get wet even through snow pants. Also, accidents do happen and children appreciate having a quick and easy change of their own clothes available when that occurs.
The Sunday after we come back from break (January 15), will be the annual West Bloomfield United We Walk event, this year kicking off at West Bloomfield Middle School. The mission of this event is to "celebrate annually the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by embracing the continuing influence and impact of Dr. King's dream of creating a beloved community that values diversity, promotes unity, and underscores the worth of every person." We will be honoring Dr. King's legacy with our students at Gretchko, and I hope you will mark your calendar to join me on the 15th of January.
Wishing you health and happiness now and in the New Year,
Jen
If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting, and more connecting
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I'd run through more fields, and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'ds build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about love and power,
and more about the power of love.
Diane Loomans
Congratulations to ...
Liliana Patra, who read 100 MORE BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN - Great job!
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.
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
Extra Learning Opportunities
We are excited to announce that our district is offering new programming in our schools to provide extra learning opportunities (before or after school) and additional support during the school day through the use of one-time federal grant funding. Students will be invited to participate based on identified needs. These identified needs are data-driven and in accordance with grant guidelines and requirements. We realize that many families may be interested in an opportunity like this. Our goal is to provide targeted support to as many students as possible, specifically for those with an identified need for additional support. If you have not received an invitation and are interested, please contact your principal.
Join Us For Casino Night!
Community Education classes for January 2023
Back by popular demand, Musical Theatre Enrichment Class will feature Encanto After the Bell on Mondays.
January 9 - March 20 (no class on 1/16 and 2/20)
Grades K-2
Register online here.
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
Remember to Create Your PowerSchool Account
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:
First Lego League Explore for 1st-3rd Graders
West Bloomfield School District Community Education
Registration is OPEN for FIRST Lego League EXPLORE
FIRST Lego League EXPLORE makes learning STEM and coding skills fun! All skill levels welcome! 1st, 2nd & 3rd Grade Only
This season, students will explore where energy comes from and how it is distributed, stored, and used to work to innovate for a better energy future.For more information and to register visit WBSD Community Education, click here.
Gretchko Calendar
- January 9 - Welcome Back - Return to school
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.