Hello Gretchko Lakers!
As I write this, we are getting ready for a wonderful Glow Party this evening, and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Thank you to our fabulous PTO, who give us so many great ways to spend time together as a school community!
I am excited to share that Gretchko has again been named a National Capturing Kids' Hearts Showcase School. Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools are recognized for their excellence in creating safe and welcoming environments where students are relationally connected and eager to learn.
We are definitely heading into a busy time of year. Please watch for important updates in our classroom and school newsletters each week regarding end-of-year activities.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book
Loujain watches her beloved baba attach his feather wings and fly each morning, but her own dreams of flying face a big obstacle: only boys, not girls, are allowed to fly in her country. Yet despite the taunts of her classmates, she is determined to do it—especially because Loujain loves colors, and only by flying can she see the color-filled field of sunflowers her baba has told her about. Eventually, he agrees to teach her, and Loujain's impossible dream becomes reality—and soon other girls dare to learn to fly.
Nora Leach read 100 BOOKS!! From silly stories to magical tales, Nora has been turning pages like a champ! We’re SO proud of our little reader and all the adventures she’s been on — and this is just the beginning! Big shout out to the WBTPL for providing our youngest readers with this amazing reading program. Way to go, Nora! Keep shining, keep dreaming, and keep READING!
Can you believe it?! Our kindergartener, Layla Risden, just finished reading THE 100 BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN this year! From ABCs to silly sea creatures, bedtime tales to superhero stories—every book was a brand new adventure. We’re so proud of your curiosity, your giggles, and your growing love for reading. Keep it up, little bookworm—you’re just getting started! A HUGE thank you to the West Bloomfield Township Public Library for encouraging our readers here at Gretchko! I'm sure Layla will be visiting the WBTPL staff to celebrate with as well!
NOW ENROLLING!
Location: Doherty Elementary
Dates: June 23-August 8 (No camp July 3 and 4)
- Cell Phones: If you want your child to have a cell phone for before or after school purposes, they must have it powered off and in their backpack from 9:10-4:02. We also do not allow smart watches that have access to texting or internet. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that students' focus is on learning throughout the day.
- Outside Food Deliveries: We are not able to accommodate food deliveries during the day. If you have restaurant/fast food that you would like to send with your child in their lunchbox, that is completely fine. Thank you for your understanding.
What are SUN Bucks? SUN Bucks is the new name for Summer EBT. Eligible families of school-age children will receive $120 per child for qualifying groceries.
Who Should Apply? Families that are not automatically enrolled should apply for SUN Bucks directly.
Note: Families will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks if they are already enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) benefits or meet the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. In other words, keep an eye out for $120 per child at the beginning of summer!
Where to Find the Application - Apply for SUN Bucks
Deadlines: Apply by April 15, 2025, to be eligible for the first issuance of benefits in May. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 31, 2025.
The West Bloomfield High School Theatre department proudly presents the family-friendly fantasy Matilda, the Musical on May 1, 2, and 3rd at 7 p.m. at West Bloomfield High School (4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield). American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present on May 3rd at the 1 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $20 ($5 for any WBSD student) and are on sale now - https://wbhstheatrearts.ludus.com. Tickets will also be on sale at the school’s box office prior to each performance.
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.
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.