What's Up at Whittier
Week of October 10
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
The Fall Season is definitely in full swing. We have all been able to enjoy Fall weather and activities. With Fall, brings our Parent Teacher Conferences. More information can be found in the article later in the newsletter.
The end of October also brings the Halloween season. Please see the article below for more information on Halloween at Whittier.
Finally, the PTA Fall Fundraiser, our Hot Chocolate Run, is scheduled for Friday, October 21. We hope you are registered and ready for a fun afternoon.
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.
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!
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.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. During this month we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this week we recognized the scientific and environmental contributions of Mario Molina. He is a Nobel Prize winning scientist who played a huge role in the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole. He discovered that Freon causes holes in our ozone layers. Due to his scientific work, we now have environmental laws to protect our ozone layer and in turn protect our planet. In 2013 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Isolation - Double Take
PTA Reflections Contest - Show Your Voice
The Reading Games Registration
The Reading Games will return for its ninth year on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at O'Neill Middle School. The Reading Games is a fun and friendly reading competition open to District 58 students in grades 3-8.
Start forming teams now! Team and individual registration is open now through November 2. Please click here for general Reading Games information, including team and individual registration links. Visit www.readinggamesdg58.com for detailed information.
The Reading Games also seeks question writer volunteers! Click here to learn more information and to sign up to volunteer.
Gaga Pit Platform - Help Needed
If we had a wooden platform around the outside of the Gaga Pit, we could leave it open after it rains or snows. We have money in our PTA Outdoor Improvement Projects Fund for the materials, but we need a committee of volunteers to draw plans and then build the platform. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Mr. Krugman (via email at mkrugman@dg58.org or by phone 630-719-5865) to have your name added to our committee. If you have any questions, please direct them to Mr. Krugman. Once we have our group assembled and ready to start, Kevin Barto and Geoff Neustadt (Director and Asst Director of Buildings & Grounds) will assist us in organizing this project.
Thank you for your help!
Parent Teacher Conferences
District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for fall 2022 Parent Teacher Conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system starting Thursday, October 6 at 11am, at www.PowerPTC.net. PowerPTC is the same tool District 58 used for winter conferences.
The signup window will close on Monday, October 17 at 11am.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in person. However, families who require a remote option should schedule their conference in PowerPTC and then change the meeting type from “in person” to “video conference.”
Conferences will take place:
Preschool through sixth grade conferences:
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4:40-8pm
Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4:40-8pm
Friday, Oct. 21 from 8-11:20am
Middle school conferences:
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4:50-8pm
Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4:50-8pm
Friday, Oct. 21 from 8-11:20am
Please view the parent-teacher conference signup guide to learn how to sign up for a conference using the new system, along with other helpful information.
District 58 Informational Referendum Open Houses
Please consider attending District 58's upcoming Informational Referendum Open Houses to learn more about the District 58 referendum.
Open House #1:
Thursday, October 13 from 6:30-8pm
O'Neill Middle School, 635 59th St.
Open House #2:
Monday, October 17 from 6:30-8pm
Herrick Middle School, 4435 Middaugh Ave.
The open houses will include a brief presentation, tour and a question-and-answer opportunity. To learn more, please visit District 58's referendum information website at www.dg58.org/referendum. This website includes links to the Master Facility Plan, facility presentation, videos, frequently asked questions and much more.
Pictured below: Herrick’s boiler room (see it in person if you attend the Oct. 17 open house!)
Halloween at Whittier
This year, our Whittier Spooktacular Halloween Experience will take place on Monday, October 31. Students may wear their costumes to school or bring them to change into after lunch. Our Halloween Parade will begin in the building at 12:30pm, and make its way outside around 12:45pm. Halloween Room Parties will follow at 1:00pm, and end by 1:45pm, in order to dismiss students at 2:00pm. AM only Kindergarten students will be invited back for the afternoon activities, if they wish to participate. Please review the information below and help us maintain a safe Halloween experience at school.
Costumes
- Costumes will be allowed, and can be worn to school or changed into after lunch.
- Costumes should allow for safe classroom navigation and participation in all regular activities during the day.
- Costume/Look Alike Weapons of any kind are NOT allowed at school.
