What's Up at Whittier
Week of October 30
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Thank you to all who attended and supported the Whittier PTA Fall Fundraiser - the Haunted Hustle this past Friday! It was an awesome event for all who attended. Enjoy the pictures from the event below.
The Whittier Spirit Wear online store is now open. 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.
Halloween is right around the corner. We want to make sure all our students have fun in a safe and comfortable environment. Please be sure to review the article below regarding the Halloween plans and schedule at Whittier that day. Also, be sure all school costumes follow the guidelines in the article below. Thank you for your cooperation in following our Halloween guidelines and making it a fun and safe day at Whittier.
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, October 30 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; All School Assembly
Tuesday, October 31 - Happy Halloween!; Halloween Parade at 1:30pm, Intermediate Playground; Halloween Room Parties at 2:00pm
Wednesday, November 1 - SC Spirit Day - Relaxing Day (wear comfy clothes to school); Walking Club; Baseball Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, November 2- Baseball Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, November 3 - 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; Fun Lunch
Sunday, November 5 - Daylight Savings Time Ends - set your clocks back 1 hour (Fall Back)
Monday, November 6 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; Student Council Service Project for DuPage PADS Begins (more info below)
Wednesday, November 8 - SC Spirit Day - Dress Like an Old Person Day (wear something your Grandma or Grandpa or someone even older would wear); Walking Club; Gr 4 STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Baseball Intramurals , 3:00-4:00pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, November 9- Baseball Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, November 10 - WH Spirit Day - in honor of Veterans Day let's wear our red, white, and blue; Whittier Wall of Heroes
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the October and 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.
Another Isolation Match
Whittier Spirit Wear On-line Store NOW OPEN
The fall/winter virtual Spirit Wear store is open now through Friday, November 10.
Check out this year’s selections, including:
Everyday apparel options, warm weather accessories, PJ pants, and a new drawstring-style backpack
NEW Short sleeve and long sleeve T-shirts featuring a 2023-24 custom Jaguar logo designed by Whittier Dad Jeremy Ruiz
NEW This year’s “Change Maker” Theme/Field Day grade-level shirts
NEW 3 unique Whittier designs
Click link below to order from the virtual store:
https://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=1689
Order Fulfillment:
Items will be delivered approximately 3 weeks after the close of the store and will be shipped to the school.
We anticipate arrival around the last week of November / early December. Not to worry the vendor has guaranteed these will come well before school is closed for holiday break!
Orders will be sent home with the oldest child in the family unless it is noted at check out that office pick up is preferred (for any secret holiday gifts!).
Spring Shop:
The Whittier store will reopen in the Spring with warm weather apparel. This will provide another opportunity to order school theme shirts in time for Field Day.
Thanks and happy shopping!
Ashley Papanikolas
Spirit Wear Coordinator
PTA Haunted Hustle
District 58 Safety Presentation
This presentation is also linked on the Whittier Webpage. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all.
Whittier Student Council Spirit Days and Service Project - November
Wednesday, November 1 - Relaxing Day - wear comfy clothes
Wednesday, November 8 - Dress Like an Old Person Day - wear something your Grandma or Grandpa or someone even older would wear
Wednesday, November 15 - Yoga Day - wear workout clothes and be ready for yoga
Wednesday, November 29 - PJ Day - wear your pajamas
Service Project:
Help support DuPage PADS during the week of November 6-10! Please help by donating any of the items that are listed on the Student Council flier that went home.
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.
Halloween 2023 at Whittier
This year, our Whittier Spooktacular Halloween Experience will take place on Tuesday, 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 1:30pm, and make its way outside around 1:45pm. Halloween Room Parties will follow at 2:00pm, and end by 2:45pm, in order to dismiss students at 3:00pm. 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 display blood or gore.
- 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 1:45pm, 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 2:00pm. 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. No candy treat bags are allowed.
- Students will be dismissed at the regular 3:00pm dismissal time.
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 Mr. Krugman. We will then find an alternative location and activity for your child during the Halloween activities.
Elementary Lunch Program Sign-Up Info
Parents can begin signing up for their elementary student’s (K-6th grade) lunch -
Lunch program begins Monday, October 30
Parents should have received an email on Thursday, Oct. 19 inviting them to sign up to purchase lunch for their elementary-age student (K-6) if they choose. Parents can sign up and begin ordering lunch now, as the program begins the week of Monday, Oct. 30.
The lunches can be ordered through MyMealOrder (www.MyMealOrder.com) and are made by District 58’s food service provider Quest. The online program gives you the ability to manage and pay for your student’s meal purchases and they will be delivered to your child’s school. To sign up, visit: https://MyMealOrder.com and click the login button, then click on “Register for a Free Account.”
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 is Open!
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. If you order before Oct. 31, you will receive a 10% discount! 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
★ THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE PTA MEETING ★
Some areas that were presented/discussed:
PTA Bylaw Updates
District 58 Safety Measures and Protocols
Intermediate Playground Project
New Library Furniture for Students
Please take a look at the Minutes below for more information!
Minutes are (HERE)
★ THE HAUNTED HUSTLE WAS A HIT! ★
Thank you to all who planned, volunteered and participated! Wondering where all the money raised goes?
Take a look HERE!
★ THE SPIRIT WEAR STORE IS OPEN! ★
Fall/Winter virtual Spirit Wear store is open through Friday, November 10.
Take a look HERE!
★ READING GAMES TEAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN! ★
Visit the DG58 Reading Games webpage for more info and to register your team by November 15th!
★ FALL EXPERIENCES ARE STILL OPEN! ★
Take a look HERE - Register soon!!
★ VARIETY SHOW SAVE-THE-DATE! ★
Mark Those Calendars!
Saturday, January 27th - More info to come, stay tuned
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