What's Up at Whittier
Week of November 13
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Whittier Staff and Students are busy working hard as we finish up the first trimester of the school year this Friday. Teachers will then be preparing student report cards, which will be sent home on Friday, December 8.
This week all Whittier Staff and Students honored and remembered our Whittier family and community veterans. The Whittier Wall of Honor was visited by all staff and students, along with many family members and community members. We are so thankful for all the servicemen and servicewomen who have served and protected our country. Photos of the Wall and visits are in an article below.
TODAY is the LAST DAY to order your 2023-24 Whittier Spirit Wear!! The Whittier Spirit Wear online store closes at midnight tonight. Order your "Change Maker" grade-level theme shirt for Spirit Days and Field Day, along with many other options available. See the article below with the online store link. Show your Whittier Spirit! Order now and delivery will be before the holidays.
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, November 13 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; Science Club, 2:00-3:00pm; Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Tuesday, November 14 - Reading Club, 3:00-3:40pm
Wednesday, November 15 - SC Spirit Day - Yoga Day (wear workout clothes and be ready for some yoga); Walking Club; Baseball Intramurals , 3:00-4:00pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, November 16- BAM Theater, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; Dress the Turkey Night (1st Grade), 6:00-7:00pm
Friday, November 17 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors blue and gold or yellow to show your school spirit; Fun Lunch; End of Trimester 1
Monday, November 20 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; Whittier Fall Book Fair, 2:00-6:00pm, Gym
Tuesday, November 21 - Reading Club, 3:00-3:40pm
Wednesday, November 22 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, November 23- Happy Thanksgiving! - NO SCHOOL
Friday, November 24 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the November 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.
Whittier Wall of Heroes
Happy Veterans Day to all our special veterans!
Student Council Service Project - Collection for DuPage PADS - THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who participated in and donated an item or two to our Student Council Service Project for DuPage PADS! We were able to donate a number of boxes of items from our school community.
The mission of DuPage PADS is to end homelessness in DuPage County, Illinois. Their year-round programs feed and shelter individuals and families who are homeless, and connect them to case management and other services that can address the underlying cause of their homelessness.
Whittier Spirit Wear On-line Store NOW OPEN - SALE ENDS TODAY!!
It’s not too late! Whittier Spirt Wear Online Shop is open through midnight today!
Order here: https://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=29792&idcategory=1689
Also, please consider donating to the Whittier PTA Leap Fund. The Leap Fund (formerly known as the Angel Fund) supports those in our Whittier family who are facing financial hardship. All money raised goes towards financial assistance for students and their families, such as funding Field Day shirts, Fun Lunch, school supply kits, and other PTA-sponsored events and offerings.
Donate $5 toward this or purchase a field day shirt in full.
No orders will be accepted starting Monday, 11/13. Orders will arrive in early December.
Happy shopping and reach out to Ashley Papanikolas ashleympapanikolas@gmail.com with any questions!
Kindergarten Writing - Gallery Walk
Student Council Spirit Day - Dress Like an Old Person Day
Whittier Student Council Spirit Days - November
Wednesday, November 15 - Yoga Day - wear workout clothes and be ready for yoga
Wednesday, November 29 - PJ Day - wear your pajamas
Whittier Fall Book Fair
The Science Fair is Coming!
The District 58 Science Fair is Coming! Mrs. Bartkowiak and Mrs. Quill are Whititer's Science Fair Resource Teachers and will be working with Whittier students who are interested in participating. Click on the link below for more information.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XjPilQkgDy8yyTufyrj84vsTIABMJBehxjy6hqtwZBY/edit#slide=id.p
Chicago Wolves Read to Succeed Program
During the month of November, your child will be able to participate in the Wolves Read to Succeed program to earn a free ticket to a Wolves game! Your child's teacher sent home an information sheet (which includes your child's grade-level reading goal) and a record sheet. Please return both once your child has completed the goal. Coupons for the free ticket will be sent home after Thanksgiving. Any questions? Please reach out to Mrs. Z at ezagorski@dg58.org or your child's teacher.
Happy Reading!
Reading Games Team Registration CLOSES November 15!
The Reading Games is a fun reading competition for District 58 students in grades 3-8. Students read books from the book lists, then face other teams to answer questions about the books they've read. It is a great opportunity for kids to read new books and discuss them with friends. Teams are made up of 5-8 students, and may include students from different grades and schools. However, due to space limitations, participation in the Reading Games is limited only to DG58 students. Teams will read books and be asked questions from Book List 1 (3rd-4th grades) or Book List 2 (5th-8th grades).
Visit the DG58 Reading Games webpage for more info and to register your team by November 15th!
Completing the team registration form reserves your spot as a team to compete on Saturday, February 24, 2024. You do not need to identify the students that will be on your team for this registration, so there is time to finalize the team members closer to Winter Break. If you have a child who would like to participate but does not have a team, you may request a spot using the individual registration form. Although a spot on a team cannot be guaranteed, DG58 Reading Games volunteers will try their very best to match children to existing teams, or to assist you in creating a new team.
If you have any questions, please email readinggamesdg58@gmail.com.
Good luck to our readers as they uncover the magic within these books!
Order your 2023-2024 Whittier Yearbook!
Hello Parents! The 2023-2024 Yearbook is available for order. Please see the attached flier. Even though the 10% discount is no longer available, you can still order yours today! 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)
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 Now! HERE
★ SPOTLIGHT: THE LEAP FUND (FORMERLY ANGEL FUND) ★
Did you know that a group of jaguars is often referred to as a leap? When facing a challenge, our fellow Jaguars are there to lift each other up! The Whittier PTA Leap Fund supports those in our Whittier family who are facing financial hardship.
The majority of PTA programs are offered free to students and families, but some have additional costs. See HERE for a list of areas where financial assistance is provided for families.
Donations to the Leap Fund are voluntary and can be done while signing up for Fun Lunch, purchasing Spirit Wear or anytime through Givebacks... DONATE TO THE LEAP FUN HERE.
★ SUPPORT YOUR PTA DURING HOLIDAY SHOPPING! ★
Here are simple ways to support the PTA community AND even earn cash back!
Join Givebacks (HERE) and get some cash back for YOU and the PTA.
RaiseRight - Time to start ordering your holiday gift cards!
Join HERE (ENROLLMENT CODE is MXUC7281TCYN)
Please email Kari Fredrich at karifredrich11@gmail.com if you have any questions about RaiseRight. Thanks!
★ READING GAMES REGISTRATION CLOSES THIS WED! ★
Visit the DG58 Reading Games webpage for more info and to register your team by November 15th!
★ VARIETY SHOW SAVE-THE-DATE! ★
Event is Saturday, January 27th - 10am at the Tivoli
Act submissions due THIS Friday, Nov 17th!
Questions? Contact Melissa at melissarausch3@gmail.com
WHITTIER GENERAL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND RESOURCES
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!
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
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.
Additional Drop-Off and Pick-up Information
When entering the Drop-Off/Pick-Up Lane, please notice that there is NO PARKING along Hill Street in this area. This lane is strictly drop off and pick up. All drivers need to remain in their vehicles and exit the lane once students have exited or entered the vehicle. Again, please do not allow children to exit the vehicle on the driver's side and into traffic.
Please DO NOT double park on Hill, Grand, or Blodgett in order to avoid traffic and either drop off or pick up students. This is very dangerous.
Together, we can all assist in providing the safest environment for our children. Thank you!
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.
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.
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