What's Up at Whittier
Week of September 4
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
We made it through our first full week of school! I think some students were quite surprised this week once they realized they needed to come back for 5 days in a row. It was a great week!
You will read later in this newsletter, how we spent some of our time on the second and third days of school. Students participated in our Recess Rodeo Playground Training, which was led by our 6th grade students and teachers; and also participated in our PBSS mini lessons, All School Assembly, and first Jaguar Jackpot Raffle Drawing of the school year. Be sure to read more about both of these new and worthwhile programs in the articles below.
Thank you for continuing to work with us during Arrival and Dismissal of Students. Our routines are falling into place and working well. We just all need to keep following them consistently, and all will be safe.
Beginning with this edition of What's Up at Whittier, you will notice the "Whittier General Informational Items and Resources" section. This section of the newsletter will have all the important informational and resource articles from previous week's newsletters. This is a great resource area in case you forget a procedure or routine, have a new childcare helper for your kids who need to know the school routines, or just need a refresher on some of Whittier's general information. This section will not have any new information until after it has been in the main section of a newsletter or two.
I hope to see many, if not all of you, at Whittier's Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 5, from 6:00-7:30pm. More information on this event can be found below. Students also should have brought home a copy of the Curriculum Night Schedule (also attached in the article below) this past Friday. This is your opportunity to meet your child's teacher and find out what they will be learning this school year. This event is for parents and guardians only, no children.
Thanks again for a great start to the new school year! We are all looking forward to a wonderful educational journey!
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
Calendar of Events
Monday, September 4 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Holiday
Tuesday, September 5 - Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:30pm
Friday, September 8 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or blue and gold to show your school spirit
Monday, September 11 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; Patriot Day; BOE Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Wednesday, September 13 - School Picture Day
Friday, September 15 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or blue and gold to show your school spirit; DG Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 16 - DG Oktoberfest
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the September 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.
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.
Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5. We will be running three 25-minute sessions throughout the 6:00-7:30pm time frame. Please see the schedule attached below for more information and to view when teachers will be presenting in their classrooms. Whittier Curriculum Night - Parent Schedule 2023 (1).pdf
Mrs. Gergits will be sharing information on the Primary Team Time Program at Whittier. Team Time is a differentiated phonics instruction block that all kindergarten, first and second graders participate in daily. If you would like to learn more about Team Time and how you can support your child at home, visit the Learning Lab at one of the two following sessions on Curriculum Night, Tuesday, September 5:
Session 1 6:00-6:25pm
Session 2 6:30-6:55pm
All other staff will be presenting information related to their classroom or specific area during the times indicated on the schedule above. We hope to see you on Tuesday night!
Recess Rodeo Playground Training
Now, everyone is aware of the expectations of play at recess. We will continue to review and reinforce appropriate recess play throughout the school year in order to keep everyone safe.
Great job 6th graders!
PBSS (Positive Behavioral Support System)
PBSS (Positive Behavioral Support System) is an initiative that all 13 schools throughout the District are implementing. We are recognizing and rewarding our students for their positive actions, while modeling these expectations throughout the building. Each of our classrooms have implemented a behavior program within the classroom which reflects our schoolwide program.
On the third day of the First 3 Days of School, all students participated in mini-lessons, which explained the school expectations in the Classroom, during Specials, in the Hallway, at Recess, during Lunch, and in the Bathroom. You can view the posters that are displayed throughout Whittier in the photos below.
As part of our PBSS program, we have created the Jaguar Jackpot. This is our positive reinforcement program. Students are given Jaguar Jackpot tickets for showing positive behaviors, actions, and choices, which they can then submit to enter the Jaguar Jackpot Raffle. Raffles are held at our monthly All School Assembly. Special raffles are also held at random times throughout the month. There may be individual raffles, special raffles, specific classroom raffles, and schoolwide raffles throughout the year.
2nd graders - Jade J. and Owen M.
3rd graders - Kelly H. and Colton M.
4th grader - Saoirse M.
5th grader - Julianna C.
6th graders - Kaitlyn B., Henry M., and Lucas R.
Students and staff are excited as we implement this new positive program at Whittier!
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.
Whittier Fun Lunch Order Information
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.
★ SIGN-UP FOR YOUR PTA!★
Don’t Forget to Sign-up for your PTA! HERE
The Membership Race is on!
★ FUN LUNCH ORDERING IS OPEN! ★
ORDERING CLOSES MONDAY, SEPT 11 - More INFO on our website.
Go to https://boonli.com; Password is: WES338
★ FALL FUNDRAISER - SAVE THE DATE! ★
FRIDAY, OCT 27th - The Haunted Hustle (PTA Family Fun Run) - more info HERE.
★ TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES! ★
New to Whittier and wondering what Experiences entail? Whittier Experiences are a fun way to build community among students, teachers and families while also fundraising for the PTA. Typically twice a year, during the spring and fall fundraisers, all are invited to host or sign up for Experiences. These events are hosted (funded and organized) by Whittier families and/or staff.
The hosts cover the cost of the event. All registration fees collected from the event go to support PTA events and programs. Past Experiences have included student focused events (movie night, bingo, kickball, etc.), while other experiences have been geared towards families and/or adult-only events (yoga, volleyball, trivia, etc.)
Questions? Interested in hosting or want to know more?
Please contact Julie Orozco at juliembaker@gmail.com.
★ LANGUAGE LABS REGISTRATION IS OPEN ★
Language Labs is hosting a fee-based Spanish program at Whittier after school on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 4th (ending Jan 31). More information and registration HERE.
★ YOUNG REMBRANDTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN ★
Young Rembrandts is hosting a fee-based art program at Whittier after school on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 3 (ending Dec 19). More information and registration HERE.
★ JOIN US for THE FIRST PTA MEETING OF THE YEAR! ★
Tuesday, September 19th at 7:00pm via Zoom
Agenda will be posted closer to the date.
See the Full Meeting Schedule HERE
★ SHOP DG AND RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR PTA★
Save the Date: Sept 28th from 10:00am-8:00pm! The Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation is hosting a fundraiser event that supports DG businesses and local PTAs! More info HERE.
WHITTIER GENERAL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND RESOURCES
School Supply Lists for 2023-24
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.
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.
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!
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.
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
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