What's Up at Whittier
Week of September 25
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
This past week, Whittier joined the "Start with Hello" pledge as part of the Sandy Hook Promise. We all took the pledge and they are on display in the Primary Hallway. We want all of our Whittier students to feel like they belong, and that "starts with hello." See the article below for more information.
This past week, we had a large number of students using their Smart Watch to communicate with parents during the school day. We reminded these students that personal electronics are not allowed to be used during the school day. If a student or parent needs to communicate during the school day, we ask that this communication take place through the school office. Please remind your child(ren) that personal electronic devices are not allowed to be used during the school day. Please refer to Board Policy 7:190 in the attachment below.
While a student can bring their electronic device (including cell phones and AirPods) to school, all non-district-issued technologies are to be silenced and out of sight throughout the school day. Students are allowed to wear smartwatches, but they are to be silenced during the school day. Parents - PLEASE DO NOT text or call your child using their personal device while at school. ALL communication needs to go through our main office at (630) 719-5865. The district-provided technology will be utilized for students to participate in lessons and complete assignments. Please be sure to go over the expectations with your student.
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 25 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; All School PBSS Assembly
Wednesday, September 27 - Walking Club
Friday, September 29 - 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
Monday, October 2 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; National Custodians Day
Tuesday, October 3 - Reading Club, 3:00-3:40pm; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, October 4 - Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day; Walking Club; 5/6 STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 5 - BAM Theater, 3:15-4:15pm
Friday, October 6 - 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.
Start With Hello
The Start with Hello Promise Pledge asks us all to:
Have empathy for those around me.
Reach out to peers who may be alone, left out, or isolated.
Be an Upstander who uses my voice when something seems wrong, whether it be for my community, a peer, or myself.
Always start with a friendly "hello."
We will continue to revisit and strengthen our pledge throughout the school year. We will all "start with hello." Our pledge of hands will serve as a reminder to all of us. Please consider joining us and follow the Start with Hello Promise Pledge.
Craft Club - calling Kindergarteners
It is Kindergarten's turn for Craft Club. Kinder Craft Club will be on Tuesday, October 3rd from 3:00-3:30pm in the Learning Lab. Students will be making milk jug Jack-O-Lanterns.
Sign up by Friday, September 29th. Sign-up is required and can be done through the following link. Kinder Craft Club Sign Up Link https://forms.gle/tyxeAwwhdsNtdUTv9.
Please note this month's Craft Club conflicts with Reading Club. Your child will need to select which one they would like to attend. Remember sign-up is required for Craft Club.
Mrs. Gergits is also looking for Craft Cadets to help with this month's club. If your child is in 4th-6th grade and would like to assist, use the link above to sign up.
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.
PTA Fall Fundraiser - The Haunted Hustle!
It is time! Registration is NOW OPEN for the Haunted Hustle! Our 1-mile costume fun run will take place on October 27th. You MUST register by October 6th to get a Haunted Hustle t-shirt. Additional long-sleeved and hooded sweatshirts are available for purchase! Paper flyers will come home on Monday.
https://raceroster.com/events/2023/76216/whittier-pta-haunted-hustle#event-schedule
PTA Masterpiece of the Month Program
For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Masterpiece of the Month is a monthly art program for Grades K-5. Students are introduced to an Artist and one of their famous masterpieces through discussion, crafts, and reading. One parent (or sometimes grandparent) volunteer will be assigned to each class once a month to present an artist, read a short book about them, and bring in a coordinating art project or craft to go along with it. The time commitment is about a 1/2 hour during the school day, once or twice this school year, which you will coordinate with your child's teacher. There will be a calendar set up so that you know which artist and month you are selecting ahead of time. All of the artist's books and a large print of one of their famous masterpieces will be waiting for you at Whittier, all you'll have to do is come up with a coordinating project!
If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about this program, please contact Elizabeth Berger at esolnerberger@gmail.com
This is a great way to get in the classroom and have some fun with your child and their classmates!!
Order your 2023-2024 Whittier Yearbook!
Hello Parents! The 2023-2024 Yearbook is available for order. Please see the attached flier. If you order before Oct. 31, you will receive a 10% discount! As with previous years, you are able to create 2 customized pages to add to your child's yearbook FOR FREE. Additional pages can be added for a fee.
Please note the NONNEGOTIABLE deadline of April 12 for completing custom pages. :)
Let me know if you have any questions.
