What's Up at Whittier
Week of January 22
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Whittier students were represented well by some of our student scientists at this year's DG58 Science Fair, which was held this past Saturday. Be sure to check out the article and photos below.
Our annual Whittier Variety Show, sponsored by the PTA will take place this Saturday, January 27, at The Tivoli Theater, beginning at 10:00am. This is always an entertaining event that highlights the talents of our Whittier students. If you will need ADA accessible seating for the Variety Show please email Whittiervarietyshow@gmail.com by Thursday.
Sign-up is now open for the Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences being held on Thursday, February 1, and Wednesday, February 7. Be sure to read the article below for more information on scheduling a conference if you would like.
As always, thank you for sending your children to us each day - ready to take on new adventures and learn all they can! We appreciate all of your support!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong!
Michael Krugman - Whittier Principal
Calendar of Events
Monday, January 22 - Choose Happy Orange Day (wear orange today)
Tuesday, January 23 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Sport Stacking, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, January 24 - SC Spirit Day - College Day (wear spirit wear from your favorite college); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, January 25 - Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; Variety Show Dress Rehearsal, 3:00-5:30pm, Whittier Gym
Friday, January 26 -WH Spirit Day (wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and gold or yellow to show your school spirit); Fun Lunch; Variety Show Matinee for students and staff
Saturday, January 27 - Whittier Variety Show, 10:00am, The Tivoli Theater
Monday, January 29 - Choose Happy Orange Day (wear orange today); SC Service Project (all week) - Pop Top Tab Collection for Ronald McDonald House
Tuesday, January 30 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Sport Stacking, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, January 31 - SC Spirit Day - Hat Day (wear your favorite hat to school today); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, February 1 - Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; Craft Club - Grades 2-6, 3:00-3:30pm; Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:45-8:00pm
Friday, February 2 -Ground Hog Day; WH Spirit Day (wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and gold or yellow to show your school spirit)
Saturday, February 3 - PTA Fun Fair, 1:00-3:00pm, Whittier Gym
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the January Make Kindness the Norm Calendar. There are fun things you can do each day to spread kindness and make it the norm.
Thanks for helping us "make kindness the norm" all year long!
School Hours for 2023-24
Kindergarten Half- Day:
8:15-11:20am (Monday-Friday)
Grades K-6:
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 2023-24, which includes all school days off.
1st Grade Star Lab
An indoor planetarium was sent up Thursday afternoon as our 1st grade students participated in Star Lab. This interactive program is offered to our 1st graders each school year. They saw some "really cool" stuff (as one 1st grader described it) related to the stars, planets, and space.
Another UPDATED MAP Testing Schedule
The Winter MAP Testing schedule has been updated again due to the eLearning Days over the past couple of weeks. We will follow the schedule below for the remaining assessments. Please make sure your student(s) is/are in school the day of their grade-level assessment, and please be sure they get a good night sleep and eat a well-balanced breakfast in order to be prepared for testing. Thank you!
Mon, Jan 22 -
AM: Gr 6M - Reading
Tues, Jan 23 -
AM: Gr 3 - Math
PM: Gr 4 - Math
Whittier Scientists at the DG58 Science Fair
A fun day was had by all at the DG58 Science Fair this past weekend! Our very own Whittier scientists shared their experiments, reflections, and knowledge as the Science Fair judges made their way around to view the student projects. A great variety of experiments were shared.
Congratulations to the following Whittier students who participated in this year's Science Fair:
Olivia A, Rachel A, David B, Koralyn B, Konnelly B, Hazel B, Cara E, Ethan F, Emilia J, Ellen J, Lauren K,
Jocelyn L, Elsie O, Camden P, Cora S, Molly T,. Clara W, Khadija W, and Ismail W.
We will display the Science Fair Projects from this year at Parent-Teacher Conferences in February, so be sure to stop by and take a look. Maybe get some ideas for next year. All students will view the Whittier Science Fair projects during our next All School Assembly.
Great job, Whittier Scientists!
Student Council Spirit Days & Community Service Project - January and February
Spirit Days:
Wednesday, January 24 - College Day - dress in your college attire
Wednesday, January 31 - Hat Day - wear your favorite hat
Wednesday, February 7 - Sports Day - wear your favorite sports attire
Wednesday, February 14 - Red and Pink Day - wear your favorite Valentine's Day colors
Service Project for Ronald McDonald House Charities:
During the week of January 29 - February 2: Help support Ronald McDonald House Charities by bringing in aluminum tabs that come from soda, soup, and other cans. Please bring in only the tabs, not the whole lid. Classes will compete to bring in the most aluminum tabs for their choice to win a gift card for their classroom!
