What's Up at Whittier
Week of May 1
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
May is upon us! It is hard to believe there are only 27 days left of this school year. Look out, we have lots to still do before we are ready for summer break!
This week we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week! Whittier has the best, most awesome, most creative, and most stunning staff anywhere around! Join me and the Whittier PTA, as we celebrate the amazing Whittier Staff Stars during the week. Our PTA has created a Hollywood theme, as we recognize and appreciate all of our staff members. They truly are the best!
We hope you are able to join us on Tuesday night, May 2, for our annual Open House. This is a great opportunity for you to get a look inside each of our classrooms and see the amazing work our students and staff do each and every day. This is a drop-in and visit event, so come any time between 6:00 and 7:30pm. We hope to see you!
Be sure to read through all the info in this week's newsletter, and pay attention to the ABC Spirit Days in our Calendar of Events.
Be sure to scroll all the way through the newsletter to review our year-round informational articles and for updates in the Whittier PTA Corner and the Whittier Calendar of Events.
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
Making Kindness the Norm
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.
Whittier Open House
Whittier 1st Graders plant a tree at Patriot's Park
Instrumental Music Presentations
All 3rd and 4th grade students will participate in an Instrumental Music Demonstration at school on May 1. Please click on the link below for more information regarding both the Band and Orchestra programs in District 58.
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-24 School Year
DG58 Strategic Planning Survey
As you know, the District is launching a new Strategic Planning process and your input and your voice are key to that process. This is a reminder that we are asking for feedback from the community by taking our Strategic Planning survey.
Please take the survey here and complete by Monday, May 3.
The last Strategic Plan was very successful thanks to strong community input. The District’s focus on the next plan is to build on the many achievements of the 2017-23 Plan.
Thank you for your interest in helping us build on our successes and continually improve.
Thank You Author Fest Authors!
Whittier had the pleasure of welcoming authors - Dusti Bowling and Troy Cummings to our school last week as part of the DG58 PTA Author Fest. Both authors led a fantastic presentation for our 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students. We hope our students went home and shared their experience with you.
Attention 6th Grade Parents - A Message from the Middle Schools
District 58 Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already talking about Middle School! We are so excited to partner with you as your students begin to attend Herrick or O’Neill Middle School starting August 2023!
We wanted to send you a Save the Date for Tuesday, May 9th from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at your student’s middle school. We have attached the flyer below for your reference.
As we move through the rest of the school year, we will be sending out other communication to help support and provide guidance through this transition to middle school. This includes Sneak Preview, Gym Uniforms, and student schedules!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership of District 58 students and schools.
Sincerely,
David Norman - HMS Principal
Matt Durbala - OMS Principal
Incoming 7th Grade Information
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
If you have not ordered your yearbook yet, please do so NOW! If you would like your child to receive their yearbook at school when all students do, you need to order soon. Orders that are placed too late, will result in yearbooks being mailed to your home.
SASED Parent Training
SASED has 3 upcoming parent training opportunities.
Topics/Dates/Age Range:
- Sensory Processing - 5/10/23 - preK-transition
- Planning for Adulthood - 5/18/23 - preK-transition, with emphasis on HS/transition
- Assistive Technology - 5/23/23 - preK-transition
See the flier below for more information.
2023-24 WHITTIER School Supply Orders
Herrick School Supply Order Information
After School Parking Issues
Gym Shoes for PE Class & Shoes at Recess
As the weather changes, 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!
ATTENTION 1st Grade & 5th Grade Parents - Health Requirement Letter
As you begin to think about the 2023-2024 school year, we wanted to remind you of the health requirements for your incoming second or sixth-grader. All second and sixth graders will need to have a dental exam completed and turned in no later than May 15, 2024. This form can be dated anytime between November 15, 2022 - May 15, 2024. The form can be downloaded and printed here: Dental Form
All sixth graders are required to have a physical and two additional vaccinations; Meningococcal and Tdap, which are required at the age of 11. If your child is not 11 years old at the start of the year, they still should have their physical completed with a note from their physician stating when they are scheduled to return for their required vaccinations. This physical can be dated as early as August 23, 2022, and must be turned in by October 15, 2023. Prior to turning it in, be sure to complete and sign the top of the backside! The form can be downloaded and printed here: Physical Form
The completed forms can be dropped off at the school office, mailed, or emailed to the school nurse.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Stay well,
Laura Monyek and Michelle McGarry
Lost & Found Items
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.
