Gretchko Newsletter
April 5, 2024
Principal's Update
Good Afternoon!
I want to kick off my message today saying how much I enjoyed visiting all 5 elementary schools this week along with my fellow elementary school principals. Each school hosted an assembly during which we each introduced ourselves, and we were joined by none other than the WBHS mascot, Lyle the crocodile. We hope this experience helped your children to feel excited about next school year, whether they are staying here at Gretchko or moving to a different school. Mr. Scrivo (Scotch), Mr. Spitzley (Doherty), Mrs. MacDowell (Sheiko), and I were so excited to see all the students, and it really helped us to feel energized for the transition to come.
Next week, parents and caregivers have an opportunity to go to their child's 2024-2025 school to hear from the principal as well. Each of us will be discussing transition plans, building layouts, and yes, teaching teams for next school year! We hope you will be able to join us for this adult event.
- April 9th, 6-7 pm for Doherty Elementary,
- April 9th, 7:30-8:30 am for Sheiko Elementary (in the Abbott iCenter)
- April 11th, 6-7 pm for Gretchko Elementary
- April 11th, 7:30-8:30 pm for Scotch Elementary
This week, our kindergarten and first grade classes got to go on their farm and nature center field trips thanks to the generous support of the Gretchko PTO. These experiences are tied directly to each grade levels' science and social studies' curriculum standards, and the kids had a blast, as you can see from the photos!
Monday, we will all celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse, scheduled to reach maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. here in West Bloomfield, and conclude around 4:30 p.m. West Bloomfield is just outside the path of totality and will experience a partial eclipse at about 98%. Gretchko PTO, in partnership with the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, will provide each student with some sun-themed snacks and a pair of solar-eclipse viewing glasses. Please discuss with your children that it is crucial to use certified solar viewing glasses to protect their eyes during the eclipse and we ask that students wear their glasses while viewing the eclipse. Families are welcome to join us starting at 2:45pm if they would like to watch with us--remember to bring a pair of solar eclipse glasses for yourself! If the weather is not cooperative, we will be enjoying a live stream of the eclipse instead.
Finally, two reminders for planning purposes:
- Our next bagel day will be April 19th
- WBSD now has a half day for students on April 26th, with dismissal at 12:12 p.m. This important half day will allow elementary teachers to meet with their new principals at their new building for transition activities and middle and high school teachers to receive important professional development including student wellness and safety training.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book:
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.
Gretchko Star Slip Winners!
Congratulations! We are so very proud of all of our Gretchko Stars. We have learned so much about how to be safe, responsible and respectful! Gretchko Stars drawn for the the week of April 5th are :Zoe Shinn, Tyler Christenson, Ethan Gagniuk, Kamora Johnson, Charley Hayford, Gavin McDuff, Carson McKenna, Jade Zietlow, Gunnar Seglund, Leilani Madden, Nicholas Korchash, Elizabeth Cwiertak, Minahil Shaik, Henry Purrington, and. Carter Adnson. Fantastic job!
Congratulations! Pine Cone Readers that have reached their goal!
Take a look at all these students who reached their Pine Cone goal!! Each of these readers read at least one book from each of our genres. Some of our favorite books were Princess in Black, You Don't Want a Unicorn, and Pizza My Heart. Thank you to the West Bloomfield Public Library for supporting our Gretchko library. Congratulations to John Radbata, Ava Burnett, Jack Huyge, Isabella Kalish, Zoey Zohoury, Harper Kincaid, Isla Laessle, Riley Sangster, Keyona Sangster, Zoe Shinn, Adam Orn, Reese Schlenker, Luca Rozycki, Chloe Kong, and Lily Patra.
Congratulations! for reading 100 Books to read in Kindergarten
Congratulations James Zohoury! James read the 100 Books to Read in Kindergarten. This reading program is made possible from the West Bloomfield Township Public Library. James loved reading the book I Will Chomp You! Wonderful reading, James!
Welcome to PE Class Update
Welcome to PE class!
This week our focus was on Soccer! Our main areas of concern were dribbling and passing. We learned about the anatomy of a soccer cleat and what areas of our foot are used for different purposes in soccer. We learned to trap the ball with the bottom of our foot, to pass with the inside of our foot, to shoot using the top of our foot (near the laces), and to dribble using our whole foot.
