Gretchko Newsletter
August 18, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Team WB!
You will notice right away that today's newsletter is quite long! The district is moving from our current newsletter distribution platform to a new one, so in case that transition takes more than a week, we wanted to be sure you had some important back-to-school information in your hands. We are so excited to welcome your kiddos in a few weeks, and the building continues to be busy with preparations for August 28th.
As a reminder, Gretchko's school day begins promptly at 9:10 a.m and ends at 4:02 p.m. Our first day of school will be August 28, 2023. We have set a few dates for the fall that may be helpful to add to your calendar now:
- Aug 24, 4:30-6:30pm: Gretchko Popsicles with the Principal (Suggested time windows to help with traffic flow: 4:30-5:15 Kdg/Kdg Prep, 5:15-6:00 1st Grade, 5:45-6:30 2nd Grade)
- Sept 7: Gretchko Picture Day
- Sept 8, 4:30-7:30pm: WBSD Family Fun Night
- Sept 13, 7-8pm: Gretchko PTO Meeting...All Are Welcome!
- Sept 14, 6-8pm: Curriculum Night
- Sept 19, 9:15-10:15am: *NEW THIS YEAR* Gretchko Volunteer Meeting/Training Option 1
- Sept 20, 6:00-7:00pm: *NEW THIS YEAR* Gretchko Volunteer Meeting/Training Option 2
- Sept 20, 7:00-7:45pm Head Room Parent Meeting following Volunteer Meeting/Training
- Sept 22, during the school day: Gretchko FunD Run
- Oct 27, 5:00-7:00pm: Gretchko Spooktacular
And finally, as a reminder, teacher assignments and welcome letters will be sent in late August in advance of Popsicles with the Principal.
If you have questions of any kind, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Jen Teal, Principal
Back-to-School Storytime with Mr. Scrivo and Mrs. Teal
Mark your calendars and get those pajamas ready, Gretchko Stars and Scotch Highlanders! On August 27th at 7:00pm, join Mr. Scrivo and Mrs. Teal on ZOOM for a couple of bedtime stories before our first day of school. Check your email the week of August 21 for the Zoom link!
Parent Back-to-School Update Required
Note: There is a video on the page linked above that you can watch to get help with the update process.
The West Bloomfield School District has moved to an all-online enrollment process. Each year, families will be required to log into PowerSchool and complete a Back to School Enrollment Packet. Families will be required to do this for each child enrolled with WBSD. Families will complete forms regarding emergency information, technology, lunch forms, FERPA, and other important annual school forms that require parent approval.
Staff Updates
Each new school year brings with it some staff changes. For those staff members who will not be at Gretchko this coming year, we wish them the very best. To those who are joining the Gretchko family, please join us in making them feel welcome!
We are excited to have hired Mr. Zachary Cohen to become Gretchko's next PE teacher (he will also teach a few sections at Scotch). He comes with 4 years of experience as a K-8 PE teacher and looks forward to joining the WBSD family. Mrs. Mason (Ms. Hubbard) will be moving on to exciting adventures as a PE and Health teacher at West Bloomfield High School.
We are welcoming Ms. Lisa Fenberg as our new resource room teacher. Ms. Fenberg is a veteran teacher in the district, most recently working as the resource room teacher at Scotch! Ms. Bone, Gretchko's previous resource room teacher, has taken a long-term leave.
Ms. Shannon Farrell will be coming to Gretchko as our lead preschool teacher. Ms. Farrell has been in the district for several years and is excited to be joining the Gretchko team. We are sad to see our previous preschool teachers, Ms. Gough and Ms. Dent, move on but are thrilled that they will be taking on full-time positions in the district.
This summer, we have welcomed Ms. Fleurette Edwards as our new daytime custodian. Ms. Edwards has worked in West Bloomfield Schools previously and is excited to be at Gretchko. Ms. Enetra Myers, Gretchko's previous daytime custodian, has moved on to other career opportunities.
We are also excited to (re)introduce Ms. Nikki Bowler, who started in the middle of last year. Ms. Bowler is both our chef and one of two second shift custodians. We've loved having Ms. Bowler on staff and are excited for another great year.
Traffic Pattern Map
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP DIRECTIONS
BUSES
Students are dropped off and picked up at the East/Front loop.
WALKERS:
If you are walking your child to school, please do not drop your student off if our staff is not present. Park your car in a lined parking space, walk your child to the FRONT ENTRANCE and connect with one of the staff members who will be there to greet you.
