We are almost there. This week, we have several loose ends to tie up - Chromebook and library book returns, celebrating our 5th graders, completing learning tasks in class, and ensuring that we have everything accounted for from this year. We are looking forward to a return to school in August for full days and weeks of learning.

I will send one more Whittier Newsletter to let you know about the summer, Back to School information for your planning, and some other information about the coming year. It will be the best one yet.

If you have not ordered a yearbook yet, please do so at the link below. There won't be another year like this one.

I know that I speak for all of our Whittier staff in expressing my deepest gratitude for your continuing support for our school. Every kind gesture, no matter how small, connects people together.

With the kindest regards,

Lorcan OhEithir, Principal

Wednesday, June 16th between 2:00-5:00 at the front of the school

Thursday, June 17th between 2:30-7:00 at the front of the school

Friday, June 18th between 8:00 am- 4:00 pm at the front of the school

When you arrive, you will be given a label with your child's name, Grade Level, and teacher so that the device can be properly accounted for.

Thank you very much for your assistance with this complex task.

Grab a yearbook as a keepsake of this most unusual of years. You won't regret it. We have intentionally delayed production in order to capture as much of this year as possible. The yearbook will be delivered later in the summer. The cost is $20.

Go to: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob

Enter Code: 11045621

Mrs. Coats and a group of staff have been working diligently to capture memories of the year.

They are asking families to send in pictures of their virtual learners to add to the yearbook, and don't want to leave anyone out.

Please send pictures to Leah.Coats@fcps.org. Thank you!

The music department is pleased to share with you the 2021 FCPS Honors Chorus Concert. This concert includes students from every elementary school in Frederick County including our very own Abigail Hawk and Audrey Mongan.

These students were required to go through a rigorous audition process and spent hours practicing the music for the concert. Mr. Wagaman, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Liz are proud of their hard work and accomplishment in being including in Honors Chorus.

FCPS Elementary Honors Chorus Performance

For parents of 5th Graders, some fantastic planning has been in the works for several months to celebrate our 5th graders. Thank you to Beth Sands, Jennifer Milsovic, and all of the 5th grade planning committee.

Some dates are below:

June 9th: 5th Grade Awards Ceremonies 6:00-7:00 pm in GoogleMeets (teachers will share specifics)

June 14th: School Spirit Week to Honor our 5th Graders: Wear Neon

June 15th: School Spirit Week: Be a Good Sport: Wear Fitness Gear or Sportswear

June 16th: Spirit Week: Hats Off to a Great Year- Wear a Favorite Hat.

Students dismiss from school at 12:00pm

June 16th: Mark your calendars please. 5th Grade Clap-out @ 5:00 pm in Car-rider loop. Students and families drive through and pick up 5th Grade Goodies Buckets and see the traditional Legacy Gift that has been created by our current 5th graders as a gift to our school. Staff will be there to cheer you on and celebrate you.

June 17th: Last Day of School. The annual Flag Lowering Ceremony will be recorded at 9:00 am and broadcast to students and families.

Spirit Week: Red White & Blue- Show Your School Spirit

We'd like to invite all current 3rd graders to sign up for next year's 4th grade Band or Orchestra, and all current 4th graders to sign up for next year’s 5th grade Band or Orchestra!

We would love the opportunity to teach you!

Click here for our website that has information about the program, including a sign up form:

3rd and 4th Grade Band/Orchestra Information and Sign-Up Website

Please take a look at our website, which has a Recruiting Video of our county’s Instrumental Music Teachers and also video clips of each of the instruments included in the program. The gift of music is one that lasts a lifetime!

Nick Stevens & Jilby Cheston

Instrumental Music Teachers

If you know someone who has a pre-k or kindergarten student who will come to Whittier in the fall, please encourage them to contact the school or to go online to enroll now at:

FCPSEnrollment

As always, we are committed to serving you. Please let us know what you need.

