What's Up at Whittier
Week of December 5
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
We have a busy couple of weeks ahead before we enjoy our Winter Break. Many classes will be finishing up units and classwork as we head into the break. In addition, we have fun Student Council Spirit Days and our Winter Holiday Fun Day! See more information on these events in the articles contained in this newsletter.
We still have some mittens for our PTA Angels Mitten Program. These mittens can be found on the windows of the foyer in the main entrance. Please consider picking one or two up as you drop off or pick up your students, or if you are just walking by. Thank you for helping our Whittier families!
This week is also the last week of our Toys for Tots Drive. If you are able to, please consider donating a new unwrapped toy for a child in DuPage County who is in need this holiday season. These can be dropped off in the collection box outside the main office.
Finally, our Student Council is sponsoring a "Wacky" Spirit Week to help benefit St. Jude's Childrens' Hospital. Please see below how you can help, and how our students can be a little wackier than usual this week.
As always, thank you for your support and generosity, as we all work together to help others!
Be sure to scroll through the entire newsletter, as the PTA Corner and Calendar of Events are updated each week, and can be found at the end of each newsletter.
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.
Delivering or Dropping Off Items for your Child(ren)
Isolation Replay!
Staff Gingerbread Houses
Science Fair Information
Science Fair Registration is Open!!
Registration for the 41st Annual District 58 Science Fair is open now through Friday, December 16. The Science Fair will be held Saturday, January 21 from 8:00am to 11:00am, at O’Neill Middle School. The fair is open to all District 58 students in grades 1-6 who attend District 58 schools.
Use this link to register your child(ren) today
or visit the District 58 website to get project ideas and to learn more about the Science Fair.If you are in grades 1-3, reach out to Mrs. Quill aquill@dg58.org with any questions!
If you are in grades 4-6, reach out to Mrs. B kbartkowiak@dg58.org with any questions!
Students should listen to announcements for science opportunities in the next couple of weeks!
PTA - Holiday Mittens Program - there are still mittens on the windows
LAST CALL for the Angels Mittens Program. There are still a few mittens on the windows in the main foyer of Whittier. If you can, please stop by and pick up a mitten or two to assist our very own Whittier students. We ask that all mittens and items be returned to Whittier by the end of this week. Read below for more information
The holiday season is upon us and the Whittier PTA is once again sponsoring our annual Angel Family Mitten program. Every year we collect wish list items from our Angel Families and the PTA posts those wish list items on mittens in the vestibule. Mittens are now posted. Please consider taking a mitten, buying that item for an Angel Family member, and leaving it in the school vestibule by December 7. Be sure to attach the mitten to the item so we can ensure the gift gets to the right family. Donations of wrapping paper, tape, bows, etc. are also welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Clancy at kirstenclancy@yahoo.com.
Thank you for supporting this very worthwhile PTA community service project! This is one of our favorites, as it directly supports our Whittier students and families.
Annual Toys for Tots Drive - ENDS this Friday
Student Council Wacky Spirit Week for St. Jude's Hospital
Monday, December 5 - Wacky Hair/Wig Day
Tuesday, December 6 - Wacky Hat Day
Wednesday, December 7 - Wacky Sock Day
Thursday, December 8 - Wacky Shoe Day
Friday, December 9 - Wacky Clothes Day
Winter Holiday Fun Day
We are so excited for the return of the Whittier Winter Holiday Fun Day. For about 5 years, prior to the pandemic, on the last day of school before Winter Break, we have had a Winter Holiday Fun Day, and while we had to take a break for a few years, I am happy to announce it is back!
We rent out The Tivoli Theater that morning, and view a fun holiday movie. We are the only ones in the theater! It is such a fun experience. This year, we will be watching Elf. As we arrive at the theater, each student will receive a Kiddie Combo - popcorn, fruit snacks, and lemonade; and then enter the theater and sit with their class to watch the movie.
Then we spend the rest of the day at Whittier celebrating with each other. The tentative schedule is indicated below.
All students should have received the movie permission slip this past week. Please return it, along with the field trip fee, as soon as possible. If you need another form, have your child get one from their teacher. Happy Holidays!
