Gretchko Newsletter
Summer JULY 22 edition - 2022
Congratulations on your retirement! Mrs. Drummond
Message from Jen Teal, Gretcko's new principal
Dear Gretchko Families,
As the new principal of Gretchko Elementary School, I am excited to be your partner in the academic, social, and emotional development of your child. I am committed to building a school community in which students learn through inquiry, interact with inclusive materials in which they can see themselves and others, and are given time to independently apply skills and explore new content with the coaching of excellent teachers.
I am coming to Gretchko from Bloomfield Hills Schools, where I was a classroom teacher for 17 years, followed by three years as an instructional coach at an upper elementary/middle school building and two years as a building administrator. Across those roles, I was honored to work with talented and caring staff as well as wonderfully supportive and engaged families. I am thrilled to be joining the West Bloomfield School District community as my journey continues.
My husband Derrick and I are the parents of two boys–Graham and Russ--as well as two dogs and a cat. I’ve lived in Oakland County for the last 20+ years, but I grew up in the Chicago suburbs; my undergrad (Albion College) and grad (Wayne State) programs brought me to Michigan, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else! I am an avid reader, especially picture books and middle-grade fiction; love to travel; can get lost in a well-written tv series; consider myself a foodie; and try to spend lots of time outdoors enjoying our amazing four seasons.
I strongly believe that young people are capable of greatness. When we support their passions, grow their knowledge, and invite their voice, our world is a better place. There is no place I’d rather be than with young people in the midst of that exciting journey.
Please feel free to reach out to me at any time. If there is anything I can assist you with, please let me know. I look forward to getting to know you and your family.
Warmly,
Principal
Jen Teal
Start up info for parents.
The first day of school is Monday, August 29. School and begins promptly at 9:10 a.m. and ends at 4:02 p.m. (Please note this is a time change).
Please mark your calendar and plan on attending our Parent Curriculum Night scheduled for Tuesday, September 13 beginning at 5:30 p.m. (schedule in next newsletter)
Class placement information, and a teacher introduction letter will be emailed to parents late/mid August. Date to be determined.
The welcome atmosphere felt at Gretchko would not be complete without the participation of our parents and their families. We count on their support throughout all of our educational efforts. We are hoping to see you at as many school activities as possible. Please note West Bloomfield School district has a volunteer policy that all volunteers must complete a VOLUNTEER RELEASE FORM before volunteering at school. Our district will conduct background checks and verify each volunteer. (available at WBSD website)
DISTRICT INFORMATION AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER
Stay Connected!
In order to stay up to date on all events, resources, and programs, please access the district website, www.wbsd.org. Join in the conversations by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
West Bloomfield School District has a wonderful website with a wealth of knowledge for parents. Please take some time to visit the website and see the variety of information available for parents. Our district periodically sends announcements, and updates directly to parent's email accounts. Please keep in mind the information is only sent to one email that is listed under the guardian email.
At this point in time, new students and students that have moved or changed their information, may not be receiving direct emails. We are in the process of updating all the information and expect to have the additions and changes recorded shortly. In the meantime, we are sending this newsletter to provide information we have that you may have missed.
PTO President's Welcome (Jen Amato)
Dear Gretchko Families,
We are so excited to start the new 2022-2023 school year. We hope you are having a relaxing and fun summer. The Gretchko PTO is looking forward to working with you to make your child’s school experience memorable and rewarding.
The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteer organization that works to support all students by providing a communication link between parents, teachers and administrators. The PTO also provides curricular materials, enrichment programs and community service projects through various fundraisers.
The Gretchko PTO cordially invites you to join our organization. The PTO works towards making Gretchko an even better place to be and to learn. Your involvement, whether at home or in school, will make a huge difference to both your child and the Gretchko community.
SAVE THE DATE CALENDAR
First Day of School - Monday, August 29, 2022
Gretchko Picture Day - Thursday, September 8, 2022
Gretchko FunD Run, Friday, September 16 (During the school day)
District Family Fun Night, Friday, Sep 16, 2022 (evening activity at WBHS)
Marco's Pizza Day returns monthly, (dates TBD)
Meet the Gretchko Families Night, Friday, September 30, 2022 (4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Gretchko)
These are just some of the wonderful programs occurring at Gretchko and in our school district, but we need your support to truly make them successful. Please watch upcoming newsletters for sign up genius instructions, updates and more information. Please let us know if you can help in any way.
We are grateful to be working with you as a community of parents, teachers and staff and look forward to the many events, memories, opportunities and successes we will share this year.
Jen Amato, PTO President
Amy Ventimiglia, PTO Vice-President
Carly Wilbur, PTO Treasurer
Erika Ruskin, PTO Recording Secretary
Ashleigh Davis, PTO Corresponding Secretary
Vanity Koop, PTO Board Advisor
PTO Information
Gretchko PTO Committee Chairperson 2022-23
To maintain all of the activities that our school enjoys we need a variety of parent volunteer assistance. Please review the following volunteer opportunities for the coming school year and watch for future newsletter information with links to sign up! Due to the ever changing Covid-19 protocols we may/maynot be able to do some of these events but we are hopeful! * Please contact Jennifer Amato our PTO president for questions and concerns at: amato.jen@gmail.com
Committee
Short Description
Chairperson for 2022-2023
● order bagels
● sell bagels two Friday’s a month before school
● arrange for helpers on bagel sale days
● gather directory information
● design directory
● distribute directory
● plan event
● organize volunteers
● gather prizes
● organize envelopes
● count money after event
Lindsay O’Malley
**need a co-chair and helpers!
● planting seeds with students
● watering plants
Amanda Schultz-Metante
● responsible for selling spirit wear at school events (meet the families, curriculum nights, concerts, Spooktacular, spring fling etc.)
● responsible for arranging others to sell if you are not available
● Looking for someone with new or creative ways to boost our spirit wear sales!
● plan event
● find donors for silent auction
● organize bake sale/ and all volunteers
● plan special arrangements to celebrate our teachers during Staff Appreciation week (some things have been organizing gifts, arranging food trucks, etc. )
● gather pictures
● design yearbook throughout the year using the online template provided by Liftetouch (super user friendly!)
**please sign up at this link if you are interested in being involved where needed but do not have a desire for running a specific task**
Charges for food service this school year
FOOD SERVICE - Breakfast is $1.25 and Elementary lunch, including milk is $2.60. Additional milk may be purchased for .50 cents. Funds are collected in advance through checks, cash or online payments. If your student had a credit from the previous year, it will be available in the lunch account at the start of school. Monthly menus for breakfast and lunch are available online. A form for free and/or reduced lunch is available online at westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud. If you have further questions please contact, Food Service Director at 248-865-6732 or e-mail Anne Stevens at anne.stevens@wbsd.org
Gretchko Stars
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/Domain/12
Location: 5300 Greer Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248)865-6570