Hello Gretchko Lakers!
We have to begin by saying how incredibly appreciated we all feel at Gretchko. A HUGE thank you to our PTO and our staff appreciation committee for spoiling us so much this week. While we enjoy the donuts, lunches, flowers, cards, and coffee, we truly are so grateful for the students and families we have here and for all of the time and energy you give back to our school community. Thank you!
This week, we also welcomed many of next year's kindergarteners and their families. It's hard to believe that they will be the graduating class of 2038. We are so glad to be getting them ready to begin their journey in West Bloomfield Schools!
One week from today, we are hosting our inaugural Family RULER night on Friday, May 16th from 5:45-7:00pm. There will be food served at 5:45, along with some information about our RULER program and then some great make-and-take projects for you to complete with your kiddos and get your family started off right for summer. We hope to see you there!
Finally, we are in need of volunteers for Field Day on May 22. This is such a fun day at Gretchko, and we can't make it happen without you! Please click here to sign up to volunteer. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849ACAC29ABFEC07-56484461-gretchko#/
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Jen Teal
Principal
Featured Book
Dayeon wants to be a haenyeo just like Grandma. The haenyeo dive off the coast of Jeju Island to pluck treasures from the sea--generations of Korean women have done so for centuries. To Dayeon, the haenyeo are as strong and graceful as mermaids. To give her strength, Dayeon eats Grandma's abalone porridge. She practices holding her breath while they do the dishes. And when Grandma suits up for her next dive, Dayeon grabs her suit, flippers, and goggles. A scary memory of the sea keeps Dayeon clinging to the shore, but with Grandma's guidance, Dayeon comes to appreciate the ocean's many gifts.
Dear Gretchko Elementary Parents/Guardians,
We are only a few weeks away from Field Day! To ensure your child is prepared for a day full of
fun and physical activity, please be aware of the following details:
- Field Day will occur Thursday, May 22nd
- (K-2): 9:30am-11:30am: Metz, Tracz, Sizemore, Miller, Ross, Williams, Costello/Merglewski, Finn, and Risden
- (3-5): 1:30pm-3:30pm: Ayar, Geottes/Kirk, Donnay, Lohmeier, Pace, Wood, and Arnoldi
- Drinking water will be available as needed outside.
- Tennis shoes or closed-toed shoes are required!
- There will be water games. We encourage you to send a towel and extra clothes to school with your student.
- Please apply sunscreen in the morning, teachers/students cannot apply it.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please feel free to email Mr. Cohen at
zachary.cohen@wbsd.org or use the link below. Volunteers are highly appreciated and necessary for Field Day to occur. Volunteers who sign up will be contacted with more information prior to Field Day.
- 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.
NOW ENROLLING!
Location: Doherty Elementary
Dates: June 23-August 8 (No camp July 3 and 4)
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.
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.