Delivering or Dropping Off Items for your Child(ren)
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
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.
Fruit/Snack Break
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
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.
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.
★ SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE FOLLOW-UP SURVEY ★
After launching this survey last fall, the Whittier PTA has worked to incorporate the family and staff feedback received. Now it is time to reassess and see how we are doing! HERE is a link.
We need YOUR feedback to continue this work!
This includes Whittier families, teachers and staff
It should take less than 5 minutes.
Survey will close at 11:59pm on Friday, May 5th.
★ STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK (May 1-5)! ★
This year’s theme is HOLLYWOOD: WHITTIER STAFF ARE STARS! Click HERE for ways students (and parents/guardians!) can participate and celebrate our wonderful staff! Hard copies of this information came home in student folders.
★ PTA MEETINGS - ONE MORE LEFT! ★
Check out the PTA Website for:
Reminder: The last meeting will be Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:00pm in-person at the Whittier Library. Childcare will be provided!
★ PARENT EDUCATION: KEEPING OUR KIDS CYBER-SAFE ★
Wednesday, May 17th from 6:30-8:15 pm at O'Neil Middle School.
This is a parent/guardian information session by Detective Richard Wistocki, hosted by the PTA Council of District 58. Det. Wistocki is a child crime expert and has dedicated his career to apprehending and prosecuting child predators, as well as educating Law Enforcement using cutting edge investigative techniques.
Space is limited, RSVP required HERE.
★ SPRING EXPERIENCES ARE LIVE HERE ★
★ 2023-2024 SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS ★
2023-2024 School Supply Kits are now ready for ordering! Please go to schooltoolbox.com to order your school supply kits and they will be delivered to your home shortly. See the flyer on our website HERE for additional information. If you have any questions, please reach out to kirstenclancy@yahoo.com.
Calendar of Events
Monday, May 1 - Staff Appreciation Week; Spirit Week - PJ Day (wear your pajamas to school); Grade 4 Band Demo; Grade 3 Orchestra Demo
Tuesday, May 2 - Staff Appreciation Week; Spirit Week - A Favorite Sports Team Day (wear your favorite team shirt or jersey); Whittier Open House, 6:00-7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 3 - Staff Appreciation Week; Spirit Week - Blue, Red, and White Day (wear these patriotic colors); Grade 2 Field Trip - DG Walking Tour; PTA Walking Club; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, May 4 - Staff Appreciation Week; Spirit Week - May the ForCe be with You Day (wear your Star Wars gear); Beginning Orchestra Parent Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm, HMS; Beginning Band Parent Meeting, 7:30-8:30pm, HMS
Friday, May 5 - Staff Appreciation Week; Spirit Week - Dress Like a Movie Star Day (wear your movie star clothes); Kindergarten Field Trip - Brookfield Zoo
Monday, May 8 - Choose Happy Orange Day; ABC Spirit - Eat Outside Day; BOE Regular Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Tuesday, May 9 - ABC Spirit - Fitness Day; Friendship Club, 3:00-3:40pm; Incoming 7th Grade Parent Night at HMS, 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 10 - ABC Spirit - Game Day; Gr 1 & 2 Field Trip to Peter Pan; PTA Walking Club; Language Labs & Parent Open House, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, May 11 - ABC Spirit - Hat Day; Fun Lunch; Beginning Band/Orchestra Fitting, 4:00-8:00pm, OMS
Friday, May 12 - ABC Spirit - Island Day; Gr 2 & 5 Field Trip to Morton Arboretum; Gr 6 Field Trip to Holocaust Museum
Saturday, May 13 - Beginning Band/Orchestra Fitting, 9:00am-2:00pm, HMS
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