Gretchko Newsletter
December 16, 2022
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
This has been another fun week here at Gretchko. I had a great time hanging out with the 2nd grade classes when they were visited by one of the WBHS high school science classes. Check out the article below!
The week that 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 point 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 them by making sure your child gets a good night's sleep, has breakfast at home or at school in the morning, and understands that this is a great chance to SHINE and show their best effort.
I also wanted to share information regarding attendance procedures in West Bloomfield as we have recently had some questions. West Bloomfield School District is dedicated to providing a quality education for all students. On-time daily attendance is an important factor in the educational connection and success of our students. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. It is important to start building this habit early so students learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important.
Our district follows Oakland County's attendance and truancy guidelines. Parents of students missing 8 or more days are sent attendance letters. The first attendance letter is intended to notify parents of a possible concern regarding attendance. If absences continue, additional letters will be sent home requesting a meeting, and if attendance does not improve, students may be referred to youth assistance or the county for follow up. The goal of all of these steps is to support families in removing barriers to students' regular, on-time attendance. We do understand that students may also be experiencing illness, and we do appreciate families keeping students home if they have are ill. If this is the case, please just check in with us by calling the office so we can discuss any supports we might need to put in place. Please reach out at any time regarding your questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Jen Teal, Principal
FEATURED BOOK
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards
Mrs. Goldman always knits hats for everyone in the neighborhood, and Sophia, who thinks knitting is too hard, helps by making the pom-poms. But now winter is here, and Mrs. Goldman herself doesn't have a hat-she's too busy making hats for everyone else! It's up to Sophia to buckle down and knit a hat for Mrs. Goldman. Readers both young and old will relate to Sophia's frustrations, as well as her delight in making something special for someone she loves.
Star Slip Update
Congratulations to all of our Gretchko Stars for working so hard to follow our social contract. So many stars to draw from! Listed below are this week's classroom winners.
Congratulations to Landon Mosley, Graycen Koop, Zayden Ibbetson, Quinn Winkler, Sawyer Scott, Anayah Mitambo, Quinn Davis, Luca D’amore, Macey Reynolds, Matea Israel, Gabriella Sulla, Jackson Newbury-Woessner, Chloe Kong, Hailey Ajo, Leonie Boeker, and Lawrence Karmo! Thank you for your hard work in being responsible, respectful, and safe!
WBHS Students Visit Gretchko 2nd Graders
Mr. Fraylick's Capstone Science class came to teach Gretchko second graders science concepts. Each high school student demonstrated a science experiment of their choosing. They made posters explaining their scientific experiment and then presented multiple times to groups of second graders. The second graders loved learning about science and were given books of the experiments to try at home! Thank you WBHS students and Mr. Fraylick for a fabulous morning instilling the love of science in our second graders!
Tips to Support Student Attendance
- Talk with your child about the importance of showing up to school every day, on time.
- Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
- If your child attends an unavoidable appointment during the school day, please ask the dentist, doctor, etc. for a note to excuse them from school. This should be turned in to the main office.
- Communicate with us if your child is sick. Please always call the SAFELINE if your child will be absent.
- Help your child stay engaged--remind them that you are excited to hear about their day when they come home.
- Ask for help from us if you’re having trouble getting your child to school. We are here to partner with you for your child's success!
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.
Mismatch Day is December 23rd
Join the fun! Don't forget that next Friday is mismatch dress up day.
Brief Family Survey
The West Bloomfield School District uses Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a program that “helps our staff and students develop productive behaviors, build and maintain positive relationships, and set and achieve goals.” In order to continue to grow in our practices, we would like to invite all families to complete the brief survey found here before winter break. Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to give us your feedback!
I Center Update
All Gretchko learners participated in The Hour of Code this week in iCenter! The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. Even our youngest coders in K+ learned to code! Over the past years since its inception in 2013, the Hour of Code has reached tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Students can code from home by visiting our iCenter Canvas course.
Enjoying a great time in art class
Our students had a great time creating their own colorful castles. Mrs. Takata read the book "Pocket Full of Colors" to the students then they created their own castles. The castles are Mary Blair Castles based on "Its A Small World in Disneyland.
Bravo to Our After-School Actors!
A BIG round of applause to our Gretchko Stars. Students attended afterschool classes once a week for 10 weeks. They sang, rehearsed lines and learned dances to perform the show SING! Thank you Community Education for hiring After the Bell with @sunsettheatrecompany to teach our students during the afterschool program. Way to go everyone. By the way the costumes are spot on!
Kindergarten Round-Up
Join Us For Casino Night!
Math Rocks! Check out the December/January Home Connections for Math
Remember to Create Your PowerSchool Account
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.
December Lunch Menu
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.
United We Walk
Gretchko Calendar
- December - NO PTO MEETING THIS MONTH
- December 22 - Global Equity Team Meeting in the iCenter at 8:00am
- December 23 - Spirit day (Mismatch Day)
- December 23 - 1:45 - WBHS Carolers visit Gretchko
- December 23 - Last day of school this year
- December 26 - January 6 - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
- 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.