Family Newsletter

Hello Lakers!

We hope you stayed safe on our snow day this week. We were glad to be back together today for our friendship parties in our K-4 classrooms and Day of Design in 4th and 5th grade. Thank you to all of the Gretchko grown-ups who joined us today!

The Day of Design is the culminating activity of the annual Michigan Design Challenge, which is now in it’s 9th year and is a fantastic way to bring project based learning and real world application into classrooms. The Michigan Design Council selects twelve finalists throughout the state based on the quality of their idea supported by their drawings and prototypes. This year's challenge for students was to select a Michigan sport and design a single piece, or an equipment set, that focuses on an inclusive challenge facing the youth of Michigan. 4th and 5th graders across the district are participating in this experience, and today was the day Gretchko students "fell in love with their design." Check out some pictures below of prototypes in the making.

Please remember that there is no school on Monday or Tuesday next week. We look forward to seeing our Lakers back on Wednesday, February 19th.

Enjoy a wonderful long weekend,

Jen Teal

Principal

Congratulations to Xander Silver for completing the 100 BOOKS TO READ IN KINDERGARTEN! Xander enjoyed reading Shhh! We Have A Plan and Bats at the Library. Xander is already checking out books from the 100 MORE list. He’s a super reader!! Thank you to the West Bloomfield Township Public Library for supporting our young readers!

In partnership with the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, the WB iCenters are launching our annual PINE TREE READING PROGRAM. This year, all 1st - 5th graders at all our elementary schools have the opportunity to read some great new titles. We are so thankful for the WBTPL for providing our readers with these new and exciting books!

Readers are encouraged to set a Pine Tree reading goal for the number of books they would like to read during the months of February and March. When your reader meets their reading goal, they will be celebrated in our library and earn a small prize for their reading efforts.

This week all students participated in a book tasting during their iCenter class and browsed many of the new Pine Tree titles. Students received their Pine Tree posters to keep track of the books read. Pine Tree books are available to check out weekly in our iCenter as well as the WBTPL. All WB students are able to obtain a student library card at either of the WBTPL's.

Students are very excited to begin their Pine Tree reading journey and we can't wait to fall in love with some new books! Happy reading!

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 21: International Mother Language Day

• Feb 26: Maha Shivratri (Hinduism)

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

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.

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.