Gretchko Newsletter
March 22, 2024
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
We had such a fun afternoon! Today was the big announcement of the winner of our March Madness Book Bracket. All of our Gretchko stars came down to the cafeteria to join Mrs. Hammerick, Dr. Bazzi, and Lyle the Crocodile from WBHS! The students cheered and chanted, and the big winner was THE BIG CHEESE. We are so grateful to Mrs. Hammerick for her awesome March Madness event, our PTO for providing pompoms for all the students, and all the teachers for hyping up our book bracket with their classes. What a terrific way to end March is Reading Month!
When we come back from spring break, we'll only be a week away from two important events: our Solar-bration and our elementary Open Houses for the 2024-2025 school year.
- April 8th, 3:00-3:30pm: Join us at school for our viewing of the solar eclipse. If you plan to join us, we highly recommend stopping at your local library to pick up a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses for free, or you can purchase them in many local stores or online. Students will each get a pair at school!
- April 11th, 6:00-7:00pm: 2024-2025 Gretchko parents and caregivers are invited to join me in the Gretchko cafeteria for a presentation geared for adults. During this meeting, I will share a bit about what makes Gretchko special, the list of teachers that will be a part of the staff next year, and some details about STEAM programming and 5th grade music.
- Other elementary Open House times are as follows: April 9th, 6-7 pm for Doherty Elementary, April 9th, 7:30-8:30 am for Sheiko Elementary, and April 11th, 7:30-8:30 pm for Scotch Elementary
Finally, WBSD now has a half day for students on April 26th, so we will dismiss at 12:12pm on that day. 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.
Enjoy the break! See you on Monday, April 1.
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book
Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal
Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!
Gretchko Star Slip Winners!
We are so very proud of all of our Gretchko Stars. We have learned so much about how to be safe, responsible and respectful! Fantastic job Gretchko Students for following our school social contracts. Congratulations to the following Gretchko Star Slip winners for March 22, 2024: Ta’niyah Solomon, Brandon, Hakala, Caiden Brown, Eleonora Duvnjak, Keyonna Sangster, Bently Pardon, Oliver Krull, McKinley Wilbur, Ephram, Nyquist, Ava Beydoun, Anton, Malen-Bunke, Alexandrea, Karadolian, Sara Abdallah, Javier Belmares-Sanchez, Vera Paletta, and Luciano Santiago.
Congratulations! for reading 100 Books to read in Kindergarten
Congratulations to Drew Baker for reading the 100 BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN!! Some of his favorite books were Creepy Carrots, Caps for Sale, and Meet the Dullards. Way to go Drew!!
WBSD Community Education Summer Camp-2024
Equity Corner
Greek-American Heritage Month
Irish-American Heritage Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month
National Women’s History Month
Upcoming Celebrations
March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day
March 20 – Naw-Ruz (Persian and Baha’i New Year)
March 25 - Holi (Hindu)
March 29 - Good Friday (Christian)
March 31 - Easter (Christian)
March 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31 – Cesar Chavez Day
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
March
3/23-3/31 - Spring Break
April
4/1 - Back to School
4/3 - Late Start (10:10)
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
4/24 - Late Start
- Marco’s Pizza Night
4/26 - Bagel and Camo Day
May
May 6-10- Staff Appreciation Week
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.