- Costume should not glorify violence and/or be offensive to any culture/group.
- Costume should not impair vision or ability to walk (costume masks will only be allowed during the outdoor parade).
- Costume should allow child to be comfortable in the weather/temperature, as students will go outside for recess, as well as the Halloween Parade.
Halloween Parade
- The Whittier Halloween Parade will be held outdoors (weather depending), beginning at 12:45pm, with spectators allowed to view along the outer sidewalk surrounding the Intermediate (East) Playground.
- Visitors will not be permitted if the parade is held indoors.
Halloween Room Parties
- Halloween Room Parties will begin, following the Halloween Parade, at approximately 1:00pm. Only approved room parents will be allowed to enter the building.
- Room Party activities may include a healthy snack (fruit and vegetable creations, along with bottled water or 100% fruit juice), crafts, story/read aloud, and appropriate games.
Students will be dismissed at the regular 2:00pm dismissal time for Monday.
District 58 has a rich and diverse population in our learning community. District 58 staff members recognize that many families have different beliefs; and because of religious, cultural, or personal reasons, some families may choose to not be involved in Halloween activities. If you would not like your child(ren) to participate in Halloween activities, please communicate this with your classroom teacher and principal(s). We will then find an alternative location and activity for your child during the Halloween activities.
A Request from the Health Services Office
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
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. If you have not already scheduled your appointment this is a good time to plan ahead! Failure to comply with these requirements by the end of the day on October 15, or 30 days following registration for first-time registrants, of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until such requirements have been met according to Illinois law. 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), would be happy to assist you in accessing resources or assisting in removing other barriers to completing this requirement.
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.
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 their exterior classroom doors.
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.
★ WALK OR ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY IS WEDNESDAY, OCT 12th!★
Grab your walking shoes or wheels for this annual national event! There's nothing like a little morning activity and we would love to see the Whittier community get out and get moving! There will be fun encouragement as kids arrive at school AND the PTA will provide students with their healthy snack this day!
So lace up those shoes, grab your helmet and walk/roll to school on Wednesday, Oct 12th!
★ HOT CHOCOLATE FUN RUN - REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!★
Join in on the fun and family activities on Friday, Oct 21st! Sign-up HERE.
★ ORDER YOUR TAKE & BAKE PIZZA BY WED, OCT 12th!★
The Family Fun Committee has partnered with Home Run Inn Pizza to arrange take-and-bake pizza to align with the Fun Run! Pizza can be picked up On Oct 17, 18, or 19 at the Darien location. Enjoy anytime or wait to bake your pizza(s) after the Fun Run! ORDER HERE.
★ FALL EXPERIENCES★
Sessions are still open! Sign-up HERE.
★ REFLECTIONS★
The National PTA Reflections Arts Program invites all Whittier students (grades K–6) to create an original creative work in this year’s theme: Show Your Voice! More info HERE.
★ MASTERPIECE OF THE MONTH NEEDS VOLUNTEERS★
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 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ★
Only 3 spots left for Wed Oct 26th (11:20am-12:20pm) for the coveted role of a prize passer-outer!! Come feel like a hero as you exchange tickets for smiles and give students fun prizes for their walking club efforts!
Calendar of Events
Monday, October 10 - No School - Columbus Day Holiday
Tuesday, October 11 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; BOE Regular Meeting, 7:00pm, O'Neill Middle School
Wednesday, October 12 - Walk & Roll to School Day; PTA Walking Club, Lunch Recess; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 13 - BAM Theater, 3:00-4:00pm; District 58 Referendum Informational Open House, 6:30pm, O'Neill Middle School
Friday, October 14 - Whittier Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or gold; PTA Fun Lunch
Monday, October 17 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; District 58 Referendum Informational Open House, 6:30pm, Herrick Middle School
Tuesday, October 18 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:00pm; PTA Hot Chocolate Run Race Packet Pick-up, 5:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 19 - PTA Walking Club, Lunch Recess; STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:00pm; PTA Hot Chocolate Run Race Packet Pick-up, 5:00-7:30pm
Friday, October 21 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences, 8:00-11:30am and School Improvement Day, 11:30am-3:30pm; PTA Hot Chocolate Run, 4:15pm
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