What's Up at Whittier
Week of September 12
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
We continue to work hard at all we are doing at Whittier! Our students are doing an awesome job mastering the routines and procedures that help us all learn in a safe and welcoming environment. We have a lot coming up this week:
- Curriculum Night will be held on Tuesday from 6:00-7:30pm. Be sure to review the schedule below to maximize your time. Remember - this is an adults only event.
- School Picture Day takes place on Wednesday. See below for more information.
- The first PTA Fun Lunch of this school year is Friday.
It's going to be a busy and fun week!
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.
Student School Supply Lists
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!
Patriot Day - September 11
Today is the anniversary of September 11, 2001, a significant day in our nation’s history. September 11 has been designated Patriot Day by the President. On this day, the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 am (Eastern time).
In accordance with the President’s request, flags throughout District 58 will be flown at half-staff on Sunday. While school is not in session this year on September 11, we shared an announcement regarding 9/11 this past Friday.
Parents, we encourage you to discuss this significant event in our nation’s history with your children to the extent and depth you believe is developmentally appropriate for your child(ren). Additionally, this is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our children to look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless, and loving, and, if possible, to say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
One reason we remember September 11 is that we want to preserve the memory of the victims who lost their lives and those who died in service to others. Another reason to remember is to honor the courageous service of our firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and military. In the face of this disaster, we saw courage: firefighters, police officers, and paramedics rushed to help. We saw selflessness: strangers helped strangers. We saw love: people from around the world sent cards, supplies, and comfort.
This is an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive activity by honoring the good work of others and by doing good works ourselves. Today, look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless and loving, and if possible, say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
Star of the Week
Every year, our 1st-grade classes present and honor a "Star of the Week." Students and staff bring in pictures of themselves and then during a grade-level class meeting, they introduce themselves and share some great information about themselves. I happened upon the 1st-graders this past week during the Star of the Week Presentation. It was great learning even more about Mrs. Kowalski, one of our Instructional Assistants who works and spends some of her time each day with the 1st-grade classes.
Our First Picnic Lunch of the School Year
Isolation is ON for 2022-23
Curriculum Night 2022
During this event, there will be three time slots for parents/guardians to choose sessions to attend. Teachers will share their plans, schedules, and important classroom information. Some of our specialists will also be available to meet and share with you how they will be working with your child(ren) this school year. Please see the schedule below as to when specific teachers will be presenting.
School Picture Day - Wednesday, September 14
Whittier Family Book Club
Hello Whittier Families!
The Whittier Library is coordinating a new program called the Whittier Family Book Club. For those that participated in One Book, One School during the pre-pandemic times, this is similar, with two main differences. We will be offering multiple books/reading opportunities throughout the year, and we will have different book clubs for Primary and Intermediate grades.
Our first Whittier Family Book Club will run from Monday, September 19th-Wednesday, October 5th. We invite families with children in grades K-3 to read Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina. For more information, please see the short video explaining the process, or check out the Google Slide Deck.
Families with intermediate students–stay tuned! Whittier Family Book Club for grades 4-6 will start in mid-October!
All information can also be found at our new library web site: http://whittier58library.weebly.com.
I hope many families will join us! Be sure to have your child pick up their Juana & Lucas bookmark with a suggested reading schedule in the library.
Happy Reading!
Kelly Coleman
Teacher Librarian
Band and Orchestra Information
During the school year, the instrumental music students will participate in one weekly pull-out lesson at their school. These lessons will begin at the elementary schools the week of September 12. Please watch your email for lesson and after school rehearsal schedules for your building. In the fall, students will also begin participating in a once weekly after school rehearsal to prepare full ensemble music to play at their Winter and Spring concerts. We can’t wait to see the growth and progress our students will continue to make as the school year continues!
Health/Physical Examination & Immunization Record DUE October 15
As required by law, all new students, as well as students entering grades K, 2 and 6, must receive health examinations and immunizations and submit completed health forms by October 15th. To learn more check out the Health Services page on the District 58 website.
Thank you to many of the families who have already completed and submitted these forms. If you have not already scheduled your appointment this is a good time to plan ahead! Failure to comply with these requirements by the end of the day on October 15, or 30 days following registration for first-time registrants, of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until such requirements have been met according to Illinois law. All sections of the child examination form must be completed including the health history, which must be completed by the parent.
District 58 communicates frequently regarding these requirements as it is our hope to avoid school exclusion for all of our students. If you are in need of additional assistance, our school nurse, Laura Monyek (lmonyek@dg58.org), would be happy to assist you in accessing resources or assisting in removing other barriers to completing this requirement.
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!
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
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.
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 8:05 am 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 8:10 am*. Anyone arriving after 8:15 am should enter through Door One for an office pass.
*Please note that entrance times may change as students build routines. We have not used our normal entrance procedures in several years, and we recognize that it may take students longer at the start of the school year to be ready to start the school day. The District also recognizes that bus arrival times vary during the first few weeks of school as drivers learn new routes. As students build routines and bus arrival times become more consistent, student entry times may get pushed back. This time will assist our team we prepare for the school day. Supervision times will remain the same and any changes will be communicated in advance.
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 8:05 am 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 8:10 am. Teachers will direct students to their cubby area. Anyone arriving after 8:15 am 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.
SEND THE PTA YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS!
We hope to see you at our first PTA Meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 20th at 7:00pm (Zoom link coming soon)!
Our Superintendent, Dr. Russell, will be in attendance to discuss the upcoming referendum to improve District 58 facilities. If you are unable to attend or would prefer submitting questions/comments ahead of time - please use the link below. Have other PTA related questions/thoughts? No worries - space has been provided for general feedback as well.
Take the 2-minute survey, click HERE
WE NEED 37 MORE PTA MEMBERSHIPS TO REACH 80% of WHITTIER FAMILIES REPRESENTED!
Join Now - CLICK HERE!
Calendar of Events
Monday, September 12 - Choose Happy Orange Day - wear orange; Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7:00pm, O'Neill Middle School
Tuesday, September 13 - Whittier Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, September 14 - School Picture Day
Friday, September 16 - Whittier Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or gold; PTA Fun Lunch; Downer Grove Oktoberfest, 3:00-11:00pm
Saturday, September 17 - Downers Grove Oktoberfest, 12noon-11:00pm
Monday, September 19 - Choose Happy Orange Day - wear orange
Tuesday, September 20 - Whittier PTA Meeting, 7:00pm via ZOOM
Friday, September 23 - Whittier Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or gold
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