"RMHC programs help alleviate some financial burdens for families with sick children. We help our families save over $611 million in hotel and meal expenses."
2nd - 6th Grade Craft Club
Craft Club will be making credit card paintings with students in 2nd through 6th grade. Craft Club will be on Thursday, February 1st from 3:00-3:30pm in the Learning Lab. Sign up by Friday, January 26th. Sign up is required and can be done through the following link.
Please note this month's Craft Club conflicts with a few other after school activities. Your child will need to select which one they would like to attend. Remember sign up is required for Craft Club.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Craft Club
Craft Club will be making Valentine Floam Slime with students in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Craft Club will be on Wednesday, February 7 from 3:00-3:30pm in the Learning Lab. Sign up by Friday, February 2nd. Sign up is required and can be done through the following link.
Please note this month's Craft Club conflicts with a few other after school activities. Your child will need to select which one they would like to attend. Remember sign up is required for Craft Club.
Mrs. Gergits is also looking for Craft Cadets to help with this month's club. If your child is in 4th-6th grade and would like to assist, use the link above to sign up.
Upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences
District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system.
Parent-Teacher Conference Dates are as follows:
Kindergarten through sixth grade conferences:
Thursday, February 1, 2024; 4:45pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, February 7, 2024; 4:45pm - 8:00pm
The signup window will close on Tuesday January 30, 2024 at 11:00am.
View conference signup instructions here. (para Español: Registro para las reuniones de padres y maestros). If you still have questions, please complete a District 58 Technology Help Desk ticket at dg58.org/help. If you miss the deadline and would like a conference, please contact your school.
We value communication with parents, but we have received feedback that as a result of strong and ongoing communication between home and school a winter conference may not be necessary for all families. You can simply choose not to sign up. As always, whether you participate in a conference this winter, please know that you can request a conference with your child’s teacher at any time throughout the year. Additionally, your child’s teacher(s) may contact you at any time if they feel a conference would be helpful.
Whittier Young Authors
Please open the attachment below for infornation from Ms. Coleman regarding this year's Whittier Young Authors.
Whittier PTA Family Fun Winter Event
Please open the attachment below for information pertaining to the Whittier PTA Family Fun Wiinter Event - Ice Skating!
Whittier PTA Scholarship Application is OPEN
The Whittier PTA Scholarship Application is now live. Below is a direct link to the application. The Whittier Elementary PTA Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 scholarship awarded to two (2), graduating seniors from Illinois High Schools who attended Whittier Elementary School for at least four years. The intent of this money is to supplement tuition, boarding, meal plans or book fees. Complete and submit the scholarship application by March 15, 2024
ReferralGPS
Mental Health Resources Info -
District 58 strives to create a culture of well-being for students, parents, staff and community. To further support this endeavor, the District has invested in an additional support service through ReferralGPS.
ReferralGPS is a service providing assistance to our community in finding local mental health and substance use-related treatment resources. The service compliments the District’s existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS assists families in triage and appointment setting.
School district staff and families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:
Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options
Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/DG58 to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously
The platform has the ability to filter by mental health concern, clinician gender/specialty, location, and insurance acceptance. The service is available for all types of private and public insurance options including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, and families that are uninsured or underinsured.
ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely confidential and securely stored.
Order your 2023-2024 Whittier Yearbook!
Hello Parents! The 2023-2024 Yearbook is available for order. Please see the attached flier. Even though the 10% discount is no longer available, you can still order yours today! As with previous years, you are able to create 2 customized pages to add to your child's yearbook FOR FREE. Additional pages can be added for a fee.
Please note the NONNEGOTIABLE deadline of April 12 for completing custom pages. :)
Let me know if you have any questions.
Mrs. Z (ezagorski@dg58.org)
Whittier PTA Corner
Whittier PTA 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 be central to our work and used in our day-to-day decisions and actions. Learn more HERE.
The info below is abbreviated for length - more details provided in the Whittier Weekly (PTA Newsletter) - Exclusively sent to Members of the PTA. Join Now! HERE
★ SAVE THE DATES! ★
Whittier Variety Show on Sat, January 27th at 10am (Tivoli Theatre)
The Fun Fair will be on Sat, February 3rd at Whittier from 1-3pm. More info HERE.
The next PTA meeting will be on Tues, February 13th at 7pm (Zoom)
McTeacher Night will be on Tuesday, February 20th 5-7pm (225 Ogden Ave.)
Scholarship Applications due on Fri, March 15th. More info HERE.
