Whittier Weekly Newsletter
May 15, 2022
Dear Whittier families.
- Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade have been participating in the Maryland State Assessments in Mathematics and Language Arts (MCAP). This information is helpful to us in determining which students are demonstrating advanced levels of performance, those who are meeting proficiency, and students who require further instruction and learning in order to meet proficiency.
- We also complete ongoing formative assessment of learning in all academic areas. For those of you with children in Primary grades, you have received communication twice this year providing information on your child's performance in DIBELS (Dynamic Indicator of Basic Literacy Skills). We are currently in the process of completing End of Year assessment in these skills: phonemic awareness, letter-sound knowledge, phonics and decoding, reading fluency, and comprehension, depending on your child's grade level. Parents will receive updated information on their child's performance as well as recommendations for supporting learning of literacy skills at home.
- If you have not already done so, I encourage you to RSVP to come to Literacy Night on May 25th. Our staff would love the opportunity to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about how we teach reading and writing, enjoy some time at school with your child and other families and our staff, and be informed about what happens at school so you know how to support your child's learning in partnership with our school staff.
- This past week, we had an outstanding performance by our Band and Orchestra musicians, first at Frederick High School and the following day in school for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students and their teachers. They were magnificent.
- Our PTA organized another Restaurant Night at Texas Road House mid-week, as well as a wonderful Pastries with Parents event on Friday morning. Thank you to all who organized these events as well as those who participated.
- There is much remaining to be accomplished between now and the last student day. We will continue to work hard and learn every day.
Lorcan OhEithir, Principal
Upcoming:
PTA General Membership & Elections: Monday, May 16th @ 7:00 in person in the cafeteria.
Details below.
Spring Book Fair: Evening Sales May 18th & 25th
Literacy Night: 6:30-8:00 May 25th
Field Day- Friday, May 27th (Rain Date: Wednesday, June 1) See below for information.
5th Grade Promotion Ceremony: Thursday, June 2nd 1:00-3:30 @ school. Families will be invited to participate.
5th Grade Move-Up Day to Middle School: Friday June 3rd 9:00-11:00 am. 5th Grade students and teachers visit middle-school for a tour.
5th Grade Picnic: Friday June 3rd 12:00-3:00
Last Day for Students: June 7th. This is a 2-hour early dismissal day. We will have our traditional Flag-Lowering Ceremony, move-up day where students will meet next year's grade level teachers, as well as the 5th Grade Clap-out where our entire school community will give a warm send-off to our 5th graders.
Covid-19 Notification
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As Covid-19 cases in our county and state are recently trending upwards again, I am writing to share that three individuals who have been present at Whittier ES have reported testing positive for COVID-19.
We are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution and to be transparent. Please monitor your child’s health for symptoms using the weekly FCPS screening tool. If your child becomes symptomatic, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
The health and safety of our community is our highest priority. Whittier ES follows COVID-19 related health and safety guidelines, including encouraging frequent hand washing, increased ventilation, and following all cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Lorcan OhEithir, Principal
Whittier Elementary School
PTA Elections and General Membership Meeting: Tomorrow, May 16th
The PTA will be holding its election for the 2022-2023 school year on Monday, May 16th at 7:30 PM in the cafeteria at Whittier ES. The election is being held in conjunction with the final PTA membership meeting of the 2021-2022 school year.
At 7:00 PM, you can chat with candidates and enjoy refreshments prior to the meeting. You may renew your membership for the 2022-2023 school year and will be entered into a drawing for a Spirit Wear item!
Parents can also get an exclusive sneak peek at the Scholastic Book Fair and are able to purchase items from 6:30-7:30!
The PTA works with parents and faculty to organize and facilitate events during and after school hours that enrich our children's educational experiences and build a stronger community. For this coming school year (2022-2023) these are the positions that are up for election and here is a brief description of each role:
President: The President’s primary responsibilities:
1) Facilitate membership and board meetings
2) Oversee the functions of the PTA Board
3) Manage the administrative oversight of the PTA nonprofit
4) Offer a welcoming and a friendly atmosphere for members and non-members
5) Be a member of every committee
6) Build a relationship with staff and administration
Vice President:
1) Assist the President with duties
2) Recruit and communicate regularly with committee chairs
3) Ensure timely planning, promotion, budgeting, execution, and follow-up of all events and activities that fall under this position
4) Facilitate membership and board meetings if the President is unable
Secretary:
1)The Secretary is to present at each PTA meeting to record discussions
2) Note-taking at general membership meetings
3)The Secretary takes notes and sends draft minutes to the president and VP for review following the meetings
4) Will assist with PTA communication
Treasurer:
1)Preparing, maintaining, and reporting on the PTA budget
2) Maintaining the PTA’s financial records
3) Coordinating with the PTA’s accountant for tax filings and our annual audit
4) Processing payments and bank deposits
5) Submitting the PTA’s annual Maryland Personal Property filing and charitable organization registration
6) Submitting membership payments to the MD PTA and MCCPTA as applicable
If you have any questions please email whittierptafrederick@gmail.com
Hope yo see you all in our first in-person meeting!
Whittier PTA Election Committee
Spring Book Fair
The Whittier Book Fair begins this week!
Students will be previewing the Fair during their Media time and will have an opportunity to purchase books on Friday (20th) and Monday (23rd) at school. The link below shows all of the purchasing times, including evening hours for families.
Come to the Media Center and contact Kelley.Albee@fcps.org with questions.
Book Fair Homepage
Volunteers Still Needed
When Can I Buy from the Fair?
Literacy Night- May 25th
On Wednesday, 5/25 from 6:30-8, Whittier will host a Primary Literacy Night for parents of current Pre-K through second grade students.
This event will provide an overview of:
- what the primary grades Language Arts curriculum looks like,
- what we do with assessment scores,
- what and how we teach language arts,
- what you can do to help your child at home,
- and what programs are available for parents to access through our media center website.
For planning purposes, if you plan to attend, please fill out the Primary Literacy Night Attendance Form.
If your family has any gently used books that you would like to donate to the Book Swap Table, please send them with your child or drop them off at Whittier with a note that they are for Book Swap.
Field Day is Friday, May 27th
The PE team is looking for Parent Volunteers for Field Day stations. Please see link below for sign up info:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4FADA62DA3FB6-whittier
Important Field Day Info:
This year’s theme is Superheroes.
We are encouraging Superhero themed outfits during field day activities.
Here are some things your child may want to consider:
Come to school in an outfit that can be comfortable when it is wet. (Please no swimwear)
Wear Sneakers
Apply sunscreen before arriving to school
Bring an extra outfit and additional shoes to change into for the afternoon
Bring a towel to dry off with/eat a picnic style lunch on
Bring sun protective gear like sunglasses and hats
Bring a bottle of water labeled with student’s name (water stations will be available to refill water bottles as needed)
Lunches in a brown paper bag are encouraged for quick clean up during picnic style lunch
In the event of rain, Field Day will be rescheduled for Wednesday June 1st. If the date is changed you will be notified through Find Out First.