What's Up at Whittier
Week of November 21
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
As we enter into Thanksgiving Week, it only makes sense to reflect on all we are thankful for.
In my school life, I am thankful for the wonderful faculty and staff that I work with and that educate our students to the best of their ability each and every day. I am thankful for the 295 students who come to school each day ready to learn all they can. I am thankful for our parents and families who support all we do along our educational journey.
In my home life, I am thankful for my spouse, my partner in life, and in raising our three amazing children. I am thankful for the three healthy kids of mine who continue to challenge me and keep me hopping, running, and feeling young. I am thankful for my extended family who are always there when we need an extra hand.
I am thankful for the home I leave each morning and return to each night and the two dogs that greet me each day and show their unconditional love. I am thankful to be the Principal of Whittier School.
Be sure to take some time this holiday season to reflect on what you are thankful for. Enjoy the holiday! Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
New Dismissal Procedure for Primary - Grades K-3
There will be no change to the arrival entrances. Grades K and 3 will still line up and enter the building in the morning at Door 2; and the 1st and 2nd grade students will still line up and enter the building in the morning at the main entrance.
Kindergarten Balloons on Parade
Virtual Book Fair
Want to support the Whittier Library AND do some holiday shopping? We are trying a virtual Anderson's Book Fair this fall. It will be open from Monday, November 21st thorough Friday, December 2nd. You have the option to have the books shipped straight to your home or to Whittier School. I might advise having them shipped to your home due to the fact that school will be closed after December 16th. Please contact Ms. Coleman at kcoleman@dg58.org if you have any questions!
PTA - Angels Mittens Program
The holiday season is upon us and the Whittier PTA has begun our annual Angel Family Mitten program. Every year we collect wish list items from our Angel Families and the PTA posts those wish list items on mittens in the vestibule. Mittens are now posted. Please consider taking a mitten, buying that item for an Angel Family member, and leaving it in the school vestibule by December 7. Be sure to attach the mitten to the item so we can ensure the gift gets to the right family. Donations of wrapping paper, tape, bows, etc. are also welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Clancy at kirstenclancy@yahoo.com.
Thank you for supporting this very worthwhile PTA community service project! This is one of our favorites, as it directly supports our Whittier students and families.
Update to the Whittier Family Book Club
On Monday, November 28th, we will have our culminating event for the Hummingbird family book club. New York Times Best-Selling Author Natalie Lloyd will join us for a virtual visit. Instead of having families meet at the library that afternoon, we will do a ZOOM meeting, in the hopes that more families can attend. Please feel free to attend even if you've not read the book--Natalie is fantastic!
Monday, November 28th
3:15 pm
Kelly Coleman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Kelly Coleman's Personal Meeting Room
Join Zoom Meeting
https://dg58.zoom.us/j/8330642875?pwd=Z2twQnVFc2J3bVlDLzJGU1BvQnpodz09
Meeting ID: 833 064 2875
Passcode: read
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.
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
Over the last couple of weeks, Whittier teachers have been receiving an increasing number of 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
Fall is here and 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.
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
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.
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.
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.
★ NOVEMBER IS THE TIME: JOIN THE PTA! ★
The PTA is for EVERYONE. Each member makes us better, even if you are unable to volunteer or attend meetings. No judgment – for real.
JOIN US: CLICK HERE JOIN YOUR PTA NOW!!
★ ANGEL FAMILIES MITTEN PROGRAM ★
Nov. 18th through December 7th
The holiday season is upon us and the PTA is kicking off the Angel Family Mitten program this week. Every year Mr. Krugman collects wish list items from our Angel Families and we post those wish list items on mittens in the vestibule. Mittens were posted on Friday (11/18) morning. Please consider taking a mitten, buying that item for an Angel Family member, and leaving it in the school vestibule by December 7th. Donations of wrapping paper, tape, bows, etc. are also welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Clancy at kirstenclancy@yahoo.com.
★ CONGRATS - REFLECTIONS ENTRIES ADVANCING TO COUNCIL! ★
We received a number of incredible Reflections entries and congratulate the following that will be advancing to the Council Level. Thank you for "showing your voice"!
Elin Carlson, 1st Grade, Photography. "A Whisper in the Ear"
Olivia Avila, 1st Grade, Literature. "How I Feel"
Clare Hayes, 2nd Grade, Dance Choreography. "Be You!"
Grace Camer, 2nd Grade, Visual Arts. "Soccer Pride"
Reese Paulik, 3rd Grade, Visual Arts. "Colorful Voice"
Jonah Wild, 3rd Grade, LIterature. "Poems by Jonah"
Bianca Ricca, 4th Grade, Literature. "San Francisco"
Rachel Avila, 4th Grade, Literature. "Our Voices Matter"
Simran Bindra, 4th Grade, Music Composition. "Simran's Song 2"
Mira Spector, 5th Grade, Visual Arts. Untitled
Harper Brock, 6th Grade, Visual Arts. "Openly Equal"
Raylynn Bingel, 6th Grade, Visual Arts. "My Wish"
Please mark your calendars for the Reflections ceremony at Herrick Middle School on December 6th. More details coming soon!
QUESTIONS? CONTACT Christine Paulik/Jenn McDonald reflectionswhittier@gmail.com
★ START ORDERING YOUR GIFT CARDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! ★
All orders need to be submitted by Sunday December 11th at midnight, cards should arrive the following week (midweek).
Need more info? Check out the RaiseRight info on the PTA website: HERE.
HERE is a link to RaiseRight
Enrollment Code: MXUC7281TCYN
Please email Kari Fredrich at karifredrich11@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks!
★ FALL EXPERIENCES ★
Sessions are still open! Join us this Sign-up HERE.
★ WINTER/SPRING YOUNG REMBRANDTS ★
Winter/Spring Session is open for registration! Young Rembrandts is a fee-based Art program on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting Jan 10th (ending March 21st). More information and registration HERE.
Calendar of Events
Monday, November 21 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; Board of Education Curriculum Workshop, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Tuesday, November 22 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, November 24 - Happy Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
Friday, November 25 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Monday, November 28 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; Toys for Tots Drive Begins (through Fri, Dec 9); Whittier Virtual Book Fair Begins (through Fri, Dec 9)
Tuesday, November 29 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, November 30 - Student Council Spirit Day - Rock Star Day (dress as your favorite Rock Star); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, December 1 - BAM Theater Program, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, December 2 - Whittier Spirit Day (wear your Whittier Spirit Wear or school colors - blue and gold or yellow to show your school spirit); Fun Lunch
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