Gretchko Newsletter
February 17, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
This week's activities included the 100th day of school! This is a fun day for everyone, and the students had a blast seeing some of their teachers and classmates dressed up like someone who might be 100 years old!
I am hoping I can get everyone's assistance in adhering to two important dismissal procedures. If you have to pick your child up early from school, please do so prior to 3:30 p.m. It is very challenging for the front office staff and teachers to handle pick-ups between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. as we get ready for the end of the day. Additionally, please know that parents may not pick up their children on foot at the car line. Thank you for your help!
I loved the short spurt of warm weather we got this week, but the winter temperatures are back. Please be sure to send your child in with appropriate winter gear for outdoor recess, as we go out unless the real-feel temperature drops below zero degrees.
While our students enjoyed a happy week at school, my heart has been with those of you who have been impacted by the events at MSU. Times like these can bring so many emotions to the forefront, but we want you to know that student safety is always paramount here at Gretchko. We are grateful for a tight-knit community here who look out for one another. If you or your child need support, please know you can always reach out. Here are some resources that may be useful during times of crisis:
Common Ground - Call -1-800-231-1127; Or Text “Hello”; to Chat with a crisis counselor.
Oakland County Crisis/Suicide Line - 1-800-231-1127
OK2SAY - We encourage students to talk to a trusted adult if they see or hear something that doesn't seem right. They can also report information anonymously using OK2SAY. Call 855-565-2729; text 652729; or email OK2SAY@mi.gov. For emergencies, dial 911.
Talk to Us - The WBSD anonymous communication tool. Tell us what’s on your mind. Ask a question, share a concern, or make a comment.
Emotional Support/Mental Health - WBSD has several trained social workers, psychologists, restorative practices coaches, and mental health consultants here to support students and families.
Enjoy the mid-winter break! See you on February 22, Gretchko's Family Pizza Fundraiser Day!
Jen Teal, Principal
Featured Book
Dylan’s Birthday Present by Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos
Dylan is a little boy like many others. One thing makes him special, though: his parents come from other countries and speak to him in different languages. It's his birthday today and he receives a very unusual present, only to lose it shortly after. Together with his best friend Emma, Dylan sets out to find his lost birthday present. During their search, the two friends learn about the value of friendship, of speaking different languages, and of appreciating one's own as well as others' cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
World Language Day: February 21st
February 21 is World Language Day, a day to celebrate all of the languages spoken around the world! In honor of this important day, we are celebrating native languages across our West Bloomfield community. Next week, students will get to learn about the more than 60 languages spoken in the homes of West Bloomfield families! Check out our World Language Day Slideshow. If there is a language spoken in your home that is not represented here, please use the link on the last slide to let us know so we can add it to our presentation!
Congratulations Star Slip Winners
Congratulations to Oliver Smith, Patrick Barney-Hall, Heidi Lindberg, Sebastian Lee, Alivia Diab, Nolan McLeod, Blake Brewart, Alexis Cseresznyes, Keenan Gingras, Jade Anderson, Violet Stollman, Oryah Henke, Avery Warren, Arianna Ketty, Samantha Toma, Mason Obua, and David Gaines. Keep up the good work Gretchko Stars!
Fun Learning in the Gretchko Cafe!
Cafe Gretchko (aka: iCenter) hosted our fabulous readers as they sampled a variety of Pine Cone titles at our first ever book tasting! Readers made a plan of what books they will read next to meet their Pine Cone goal. Be sure to continue to keep track of all the Pine Cone tites you have read on your poster! Our Kindergarten students tasted a variety of our 100 Book titles in order to continue adding stickers to their 100 Book poster. Thank you to the WBTPL for creating amazing reading opportunities for our Gretchko readers.
Congratulations!
Way to go Clara Rooney for Reading the 100 Books to Read in Kindergarten!
Reading-Time Tips for Families
Reading with your child/children is such a gift to them. If you are looking for some ideas of what you can do when you read with your child, try these tips!
Ask your child questions like these:
- Is this a real story or a made - up story? How can you tell?
- What can you tell by looking at the cover of a book? Talk about the title, author, and pictures.
- Where is the top of the book? Where is the bottom? point to each.
Talk about the words:
- Example: Valiant means brave. Can you tell who was valiant in the story? Can you think of people in other books that were valiant?
- Example: How many words can you think of that sound the same as "room" - zoom, broom, etc. (pick a word that is familiar from the story).
Talk about the story
- How are the characters feeling in this part of the tory? Happy, nervous, excited, etc.
- Who do you think is in charge, how can you tell?
- What do you think will happen next, etc?
Global Equity Team
Our next Global Equity Team meeting will be March 1, 2023 at 8:00am in the Gretchko iCenter. All are welcome!
World Celebrations This Month
If you celebrate something this month and do not see it listed below, please email Jen Teal to add it to our list!
February is Black History Montth
- Feb 18: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu Celebration)
- Feb 18: Lailat Al Miraj (Muslim holiday)
- Feb 21: Mardi Gras
- Feb 21: International Mother Language Day
- Feb 22: Ash Wednesday/Beginning of Lent (Christian Holiday)
- Feb 25-Mar 1: Ayyam-I-Ha (Baha’i celebration)
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ Gretchko code: 12960123
Our Growing Hydroponic Garden Sponsored by PTO
Thanks to the hard work of Mrs. Ayar, Mrs. Jacobson, Mrs. Jarco, and Mr. Drummond (husband of our former Gretchko principal!), our amazing hydroponic garden is back up and running! The garden project has begun with 2nd graders learning about how plants grow from seeds into the fruits and vegetables we see in the grocery store. Each 2nd grader was invited to plant a seed today in our herb garden. Gretchko students in all grades will be observing, learning, and wondering as our plants grow. The garden is set up right in our Maker Space, where students can keep a close eye on our plants in the coming weeks. After our herbs are grown, we plan to plant flower seeds. Students will then have an opportunity to transfer our young plants to the front garden beds of our property for all to enjoy!
I want to highlight that this garden is sponsored by our Gretchko PTO. This, along with things like Spooktacular, Winter Fest, and school field trips, are all thanks to the generosity of our Gretchko community and the volunteer hours of our families. Thank you!
WBSD Bridges Math Overviews for February
Mental Health Resources
WBSD has partnered with ParentGuidance.org to give parents free access to resources and helpful information. We have shared this information with our families. We hope that it will be useful for some of you as well!
ParentGuidance.org is an online service by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions.
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.
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/
Gretchko Calendar
February 20 - NO SCHOOL - Break
February 21 - NO SCHOOL - Break
February 22 - Marco's Pizza Day
February 24 - Bagel Day
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.