Winter Holiday Fun Day - Friday, December 16
8:45am - load buses
9:00-9:15am - arrive at The Tivoli
9:30-11:10am - movie - Elf
11:30am-12:10pm - Fun Lunch
12:15-1:45pm - Classroom Activities
1:45- 2:10pm - Holiday Scattegories
2:15-2:45pm - All School Holiday Sing
Outdoor Recess Information
Now that the cold weather and snow is upon us, I wanted to share with you the Outdoor Recess Procedure at Whittier, and throughout District 58. We will do our best to give our students an outdoor recess opportunity whenever safe and possible. Across the District, we follow the "0" degree guideline. If the outside temperature is "0" degrees or below; or the windchill factor is "0" or below, recess is held indoors.
If recess is outdoors and there is snow is on the ground, we follow our snow procedure:
If student wears snow pants AND boots - play in the snow
If student wears snow pants OR boots - play on the blacktop
If student wears NO snow pants or boots - play on the blacktop
We want to make sure students return to the classroom after being outside in the snow ready to learn.
Please make sure your child(ren) comes to school prepared to go outdoors for recess. Coats, hats, mittens or gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants are necessary items to stay warm while playing outside in the wintery weather.
Thank you for your assistance.
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!
Homework Requests
Over the last couple of weeks, Whittier teachers have been receiving an increasing number of 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.
There is no change to the Home Learning Connection process, which is followed when students are required to quarantine at home.
It's Cold and Flu Season
Fall is here and cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing students with cold and flu symptoms. To prevent the spread of these common viruses in the close confines of the classroom, we are cleaning daily and encouraging handwashing in the class. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
· Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
· Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
· Headache
Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:
· Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without medication)
· Vomiting (even once)
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
· Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
· Shortness of breath
· Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, encourage good hygiene habits:
· Wash hands frequently
· Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. Yearly flu vaccination is needed because immunity against the flu wears off over time. In addition, the flu virus strains often change, so the vaccine also changes from year-to-year in order to match the flu viruses expected to be circulating in the community.
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
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.
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.
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 Door 2 (west end of the building near the Staff Parking Lot).
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.
★ YOU CAN STILL JOIN THE PTA! ★ PTA Membership = $11.00 Receiving the Whittier Weekly PTA Newsletter = Priceless! The PTA is for EVERYONE! JOIN US!: CLICK HERE JOIN YOUR PTA NOW!! ★ ANGEL FAMILIES MITTEN PROGRAM ★ Due in the school vestibule by THIS WEDNESDAY, December 7th. Wish list items from our Angel Families are posted on mittens in the vestibule. Please consider taking a mitten, buying that item for an Angel Family member. Please leave items in the school vestibule by THIS WEDNESDAY, December 7th. Donations of wrapping paper, tape, bows, etc. are also welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Clancy at kirstenclancy@yahoo.com. ★ WHITTIER VARIETY SHOW IS BACK! ★ Are you ready to DREAM BIG Whittier! The Whittier Variety Show is BACK! Not sure where to begin? Take a look at this video from 2014 or sift through these Variety Show Tips for some ideas. Send Questions to: Melissa Rausch at whittiervarietyshow@gmail.com Ready to submit your Act? Act Submission Google Form OR Act Submission Google Doc Important dates: Thursday, December 15th - Act Submission DUE Wednesday, January 4th - 3-3:45 Whole Cast Informational Meeting @ Whittier stage/gym Wednesday, February 8 - 3pm-5pm Stage time rehearsal @Whittier stage/gym (optional) Friday, February 10th - 3pm-5pm Stage time rehearsal @ Whittier stage/gym (optional) Friday, February 24th - 3pm-6pm Tech Rehearsal @ Whittier stage/gym Wednesday, March 1st - 3:15 pm - 5:30 pm Tech rehearsal @ Tivoli Thursday, March 