Casino Royale Spring Fundraiser on Sat, April 20, 2024.
★ JOIN US FOR THE VARIETY SHOW! ★
Saturday, January 27th - 10am at the Tivoli Theater. Come support a fabulous group of talented and entertaining kids who can’t wait to perform for their family, friends and teachers! This is a free event and all are welcome. See the official flier HERE.
★ OPEN POSITIONS ★
Fun Fair Chair/Co-Chairs: contact Lindsay at lindsay.x.monco@gmail.com
Variety Show Chair/Co-Chairs: contact Melissa at melissarausch3@gmail.com
2024-2025 Executive Board (Co-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer): Contact Christine and Britta at president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ BAM THEATRE ★
Winter/Spring Session is open for registration! BAM will be held on Thursdays from 3:10-4:10pm starting Feb 8th (ending April 18th). More information and registration HERE.
★ McTEACHER NIGHT ★
Save the Date! Please join us on Tuesday, February 20th from 5-7pm for McTeacher’s Night @ McDonald’s (225 Ogden Ave.)
20% of sales will be donated back to the Whittier PTA Family Fun Committee
McDonald’s Cookies will be available for sale in the lobby for $1 each! 100% of cookie sales will go back to Whittier PTA!
★ SCHOLARSHIP FUND ★
The Whittier Elementary PTA Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 scholarship awarded to two (2), graduating seniors from Illinois High Schools who attended Whittier Elementary School for at least four years. The intent of this money is to supplement tuition, boarding, meal plans or book fees. Complete the scholarship application by March 15th, HERE
WHITTIER GENERAL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND RESOURCES
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 kpeters@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!
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
School Supply Lists for 2023-24
Can We Reach You in an Emergency?
If you have not yet opted into the District’s text messaging service, please text “Y” or “yes” to 67587 to ensure that you will receive text messages from District 58. Text messages will only be sent rarely and only for critical information such as a school closing.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedure 2023-24
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.
- There is no parking on the west side of Blodgett, south of Randall from 2:30-3:30pm. Please follow these parking regulations.
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 Door 2 (west end of the building near the Staff Parking Lot).
Intermediate Students will dismiss from Door 4 off the Intermediate Playground.
Student Arrival Reminders
As we continue to observe and live through Student Arrival, please remember to follow these helpful procedures:
1. As our Kindergarten and 3rd graders arrive at the Primary Wing Entrance, we ask that parents allow students to line up on the blacktop, and then move to the grass area or sidewalk to wait for the bell to ring. Parents are welcome to drop students off and then head home, as well. Staff supervision and student safety patrols begin at 8:05am and remain with students until they enter the building at 8:15am.
2. As our 1st and 2nd graders arrive at the Main Entrance, we ask that parents line up along the sidewalk. Please do not wait in the street or too close to the street, as this is our Drop-off Lane. Parents are welcome to drop students off and then head home, as well. Staff supervision and student safety patrols begin at 8:05am and remain with students until they enter the building at 8:15am.
3. As our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders arrive at the Intermediate Entrance, as ask that parents wait on the other side of the fence. Parents are welcome to drop students off and then head home, as well. Staff supervision and student safety patrols begin at 8:05am and remain with students until they enter the building at 8:15am.
While we all love our furry four-legged friends, and many of them are so cute, we do ask that you keep all pets off of school property. Some of our students may be allergic or scared of dogs and other pets. You are welcome to walk to school with them, but then please stay on the sidewalks across the road on Hill, Blodgett, and Grand.
Thank you for your cooperation, and for assisting us in maintaining the safety of our students.
Additional Drop-Off and Pick-up Information
When entering the Drop-Off/Pick-Up Lane, please notice that there is NO PARKING along Hill Street in this area. This lane is strictly drop off and pick up. All drivers need to remain in their vehicles and exit the lane once students have exited or entered the vehicle. Again, please do not allow children to exit the vehicle on the driver's side and into traffic.
Please DO NOT double park on Hill, Grand, or Blodgett in order to avoid traffic and either drop off or pick up students. This is very dangerous.
Together, we can all assist in providing the safest environment for our children. Thank you!
Safety and Security at School
The District has instituted the RAPTOR security system this school year, which requires ALL visitors to show a state-issued ID, have it scanned, and then the visitor receives a name badge to wear during their entire stay in the building. Please be prepared to show your ID upon arrival at Whittier.
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/ALICE 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.
Fruit/Snack Break
Gym Shoes for PE Class & Shoes at Recess
As the school year begins, 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!
Delivering or Dropping Off Items for your Child(ren)
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.
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