Whittier Weekly Newsletter
June 6, 2021
Thank Our Whittier Parents and Caregivers
As we look ahead, I want to make sure that I have opportunities to get to know you and to learn of your wishes for our school and for your student. Over the summer, I will be making some times available for us to do so. I look forward to it.
In the meantime, we are going to finish strong and make the most of the days we have remaining in this school year. Please plan to be with us until the very last day. They all matter.
With my kindest regards to you,
Mr. Lorcan OhEithir, Principal
Returning FCPS Issued Chromebooks
Wednesday, June 16th between 2:00-5:00 at the front of the school
Thursday, June 17th between 2:30-7:00 at the front of the school
Friday, June 18th between 8:00 am- 4:00 pm at the front of the school
When you arrive, you will be given a label with your child's name, Grade Level, and teacher so that the device can be properly accounted for.
Thank you very much for your assistance with this complex task.
Whittier Elementary School Yearbook
Grab a yearbook as a keepsake of this most unusual of years. You won't regret it. We have intentionally delayed production in order to capture as much of this year as possible. The yearbook will be delivered later in the summer. The cost is $20.
Go to: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob
Enter Code: 11045621
Mrs. Coats and a group of staff have been working diligently to capture memories of the year.
They are asking families to send in pictures of their virtual learners to add to the yearbook, and don't want to leave anyone out.
Please send pictures to Leah.Coats@fcps.org. Thank you!
Celebrating our 5th Grade Students
For parents of 5th Graders, some fantastic planning has been in the works for several months to celebrate our 5th graders. Thank you to Beth Sands, Jennifer Milsovic, and all of the 5th grade planning committee.
Some dates are below:
June 9th: 5th Grade Awards Ceremonies 6:00-7:00 pm in GoogleMeets (teachers will share specifics)
June 14th: School Spirit Week to Honor our 5th Graders: Wear Neon
June 15th: School Spirit Week: Be a Good Sport: Wear Fitness Gear or Sportswear
June 16th: Spirit Week: Hats Off to a Great Year- Wear a Favorite Hat (This is a 2-hr early dismissal day)
June 16th: Mark your calendars please. 5th Grade Clap-out @ 5:00 pm in Car-rider loop. Students and families drive through and pick up 5th Grade Goodies Buckets and see the traditional Legacy Gift that has been created by our current 5th graders as a gift to our school. Staff will be there to cheer you on and celebrate you.
June 17th: Last Day of School. The annual Flag Lowering Ceremony will be recorded at 9:00 am and broadcast to students and families.
Spirit Week: Red White & Blue- Show Your School Spirit
Band & Orchestra: Current 3rd and 4th Graders Sign Up for Next Year
We'd like to invite all current 3rd graders to sign up for next year's 4th grade Band or Orchestra, and all current 4th graders to sign up for next year’s 5th grade Band or Orchestra!
We would love the opportunity to teach you!
Click here for our website that has information about the program, including a sign up form:
3rd and 4th Grade Band/Orchestra Information and Sign-Up Website
Please take a look at our website, which has a Recruiting Video of our county’s Instrumental Music Teachers and also video clips of each of the instruments included in the program. The gift of music is one that lasts a lifetime!
Nick Stevens & Jilby Cheston
Instrumental Music Teachers
Enrolling for Pre-K or Kindergarten - All Information Here
If you know someone who has a pre-k or kindergarten student who will come to Whittier in the fall, please encourage them to contact the school or to go online to enroll now at:
As always, we are committed to serving you. Please let us know what you need.
Sincerely,
Lorcan OhEithir, Principal
Family Services During Summer
We’ve learned a lot during the pandemic. We have learned that families appreciate having a variety of easy ways to conduct business with school and central staff. As we transition into summer, we are sharing the following details about our summer operating schedule.
Four Day Week:
Like previous years, beginning Monday, June 21, 2021, FCPS will transition to the 4-day workweek schedule for the summer months. We will return to the normal 5-day workweek on August 9, 2021.
Happy Fourth of July! All offices are closed Monday, July 5, in observance of the July 4th holiday.
