What's Up at Whittier
Week of January 16
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Thanks to all our students for trying their best and doing their best on the NWEA MAP assessments these past 2 weeks. This week we will make up any assessments with students who may have missed theirs due to absence.
Good luck to the DG58 basketball team that is taking on the Harlem Wizards later today at 6:00pm at Downers Grove South High School. A special thanks to Mr. Belonio and Mr. Smigaj for playing and representing Whittier in the game tonight. Have fun!
Don't forget - No School tomorrow - Monday, January 16, as we commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. See you back at school on Tuesday!
Be sure to scroll all the way through to the end of the newsletter for updates in the Whittier PTA Corner and the Whittier Calendar of Events.
As always, thank you for sending your children to us each day - ready to take on new adventures and learn all they can!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong!
Michael Krugman - Whittier Principal
School Hours for 2022-23
Kindergarten Half- Day:
8:15-11:20am (Monday-Friday)
Grades 1-6 and OKEEP:
8:15am-2:00pm (Monday)
8:15am-3:00pm (Tuesday-Friday)
Whittier Office Hours:
8:00am-4:00pm
Click the link below for the approved District 58 school calendar for 2022-23.
Whittier's Friendship Club Begins
Fun Lunch Announcement
It’s that time of year when the dark comes early, the snow sneaks up on you, and all ambition to run errands and grocery shop falls straight out of the window.
No worries. We have the perfect antidote for the winter blahs that will save you time, too! FUN LUNCH.
You can opt to skip the mid-week grocery store run and order your child(ren) lunches on select Fridays through the end of the school year. How easy is that?
Follow these simple steps:
1. Log on to http://www.Boonli.com and sign in with your user name and passcode.
2. New families can find our school using the code: WES338
3. Begin placing orders starting with 02/03/23. There are EIGHT total Fridays.
4. Click through the calendar all the way to May.
5. Check out completely (do not leave items in your cart).
The few moments it takes to order for your kiddos will prove worthwhile each and every Friday when you get to skip making lunches. Win-win-win! Be sure to place your order by Friday, January 20.
As always, feel free to reach out to Stacy Klepper at stacyklepper17@gmail.com or Lori Achilles at Lori.achilles@gmail.com if you have any questions. We are glad to help!
District 58 Facility Visioning Session
Please consider attending the District’s Facility Visioning Session on Monday, January 30 from 6:30-8:00pm at O’Neill Middle School. You will have an opportunity to learn more about District 58’s post-referendum draft facility plans and provide direct feedback, which the District will use to inform the final plans.
If you would like to attend, please complete this RSVP form by Tuesday, January 17. Learn more here.
Kane County Cougars Reading Club
Whittier is once again participating in the Cougars Reading Club, a reading incentive program sponsored by the Kane County Cougars baseball team. Your child will have the opportunity to improve his or her reading skills while earning a ticket to a Cougars game, along with a Cougars drawstring bag, and a free hot dog and drink to enjoy during the game. The program has begun and runs until Friday, February 10th.
All your child needs to do is read daily. Fill out the linked recording form and send it back to school. A ticket certificate will be provided later in the year.
Outdoor Recess Information
Now that the cold weather and snow is upon us, I wanted to share with you the Outdoor Recess Procedure at Whittier, and throughout District 58. We will do our best to give our students an outdoor recess opportunity whenever safe and possible. Across the District, we follow the "0" degree guideline. If the outside temperature is "0" degrees or below; or the windchill factor is "0" or below, recess is held indoors.
If recess is outdoors and there is snow is on the ground, we follow our snow procedure:
If student wears snow pants AND boots - play in the snow
If student wears snow pants OR boots - play on the blacktop
If student wears NO snow pants or boots - play on the blacktop
We want to make sure students return to the classroom after being outside in the snow ready to learn.
Please make sure your child(ren) comes to school prepared to go outdoors for recess. Coats, hats, mittens or gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants are necessary items to stay warm while playing outside in the wintery weather.
Thank you for your assistance.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedure 2022-23
Student safety is always at the forefront of our mind when planning at school. It is extremely important for all individuals who are driving students to and from school to follow all the rules of the road, along with our Whittier procedures. Please share this information with anyone transporting students.
