Family Newsletter

Hello Laker Nation!

We are wrapping up our winter NWEA testing here at Gretchko, and I want to commend all of our Lakers for trying their best, taking their time, and being thoughtful test-takers. We look forward to using the results as an additional data point as we plan for each student's success in the second half of our school year!

Next week, we are launching a two-week school fundraiser to support our 5th grade camp experience. We'll be doing Penny Wars! See below for how kids can play. Gather up all the extra loose change hanging around your house and send your student(s) in with the coins.

As we get ready to head into February, I'd like to put two events on your radar. The first is our

annual casino night, hosted by the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation. The WBEF supports grants to benefit student learning experiences across the district. See below for the flyer and details about how to purchase your tickets or donate online!

Also coming up in February are our plans for February 14th.

• 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

Featured Book

I am Anne Frank by Brad Meltzer (read aloud by the author!)

This engaging biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of an icon in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Anne Frank, whose courage and hope during a time of terror are still an inspiration for people around the world today.

WBMS Middle School Parent Info Night

1/28/25 at 6 p.m. in the West Bloomfield Middle School Auditeria, 6000 Orchard Lake Road

This evening is designed for parents and guardians of current 5th grade students who will be entering middle school in the fall of 2025. Come learn about our curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, fine and performing arts, school philosophy and schedule. You will have time to meet staff, ask questions and tour our beautiful, award-winning building.

WBSD Kindergarten Parent Info Night

1/30/25 at 6:30 p.m. in the West Bloomfield Middle School Auditeria, 6000 Orchard Lake Road

Kindergarten Parent Info Night will be 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at West Bloomfield Middle School's Auditeria, 6000 Orchard Lake Road. Come meet the principals, learn about the curriculum, and ask questions. Our partners the PTOs, West Bloomfield Public Library, and West Bloomfield Parks & Rec will also be there to show how we partner with you to provide a rich educational experience for each individual child. The program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. this year so please allow time to check in. We can’t wait to see you!

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

We are thrilled to bring back our yoga, movement & mindfulness program to all students in kindergarten through fifth grade! Students and their teacher will participate in yoga once a week for 30 minutes over the course of seven weeks. Our yoga & mindfulness experience will be led by Emma Loudermilk of Soul Happy Kids Yoga. Each session has been carefully crafted with an age appropriate curriculum just for our Lakers.

At Gretchko, some classes will have yoga once a week between Feb 3-March 21 and others will have yoga once a week from March 31-May 21. Please click here to find out more information about our yoga program!

Happy Friday! We hope everyone had some fun on their extra days off : )

Important Dates to Note:

1-29 PTO Meeting @7pm in the iCenter

1-31 Blizzard Day* (changed from 1-10)

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

Ongoing Fundraisers: Box Tops, Kroger Rewards and Mabel's Labels:

Volunteers needed:

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://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0D4FA4A922A6FDC70-51534931-buoy

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

• Jan 26-27: Lailat Al Miraj (Muslim Holiday)

• Jan 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

• Jan 29: Lunar New Year

After the Bell Programs (meet after the final bell at Gretchko Elementary School)

Sunset Theatre Wicked Wiz of OZ
Mondays 4:02-5:30 p.m. Pick up info will be emailed
1st-5th Graders dance, sing, and act!
For more information and to register, click here. Be sure to click on Gretchko Elementary, Drawing is offered at multiple locations.

Drawing in the Art Room for K-5th Grades
Tuesdays 4:02 - 5:02 p.m. Pick up at Main Doors
1/14-2/4 and/or 2/25-3/18
All skill levels welcome, each class will have a new lesson.
Maximum number of kids in class is 12. All supplies are included.
For more information and to register, click here. Be sure to click on Gretchko Elementary, Drawing is offered at multiple locations.

W is for Winter (one day only class)

All Grades, Winter Crafts & Snacks with Teacher Mrs. Monica Hammerick
Monday, January 27

4-5:15 p.m. Pick up at Main Doors
All supplies are included.
Register here, it is sure to sell out! Be sure to click on Gretchko Elementary, W for Winter is offered at multiple locations.

For Community Education questions, contact: andrea.frank@wbsd.org

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.