After identifying these points, we used that knowledge and applied it to passing and dribbling soccer drills. During passing drills we practiced communicating who we were passing to before we passed the ball. We learned how important communication can be within a sport. When we did our dribbling drills our goal was to use light touches and keep the ball close to our body. Oops, if you touched the ball with your hand you had to do 15 jumping jacks to rejoin!
Yours Truly,
Zachary Cohen, PE Teacher
Equity Corner
Month-Long Celebrations
Arab American Heritage Month
Chaldean American Month
Tartan (Scottish American) Heritage Month
Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month
Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
Deaf History Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
Upcoming Celebrations
March 10 – April 9 – Ramadan (Islam)
April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day
April 5 – Laylat al-Qadr (Islam)
April 9 – Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan (Islam)
April 12 – National Day of Silence (LGBTQIAA+)
April 21 – Ridvan (Baha’i)
April 22 - Earth Day
April 22-30 – Passover (Judaism)
Mama Mia Tickets Now On Sale!
Tickets for the WBHS production of Mamma Mia! are available for purchase on the website https://wbhstheatrearts.ludus.com. The show dates are April 25-27th at 7pm and one ASL interpreted matinee on Sat, April 27th at 1pm.
All WB student tickets are only $5!
All WBMS 8th grade students are invited to the Sat matinee at 1pm for no cost at all.
Football Camp by the Champ at WBHS with WBHS Alum Semaj Morgan!
WB Lacrosse Kids Day
WB Lacrosse is hosting Kids Day Saturday, April 27th.
WB Boys Lacrosse is hosting Kids Day Saturday, April 27 at West Bloomfield High School Athletic Field after the Varsity game finishes for students who are interested in learning more about Lacrosse. Meet and Play LAX with the high school team on the West Bloomfield High School Athletic Field after the Varsity game. The JV game starts at 10:30am and the Varsity Game starts at 12 noon Saturday April 27th.
The first 100 registered participants will receive West Bloomfield Lacrosse Tee shirts generously donated by Maple Orthodontics located in West Bloomfield. Sign up early. You don't want to miss out on your free WB Lacrosse swag. Show your school spirit and wear your Tee to the game. Free admission for ALL Students wearing their WB Lacrosse Tee shirt!
Sign up now for a great time!
WBSD Community Education Summer Camp-2024
Math at Home
Our math curriculum-Bridges-has terrific resources that you can use at home! Check out this month's links below.
Need Tech Help
For assistance with Google accounts, student Chromebooks or teacher laptops:
Phone: (248) 209-2060
Email: oshelpdesk@oakland.k12.mi.us
Gretchko PTO officers
Kayla Herzog, PTO President
Katy Patra, PTO Vice-President
Carly Wilbur, PTO Treasurer
Erika Ruskin, PTO Recording Secretary
Maria Collins, PTO Corresponding Secretary
The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteer organization that works to support all students by providing a communication link between families, teachers and administrators. The PTO also provides curricular materials, enrichment programs and community service projects through various fundraisers.
We cordially invite you to join our organization and support our efforts to continue making Gretchko a wonderful place to learn and to be a part of! Please reach out to pto.gretchko@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved or if you have any questions.
Updated Gretchko Calendar - 3/11/24
April
4/8 - Gretchko Star Solar-bration (eclipse viewing during school)
4/16 - Red Robin Fundraiser, Commerce Location (all day)
4/17 - PTO General Meeting at 7:00 pm
4/19 - Bagel Day (rescheduled) and Camo Day
4/24 - Late Start
4/24 - Marco’s Pizza Night
May
6-10- Staff Appreciation Week
5/8 - Sheiko AND Doherty family meetings are now moved to 5:30-6:30pm
5 /8 - Late Start (10:10)
5/14 - PTO General Meeting with Elections at 7:00 pm
5/22 - Late Start (10:10)
-Marco’s Pizza Night
5/24 - Bagel and Sunglasses/ Gretchko Spirit wear Day
5/27 - Memorial Day - No School
5/31 - Field Day (during school)
June
6/6 - Half Day (Dismissal 12:12)
6/7 - Last Day of School - Half Day (Dismissal 12:12)
Last Day of School events TBD
**All events are subject to change**
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.