Family Newsletter

Happy Friday, Lakers!

We made it through a very wet and windy week, and we hope you did as well!

We have had a few recent questions regarding our school policies on cell phones and smart watches, restaurant/fast food delivery, and student discipline records.

• 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.
• Discipline Records: If you have questions regarding your child’s disciplinary record, please contact me via email at jennifer.teal@wbsd.org.

Starting Monday, we will be participating in a donation drive led by the WBHS Animal and Wildlife Conservation Club. Donations will support the Oakland County Animal Shelter. Check out the information below for items you can send in.

Finally, for those of you with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, please see the important letter below as we get ready for M-Step testing. A big thank you to our Kdg, 1st, and 2nd grade students for making "Rock the Test" flyers to decorate our hallway and help get their older buddies pumped up to do well next week.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Jen Teal

Principal

Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz

Every Friday, Musa's family has a special treat. They take turns picking out what the treat will be, but recently the choices have been . . . interesting. Finally, it's Musa's turn to pick, and he picks his favorite-hot dogs! But actually getting to eat this deliciousness turns into a journey riddled with obstacles. Will he ever get his favorite tasty treat?

Dear Parents and Guardians of 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders,

As we approach the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) testing window for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students, we want to take a moment to explain the importance of these assessments and how you can support your child in preparing for them. Teachers will communicate the testing days for their specific class. More than anything, we would love your partnership in ensuring that your child is here and on time on all of their testing days.

Why M-STEP Matters:

The M-STEP is a standardized assessment designed to measure how well students are mastering the Michigan Academic Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. These standards outline the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college and careers. The M-STEP provides valuable information for several reasons:

• Student Progress: It offers a snapshot of your child's academic progress and identifies areas where they are excelling or may need additional support.
• School and District Accountability: The results help our school and district evaluate the effectiveness of our educational programs and make necessary adjustments to ensure all students are receiving a high-quality education.
• Statewide Comparison: M-STEP data allows for comparisons of student performance across the state, providing insights into the overall effectiveness of Michigan's education system.
• Informed Instruction: Teachers use M-STEP results to inform their instruction and tailor their lessons to meet the specific needs of their students.

How You Can Help Your Child Be Ready:

We understand that testing can be a source of stress for both students and parents. Here are some ways you can help your child prepare and feel confident:

• Maintain a Positive Attitude: Encourage your child to approach the test with a positive mindset. Remind them that it's an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and that we are proud of their efforts.
• Ensure Adequate Rest and Nutrition: Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats a healthy breakfast on testing days, whether at school or at home. A well-rested and nourished child will be better able to focus and perform their best.
• Practice Good Study Habits: Help your child develop effective study habits, such as reviewing class notes, completing practice problems, and managing their time effectively.
• Communicate with Teachers: Stay in communication with your child's teachers to understand their progress and any areas where they may need additional support.
• Reduce Test Anxiety: Help your child manage test anxiety by encouraging them to take deep breaths, visualize success, and focus on what they can control.

We are committed to supporting your child's academic success and believe that the M-STEP provides valuable information that helps us achieve that goal. Your partnership in this process is essential.

Thank you for your support.
Warmly,
Jen Teal, Principal

Hey Laker Nation! The WBHS Animal and Wildlife Conservation Club is hosting a donation box for the Oakland County Animal Shelter. This club is committed to helping animals in all walks of life, whether that be the shelter, homes, or the wild. The box will run from April 7th-18th and will be located in the foyer of Gretchko Elementary School. By participating in the Pawsitive Impact Project, you are not only donating items, but you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of animals in need! The items available to donate are located in the list below.

• Towels and blankets

• Comforters

• Canned cat food

• Cat litter and pans

• Bound carpet samples’

• Pet carriers

• Pet toys

• Leashes and collars

• Food dishes

• Dog and cat treats

• Canned kitten food

• Nyla bones

• Beef/chicken broth

• Canned cheese

• Canned chicken

• Refried Beans

We wish the best of luck to our 2nd and 3rd grade Math Pentathletes at their tournament this Saturday, April 5th! Our team includes: Peter Barber, Jayce Childs, Menzo Kibitlewski, Nolan McLeod, Devan Nair, Jaina Benjamin, Alivia Diab and Aubrey Smith. We are so proud of you!

Division I (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Walled Lake Northern High School

Division II (2nd & 3rd Grade)
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Bloomfield Hills High School

Division III (4th & 5th Grade) AND Division IV (6th & 7th Grade)
Saturday, May 17, 2025
West Bloomfield High School

More info here

Dear Families of the West Bloomfield School District,

Helping students do their best in school requires a team effort. Parents, students and school staff all play important roles in this process. To help all of us learn how to make your child's schooling experience as positive and beneficial as possible, please give us your honest, thoughtful responses to the questions below. The survey will be open from April 7-11. Click here for the parent/guardian survey within that timeframe. If you have multiple children please complete one survey per child.

