Whittier Weekly News
November 3, 2017
Notes from Administration
October was a busy month at Whittier. November is going to be even busier. There are lots of events happening, and we thank you for your continued support.
Upcoming Events
Friday November 3rd
GLOW Party –if we receive 300 PTA memberships
National Jersey Day- Show your team spirit day! Wear a jersey from your favorite sports team!
Monday November 6th
Volunteer Training - 6:00 pm
Tuesday November 7th
Math Club -7:30 am
Wednesday November 8th
Math Club -7:30-8:30 am
Whittier Music Makers – Chorus -3:45-4:30 pm
Girls on the Run - 3:45 pm
Chess Club - 3:45 pm
Young Rembrandts - 4:00 pm
Thursday November 9th
End of Term One
Veterans’ Day Appreciation
Instrumental Music Ensemble- 7:45 am
Multicultural Night - 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday November 10th
Schools Closed
Monday November 13th
Kindergarten Breakfast American Education Week -7:45am
Vision/Hearing Screenings
PBIS Meeting- Media Center 4pm
Tuesday November 14th
3rd Grade Breakfast (American Education Week) - 7:45am
Vision/Hearing Screenings
Math Club -7:30 am
Wednesday November 15th
1st Grade Breakfast (American Education Week) - 7:45am
Math Club -7:30 am
Whittier Music Makers 3:45-4:30
Thursday November 16th
2nd Grade Breakfast (American Education Week) - 7:45 am
Instrumental Music Ensemble- 7:45 am
Vision/Hearing Screenings
Friday November 17th
4th & 5th Grade Breakfast (American Education Week) - 7:45am
Fall Conferences - Students dismiss 3.5 hours early at 12:00 noon
Fall Conferences- November 17th, November 20th, November 21st
Mark your calendars now for fall conferences.
On Thursday, we will be sending out the link to register for conferences.
We can't wait to share about all of the great things your children are showing us that they can do!
Here is the link to sign up: http://signup.com/go/YBZWRug
Impact Aid Survey
Impact Aid Program survey forms were handed out to students on Thursday.
Please complete, sign and date the form and return to school by November 16, 2017.
Collecting this data allows us to account for our students whose parents are active duty Military and/or live or work on Federal property in the State of Maryland.
The information provided in these forms assists FCPS in securing federal funds needed to support school programs.
Thank you for returning these forms by November 16!
Thanksgiving Dinner from Us to You!
Our school family, our staff would like to extend an invitation to all of families to share in a community Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday November 22nd from 12-2. All students and families are welcome.
We will be serving turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and desserts. If you would like to be a part of our community meal, please RSVP here: http://signup.com/go/gOtvbXW
Young Author's Contest
2017-18 Young Authors Contest Starts NOW
The 2017-18 Young Authors Contest (YAC) is underway! YAC is an annual contest sponsoredby the State of Maryland International Reading Council (SoMIRAC) and promoted via Frederick County Reading Council and Frederick County Public Schools.
Each year, students at Whittier Elementary are encouraged to participate in the SoMIRAC Young Authors Contest. Students can submit poetry and short story entries for a chance to win. This is also a great opportunity for students' creative writing skills to shine.
For additional details and guidelines, please have your child ask their teacher or email Suzanne.landy@fcps.org
Deadline for all submissions is December 11
Write on!
Hearing and Vision Screening
Calling all Active Miiltary Peronnel and Veterans
Perceptual Survey
Dear FCPS Parents and Guardians:
FCPS is launching a survey on Monday, November 6 to gather your perceptions about your child's school. The survey will close Wednesday, December 6. On Monday November 6th, we are sending a letter home with each student explaining the survey. The letter includes a link for parents and guardians to access and complete an online survey. This link, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWFZP8B, and the password 2107 are specific to Whittier Elementary. A limited number of paper copies of the survey will also be available in the front office. Parent/guardian feedback is important to FCPS and the staff at Whittier Elementary as we continue our work building on strengths and striving to make improvements as a partner in your child’s education.
Please contact our front office if you have any questions about the survey. Thank you!
Chris Grabenstein to visit WHES on December 1st!- Get your books now
We are thrilled that Chris Grabenstein will be at Whittier soon! Not only was his newest book just released, but his book Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library was released as a movie on Nickelodeon earlier in Oct. To learn more about him, go to: http://chrisgrabenstein.com/kids/
Students in grades 3-5 were challenged by their librarian, Ms. Dattoli to break into her mystery box by working together and learning more about author Chris Grabenstein. Each class successfully met the challenge and were very excited to learn that Chris will be coming to our school on Friday, Dec. 1st!
Many students have been checking out and reading his books and now is an opportunity to buy one or more of his books autographed at a great discount. For the order form, go to: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/upload/41/7588.pdf
You can also purchase an autographed copy of book(s) online using this link: http://curiousiguana.com/product-category/school-event/
Volunteer Trainings
Thank you to everyone who has taken time to be volunteer trained in our school. So far this year, we've offered at least 14 Volunteer Trainings. Those trainings have been offered at 7:30 in the morning, 9:30 in the morning, 5:30 in the evening, and 6:00 & 6:30 in the evening.
Trainings will now be offered once a month. The next date is: November 6th @ 6pm.
PTA NEWS
Thank you to all the families that have joined the PTA.
We are going to have the GLOW Party- once our membership reaches 300 members.
In collecting PTA memberships from our students, it disappointed me to hear that people didn't want to join the PTA. I am not sure what your perception or experience has been in other schools- but our PTA is a partner. I certainly hope that if you believe that the PTA is not meeting your needs that you will consider coming to our next meeting. Let your voice be heard. Our next meeting is November 20th @ 6:00 pm
We had lots of families join our first meeting. We had lots of new faces step up and offer to help. And thanks to those who stepped up! And to that end, when things don't go well or the way you expected- I would hope that instead of complaining that folks would be the change that they wish to see.
Currently there are 5-6 people doing the laymen work for the entire PTA. Each of these people work full-time jobs and support our school.
Again, if isn't right- let's fix it together. If it is right- then let's keep moving forward. Either way, I hope to see to you at our next PTA meeting on November 20th @ 6:00 pm.
Join here: whittierelementarypta.com/
PTA Teacher Appreciation Dinner- November 20th
This is a great opportunity to show our staff, how much our families appreciate the hard work and dedication that they provide to our children.
If you are interested, please email Mrs. Schwiegerath @ amy.schwiegerath@fcps.org by this Thursday November 9th to develop a plan of action. Looking forward to working with you to celebrate our staff!
American Education Week Breakfast - Week of November 13th
During American Education Week (November 13-17th) we invite our families to join us for breakfast. Each day, one grade level will perform a few songs for you.
Breakfast will include:
Cheese Omelette, Sausage, fruit, hash brown, bagel with cream cheese, milk, juice, and coffee. Cost will be $3.25 for adults.
Doors open at 7:45, teachers will serve breakfast @ 8am, and singing begins at 8:55.
Click here to RSVP http://signup.com/go/wJLQbaQ
Monday- Kindergarten
Tuesday- 3rd Grade
Wednesday - 1st Grade
Thursday- 2nd Grade
Friday 4th & 5th Grade
Whittier Elementary School
Email: whittier.es@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whes/
Location: 2400 Whittier Drive, Frederick, MD, United States
Phone: 240-236-3100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Whittier-Elementary-School-PTA-147186718711529/
Twitter: @WhittierES