Arrival
Students may arrive at Whittier beginning at 8:05am each day when adult supervision begins. In order to assist with a timely and safe arrival process, the school playground will be closed before school. Upon arrival, students should line up by their assigned door. Students will be directed to enter the building beginning at 8:15am. Anyone arriving after 8:15am should enter through Door One for an office pass.
Dismissal/After School
Following daily dismissal at Whittier (2:00 pm on Monday and 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday), all students who are not scheduled to remain in the building must leave the school grounds and check in at their destination as there is no supervision on school grounds. We want to ensure the safety of all students.
Students may return to the playground after school hours and/or on the weekends. This will be done at family discretion, as our district playgrounds also function as community parks outside of school hours.
Hill Street traffic - travels WEST ONLY from 8:00am-4:00pm (One Way Street)
- Hill Street will be used as a Student DROP OFF ONLY during school hours.
- Hill Street will be used as a Student PICK UP ONLY during school hours.
- Car drivers will need to travel west down Hill Street entering the Drop-off/Pick-up Lane.
- As you enter the Drop-off/Pick-up Lane, please pull all the way up to the white street
markings and drop-off or pick-up. The car does not need to be at the ramp to drop-off
or pick-up students. Driver stays in the car. Students should exit the vehicle from the
passenger side.
- If car drivers want to park and walk their child(ren) to their designated area, they may do so after parking in a designated parking space at the west end of Hill, or on Blodgett or Grand. Parents may walk students to the sidewalk.
Grand Crosswalk at the Intermediate Playground
- Students should cross the street at the Grand crosswalk at the Intermediate Playground.
- Car drivers who travel south on Grand, may drop off intermediate-level students on Grand.
- If car drivers want to park and walk their child(ren) to their designated area, they may do
so after parking in a designated parking space at the west end of Hill, or on Blodgett or
Grand. Parents may walk students to the sidewalk.
Hill & Blodgett Crosswalk
- A crossing guard will be stationed at Hill & Blodgett to assist students in crossing to
school.
Blodgett Street
- We continue to ask parents NOT to drop off students on Blodgett.
Staff Parking Lot
- Please do NOT use the Staff Parking Lot as a drop-off or pick-up location.
- Students should NOT walk through the parking lot, they should only use the sidewalks.
Student Entrance and Exit
- Each class has been assigned to a specific door for entrance and exit to the building. (See the article below for specifics for each class).
- Please follow these guidelines to assist us in maintaining safety for all.
You may also review this information in the attachment below.
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
Delivering or Dropping Off Items for your Child(ren)
Reporting Student Absence from School
As a reminder - we ask that parents report their child(ren)'s absence to the school office. Please call the school office at (630) 719-5865 (24 hours a day), and leave a message regarding your child's absence from school. You can also email the Whittier secretaries (ccasella@dg58.org and adunbar@dg58.org). It is important to notify the office of any student absence from school.
While many parents contact the classroom teacher with absence information, the school office MUST also be notified. Thank you for your assistance!
Homework Requests
We wanted to share with you how we handle homework and classwork when a student is absent. If you have any specific questions, please contact your child's teacher; otherwise, we ask that parents honor the homework request process that is followed by teachers at Whittier.
If a student is absent 3 or more days, on the third day, homework can be requested if they are feeling well enough to complete it. Otherwise, the teacher will touch base with the student upon his/her return to school and work on what needs to be made up.
If a student is going to be absent due to a vacation or other out-of-town obligation, daily homework will not be provided. Upon return to school, the teacher and student will touch base to discuss what was missed and what needs to be made up. During their time out of school, we recommend that students read, keep a journal of experiences on the trip, and practice math facts or current concepts.
There is no change to the Home Learning Connection process, which is followed when students are required to quarantine at home.