Scott Long

Assistant Superintendent for Learning Services

What a huge milestone - Vivian Kong has read the 100 MORE BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN!! Reading isn't about finishing books...it's about the journey, the lessons, and the stories that stay with us. Some of Vivian's favorite books were Yoko and Invent-a-Pet. Thank you to the WBTPL for helping Gretchko grow great readers! Way to go, Vivian!

A huge round of applause to Aram Akkashian for completing the 100 BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN challenge! Keep turning pages, exploring new worlds, and dreaming big - because this is just the beginning of your reading journey! Aram enjoyed reading It's Only Stanley and Jumanji. Aram is looking forward to visiting the WBTPL to be celebrated there too!

Congratulations to the following students for successfully completing the WBTPL Pine Tree Reading challenge! We're proud of your dedication and love for reading. Keep flipping those pages and chasing those stories! Wary to go - Parr, Brooks Waryszak, Gabby Sulla, Hazel Hughey, Rowan Helton, and Izzy Marcozzi!

KINDNESS ROCKS EVENT AT GRETCHKO

-Participants will explore the benefits of kindness
-Learn various inclusiveness strategies
-Paint rocks to contribute to a local rock garden
-Complete a community service project
-Enjoy a friendship snack
-Bring home a painted rock

Hosted by Gretchko Alumni Girl Scout Cadettes Troop #76057
4:02-5:15 p.m. pick up at Main Doors
Monday, April 7th (one day event)
$25 per child, register here
K-5th Grade

Questions, please contact WBSD Community Education andrea.frank@wbsd.org

Apply for SUN Bucks

REGISTER TODAY! STARTS MONDAY, APRIL 7

Through an abridged version of the script Musical Theatre Workshop: Lion King students will discover the joys of acting, improv, voice, speech, theater, dance and more! Students will practice Singing, Acting and Dancing. The class will end with a culminating presentation where students can showcase the tools and skills they learned with Sunset Theatre Company! Students will have a great time and leave with a brand new sense of self confidence and teamwork. Excellent for both boys and girls.

Open to WBSD students grades 1st-5th only.
Bus transportation is not available from After the Bell to home.
Questions, please contact WBSD Community Education andrea.frank@wbsd.org

Sikh Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month

Chaldean American Month

Tartan (Scottish American) Heritage Month

Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month

Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month

Deaf History Month

• Apr 12-20: Passover (Judaism)

• Apr 13: Theravada New Year (Buddhism)

• Apr 14: Aluth Avuruda & Puthandu (Sri Lankan New Year)

• Apr 18: Good Friday (Christianity)

• Apr 20: Easter (Christianity)

• Apr 20-May 2: Ridvan (Bahai)

• Apr 22: Earth Day

• Apr 24: Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Glow With Gretchko – Spring Dance 2025!

Don’t miss the brightest night of the season! Gretchko Elementary’s Glow into Spring Dance is lighting up the night with music, dancing, and tons of glowing fun for the whole family. Whether you're busting a move or just soaking in the spring vibes, it's going to be a night to remember!

Bring your loved ones, light up the dance floor, and get ready to make unforgettable memories. Trust us—you won’t want to hear about it the next day and wish you had gone!

Date: April 25, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Gretchko Elementary

RSVP now: https://square.link/u/ffPORlZr

Want to be part of the glow behind the scenes?
We’re looking for volunteers to help make the night extra special! From setup to glow gear to guiding little dancers, we’ve got a role for you. Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4CA4AE2BAAF85-55393574-lets#/

Let’s GLOW, Gretchko!

We are searching for PTO Board Members and Chairs for the 2025-26 School year, please email us for more info pto.gretchko@gmail.com

Important Dates to Note:

4-11- Bagel Day

4-16- 7pm PTO Meeting with Elections

4-25- Spring Dance- Let's Glow Gretchko 6:30-8:30pm

4-30- Marco's Pizza Night

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

Click here to purchase!

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

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094DA4AF2EA2FA7-56021835-spring#/

Order your yearbook today at ypay.com. GRETCKO YEARBOOK ID CODE: 12960125. Pricing begins at $14.50. For your convenience an order form was sent home this week. Can't remember if you ordered one or not? Go to ybpay.lifetouch.com and get details of your previous orders by email.

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 starting April 10th at 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.

Phone:

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