Gretchko Newsletter
February 16, 2024
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
It was wonderful to see so many Gretchko grownups at our Valentine's Day parties. Thank you for taking the time to look at the artwork on display around the building. And thank you to our head room parents for organizing the snacks and crafts for each classroom. The kiddos had so much fun!
I wanted to let you know that we are currently hiring for a lunch/recess monitor position. If you or someone you know would like to apply, please complete the application process here (scroll down to job ID 6328). The hours are from 10:45-1:45pm daily.
Coming up at the end of February is our "Leap Week" spirit week to celebrate it being a leap year. Check out the news item below for the daily themes!
We wish you a nice long weekend (there is no school Monday, February 19th or Tuesday, February 20th) and look forward to seeing our smiling students back on Wednesday, February 21st.
Warmly,
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book:
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day
Star Slip Winners
Fantastic job Gretchko Students for following our school social contracts. We are very happy to be able to have so many good citizens names in our star bins to be able to draw from. Congratulations to the following Gretchko Star Slip winners for February 16, 2024: Naia Testa, Beckett Krull,Hendrix Kassel, Trinity Najor, Lydia Tseeng, Kyden Harrison, John Radbata, Levi Liethen, Brooklyn Balutowicz, Ace Vaughn, Matea Israel, Asahd Crumbie, Lilliana Brown, Sabrina Gallardo, Harrison Schlenker, Kared Camperos-Silva. Keep up the good work Gretchko Stars! We are very proud of all of our good citizens.
Coming Soon: Leap Week
Annual African American Read-In Registration
Oakland Schools is proud to host author/illustrator Don Tate as our guest for this year's African American Read-In. This award-winning author/illustrator have a vast collection of books for readers of all ages. The first 500 Oakland County household who register will receive a copy of Jerry Changed the Game.
Date: Thursday February 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 - 8 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
You'll receive a confirmation email that includes the event's Zoom link -- keep an eye out for that information in your email inbox.
You can find more information about the National African American Read-In here: https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in/
Please contact stacey.lamb@oakland.k12.mi.us with any questions.
One Hundred Books to read in Kindergarten
Congratulations to Everett Dunklee on reading the 100 BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN. Way to go, Everett!! Be sure to visit the WBTPL so the librarians there can celebrate your reading success too!
Pine Cone Reading Incentive
The Pine Cone Reading Program is a District-wide reading incentive program in partnership with the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, for students enrolled in first and second grade. This dynamic program features a variety of books carefully selected by your WB teacher librarians. The list encompasses a large variety of genres, diverse topics, reading levels, and high interest subject matter. We are so thankful to the WBTPL for supplying all of these new and exciting titles for our iCenter collections. The purpose of this program is to expose our readers to titles and genres they may not read, in hopes they find a new book or series they enjoy.
Our Pine Cone program will run from February 5th through April 12th, 2023. A Pine Cone poster will be sent home the week of February 5th to keep track of the books they have read. Students should hang up their poster at home to keep track of the books they read AT HOME. Students will make a goal to read a certain number of books and then color in a Pine Cone for each book they have completed. Then they can complete a small book review for their favorite book in each category (also on the same poster). Once the poster is complete, students can turn it in for a small prize and certificate recognizing their accomplishment. Students can also earn a prize for bringing in a library receipt showing they checked out Pine Cone titles from the WBTPL.
What's Happening in PE
“Welcome to PE class! The last couple of weeks our students have focused on basketball skills. We have done various dribbling, passing, and shooting drills that I’ve learned throughout my experience with the Pistons and as a high school coach. I’ve been very impressed with our students ability to dribble the ball and pick up on more difficult complex drills. Next week we will cover how to play defense and then start basketball games. Learning how to play and enjoy games with good sportsmanship will always be at our core. It has been a huge goal of ours to learn how to win with grace, but also how to lose with grace as well. Either way, we are learning, growing, and getting better with our skills and our minds. Zachary Cohen, PE Gretchko teacher.,
Math at Home
Our math curriculum-Bridges-has terrific resources that you can use at home! Check out this month's links below.
Upcoming Celebrations
Equity Corner Upcoming Celebrations
Black History Month
- Feb 19: President's Day
- Feb 20: World Day of Social Justice
- Feb 21: International Mother Language Day
- Feb 24: Maghi-Purnima (Buddhist holiday)
- Feb 26-29: Ayyam-I-Ha or Intercalary Days (Bahá’í holiday)
Powerschool Parent Portal Update Open
It is extremely important to keep your contact information current and correct. WBSD has temporarily opened the parent portal so parents are able to make changes, additions, and updates. Please log into your parent account, click on forms, click the general tab, you will see the form to add or correct the information.
Need Tech Help
For assistance with Google accounts, student Chromebooks or teacher laptops:
Phone: (248) 209-2060
Email: oshelpdesk@oakland.k12.mi.us
Mabel's Labels
Don't Forget to Vote!
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.
Gretchko Calendar
February
2/6 - PTO General Meeting at 7:00 pm
2/7 - Late Start (10:10)
2/14 - Global Equity Team Meeting at 8:00 am
- Valentine Parties (during school)
2/17-2/20 - Mid Winter Break
2/23 - Bagel Day
2/28 - Late Start (10:10)
- Marco’s Pizza Night
2/26-3/1 - Leap Week
March
3/6 - Global Equity Team Meeting at 8:00 am
3/13 - Late Start (10:10)
- PTO General Meeting at 7:00 pm
3/20 - Marco’s Pizza Night
3/22 - Bagel Day
3/23-3/31 - Spring Break
April
4/1 - Back to School
4/3 - Late Start (10:10)
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
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.