What's Up at Whittier
Week of September 11
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
We are in full swing at Whittier! We have completed all of our introductory school activities, almost finished up all the start of the year benchmarking assessments, and hosted our annual Curriculum Night for all parents and guardians. All of our Specials classes have begun, Band and Orchestra lessons begin this week, and PTA Fun Lunch begins later this month. Active learning is happening every day at Whittier!
We are so pleased with how all our students have adjusted and transitioned back into another school year. We have lots to accomplish this school year, and together, we will!
As always, thank you for sending your children to us each day - ready to take on new adventures and learn all they can! We appreciate all of your support!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong!
Michael Krugman - Whittier Principal
Calendar of Events
Monday, September 11 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; Patriot Day; BOE Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Wednesday, September 13 - School Picture Day; Craft Club - Grades 1 & 2, 3:00-3:30pm
Friday, September 15 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or blue and gold to show your school spirit; DG Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 16 - DG Oktoberfest
Monday, September 18 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today
Tuesday, September 19 - Reading Club, 3:00-3:40pm; PTA Meeting, 7:00pm via ZOOM
Wednesday, September 20 - Craft Club - Grades 3-6, 3:00-3:30pm
Friday, September 22 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or blue and gold to show your school spirit; Fun Lunch
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the September Make Kindness the Norm Calendar. There are fun things you can do each day to spread kindness and make it the norm.
Thanks for helping us "make kindness the norm" all year long!
School Hours for 2023-24
Kindergarten Half- Day:
8:15-11:20am (Monday-Friday)
Grades K-6:
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 2023-24, which includes all school days off.
Patriot Day
Monday is the anniversary of September 11, 2001, a significant day in our nation’s history. September 11th has been designated Patriot Day by our President. On this day, the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-mast at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46am. In accordance with the President’s request, flags throughout District 58 will be flown at half-mast on Monday and students will be invited to observe a brief moment of silence. Although the events of September 11, 2001 are not directly taught in K-8 school curriculum, we encourage parents to discuss this significant event in our nation’s history with our children to the extent and depth you believe is developmentally appropriate for your child(ren). Additionally, this is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our children to look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless, and loving, and, if possible, to say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe. One reason we remember September 11th is that we want to preserve the memory of the victims who lost their lives and those who died in service to others. Another reason to remember is to honor the courageous service of our firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and military. In the face of this disaster, we saw courage: firefighters, police officers, and paramedics rushed to help. We saw selflessness: strangers helped strangers. We saw love: people from around the world sent cards, supplies, and comfort. This is an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive activity by honoring the good work of others and by doing good works ourselves. Today, look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless, and loving, and if possible, say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
Curriculum Night
The Home/School Communication Line is very important to us, so if at any time, you have a question, concern, or comment, please do not hesitate to contact us at school. The best way to contact us is through email, but please remember, staff are working with children most of the school day, so we may not get back to you before the end of the school day, but will respond within 24 hours. You can always call the Whittier Office at (630) 719-5865 and leave a message as well.
We are all looking forward to a wonderful school year, and truly appreciate each of you and your support!
BAND and ORCHESTRA Update
We are so excited to launch a new year in BAND and ORCHESTRA and begin making music together again! We look forward to seeing returning students and also are thrilled to meet the more than 400 beginners who are starting their musical journey this year!
Lessons will be starting at each elementary school the week of Sept. 11th. In the fall, students will also participate in weekly after school rehearsals to prepare for their concerts! Please watch for an email from your student’s orchestra or band teacher with details about lesson and rehearsal schedules. . Click here to meet your band and orchestra teachers - we look forward to seeing you soon!
Health/Physical Examination & Immunization Record due October 15
As required by law, all new students, as well as students entering grades K, 2, and 6, must receive health examinations and immunizations and submit completed health forms by October 15th. To learn more check out the Health Services page on the District 58 website.