CAR RIDERS
Morning Drop-Off
If you are driving your child to school, please follow the designated GREEN arrow traffic pattern in the map above. You will enter the Left(WEST) loop as you come in from Greer Rd. Drive around Gretchko to the Right(EAST) side of the building. Beginning at 8:55 a.m., staff will begin helping students out as they direct you to pull up. Please remain in your car during this process and allow our staff to assist your child. Make sure your child is ready to get out of the car when you get to that drop-off point. You will then circle around and exit through the same entrance you came in, on the Left(WEST) side of the building.You will then make a U-turn and follow the traffic back around the building and out to Greer Road. If you pull into Gretchko after 9:09 a.m. for drop-off, please find a lined parking spot and walk your child to the front of the building. You will need to sign your child in. Students should be in seats and ready to begin at 9:10 a.m., so staff are not available to greet cars after that time.
Afternoon Pick-Up
You will follow the same procedures above if you are picking your child up from school in the afternoon. Car Pick Up is from 4:02 - 4:17 p.m. Large name tags went home in your "Meet and Greet" packet. If you did not attend, we will send the information home with your student the first day of school. Please use the name tag in your windshield when picking up students. Students not picked up in a timely manner will be delivered to Kids Klub in the cafeteria. You must park in a line parking spot and sign them out at Kids Klub. There will be a charge for this service.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR CAR DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Adults Should:
- Drive slowly and carefully.
- Remain in their vehicle.
- Pull all the way forward in the loop (adult staff will be present to direct you).
- Observe our staff for further direction/instructions.
- To avoid a waiting-to-turn-left line-up along Greer Road, pass the school on Greer, turn left in the subdivision just past the school, pull into the right hand turn lane and follow into the school entrance.
Car Loop Students Should:
- Be ready to get out of your vehicle when you arrive at the exit area. (including shoes, coats, hats as weather cools).
- Be on the right side of the car, ready to exit.
- Say good-bye before their expected exit from the car.
- Be positioned so the child does not have to climb over others in the car.
- Have car doors unlocked and student ready to go.
- If your child is not ready to exit, please pull all the way forward so others may exit their vehicles.
PRESCHOOL
When preschool begins, preschool students will use the front (BUS) loop to drop off and pick up their students. (see the map above).
Transportation
Bus information for all WB residents will be sent from the Transportation Department to your parent/guardian email. It will include the location and time of resident in-district routes. Bus information will not be available until very close to the start of school and will NOT be available through the Gretchko office.
If you are a School-of-Choice parent and would like to request a shuttle, the shuttle request is on the WB website. The shuttle busses are limited and are provided as a first come first served basis and you must sign up every year. If you have not received transportation information by August 24, or unable to locate the shuttle bus information, please contact the Transportation Department at 248-865-3680.
WBSD transportation department also provides a bus tracker application so parents are able to follow their student's bus location. Click here for instructions on how to sign up!
Kids Klub Services and Update
Families with students in elementary school who would like to utilize Kids Klub services on Late Start Wednesdays may register for a drop-in contract through the Eleyo registration site. Drop-in rates are $15 per drop-in session, per day. A non-refundable registration fee of $60 per child or $90 per family will be collected at the time of registration. Automatic Payment is required.
All children who attend Kids Klub must be registered for services for the state of Michigan licensing compliance. Children who are not registered will not be accepted. If you are interested in registering for Kids Klub services, please click here. Families must notify Beth Helka the Monday before a Late Start Wednesday to ensure staffing compliance. To view the 2023-2024 calendar, click here.
After careful consideration and research amongst the surrounding Districts, WBSD will not offer Tween Time Services for middle school students. This decision is based on previous enrollment numbers, which have not been high enough to justify staffing
School Supplies
If you would like to purchase school supplies for your child/children, the Gretchko lists can be found HERE. Teachers may share a few wish list items on curriculum night as well.
Additionally, thanks to one of our district employees, if you prefer an online shopping option, you can shop for the items at your favorite local retailer by clicking on the TeacherLists link HERE. Note that the prices vary significantly depending on which retailer you select. When I did a trial run on the website, Walmart was the cheapest option!
Picture Day: Sept 7, 2023
Student Safety
We are all interested in a very basic issue: Student Safety. The provision of a safe environment in which your students can learn is, and will continue to be, our first priority. We work to provide quality programs for our children to help drive home the meaning of the words respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship, trustworthiness, and fairness. As adults, we can also remind ourselves that our adult behavior and treatment of each other and young people provides the most visible model for the behavior of our students. For the good of all students, caregivers and staff members, please review and follow this partial list of general safety procedures in place at Gretchko.
All doors will be locked after the school day has begun.
All adults entering the building are required to sign in at the front lobby.
All volunteers will submit and be approved through i Chat documentation.