Mrs. Z (ezagorski@dg58.org)
FREE Mental Health Series for Parents of Youth
Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream has a task force that created a 4-part series on adolescent Mental Health Series for Parents starting in October.
The adolescent mental health 4-part series is described in the attached flyer. Speakers have expertise and passion for the topics they will be presenting. This program series should prove to be invaluable.
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.
More details provided in the Whittier Weekly (PTA Newsletter) - Exclusively sent to Members of the PTA
Join Your PTA Now!
★ DON’T FORGET TO SIGN-UP FOR YOUR PTA! ★
JOIN HERE … The Membership Race is On!! See Facebook for updates!
★ WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY GO?? ★
The PTA is a mission-based, non-profit organization run by volunteers, all money raised goes toward supporting the amazing events, programs, and services we organize for teachers, students, and families!
The PTA directly supports our children/students, funding:
General and Fine Arts Field Trips (budget $8,000)
Programs and Assemblies (budget $4,000)
Field Day (budget $1,800)
Variety Show (budget $1,975)
And Much More - see the "Student Expenses" section of the PTA budget!
The PTA also supports our school, teachers and staff, and families!
Take a look at the budget HERE
★ THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE FIRST PTA MEETING ★
We had over 30 attendees - yay!! See below for more details about what was covered:
Minutes are (HERE)
Teacher Wish Lists are HERE
★ FIRST RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR!★
Pierce Tavern on Tuesday, Sept 26th from 4:00-10:00pm! 10% of the sales will go to Whittier PTA when you dine in or carry out - be sure to mention Whittier PTA!
★ 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, Hallpasses to print HERE.
★ FALL EXPERIENCES ARE LIVE! ★
Take a look HERE - Register soon!!
★ WALK OR ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY IS WEDNESDAY, OCT 4th!★
Let's get out and get moving, Whittier Family!
Grab your walking shoes or wheels/helmet for this annual national event!
There will be fun encouragement as kids arrive at school.
The PTA will provide students with their healthy snack this day!
★ FALL FUN RUN - SAVE THE DATE! ★
FRIDAY, OCT 27th - The Haunted Hustle (PTA Family Fun Run) - register HERE.
**Register by Oct 6th to receive a T-shirt.
★ WHITTER WEAR SHARE ★
Get ready for our fall Whittier Wear & Share program!
How it works:
1. Gather your gently used & washed Whittier Spirit Wear that your household no longer wants.
2. In early October, we’ll start the collection process. Similar to last year, you’ll be able to drop off items in the school foyer at the front entrance in the designated bin.
3. Items will be organized by size and displayed for selection during October’s Parent-Teacher Conferences. All families are welcome to take what they want for their little jaguars at no cost.
In other spirit wear news, we’ll be opening the fall online shop in October with some fresh new designs!
★ MASTERPIECE OF THE MONTH - VOLUNTEERS WELCOME! ★
This is a fun (and rare!) opportunity to engage with your child’s classroom highlighting different artists (no experience necessary). HERE is more information. Please contact Liz Berger (esolnerberger@gmail.com) if you have questions or would like to volunteer!
★ WALKING CLUB IS BACK! ★
Fun (and easy!) Volunteer Opportunity:
Whittier Walking Club is set to kick off for the year on Sept 20th. You can sign up for a Wed midday slot HERE.
Don't know what Walking Club is? Take a look HERE for more info
Questions? Sarah B. and Kristin W. are your go-tos for anything!
Sarah B. sarahtbogs@gmail.com
Kristen W. waszak.kristin@gmail.com
★ 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 a Parent/Guardian Volunteer to support this program!
Language Labs is able to offer a tuition discount to the student of the parent/guardian volunteer (100% if one volunteer, 50% if split between 2 volunteers). 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 Parent/Guardian Volunteers to support this program!
Young Rembrandts is able to offer a tuition discount to the student of the parent/guardian volunteer (100% if one volunteer, 50% if split between 2 volunteers). More info HERE. Interested? Contact president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ CHESS SCHOLARS REGISTRATION IS OPEN ★
Chess Club is hosting a fee-based Spanish program on Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 19th (ending Dec 14th). More information and registration HERE.
Parent/Guardian Volunteer Position is Filled! (-:
★ 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
WHITTIER GENERAL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND RESOURCES
School Supply Lists for 2023-24
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.
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