Family Newsletter

Hello Laker Nation!

We hope you have had a wonderful week. We have certainly had fun here at school! The staff here had fun with a secret spirit week. Staff dressed up following a daily theme, and kids noticed right away! We got lots of questions like, "Why are you all dressed in black?" and "Why do you all look like high schoolers today?" See some photos of staff below from Detroit Sports Day, Dress Like a Spy Day, and Dress Like a Student Day!

Earlier this week, we sent electronic copies of quarter 2 report cards home to your email address. This is an important communication tool for us to share your child's progress. Please take the time to review your child's report card, and reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions.

As a reminder, our February 14 activities will be here before we know it.

• Kdg-3rd grade classes will have their friendship parties from 2-3pm on Feb 14.
• 4th grade classes will have their friendship parties from 2:30-3:00pm on Feb 14.
• 4th and 5th grade classes will have their Michigan Design Prize "Day of Design" and teachers will communicate details a bit closer to the date. They will be looking for adult volunteers to help out!

Warmly,

Jen Teal

Principal

We hope your kiddos enjoyed figuring out our undercover staff spirit week!

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Congratulations to Mason for being nominated by Mrs. Teal for our January Laker Leader of the Month. Here are the great things Mrs. Teal had to say! "When Mason gets to school, he diligently gets the lunch bins from classrooms and puts them in the appropriate place. He does this daily task without having to be reminded. We can depend on him to do this quietly with walking feet, setting an example for younger students in the hallway. He then returns to his classroom and gets to work. Mason consistently shows he is a responsible student by leaving the classroom quietly at the designated times to return bins. In the classroom, Mason can always be counted on to do his best, actively participate, and keep the classroom clean. Thanks for being such a wonderful Laker Leader!"

This month our PE classes focused on working out and personal health/cardio. As students returned back from winter break we focused on reigniting our workout routines. The first two weeks of January we focused on workout stations (push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.) and high intensity cardio.

In the last couple of weeks our 1st-5th grade classes covered our 3rd Kids in Charge lesson. We learned about making healthy and positive choices relating to the dangers of drinking alcohol and also how to say no when presented with uncomfortable situations.

We also had some time to brush up on our teamwork by utilizing our brand new state-of-the-art interactive Lü system. This system uses a projector and is able to react to different inputs through various arcade style mini games. Pictures included below!

Thanks for reading,

Zachary Cohen

PE Teacher

West Bloomfield Preschool Pop Up & Play

2/5/25 from 6-7 p.m., ACS, 5810 Commerce Road (corner of Commerce & Hiller)

Children are welcome to join parents for this informal WBSD Preschool Pop Up & Play. Get to know our staff and learn more about our amazing preschool options and flexible scheduling. For more information, call 248-865-6466.

WBHS 8th Grade Parent Info Night (for parents of incoming freshmen)

3/4/2025, 7 p.m., West Bloomfield High School, 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield

Come learn about West Bloomfield High School -- and how we work with families to develop socially responsible citizens empowered to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global society, and who are characterized by curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate. Meet staff. Ask questions. Call or email Principal Eric Pace to schedule a personal tour (248) 865-6720 eric.pace@wbsd.org. There is a link to last year's presentation at the bottom of this page:https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-high-school

Oakland Early College Info Night Webinar

3/18/2025, 7 p.m., Webinar - email morrison.borders@wbsd.org for the link

At Oakland Early College, we do school differently; through our partnership with Oakland Community College, we provide an early middle college experience where OEC students are simultaneously enrolled in high school and college classes at no cost to families. All students in 9th through 11th grade whose families reside in Oakland County can apply. Here, students earn transferable college credits, up to an associate's degree, that will follow them to a four year university. There is also an option to earn a work certificate through one of OCC’s many programs. All students are supported by our tenets of college, culture, community, and connection in a small and diverse school community while they progress through our five year high school program. Learn more at our webinar March 18.

School of Choice/STEAM

WBSD School of Choice application window is open January 8 - February 6. Apply today SOC

Hello Gretchko Families! Our Mid-Year Classroom Restock is LIVE!!! Let's help re-stock our teachers with the things they need to help the days go smoother!

https://linktr.ee/GretchkoRestock

2-4 Rolladium Night 6:30-8:30pm

2-14 Bagel Day

2-21 Blizzard Day

2-26 Marco's Pizza Night

2-26 PTO Meeting @7pm in the iCenter

The teachers' rescue team, aka Buoy Crew, needs your help! Join the fun, sign up for a shift, and give some love back to those amazing educators who adore our mini-mes, K-2 mornings, 3-5 afternoons - simple, yet epic! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA4A922A6FDC70-51534931-buoy#/

Buy Spirit Wear here!

We are always here for you via ( https://facebook.com/groups/gretchkopto/ ) and subscribe to our linktree Gretchko Elementary PTO | Facebook | Linktree or email pto.gretchko@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Your Gretchko PTO

With the new year under way, we are looking to grow our Watch DOG (Dads of Great Students) volunteer pool. Are you a father or father figure of a Gretchko student? Do you have an hour, a half day, or a whole day when you could come help out? Please consider signing up for a time at the link below. We'll provide you with all the details you need to know!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094DA4AF2EA2FA7-54238676-february

Black History Month

• Feb 2: Vasant Panchami (Hinduism)

• Feb 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

• Feb 12: Māgha Pūjā Day (Budhism)

• Feb 12: Lantern Festival (end of Chinese New Year celebrations)

• Feb 12-13: Tu Bishvat (Judaism)

• Feb 13-14: Lailat al Bara'a (Islam)

• Feb 21: International Mother Language Day

• Feb 26: Maha Shivratri (Hinduism)

• Feb 28-Mar 2: Losar (Tibetan New Year)

The WBSD 3-year-old program is tuition based. Call or visit the website for information on the two preschool options available through West Bloomfield Preschool Academy.

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.

Phone:

• Main Office Phone: (248)865-6570
• SAFELINE to report absences: (248) 865-6572. This is a 24 hour answering machine.