Thank you to many of the families who have already completed and submitted these forms. In accordance with Illinois law, failure to comply with these requirements by Oct 15 of the current school year, or 30 days following registration for first-time registrants, will result in the student's exclusion from school until such requirements have been met. All sections of the child examination form must be completed including the health history, which must be completed by the parent.
District 58 communicates frequently regarding these requirements as it is our hope to avoid school exclusion for all of our students. If you are in need of additional assistance, our school nurse, (Laura Monyek, lmonyek@dg58.org, (630) 719-5865), would be happy to assist you in answering questions or connecting you with resources to complete this requirement.
Can We Reach You in an Emergency?
If you have not yet opted into the District’s text messaging service, please text “Y” or “yes” to 67587 to ensure that you will receive text messages from District 58. Text messages will only be sent rarely and only for critical information such as a school closing.
Whittier Craft Club
Does your child like to do crafts? This year Mrs. Gergits will be hosting an after-school craft club. The Craft Club will meet on various days after school from 3:00-3:30pm. There will be a sign-up provided a few weeks prior in the What’s Up at Whittier and the Whittier PTA Newsletter. So that materials can be purchased, there will be a deadline to sign up. Depending on the craft difficulty, select grade levels will be invited to participate.
As part of this club, Mrs. Gergits is also looking for Craft Cadets or students in 4th - 6th Grade who would like to assist her. Craft Cadets will also need to sign up for each session and will meet with Mrs. Gergits the day of the Craft Club during their lunch recess to preview the project. Cadets must like to help younger students and be a positive leader.
Our first two Craft Club sessions are as follows. Remember students must sign up in advance and the sessions are grade level specific.
Fabric Apple Craft
1st and 2nd Grade
Wednesday, September 13th
3:00- 3:30 in the Learning Lab
Sign Up Link: Fabric Apple Craft Sign Up Link
Paper Quilling Apple
3rd - 6th Grade
Wednesday, September 20th
3:00-3:30 in the Learning Lab
Sign Up Link: Paper Quilling Apple Sign Up Link
Craft Cadet sign up is on each individual form linked above.
Whittier Reading Club
Whittier Fun Lunch Order Information
See the attachment below for information on how to order your child(ren)'s Fun Lunch this year. Registration and Ordering takes place from August 28 through September 11.
OKTOBERFEST Volunteers Needed
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 is gearing up for our 10th Annual Oktoberfest ! As we celebrate a decade of fun, friendship, and supporting our schools, we need YOU to make it the best yet.
Dates: Friday, September 15 & Saturday, September 16
We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers for various shifts across both days. Whether you've got a knack for setting up, serving, or simply bringing smiles, we have a place for you.
Ready to join in the fun? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/45XB4iF
Thank you for your ongoing support! It's the strength of our community that makes events like this so successful. Let's come together and make this Oktoberfest a memorable milestone!
Whittier PTA Corner
Whittier PTA 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 be central to our work and used in our day-to-day decisions and actions. Learn more HERE.
The Whittier PTA strives to create a kind, responsive culture where all feel welcome.
★ DON’T FORGET TO SIGN-UP FOR YOUR PTA! ★
JOIN HERE … The Membership Race is On!!
PTA Memberships by Classroom as of Friday, Sept 8th...
Kindergarten (Boehm) = 53%
Kindergarten (Hedman) = 72%
First (Richards) = 50%
First (Quill) = 68%
Second (Swade) = 39%
Second (Sullivan) = 68%
Third (Modine) = 63%
Third (Karius) = 59%
Fourth (Miller) = 30%
Fourth (Smitely) = 39%
Fifth (Hodkowski) = 33%
Fifth (Lyons) = 52%
Sixth (Miller) = 33%
Sixth (Zagorski) = 52%
★ FUN LUNCH ORDERING CLOSES MONDAY, SEPT 11! ★
ORDER NOW! More INFO on our website.
Go to https://boonli.com; Password is: WES338
★ FALL FUNDRAISER - SAVE THE DATE! ★
FRIDAY, OCT 27th - The Haunted Hustle (PTA Family Fun Run) - more info HERE.