Services for Families by Appointment:
From June 28 to July 29, families can conduct business by making an appointment with school and central staff. These appointments can be in person or virtual. Virtual services can be conducted by phone or via Google Meets. Please contact your child’s school to schedule an appointment during the hours outlined below:
- Central Office: 8:00-5:00
- Elementary Schools: 8:00-5:00
- Middle Schools: 8:00-5:00
- High Schools: 7:30-4:30
Walk In Services for Families:
From June 28 to July 29, families can conduct school business via walk in services during the hours outlined below:
- Central Office: 8:30-1:30
- Elementary Schools: 8:30-1:30
- Middle Schools: 8:00-1:00
- High Schools: 7:30-12:30
Transition Weeks to Prepare for 2021-22
Two weeks this summer (June 21-25 and August 2-5) have been designated to allow school staff to focus on shifting from the hybrid model to full, five day per week programming. Staff will also be supporting our comprehensive summer program offerings. During these two weeks, limited appointment opportunities will be available, but families may reach staff via email with responses provided within two (2) business days.
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Leatherman
Student Small Groups Schedule: Small groups will continue to meet virtually through June 11th. The Small Groups Schedule is posted on the Counselor’s Corner Schoology Page. Here is an outline of the Virtual groups. Thank you to those students who have participated in groups this year!
HYBRID Mrs. Leatherman's Google Meet Codes Hybrid Schedule: Mrs Reese's Groups
Kids Like Us: will meet for the final time this year on Tuesday, June 8th at 3:00. (this is a change) The link for KLU students will be shared in Schoology Messenger and email.
MILITARY STUDENTS: Ms. Lauren Wynn will be leaving her assignment as the CYB Military Family Life Counselor this summer. Please make sure to thank her for all of her support these past few years. All are welcome to attend the Military Student Group on Wednesday June 9th at 3:00. A link to this virtual meeting will be sent out on Wednesday to all students who have signed up for this group, as usual. If you would like to attend, please contact Mrs. Reese through Schoology messenger, by phone or email. We will miss you, Ms. Lauren!
Moving Up to Middle School - Mrs Reese will be presenting lessons to the fifth grade classes about the Transition to Middle School the week of June 7-11th. Ms.Dawn Irwin, the WFMS 6th grade school counselor will be visiting our fifth grade classrooms on June 14th. Ms. Irwin will be sending out a link to her Schoology Page and a Welcome video to all 5th grade students in the coming weeks.
Fifth Grade Leadership Positions- We will be interviewing the 4th grade students who completed an application for 5th grade Leadership Positions (Safety Patrol and Peer Mentor) the week of June 7-11. We will contact students to let them know their interview day and time next week.
Bus Safety: Please remember to wear your mask on the bus at all times. We know it is hot but we need for students to keep their mask on. Remember to follow all the bus and school rules while riding the bus. It is a privilege to ride the bus.
Mrs. Leatherman 240-236-3135 Kirsten.Leatherman@fcps.org
Mrs. Reese: 240-236-3170 Lisa.Reese@fcps.org
Media Center News from Ms. Dattoli
Did you miss the June 4th drop-off?
These things happen. Better late than never - please bring any library books by as soon as possible so Ms. Dattoli can work on the inventory.
Not sure what your child has checked out? This video will show you how to access your child's account to see the titles and covers of the books they still have checked out. Questions? Email tina.dattoli@fcps.org. Thank you!
Did you know that if your child reads at least 4 books over the summer, it will help to prevent the summer slide? To keep your child motivated to read over the summer, FCPL will launch their 2021 Summer Reading Program on June 1. (They also have programs and prizes for teens and adults!)
For more information, visit: https://www.fcpl.org/programs-events/summer-challenge
Students will also have access to ebook platforms, Capstone and Sora, found on the school library media center's website: https://education.fcps.org/whes/mediacenter. Login information to access these wonderful ebooks and audiobooks can be found at the top of this webpage. Happy reading!
Whittier Elementary School - Believe, Achieve, Succeed
We will also communicate through our school website
Follow me on Twitter @fcpsOhEithir where I will communicate school news and happenings
Email: lorcan.oheithir@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whes/home
Location: 2400 Whittier Drive, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
Phone: (240) 236 3100
Twitter: @fcpsOhEithir