Sincerely,

Lorcan OhEithir, Principal

We’ve learned a lot during the pandemic. We have learned that families appreciate having a variety of easy ways to conduct business with school and central staff. As we transition into summer, we are sharing the following details about our summer operating schedule.

Four Day Week:
Like previous years, beginning Monday, June 21, 2021, FCPS will transition to the 4-day workweek schedule for the summer months. We will return to the normal 5-day workweek on August 9, 2021.

Happy Fourth of July! All offices are closed Monday, July 5, in observance of the July 4th holiday.

Services for Families by Appointment:
From June 28 to July 29, families can conduct business by making an appointment with school and central staff. These appointments can be in person or virtual. Virtual services can be conducted by phone or via Google Meets. Please contact your child’s school to schedule an appointment during the hours outlined below:

• Central Office: 8:00-5:00
• Elementary Schools: 8:00-5:00
• Middle Schools: 8:00-5:00
• High Schools: 7:30-4:30

Walk In Services for Families:
From June 28 to July 29, families can conduct school business via walk in services during the hours outlined below:

• Central Office: 8:30-1:30
• Elementary Schools: 8:30-1:30
• Middle Schools: 8:00-1:00
• High Schools: 7:30-12:30

Transition Weeks to Prepare for 2021-22
Two weeks this summer (June 21-25 and August 2-5) have been designated to allow school staff to focus on shifting from the hybrid model to full, five day per week programming. Staff will also be supporting our comprehensive summer program offerings. During these two weeks, limited appointment opportunities will be available, but families may reach staff via email with responses provided within two (2) business days.

Note from Mrs. Leatherman: It has been a pleasure working with students and their families at Whittier Elementary, I have truly enjoyed getting to know everyone. I have accepted a new position as an Administrator/School Counselor in Ennis, Texas. I will be moving to Dallas, Texas this summer to be with my husband who has already moved and started his job. I will miss everyone dearly. Be sure to come and stop by to see me at the Chromebook drop off and 5th grade clap out before I leave for the summer! I wish everyone the very best next year. Whittier will always have a special place in my heart. Love,

Mrs. Leatherman

Student Small Groups Schedule

Mrs. Leatherman will be hosting a Goodbye Google Meet on Tuesday, June 15th at 2:30pm. If you want to pop on and say goodbye to Mrs. Leatherman, I will be there on WHESLeatherman

Mrs. Lauren Wynn will be having her last Military Students Virtual Group on Wednesday June 16th at 3:00pm. Military Students- look for the link in Schoology Messenger or Contact Mrs. Reese to get the link to attend. We will miss having Mrs. Wynn as our CYB Military Life Counselor. Thank you for all you have done for our Students!

Thank you to our Peer Mentors and Safety Patrols for their hard work and dedication this year! Please take a moment to learn more about these outstanding 5th grade Leaders!

Peer Mentor Accomplishments Whittier Peer Mentors 2020-21

Safety Patrol Accomplishments Safety Patrol 2020-21

Mrs Leatherman 240-236-3135 Kirsten.Leatherman@fcps.org

Mrs Reese: 240-236-3170 Lisa.Reese@fcps.org

Did you miss the June 4th drop-off?

These things happen. Better late than never - please bring any library books by as soon as possible so Ms. Dattoli can work on the inventory.

Not sure what your child has checked out? This video will show you how to access your child's account to see the titles and covers of the books they still have checked out. Questions? Email tina.dattoli@fcps.org. Thank you!

Did you know that if your child reads at least 4 books over the summer, it will help to prevent the summer slide? To keep your child motivated to read over the summer, FCPL will launch their 2021 Summer Reading Program on June 1. (They also have programs and prizes for teens and adults!)

For more information, visit: https://www.fcpl.org/programs-events/summer-challenge

Students will also have access to ebook platforms, Capstone and Sora, found on the school library media center's website: https://education.fcps.org/whes/mediacenter. Login information to access these wonderful ebooks and audiobooks can be found at the top of this webpage. Happy reading!