Gretchko Newsletter
March 10, 2023
Principal's Update
We've had a short but fun-filled week here at Gretchko. We enjoyed more visits from Supe's Exotic Animals (we are working to reschedule today's visits); had a great PTO meeting Wednesday evening, which included a presentation about the May 2, 2023 bond issue; and celebrated the 2022-2023 Gretchko Teacher and Support Person of the Year (see below).
I've included an article below about online safety. We hope you will continue to partner with us in teaching our students how to be safe on their devices. I attended a parenting workshop several years ago, at which I learned the value of signing an at-home technology "contract" with kids, even when they are very young. We've tried to stick to reviewing and renewing ours each year with our boys. An example can be found here, but there are many others available on the Internet.
Next week, remember that there is no school for students on Wednesday, March 15, due to teacher professional development.
And finally, don't forget to set your clocks ahead tomorrow morning for Daylight Savings Time!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal, Principal
Featured Book
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn't think women should be scientists. Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname "Shark Lady." Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.
Gretchko Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year
Each year, the West Bloomfield School District recognizes a special teacher and support person from each building. This year's recipients for Gretchko are 2nd grade teacher Mary Ellen Merglewski for Teacher of the Year and administrative assistant Kitty Van-Meter for Support Person of the Year. We are blessed to have these two wonderful people as part of our community. Congratulations!
For New & Prospective Gretchko Families
Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online
Raising kids in the age of technology sometimes feels like a constant game of cat-and-mouse. But together, we can help keep kids safe online. Here at school, we remind students throughout the year about the importance of online safety. We review expectations for use of District devices in the classroom, and the consequences of violating the District technology policy. Please help us by reminding your child/children of the following safety measures when it comes to using technology:
Don’t talk to strangers on the Internet.
Don’t visit a chat room without your grown-up's permission.
Don’t post pictures of yourself online without your grown-up's permission.
Don’t fill in a profile that asks for your name and address unless directed to do so by your grown-up or teacher.
Don’t give anyone your password, name, address, the name of your school or any information about yourself or your family.
If you see something online that is not good or doesn’t seem right, tell a trusted adult.
Do not download or install anything on your computer without your grown-up's permission.
If you have any questions about something you read or see, ask a trusted adult.
If you are talking to someone online and they make you uncomfortable, remember you don’t have to talk back to them.
Additionally, take a moment to review the STUDENT EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE & SAFETY POLICY, which all students across the district are held to.
Please reach out with any additional questions. Your child’s safety continues to be of utmost importance to us.
WB Library Requests Input
Community Survey
Ensure your voice is heard! Whether you use the library or not, residents are invited to complete the West Bloomfield Library Community Survey by Sunday, March 19. The Friends of the Library are offering 25 $10 Amazon Gift Cards to randomly selected respondents. Complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wb_lib or pick up a print survey at either branch.
Youth/Teen Focus Group
Monday, March 6 at 5 p.m.
Parents and educators of the West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, and Sylvan Lake area are invited to attend a focus group to help the library understand current challenges facing youth and teens and their families. No registration is required. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Two participants will be randomly selected for a $25 grocery gift card as a thank-you, courtesy of the Friends of the West Bloomfield Library. Can’t make this date? Mark your calendar for the final session on Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m.
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!
National Women’s History Month
Greek American Heritage Month
Irish American Heritage Month
- March 2- Read Across America Day
- March 3 – Employee Appreciation Day
- March 5- 11 National School Social Work Week
- March 6 – Purim (Judaism)
- March 8 – International Women’s Day
- March 8 – Holi (Hinduism)
- March 10- Harriet Tubman's birthday (observed)
- March 15 – Equal Pay Day
- March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day (Christianity)
- March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
- March 21 – Persian New Year (Nowruz)
- March 21- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- March 22 to April 21 – Ramadan begins (Islam)
- March 23 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Congratulations 100 Book Reader!
Congratulations to Ryan Jacobson for reading the 100 MORE Books to Read in Kindergarten. Way to go Ryan!! Be sure to visit the WBTPL to be recognized, as well!!
Community Education Spring Break Offerings
WBSD Community Education Spring Break Offerings
Online registration here.
Sunset Theatre Company presents Trolls World Tour
Sing - Act - Dance for ages 7 - 14
March 27-March 31
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Scotch Elementary School
Click here for more information or see the attached flyer.
Sports Camp with Emily Hubbard and RJ DeGrendel
Dodgeball - Basketball - Kickball - Floor Hockey Grades 2-5
March 28-March 30
9 a.m. - noon
Roosevelt Elementary School
Click here for more information or see the attached flyer.
Please note there is a minimum and maximum number of registrations.
For questions please contact andrea.frank@wbsd.org
March is Reading Month!
WBSD Bridges Math Overviews for March and April
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ Gretchko code: 12960123
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
March 15: No School for Students (Teacher Professional Development)
March 27 - March 31 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break!
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.