Gretchko Newsletter
February 10, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
We hope you have enjoyed the week. I have a few odds and ends to share, but also be sure to check out the first news item below about our hydroponic garden, which is back up and running!
We have received a communication from our information services department that the attendance on the current student report cards is incorrect. Powerschool attendance information is correct. Our district is aware of the problem and is working to resolve the issue. In the meantime, attendance information on student report cards has been removed. Thanks you for your understanding.
We are excited for Monday's Valentine parties. Please see the schedule below. As a reminder, adults should plan to bring a photo ID for check-in. We will have several WBPD officers here to greet families. We are always grateful to have their presence for our school events. Finally, please remember to leave in a timely manner at the end of your child's party time to allow for parking change over in the lot. If you choose to take your child home with you after their party, you must sign them out with their classroom teacher.
- 12:45-1:30 2nd grade
- 1:45-2:30 1st grade
- 2:45-3:30 Kdg
We still have several student sleds and saucers left from Winterfest. Please don't forget to stop by the front office (lobby) to pick them up. Sleds NOT picked up by February 17 will be donated.
Don't forget to mark your calendar for our upcoming mid-winter break on Monday, February 20 and Tuesday, February 21.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal, Principal
Featured Book
Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Be by Chris Bridges and Halcyon Person, read by Chris Bridges
Karma and her daddy love to make music together! Karma sets up the rhyme and daddy finishes it. Together, they're the perfect team! But when it's time for Karma to write her daddy a rap for his birthday all on her own, she can't quite make it perfect. What rhymes with banana?
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!
Congratulations Star Slip Winners
Congratulations to Heidi Lindberg, Harrison Escurel, Rahje Ford, Vanessa Ashaka, Mason Ajo, Maya Mourtada, Ryleigh Johnson, Dominic Testa, Kendall Williams, Kingston Spratt, Conor Ruskin, Harlow Tinker, Lucas Bentley, Hassan Mourtada, Mia Marcus, Alena Clark, and Isla Laessle!
Keep up the good work Gretchko Stars!
Oakland Schools African American Read-In
Oakland Schools is proud to host author Derrick Barnes and illustrator/author Vanessa Brantley Newton as our guests for this year's African American Read-In. These award winning authors have a vast collection of books for readers of all ages. The first 500 Oakland County students who register will receive one of their books.
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 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.
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 Month
- Feb 14: Valentine’s Day
- Feb 15: Parinirvana (Buddhist Holiday)
- 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)
Media Center News
Dear WB Families
Pine Cone is a District-wide reading incentive program in partnership with the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, for students enrolled in first or second grade. This dynamic program features a variety of books carefully selected by district librarians. The list encompasses a large variety of genres, diverse topics, and high interest subject matter.
Our Pine Cone program will run from February 6th through April 6th, 2023. A Pine Cone poster was sent home this week to keep track of the books they have read. Find a good spot at home to hang it up for your student. Students will make a goal to read a certain number of books and then color in a Pine Cone on the poster for each book they have completed. Then they can complete a small book review for their favorite book in each category. This poster will help them track their progress as a reader and encourage them to read across a variety of genres. Once the poster is complete, students can turn it in for a small prize and their accomplishment will be celebrated . Please direct any questions to your Teacher Librarian.
Due to varying reading abilities, the books may be read to, with, or by your child. Your student will also have access to ebooks from the West Bloomfield Library. Each student will set his/her own goal to read Pine Cone books. We encourage all first and second grade students to participate in Pine Cone, as this is part of the iCenter Curriculum & Programming. Please keep in mind, the goal is to READ, READ, and READ some more!
All WB Students are eligible to have a WBTPL Card. If you need to renew or establish your child’s West Bloomfield Township Library Card visit the WBTPL website & begin the process. Specific information & details are listed on the site. We encourage you to visit the library and check out Pine Cone books there as well. If you visit the library, have your child bring their receipt to their iCenter teacher to be celebrated!
iCenter Request
Too many books cluttering up your reader's bookshelf? Do you have books your child has outgrown and just don't want to throw them away? Donate them to the Gretchko iCenter. Mrs. Hammerick will add books to our growing book collection! Thank you so much for helping us grow our library!
Congratulations to Natalie Appling for reading 100 books for kindergarten
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 13 - Valentines Day Parties
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.