Gretchko Newsletter
January 20, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
We hope you are staying warm and enjoying the light snowfall. I'm still crossing my fingers for enough snow for some sledding before winter ends!
West Bloomfield School District is already thinking ahead to next school year and needs to verify your plans for school attendance. Historically, the returning student survey has been sent out to families in paper form. This year, the District is using an electronic survey for the 2023-2024 school year. We ask that you complete the student survey utilizing the link found here. Thank you for your prompt response.
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, I am looking forward to joining other elementary and central office administrators from across the district to present Kindergarten Round-Up. It's so exciting to think about our next class of Gretchko stars. The evening will kick off at West Bloomfield Middle School with registration and mingling with district staff from 6:30-7:00pm, and the formal presentation will begin at 7:00pm. Children are not expected to attend, but child care will be provided by our WBHS National Honor Society student volunteers. Please spread the word about this important event!
Before we know it, February will be here, and with it will come our Valentines class parties. Families are invited to join us, and we are excited to have you back in the building! Parties will be on Monday, February 13, 2023. The room parents are busy coordinating activities, and the PTO will be supplying a classroom craft. Please watch for an email from your classroom teacher a bit closer to the date for an RSVP form if you would like to attend. The classroom party times are listed below:
- 12:45-1:30 2nd Grade
- 1:45-2:30 1st Grade
- 2:45-3:30 Kindergarten
Lastly, just a schedule change. The next Global Equity Team meeting will be February 9th at 6:30pm on Zoom (new date due to Kindergarten Round-Up). Hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal, Principal
Featured Book
We’ve Got the Whole World In Our Hands by Rafael López
Award-winning illustrator Rafael López brings new life with his adaptation of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," saluting the lives of all young people and celebrating unity and diverse friendships all around the world.
Congratulations Star Slip Winners
Lost Student Glasses
We have a couple of pairs of student glasses in the school office that have not been claimed. Please check your student's glasses to see if they might be your child's.
Information for Upcoming Report Cards
West Bloomfield Families,
As we close out the marking period, we are also finalizing Report Cards. The purpose of this communication is to explain how you can access your child’s report card.
By Email Notification:
If you have an active and accurate email address in our PowerSchool system, then you will receive an email notification with an attachment of your child’s report card.
If you do not receive the email by Friday, January 27th, then please email our building’s administrative assistant, Suzanne Pokley at suzanne.pokley@wbsd.org.
Through PowerSchool
iCenter Request
Too many books cluttering up your reader's bookshelf? Do you have books your child has outgrown and just don't want to throw away? Donate them to the Gretchko iCenter. Mrs. Hammerick will add books to our growing book collection! Thank you so much for helping us grow our library!
iCenter 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.
One Hundred Books to Read in Kindergarten
Congratulations to Nolan Jarco for completing all 100 books to read in kindergarten. Great job!
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 February 9th (NEW date) 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
Gretchko Pizza Night
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.
Gun Safety Forum
We invite you to join WBSD and safety leaders in our community at the Gun Safety Forum. We will discuss many important topics affecting our children today! Refreshments will be served. No registration necessary.
Schools of Choice
Families of English Language Learners: K-5 Informational Parent Meeting
Join Us For Casino Night!
Math Rocks! Check out the December/January Home Connections for Math
Mental Health Resources
WBSD has partnered with ParentGuidance.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.
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.
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 23 - Kids in Charge for Second grade
January 23 - Gretchko School presentation at the School Board Meeting
January 25 - Gretchko's special Marco's pizza day
January 26 - WB Kindergarten Round up at WB Middle School
January 27 - Kindergarten Yoga Day
February 1 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
February 8 - PTO meeting 7:00 p.m.
February 9 - Gretchko Global Equity Team Meeting @6:30pm
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.