Whittier Weekly Newsletter
Memorial Day Edition May 31, 2021
Memorial Day
Memorial Day - This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home, to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in service of their country. We remember them in our actions and in how we treat each other.
If you would like to share messages of gratitude to those currently serving, children can create a card, picture or care package to be sent to any active duty member of the Army, Marines, Air Force , Navy or Coastguard. Visit the site www.anysoldier.com to discover how and where to send your special items.
FCPS Issued Chromebooks
Pursuant to the requirements of state regulations and audit requirements identify the need to confirm who has possession and responsibility over every device issued by the district. This verification is required at least once every 2 years. Chromebooks were left in the students' possession over the summer last year which requires the verification process this year.
Later this week, I will send a letter and invoice for replacement of the device to families for whom we have not been able to confirm usage or possession of their assigned devices. Similar to other financial obligations, families will have the option of paying for the device or finalizing the verification with the school.
For those students who will be attending a summer program, we must still verify possession of their device; but, they can retain their device until July 29th at which time they will be left at the school they are attending for their summer program.
All other Chromebooks must be turned in to the school between June 14th and June 17th.
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
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
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.
Mental Health Matters Campaign: Thank you so much for participating in our Mental Health Matters Campaign. This was the first year we have participated and it was a great success. We look forward to doing it again next year. Please take time to check out this calendar and try to do as many as you can with your child this Month. Mental Health Matters.pdf
Thank you Peer Mentors for your support! Peer Mentors MHA Week 2021
Student Small Groups Schedule: Some of our small groups continue to meet virtually. The virtual schedule for groups is posted on the Counselor’s Corner Schoology Page.
Mrs. Leatherman will be offering Lunch bunches on June 2nd, 9th and 16th during Kindergarten 10:25-10:55, 1st grade 11:00-11:30 and 2nd grade 12:05-12:35 on WHESLeatherman
HYBRID Mrs. Leatherman's Google Meet Codes
Hybrid Schedule: Mrs Reese's Groups
Please reach out to us if you need anything.
Mrs Leatherman 240-236-3135 Kirsten.Leatherman@fcps.org
Mrs Reese: 240-236-3170 Lisa.Reese@fcps.org
Media Center News from Ms. Dattoli
Please return all library books by Friday, June 4.
Students who come to school can place their library books in their classroom bin.
Virtual students can drop them off in the front lobby anytime between 8:30-4:00 Tuesday, June 1-Friday, June 4.
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 PTA Needs YOU!
At this time, we are in great need of candidates for these positions. All that is required is a big heart and some time.
If you appreciate all the activities sponsored by the PTA and feel you might be up for the challenge of volunteering while also being an active member at WHES, please consider taking a role on the PTA Executive Board for the 2021-2022 school year. Whittier has a strong and active PTA and the executive board plans many activities that enrich the lives of our children and teachers during the school year. We are currently looking for volunteers to run for all open board member seats.
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer.
This has been a tough year for our school and PTA and any support you can give the school is important for our students and school community. The incoming executive board sets the goals for each year with regards to activities, so a new board would decide how many activities to take on. The current board will help you transition into your roles with any assistance and guidance over the summer.
If you are interested in running for a position or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Leembruggen. (sleembruggen@me.com 240-481-4349)
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