Late students, visitors and volunteers will buzz at the front WEST door, wait for the door to be unlocked then enter the building.
Adults will wear a visitor’s sticker until they leave the building.
Adults must sign students out from the office when leaving the building. (This includes the end of the school day).
Student transportation changes should be written out and recorded in the office.
Students will not be dismissed from the classroom door.
Students boarding busses will be escorted outside by adult staff.
Students riding with parents/caregivers will be escorted from the cars by adult staff during designated drop-off and pick-up times.
Resident students pre-arranged to walk to and from school will be signed out in the front lobby at the end of the day.
The welcome atmosphere felt at Gretchko would not be complete without the participation of our parents and their families. We count on their support throughout all of our educational efforts. We are hoping to see you at as many school activities as possible.
ADDITIONAL BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION
ALLERGIES/ASTHMA/MEDICAL CONDITIONS – Students are not allowed to carry medication. The office must have a complete, signed West Bloomfield School District Medical Action Plan to be able to carry out any medication distribution. Each medication requires a separate form. Each year we need an updated plan for students needing medication. If your child requires medication the first day of school you must contact the office before school to verify paperwork and deliver the medication to the office. Further questions, please contact the school office at 248-865-6570.
ATTENDANCE – West Bloomfield School District expects students to be in school and on time for school on a daily basis. Absent and tardy students will be recorded daily and parents will be notified.
- If your child will not be in school or will be late to school, you must call the 24-hour answering machine at 248-865-6572. Leave your student’s name, teacher’s name and reason for absence. or the safety of our students, please do your best to remember to call before the start of school (even if you are only going to be “a little” late).
- To excuse a health-related absence from the county-counted total, please provide the main office with a note from the medical facility your child visited.
- Students arriving after 10:15 a.m. will be marked absent for the full morning. If a student is picked up before 3:00 p.m. they will be marked absent for the full afternoon.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS – Gretchko School celebrates student birthdays in a fun, activity-based manner. We do not celebrate birthdays with food-based treats. Please contact your student’s teacher for suggested birthday celebration activities at school.
HALF DAYS – throughout the school year we will participate in professional development days. School will be dismissed at 12:12 p.m. Busses will be available as normal at the end of the school day.
IMMUNIZATIONS – All students that attend West Bloomfield School District must have accurate shot record information on file. Please be sure records are up to date. New students that do not have a shot record or a waiver on file are not allowed to attend school.
MONEY TO SCHOOL –Any time you send money to school, please put cash or checks into a sealed envelope clearly marked with the student name, teacher’s name and what the money should be used for.
NEWSLETTER – Our Gretchko newsletter, school calendar and teacher news is available regularly online through the West Bloomfield Web site – www.wbsd.org
DROP OFF AND PICK UP – Any changes in a child’s routine transportation “the day of” must be written and received by the school. We cannot accept any transportation changes after 3:00 p.m. Please do not EMAIL OR LEAVE VOICE MAIL MESSAGES regarding student transportation on the day of the change. Teachers may not receive the message in time regarding the change.
- If your child will be riding home with a friend on the bus, both parents must send in a signed note giving the children's names and bus number. This should be used sparingly, not as a regular occurence.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP TRAFFIC PROCEDURE While waiting in line on Greer Road, pull past the Gretchko entrance, go to the bottom of the hill, make your left turn there and pull into the right turn lane whenever there is a line waiting to enter the school. Please no parking in the front loops of the school. Do not get out of your car to drop off or to retrieve your child. Have your child ready to exit-say your goodbyes beforehand. Pull forward when directed by staff, as we load more than 1 car at a time. (Please see the map/directions enclosed for further directions).
PICTURE DAY– September 7 – all kindergarten, first, and second grade students will have their picture taken. Picture packets may be purchased and paid for the day the pictures are taken. Retakes will be provided if necessary. (You may order online or order forms will be available at the start of school). School Name: Gretchko Elementary School.
New this year: Yearbooks are not included in the picture package. A separate yearbook order form will be provided at a later date.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR – At Gretchko we have established three school-wide rules for the behaviors we expect in all areas of our school. The behavior expectations are: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe. Students are directly taught what it looks like to be responsible, respectful, and safe throughout the building. When good behavior and good teaching come together, our students will excel in their learning.
PTO MEMBERSHIP- Become an active member of the PTO today. Look for us on facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/GretchkoPTO
RECESS –Students go outside daily. Please dress students accordingly, including closed-toe shoes. Lunchtime recess is approximately 20 minutes.
SCHOOL-OF-CHOICE SHUTTLE BUS ROUTES– We recommend use of our district's shuttle service. Online forms are available here. Don’t delay, busses fill up quickly.