It's Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing students with cold and flu symptoms. To prevent the spread of these common viruses in the close confines of the classroom, we are cleaning daily and encouraging handwashing in the class. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
· Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
· Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
· Headache
Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:
· Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without medication)
· Vomiting (even once)
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
· Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
· Shortness of breath
· Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, encourage good hygiene habits:
· Wash hands frequently
· Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. Yearly flu vaccination is needed because immunity against the flu wears off over time. In addition, the flu virus strains often change, so the vaccine also changes from year-to-year in order to match the flu viruses expected to be circulating in the community.
Fruit/Snack Break
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
Gym Shoes for PE Class & Shoes at Recess
It is important for students to be prepared for PE class. In order to participate safely in PE class, we ask that ALL students wear closed-toe gym shoes during each PE class. This allows for maximum safety during PE activities, and does not mark up the gym floor. Students can keep a pair of gym shoes at school to change into, or wear gym shoes on PE days. If a student arrives to PE class without the appropriate shoes, he/she will be given an alternate activity to complete. He/she will not be able to participate in the regular class activity that day, due to safety concerns. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe during PE class.
In addition, we want to maintain safety at recess, too; and having students wear the proper shoes to play outside is very important. Please make sure that your child wears closed-toe shoes for outdoor recess. While sandals and flip-flops are cute and comfortable, they are not always safe for kids when they are playing. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation in keeping kids safe!
District Health Requirements
Please note the Health Requirements at different grade-levels below. Any documents may be
Kindergarten - Completed physical dated within the past year (no earlier than August 25, 2021), full immunization record and vision exam by October 15. Dental exam is required this year, but they have until May 15, 2023.
Second grade - Dental exam is required this year, but they have until May 15, 2023.
Sixth grade - Completed physical dated within the past year (no earlier than August 25, 2021), and proof of the Meningococcal and Tdap vaccinations are due by October 15. Dental exam is required this year, but they have until May 15, 2023.
District 58 invites families to voluntarily share an electronic image of their child’s vaccination card with their building’s health office. Providing proof of vaccination is not required. However, current CDC guidance excuses fully vaccinated individuals from having to quarantine unless symptomatic.
By sharing a copy of your child’s card, if your child is a close contact, having the vaccination card on hand will expedite the school’s investigation process. Copies of proof of vaccination will be kept in each student’s individual health file and treated in the same way as all health records.
Elementary Student Entry Time
Just a reminder that students now enter the building at 8:15am. Supervision still begins at 8:05am, but if your child(ren) do not want to stand in line for 10 minutes, please plan your arrival to school in the morning accordingly. Students arriving after all have entered the building will need to enter through the Main Entrance and go to the office for a tardy slip.
Student Entrance and Exit from the Building
Student Arrival
Parents may not escort their students to entry doors. Parents may walk students to the sidewalk, at which time students will join the line to enter the building.
Students may arrive at Whittier beginning at 8:05am each day when adult supervision begins. In order to assist with a timely and safe arrival process, the school playground will be closed before school. Upon arrival, students should line up by their assigned door. Students will be directed to enter the building beginning at 8:15am. Teachers will direct students to their cubby area. Anyone arriving after 8:15am should enter through Door One for an office pass.
Upon arrival to school, students in these classes will line up at the Main Entrance (Door 1):
1Q - Mrs. Quill
1R - Mrs. Richards
2Su - Ms. Sullivan
2Sw - Mr. Swade
Upon arrival to school, students in these classes will line up at the Primary Entrance at the west end of the building off the Staff Parking Lot (Door 2):
KB - Miss Boehm
KL - Mrs. Hedman
3K - Miss Karius
3M - Mrs. Modine
Upon arrival to school, students in these classes will line up at the Intermediate Entrance off the Intermediate Playground (Door 4):
4M - Mr. Miller
4S - Mrs. Smitley
5H - Mrs. Hodkowski
5L - Mrs. Lyons
6M - Mrs. Miller
6Z - Mrs. Zagorski
Student Dismissal
Following daily dismissal at Whittier (2:00 pm on Monday and 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday), all students who are not scheduled to remain in the building must leave the school grounds and check in at their destination as there is no supervision on school grounds. We want to ensure the safety of all students.
Students may return to the playground after school hours and/or on the weekends. This will be done at family discretion, as our district playgrounds also function as community parks outside of school hours.
Primary Students will dismiss from Door 2 (west end of the building near the Staff Parking Lot).
