What's Up at Whittier
Week of November 14
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
As I was driving around this weekend, I saw the following quote on a business marquee - Fall is a reminder that change is beautiful. As we continue to move through the Fall season, keep this in mind. As we deal with change, remember the beauty of the fall colors as they change - how we approach change and deal with change can be just as beautiful.
We are so excited to embark upon the changes that will be occurring now that the DG58 referendum has passed. A huge thank you to our community for supporting us in our endeavors. Stay tuned for what's ahead!
If you have not done so yet, please don't forget to complete and submit the PTA Survey as part of the National PTA's School of Excellence Program. The link and more information can be found below in the PTA Corner of this newsletter.
Thank you to the parents who attended the ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Parent Forum this past Thursday night. While it was a small group, we were able to have some good discussions. Below, I have attached a pdf of the presentation that Justin Sisul, Asst. Supt. for Curriculum and Instruction, and I shared with our parents. This will also be posted on our webpage. We have lots to be proud of and to celebrate at Whittier!
Finally, thank you for your support and participation in a new tradition at Whittier - our Wall of Heroes. To recognize and celebrate the veterans in our Whittier family and community, we asked you to share information with us. We posted over 100 Wall of Heroes sheets with pictures and stories, along the walls of Whittier. It was awesome to read and view each posting, as well as see the reactions of our students as they toured the Wall. Be sure to read the article below and look at the pictures. The Wall will continue to be on display throughout the month of November.
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
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.
Veterans' Day 2022 - Whittier Wall of Heroes
This was the first time we held an event like this and received many positive comments. We look forward to welcoming this new Whittier tradition each year moving forward. We hope everyone was able to recognize and celebrate their veterans this past week. Thank you to all our veterans for your service to our country!
THANK YOU - DG58 Referendum Passes
The community approved District 58’s $179 million bond referendum to improve District 58’s 13 school facilities in the Nov. 8, 2022 election. With 100% of precincts reporting, unofficial results posted on the DuPage Election Commission website show 67.13% of voters in favor and 32.87% against the measure. The results will be certified by Tuesday, Nov. 29.
“On behalf of District 58, I want to thank the families, staff, Board members, and community members who participated in the five-year community engagement process leading up to this vote. While the community has discussed District 58’s facilities for decades, the current Strategic Plan, which began development in Fall of 2017, created a clear plan toward addressing our facility needs,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “For those community members who did not support the referendum, please know that we hear you and appreciate your voice. District 58 will continue to expend funds in a fiscally-responsible manner while respecting taxpayers. We are very grateful to our community for their continued support of our schools and for recognizing the needs across our facilities.”
Grade 1 Dress the Turkey
Congratulations - PTA Reflections Projects moving on to the next level
We received a number of incredible Reflections entries and congratulate the following that will be advancing to the Council Level. Thank you for "showing your voice"!
Elin Carlson, 1st Grade, Photography. "A Whisper in the Ear"
Olivia Avila, 1st Grade, Literature. "How I Feel"
Clare Hayes, 2nd Grade, Dance Choreography. "Be You!"
Grace Camer, 2nd Grade, Visual Arts. "Soccer Pride"
Reese Paulik, 3rd Grade, Visual Arts. "Colorful Voice"
Jonah Wild, 3rd Grade, LIterature. "Poems by Jonah"
Bianca Ricca, 4th Grade, Literature. "San Francisco"
Rachel Avila, 4th Grade, Literature. "Our Voices Matter"
Simran Bindra, 4th Grade, Music Composition. "Simran's Song 2"
Mira Spector, 5th Grade, Visual Arts. Untitled
Harper Brock, 6th Grade, Visual Arts. "Openly Equal"
Raylynn Bingel, 6th Grade, Visual Arts. "My Wish"
PTA - Angels Mittens Program
The holiday season is upon us and the Whittier PTA is kicking off the Angel Family Mitten program later this week. Every year we collect wish list items from our Angel Families and the PTA posts those wish list items on mittens in the vestibule. Mittens will be posted by the morning of Friday, November 18. Please consider taking a mitten, buying that item for an Angel Family member, and leaving it in the school vestibule by December 7. Be sure to attach the mitten to the item so we can ensure the gift gets to the right family. Donations of wrapping paper, tape, bows, etc. are also welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Clancy at kirstenclancy@yahoo.com.
Thank you for supporting this very worthwhile PTA community service project! This is one of our favorites, as it directly supports our Whittier students and families.
STEM Club - Grade 6
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
Over the last couple of weeks, Whittier teachers have been receiving an increasing number of 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.
It's Cold and Flu Season
Fall is here and cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing students with cold and flu symptoms. To prevent the spread of these common viruses in the close confines of the classroom, we are cleaning daily and encouraging handwashing in the class. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
· Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
· Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
· Headache
Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:
· Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without medication)
· Vomiting (even once)
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
· Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
· Shortness of breath
· Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, encourage good hygiene habits:
· Wash hands frequently
· Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. Yearly flu vaccination is needed because immunity against the flu wears off over time. In addition, the flu virus strains often change, so the vaccine also changes from year-to-year in order to match the flu viruses expected to be circulating in the community.