★ SPRING FUNDRAISER - CO-CHAIRS NEEDED! ★
Enjoy event planning? The Spring Fundraiser is typically a fun adult (parent/guardian/staff) event and is in need of Co-Chairs as soon as possible. More information HERE.
Interested? Contact president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ JOIN US for THE FIRST PTA MEETING OF THE YEAR! ★
Tuesday, September 19th at 7:00pm via Zoom, LINK HERE
Meeting ID 476 355 8071
Password: WH PTA
Check the website for the agenda closer to the date (HERE).
★ LANGUAGE LABS REGISTRATION IS OPEN ★
Language Labs is hosting a fee-based Spanish program at Whittier after school on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 4th (ending Jan 31). More information and registration HERE. We need one more Parent/Guardian Volunteer to support this program!
The Volunteer will receive a 50% discounted tuition for their student. More info HERE. Interested? Contact president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ YOUNG REMBRANDTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN ★
Young Rembrandts is hosting a fee-based art program at Whittier after school on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 3 (ending Dec 19). More information and registration HERE. We need a Parent/Guardian Volunteer to support this program!
Young Rembrandts is able to offer a tuition discount to the student of the parent/guardian volunteer. More info HERE. Interested? Contact president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ JOIN BOX TOPS ★
A simple and fun way to support our school! Download the app HERE.
*100% goes to Whittier Elementary School
*Use referral code LHKR54FN
★ SHOP DG AND RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR PTA★
Save the Date: Sept 28th from 10:00am-8:00pm! The Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation is hosting a fundraiser event that supports DG businesses and local PTAs! More info HERE.
WHITTIER GENERAL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND RESOURCES
School Supply Lists for 2023-24
Arrival and Dismissal Procedure 2023-24
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.
- There is no parking on the west side of Blodgett, south of Randall from 2:30-3:30pm. Please follow these parking regulations.
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.
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.
Student Arrival Reminders
As we continue to observe and live through Student Arrival, please remember to follow these helpful procedures:
1. As our Kindergarten and 3rd graders arrive at the Primary Wing Entrance, we ask that parents allow students to line up on the blacktop, and then move to the grass area or sidewalk to wait for the bell to ring. Parents are welcome to drop students off and then head home, as well. Staff supervision and student safety patrols begin at 8:05am and remain with students until they enter the building at 8:15am.
2. As our 1st and 2nd graders arrive at the Main Entrance, we ask that parents line up along the sidewalk. Please do not wait in the street or too close to the street, as this is our Drop-off Lane. Parents are welcome to drop students off and then head home, as well. Staff supervision and student safety patrols begin at 8:05am and remain with students until they enter the building at 8:15am.
3. As our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders arrive at the Intermediate Entrance, as ask that parents wait on the other side of the fence. Parents are welcome to drop students off and then head home, as well. Staff supervision and student safety patrols begin at 8:05am and remain with students until they enter the building at 8:15am.
While we all love our furry four-legged friends, and many of them are so cute, we do ask that you keep all pets off of school property. Some of our students may be allergic or scared of dogs and other pets. You are welcome to walk to school with them, but then please stay on the sidewalks across the road on Hill, Blodgett, and Grand.
Thank you for your cooperation, and for assisting us in maintaining the safety of our students.
Safety and Security at School
The District has instituted the RAPTOR security system this school year, which requires ALL visitors to show a state-issued ID, have it scanned, and then the visitor receives a name badge to wear during their entire stay in the building. Please be prepared to show your ID upon arrival at Whittier.
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/ALICE 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.
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 kpeters@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!
Fruit/Snack Break
Gym Shoes for PE Class & Shoes at Recess
As the school year begins, we want to remind you about wearing appropriate and safe footwear to school. Please review the article below.
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!
Delivering or Dropping Off Items for your Child(ren)
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.
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
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