Intermediate Students will dismiss from Door 4 off the Intermediate Playground.
Safety and Security at School
The District and School Emergency Management Plans are reviewed with all staff at the start of the school year, as well as re-visited throughout the school year.
Safety Drills are held throughout the school year.
- Intruder/Lock Down Drills are practiced in coordination with the DG Police Department.
- Fire Drills are practiced in coordination with the DG Fire Department.
- Tornado/Take Cover Drills are practiced.
A Parent Guide, developed in conjunction with MAVinS (Mothers Against Violence in Schools), on talking to children about safety drills is sent home in early fall.
We do our best each and every day to maintain the safety of all who are in our school.
Whittier PTA Corner
OUR MISSION: To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Our mission requires that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) be central to our work and used in our day-to-day decisions and actions.
The Whittier PTA strives to create a kind, responsive culture where all feel welcome.
★ IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN YOUR PTA, CLICK HERE ★
★ THE NEXT PTA MEETING is TUES, JAN 17th at 7:00pm! ★
Meeting ID: 766 377 1114
Passcode: 536Hill
Agenda & Meeting Minutes posted HERE.
Whittier’s School of Excellence Action Plan, HERE
★ NATIONAL PTA SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE: ACTION PLAN ★
The results from the fall survey were compiled, reported to National PTA and used to develop Whittier’s School of Excellence Action Plan. This will be presented at Tuesday’s Meeting, more information can be found on the PTA’s website HERE.
★ WHITTIER PTA FUN FAIR ★
Saturday, January 28th 1:00-4:00pm. Free event for Whittier families @ Whittier school. There will be games, prizes, popcorn and cotton candy (while supplies last).
★ FUN LUNCH ★
Ordering closes Friday, Jan 20th. www.Boonli.com (Password WES338)
★ SAVE THE DATES: VARIETY SHOW & SPRING FUNDRAISER ★
Whittier PTA Variety Show: Saturday, March 4th 10am @ The Tivoli
Questions? Contact Melissa Rausch at whittiervarietyshow@gmail.com
Whittier PTA Spring Fundraiser: Saturday, April 29th at the Tivoli. Adult Event. Committees for planning, fundraising, etc. will begin forming soon - interested? Contact Jenn McDonald (jenn.mcdonald430@gmail.com) or Meghan Landers (meghanlanders1@gmail.com).
Calendar of Events
Sunday, January 15 - Harlem Wizards Game, DGSouth High School, 6:00pm
Monday, January 16 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Holiday
Tuesday, January 17 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Sport Stacking Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; PTA Meeting via ZOOM, 7:00pm
Wednesday, January 18 - SC Spirit Day - Slippers Day (bring your favorite slippers to change into once you arrive at school); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, January 19 - Sport Stacking Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; Downers Grove Children's Choir Winter Concert, DGNorth High School, 7:00pm
Friday, January 20 - Whittier Spirit Day (wear your favorite spirit wear or our school colors - blue and gold/yellow); Fun Lunch
Saturday, January 21 - DG58 Science Fair, OMS, 8:00am-12noon
Monday, January 23 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; SC Community Service Project for the Humane Society and West Suburban Animal Shelter
Tuesday, January 24 - 5th Grade STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Sport Stacking Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, January 25 - SC Spirit Day - Comfy Day (wear your comfortable clothes as we relax a little today at school); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, January 26 - Friendship Club, 3:00-3:45pm
Friday, January 27 - Whittier Spirit Day (wear your favorite spirit wear or our school colors - blue and gold/yellow)
Saturday, January 28 - PTA Family Fun Fair, 1:00-4:00pm
Whittier Vision Statement
Whittier strives to develop lifelong learners within a caring, safe, and healthy learning environment. Our staff will be responsive to each student and collaborate with families and community. Our students will solve problems with perseverance, and develop a social conscience which enables them to contribute to their school, family, and community. Together we will be respectful of diversity and inclusivity, and we will positively impact the world.
Whittier School
Email: mkrugman@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org/wh
Location: 536 Hill Street, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 6307195865
Twitter: @MKrugmanDG58