SNACKS – We expect snacks at Gretchko to be healthy. ALL CLASSROOMS ARE PEANUT FREE FOR SNACK TIME. No drinks for snack time please. Each classroom has a drinking fountain.
SPECIAL CLASSES – Students participate in art, physical education, music, and icenter classes regularly. Please have students wear tennis shoes on gym days.
Blessings in a Backpack
PTO Welcomes You!
Dear Gretchko Families,
We hope you are all enjoying your summer and that you are getting excited to start the 2023-2024 school year! The Gretchko PTO is looking forward to working with you to make your student’s school experience memorable and rewarding.
The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteer organization that works to support all students by providing a communication link between families, teachers and administrators. The PTO also provides curricular materials, enrichment programs and community service projects through various fundraisers.
We cordially invite you to join our organization and support our efforts to continue making Gretchko a wonderful place to learn and to be a part of. Your involvement; whether at home or in school, will make a huge difference to your child and the Gretchko community.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Head Room Parent: You can find Sign-Up sheets at the Popsicles with the Principal event in your student’s classroom to become Head Room Parent (HRP). HRPs coordinate Fall and Valentine class parties, make arrangements for teacher gifts, and communicate information from PTO to their class.
- Bagel Days: We are always looking for adults to help sell bagels one Friday a month at morning arrival.
- FunD Run: Friday September 22nd is Gretchko’s biggest fundraiser of the year and we can’t do it without you!
- Sign Up to Volunteer!: We have a variety of events and activities throughout the year that are only made possible with the participation of Gretchko Grown Ups! Stay up to date with Gretchko newsletters, take home flyers, and by joining the Gretchko PTO Facebook group to see all of our latest Sign-Ups!
If you are interested in getting involved with the Gretchko PTO or if you have any questions, please reach out to Kayla Herzog at kayzog143@gmail.com.
We are so grateful to be working with you as a community and look forward to the many events, memories, and opportunities we will share this year!
Kayla Herzog, PTO President
Katy Patra, PTO Vice-President
Carly Wilbur, PTO Treasurer
Erika Ruskin, PTO Recording Secretary
Maria Collins, PTO Corresponding Secretary
FunD Run 2023!
Scholastic News
Cub Scout Invitation
Start your adventure with Pack 100! We are hosting a short hike and scavenger hunt so you can learn what Cub Scouting has to offer. Pack 100 welcomes boys and girls in grades K through 5 from the West Bloomfield School District area, including Doherty, Sheiko, Roosevelt, Gretchko, and Scotch. Join us Wednesday, September 6 anytime between 5:30pm - 7:30pm at West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve (4655 Arrowhead Rd., West Bloomfield Township). Contact westbloomfieldcubscouts@gmail.com with questions.
Math Pentathlon
World Celebrations
Summer Celebrations
July was French American Heritage Month
July 9: The Martyrdom of the Bab
July 26: Disability Independence Day (ADA signed)
July 26-7: Tisha B’Av
Aug 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Aug 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Aug 26: Women’s Equality Day
Gretchko PTO Calendar
August
8/28 - First Day of School
September
9/1 - No School
9/4 - Labor Day (No School)
9/8 - WBSD Family Fun Night
9/13 - PTO General Meeting at 7:00 pm
9/14 - Curriculum Night 6:00-8:00 pm
9/19 - Volunteer Training Option 1 from 9:15-10:15 am
9/20 - Volunteer Training Option 2 from 6:00-7:00 pm
-HRP meeting to follow 7:00-8:00 pm
9/22 - FunD Run during the school day
9/25 - No School
9/27 - Marco’s Pizza Night
9/29- Bagel Day and Gretchko Spirit Wear Day
October
10/10 - PTO General Meeting at 7:00
10/11 - Late Start (10:10)
10/25 - Late Start (10:10)
- Marco’s Pizza Night
10/27- Spooktacular 5:00-7:00 pm
10/27- Bagel Day and Hat Day
November
11/3- Fall Parties (during school)
11/7 - No School
11/8 - PTO General Meeting at 7:00 pm
11/13 - 11/16 - Marco’s Pizza Box Week
11/14 - Conferences
11/17- Half Day of School (Dismissal 12:12)
- Bagel Day and Favorite Sports Team Day
11/22-11/26 - Thanksgiving Break
11/29 - Late Start (10:10)
December
12/13 - Late Start (10:10)
12/15 - Bagel Day and Crazy Hair Day
12/20 - Marco’s Pizza Night
12/23-1/7 - Winter Break
*All dates are subject to change*
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 Contact Information
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/Domain/12
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.