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Gretchko Newsletter
January 26, 2024
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
Today was quite the day--bagel day, tie dye day, AND Mad Science labs in every classroom! A huge thank you to PTO for sponsoring the Mad Science experience. Each classroom got an interactive lab experience tailored to their science curriculum, and the kids all had a blast. Be sure to ask your student about what they learned!
Next week on Thursday and Friday, we are looking forward to another fun activity when our students experience Star Lab. Students will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning about astronomy!
We are now not far away from our Valentine's Day parties. Families are welcome to join us at the following times on February 14th. You do not need an approved iChat on file to attend, but we will ask you to sign in for the event.
12:30-1:15 2nd grade
1:15-2:00 1st grade
2:15-3:00 Kdg/Kdg Prep
While we have had some snow, the weather has not yet cooperated for our annual Winterfest event, when students get to enjoy sledding on our small Gretchko hill. We'll keep looking for some good weather conditions for this wonderful activity! When it happens, it's often pretty short notice, so do please keep your sleds handy as we will reach out to borrow sleds as well.
Finally, a big shout out to our students and staff who have been working hard on their NWEA testing. We do have a few classrooms still testing next week thanks to our snow days. Students have been eager to "show what they know," which helps to make the assessment an accurate tool for teachers as they continue to adjust their instruction to meet each learner's need.
Stay warm!
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book:
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
The bestselling Giraffes Can't Dance is now a board book! Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.
Star Slip Winners
We would like to congratulate the following Gretchko Star Slip winners for January 26, 2024. We are very proud of all of our good citizens. Jesany Rosario, Ajay Warren, Naomie Desjardins, Sullivan Lee, Dakota Snyder, Mila Davis, William Farms, John Schraffenberger, Elizabeth Cwiertak, Lucas Bentley, Amelia Bianconi, Mila Katzaman, Oliver Korzin, Liliana Patra, Bryson Burns, and Clara Rooney.
Upcoming Celebrations
Equity Corner Upcoming Celebrations
January 27 (sundown to sundown): Holocaust Remembrance Day
Black History Month
- Feb 1: National Freedom Day Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment
- Feb 7: Lailat Al Miraj (Muslim holiday)
- Feb 10: Lunar New Year (Chinese holiday, also celebrated in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia)
- Feb 13: Mardi Gras
- Feb 14: Valentine's Day
- Feb 14: Ash Wednesday (Christian holiday)
- Feb 14: Vasant Panchami (Hindu holiday)
- Feb 15: Parinirvana Day (Buddhist holiday)
- 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. Thank you for your prompt response.
ICenter Update
The Makerspace is fully updated with some COOL new WINTER activities! Students will have the opportunity to participate in various STEAM activities and learning. Checkout all of the choices our learners will have when visiting the Makerspace with their class.
Science
- Learn what scientists do and use from the posters and labels.
- Gather snow in a bucket. MELT SNOW with salt and watch how a solid changes into a liquid.
- Listen to the different winter bells.
- Draw and write your findings on the “My Discovery” paper.
Technology
- On a Chromebook, visit PebbleGo on Clever to learn about HIBERNATION (in the animal tab). Report your findings on the Hibernation worksheet.
- On a Chromebook, visit World Book Early Learning and open the WEATHER icon and explore SNOW AND ICE.
Engineering
- Build a snowflake using the BRAINFLAKES.
- Use any of the Legos to build an igloo.
- Build a snowman with any of the building materials.
- Place your WINTER LEGO BUILD on the display shelf for others to see!
- Launch a SNOWMAN by making a catapult (KINDERGARTEN: Motion Unit)
Art
- Build sleds and skis with pipe cleaners and cardboard tubes.
- Make snowflakes with the coffee filters.
- Draw a snowflake using the Types of Snowflakes chart.
- Add your art to the Maker Space Art Gallery.
- Make a birdfeeder using the pipe cleaners and Cheerios.
Math
- Play the math game or use the pattern block mats.
- Sort any of the math manipulatives into the muffin tins.
- Roll the dice, add the numbers, and write an equation.
- Use the measuring tape to measure items and write your findings.
Donuts with Dania: January 30th
New Troops forming - Join the Fun!
Mabel's Labels
Winterfest
Remember to Vote on February 27, 2024
After School Offerings
FIRST Lego League starts in February
FIRST Lego League EXPLORE Grades 1-3 makes learning STEM and coding skills fun! All skill levels welcome!
This season, we’re stepping into the world of exploring how people share their hobbies and interests in creative and captivating ways.
Click here to view the MASTERPIECE Explore Set and here to check out the EXPLORE story. If you missed the Parent Information Session, please check this out prior to registering your child.
Program Highlights:
-Students will work in teams of 6, with 1 or 2 parent coaches per team
-Team Meetings will begin in February, the week of February 8th
-Ten meetings total, plus the Extravaganza (Showcase Event) on April 20 at WBMS
More information and register here. For specific questions, contact: andrea.frank@wbsd.org
Gretchko Calendar
January
1/24 - Late Start (10:10)
1/26- Bagel and Tie Dye Day
1/31 - Marco’s Pizza Night
February
2/2 Casino Night
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
2/14 -Valentine Parties (during school)
2/17 - 2/20 - Mid Winter Break
2/23 - Bagel Day
2/27 - Millage renewal vote
2/28 - Late Start (10:10)
2/28 - Marco’s Pizza Night
2/26-3/1 - Leap Week
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.