2nd - 3pm-5:30pm Dress Rehearsal @ Whittier stage/gym Friday, March 3rd - School Show Saturday, March 4th 10 am - Tivoli Show ★ SUPPORT YOUR PTA and EVEN EARN CASH BACK! ★ See below for THREE WAYS to support your PTA without spending an extra penny during your holiday shopping! You can earn cash back too! (1) GIVEBACKS: You will earn an average of 5% cash back and 1% for Whittier! Win-Win! Includes lots of major brands (Macy’s, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Old Navy, Staples, etc)! JOIN GIVEBACKS HERE! (2) AMAZONSMILE: 0.5% of your eligible purchases will go back to the PTA at no cost to you! JOIN AMAZONSMILE HERE! (3) RAISERIGHT: Purchase gift cards through RaiseRight at no extra cost to you! All orders need to be submitted by Sunday December 11th at midnight, cards should arrive the following week (midweek). ORDER GIFT CARDS THROUGH RAISERIGHT HERE! *More info on brands: HERE *Enrollment Code: MXUC7281TCYN Please email Kari Fredrich at karifredrich11@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks! ★ YOUNG REMBRANDTS: WINTER SESSION ★ Winter/Spring Session is open for registration! Young Rembrandts is a fee-based Art program on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting Jan 10th (ending March 21st). More information and registration HERE. ★ CONGRATS - REFLECTIONS ENTRIES ADVANCING TO COUNCIL! ★ Congrats again to those students who have advanced to the Council Level! Please note that the Reflections Ceremony has changed to O’Neill Middle School on Tuesday, Dec 6. Questions? Please contact Christine Paulik/Jenn McDonald reflectionswhittier@gmail.com ★ WHITTIER ALUMNI PTA SCHOLARSHIP - NEW THIS YEAR! ★ Last year it was brought to our attention by one of our members that several DG58 PTA’s offer their students the opportunity to earn a post-secondary education scholarship. After evaluation and discussion in March of 2022 the Whittier PTA approved a Scholarship program for our students. The Whittier grade school years are a formative time for our students and will become a lasting part of their personal and academic identity. The pursuit of education beyond high school sets students up for future success. With this scholarship program we are fortunate and proud to provide an opportunity that supports our Jaguars throughout their academic lifespan. Who is eligible you ask? Students who have attended Whittier for at least 4 years and will be graduating from an IL high school. What may scholarships be used for? Scholarships are available to students for post-secondary education including college, university and vocational school. How do students apply? The Scholarship Committee is coordinating with local high schools to facilitate current Senior year scholarship applications. Who will be evaluating the applications? All applications will be evaluated blindly by Whittier’s principal, selected Whittier teachers and the scholarship committee.
Please reach out to the scholarship committee Barb Allen, Mandi Torello, and Sarah Forillo at whittierscholarship@gmail.com with questions or suggestions.
Calendar of Events
Monday, December 5 - SC Spirit Week for St. Jude's - Wacky Hair/Wig Day; Northside 5th and 6th Grade Band Concert, HMS, 7:00pm
Tuesday, December 6 - SC Spirit Week for St. Jude's - Wacky Hat Day; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Sport Stacking Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; PTA Reflections Awards Ceremony, OMS, 7:00pm
Wednesday, December 7 - SC Spirit Week for St. Jude's - Wacky Sock Day; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, December 8 - SC Spirit Week for St. Jude's - Wacky Shoe Day; BAM Theater Program, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; Northside 4th Grade Orchestra/Chamber Strings Concert, HMS, 7:00pm
Friday, December 9 - SC Spirit Week for St. Jude's - Wacky Clothes Day; Report Card Day; Toys for Tots Drive Ends
Monday, December 12 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; BOE Meeting, DG Village Hall, 7:00pm
Tuesday, December 13 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Sport Stacking Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; Whittier PTA Meeting, via ZOOM, 7:00pm
Wednesday, December 14 - SC Spirit Day - Break Day (dress in comfy clothes today as we take an extra break sometime in the day); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm; Northside 5th and 6th Grade Orchestra Concert, HMS, 7:00pm
Thursday, December 15 - Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, December 16 - Red & Green/Holiday Spirit Day (wear red and green or your favorite holiday outfit); Winter Holiday Fun Day; Fun Lunch
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