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
Fruit/Snack Break
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
Gym Shoes for PE Class & Shoes at Recess
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!
District Health Requirements
Please note the Health Requirements at different grade-levels below. Any documents may be
Kindergarten - Completed physical dated within the past year (no earlier than August 25, 2021), full immunization record and vision exam by October 15. Dental exam is required this year, but they have until May 15, 2023.
Second grade - Dental exam is required this year, but they have until May 15, 2023.
Sixth grade - Completed physical dated within the past year (no earlier than August 25, 2021), and proof of the Meningococcal and Tdap vaccinations are due by October 15. Dental exam is required this year, but they have until May 15, 2023.
District 58 invites families to voluntarily share an electronic image of their child’s vaccination card with their building’s health office. Providing proof of vaccination is not required. However, current CDC guidance excuses fully vaccinated individuals from having to quarantine unless symptomatic.
By sharing a copy of your child’s card, if your child is a close contact, having the vaccination card on hand will expedite the school’s investigation process. Copies of proof of vaccination will be kept in each student’s individual health file and treated in the same way as all health records.
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.
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.
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 their exterior classroom doors.
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.
★ SURVEY EXTENDED, CLOSES TONIGHT! - AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE! ★
We are proud to announce that the Whittier PTA has been accepted into National PTA's School of Excellence Program, supporting local PTA and school partnerships to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of students.
We need YOUR feedback to identify focus areas!
This includes families, teachers and administrators
Survey will take about 5 minutes.
It will close at 11:59pm on Sunday, Nov 13tth (deadline extended!!)
Fill out the 5-minute survey HERE!
★ NOVEMBER IS HERE: JOIN THE PTA!★
The PTA is for EVERYONE. Each member makes us better, even if you are unable to volunteer or attend meetings. No judgment – for real.
KINDERGARTEN = 73% Membership
FIRST GRADE = 74% Membership
SECOND GRADE = 75% Membership
THIRD GRADE = 64% Membership
FOURTH GRADE = 76% Membership
FIFTH GRADE = 60% Membership
SIXTH GRADE = 79% Membership
JOIN US NOW: HERE IS THE LINK TO JOIN YOUR PTA
★ CONGRATS - REFLECTIONS ENTRIES ADVANCING TO COUNCIL! ★
We received a number of incredible Reflections entries and congratulate the following that will be advancing to the Council Level. Thank you for "showing your voice"!
Elin Carlson, 1st Grade, Photography. "A Whisper in the Ear"
Olivia Avila, 1st Grade, Literature. "How I Feel"
Clare Hayes, 2nd Grade, Dance Choreography. "Be You!"
Grace Camer, 2nd Grade, Visual Arts. "Soccer Pride"
Reese Paulik, 3rd Grade, Visual Arts. "Colorful Voice"
Jonah Wild, 3rd Grade, LIterature. "Poems by Jonah"
Bianca Ricca, 4th Grade, Literature. "San Francisco"
Rachel Avila, 4th Grade, Literature. "Our Voices Matter"
Simran Bindra, 4th Grade, Music Composition. "Simran's Song 2"
Mira Spector, 5th Grade, Visual Arts. Untitled
Harper Brock, 6th Grade, Visual Arts. "Openly Equal"
Raylynn Bingel, 6th Grade, Visual Arts. "My Wish"
QUESTIONS? CONTACT Christine Paulik/Jenn McDonald reflectionswhittier@gmail.com
★ ANGEL FAMILIES MITTEN PROGRAM ★
Nov. 18th through December 7th
The holiday season is upon us and the PTA is kicking off the Angel Family Mitten program this week. Every year Mr. Krugman collects wish list items from our Angel Families and we post those wish list items on mittens in the vestibule. Mittens will be posted by Friday (Nov 18th) morning. Please consider taking a mitten, buying that item for an Angel Family member, and leaving it in the school vestibule by December 7th. Donations of wrapping paper, tape, bows, etc. are also welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Clancy at kirstenclancy@yahoo.com.
★ START ORDERING YOUR GIFT CARDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! ★
All orders need to be submitted by Sunday December 11th at midnight, cards should arrive the following week (midweek).
Need more info? Check out the RaiseRight info on the PTA website: HERE.
HERE is a link to RaiseRight
Enrollment Code: MXUC7281TCYN
Please email Kari Fredrich at karifredrich11@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks!
★ FALL EXPERIENCES★
Sessions are still open! Sign-up HERE.
Calendar of Events
Monday, November 14 - Student Council Service Project (all week) - Operation Care Package; Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; Board of Education Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Tuesday, November 15 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Baseball Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, November 16 - Student Council Spirit Day - Stuffed Animal Day (bring your favorite stuffed animal to school); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, November 17 - BAM Theater Program, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, November 18 - Whittier Spirit Day (wear your Whittier Spirit Wear or school colors - blue and gold or yellow to show your school spirit)
Monday, November 21 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; Board of Education Curriculum Workshop, 7:00pm, OMS
Tuesday, November 22 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, November 24 - Happy Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
Friday, November 25 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
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