What's Up at Whittier
Week of October 16
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Thank you to all the parents that attended Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences this past Thursday. We look forward to seeing the rest of our parents on Wednesday, October 18. This is a great opportunity to touch base - classroom teachers and parents - and talk about how your student is doing in class. We hope you find Parent/Teacher Conferences as beneficial as we do.
On Thursday evening, I sent the message below to all parents. Because this message is very important, I wanted to repeat it again today. Please review it and our Drop Off and Pick Up procedures in the article later in this newsletter.
As you all know, student safety is very important to us at Whittier, and we do our best to maintain student safety throughout each day of school. But, before students enter the building and once they leave the building, we need parents and caregivers to join us in our quest for safety.
This week, we had an increase in vehicles along Hill and Grand, dropping off students for school. This will continue to increase as the weather changes and becomes more inclement. We need all vehicle drivers to be cognizant of their surroundings and understand that children are present. We need drivers to slow down, pull up to the sidewalk curb for drop off, pull away after vehicle doors have completely closed, and check before pulling away. Vehicles seem to be getting larger and larger, but our kids are still kid-sized. Children should never exit the vehicle on the driver's side. This side has moving traffic. Students should always exit from the passenger side. If the driver needs to get out of his/her vehicle, please park in a designated parking spot to do so. Please do not block the drop off and pick up lane by getting out of your vehicle.
Please slow down and take your time. If you need to leave a few minutes earlier because it may take a few extra minutes to drop off your child(ren), please do so. Please be patient as we welcome our students to school each morning. Our children are precious and we do not want an accident to occur. If we all take our time and remember we all have a role in student safety, the possibility of an accident or anyone getting hurt will be minimized.
The specific Drop Off and Pick Up procedures are listed every week in the What's Up at Whittier newsletter, under the Whittier General Information and Resources section. Please review these every so often, and PLEASE share these with anyone who transports your child(ren) to Whittier. We can do this and we can keep our children safe.
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, October 16 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today
Wednesday, October 18 - Walking Club; Thriller Dance Class, 3:00-4:00pm; Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:45-8:00pm
Thursday, October 19 - 5th Grade Field Trip to the Morton Arboretum; Baselball Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, October 20 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or blue and gold to show your school spirit; Fun Lunch
Monday, October 23 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today
Tuesday, October 24 - Reading Club, 3:00-3:40pm; Thriller Dance Class, 3:00-4:00pm; PTA Meeting via ZOOM, 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 25 - Walking Club; Thriller Dance Class, 3:00-4:00pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 26 - Baseball Intramurals, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:00-4:00pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, October 27 - WH Spirit Day - wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and yellow or blue and gold to show your school spirit; School Picture Re-Take Day; Whittier PTA Fall Fundraiser - Haunted Hustle, 4:30pm
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the October 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.
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!
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 Safety Drills
District 58 schools practice a variety of safety drills throughout the year to ensure everyone is prepared if an emergency occurs. The safety drills include: fire drills, tornado/severe weather drills, bus evacuation drills, and active threat drills. Drills are designed to educate and prepare students. Schools take precautions to avoid scaring students during drills.
Halloween 2023 at Whittier
This year, our Whittier Spooktacular Halloween Experience will take place on Tuesday, October 31. Students may wear their costumes to school or bring them to change into after lunch. Our Halloween Parade will begin in the building at 1:30pm, and make its way outside around 1:45pm. Halloween Room Parties will follow at 2:00pm, and end by 2:45pm, in order to dismiss students at 3:00pm. Please review the information below and help us maintain a safe Halloween experience at school.
Costumes
- Costumes will be allowed, and can be worn to school or changed into after lunch.
- Costumes should allow for safe classroom navigation and participation in all regular activities during the day.
- Costume/Look Alike Weapons of any kind are NOT allowed at school.
- Costume should not glorify violence and/or be offensive to any culture/group.
- Costume should not impair vision or ability to walk (costume masks will only be allowed during the outdoor parade).
- Costume should allow child to be comfortable in the weather/temperature, as students will go outside for recess, as well as the Halloween Parade.
Halloween Parade
- The Whittier Halloween Parade will be held outdoors (weather depending), beginning at 1:45pm, with spectators allowed to view along the outer sidewalk surrounding the Intermediate (East) Playground.
- Visitors will not be permitted if the parade is held indoors.
Halloween Room Parties
- Halloween Room Parties will begin, following the Halloween Parade, at approximately 2:00pm. Only approved room parents will be allowed to enter the building.
- Room Party activities may include a healthy snack (fruit and vegetable creations, along with bottled water or 100% fruit juice), crafts, story/read aloud, and appropriate games. No candy treat bags are allowed.
- Students will be dismissed at the regular 3:00pm dismissal time.
PTA Reflections - "I am Hopeful Because..."
All Whittier students are welcome to enter their art from one or more of the following categories in the nationwide PTA Reflections Contest - visual arts, photography, literature, dance choreography, music composition and film production. This year's Reflections theme is "I am Hopeful Because..." and entries can be submitted at the main office through October 27th. Information about Reflections, along with the entry form, can be found on the Whittier PTA website. The entry form is also available at the main office. Entries from each grade category will then be selected to move on to our Downers Grove council-level Reflections! Please reach out to ReflectionsWhittier@gmail.com with any questions.
PTA Fall Fundraiser - The Haunted Hustle!
The Haunted Hustle is almost here! Be sure to register today for the Haunted Hustle! Our 1-mile costume fun run will take place on October 27th. Long-sleeved and hooded sweatshirts are available for purchase!
https://raceroster.com/events/2023/76216/whittier-pta-haunted-hustle#event-schedule
Order your 2023-2024 Whittier Yearbook!
Hello Parents! The 2023-2024 Yearbook is available for order. Please see the attached flier. If you order before Oct. 31, you will receive a 10% discount! 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)
Mental Health Series for Parents of Youth
We are sharing opportunities for parents in the area of mental health. These workshops are offered within the DuPage area. Please see the fliers below for more information.
Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream has a task force that created a 4-part series on adolescent Mental Health Series for Parents starting in October.
The Glenbard Parent Series (flyer in both English and Spanish) offers Watch Parties and cover various topics.
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 Whittier PTA strives to create a kind, responsive culture where all feel welcome.
More details provided in the Whittier Weekly (PTA Newsletter) - Exclusively sent to Members of the PTA
Join Now! HERE
★ JOIN US for THE NEXT PTA MEETING! ★
Tuesday, October 24th at 7:00pm via Zoom, LINK HERE
Meeting ID 476 355 8071
Password: WH PTA
Check the website for the agenda closer to the date (HERE).
★ CHESS SCHOLARS STARTS THURS (10/19) - REGISTER SOON ★
Chess Club is hosting a fee-based program on Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 19th (ending Dec 14th). More information and registration HERE.
★ WHITTER WEAR SHARE ★
How it works:
Drop off gently used & washed Whittier Spirit Wear in the vestibule at Whittier’s front door entrance starting now through Wednesday, October 11th.
Items will be displayed for selection starting the evening of October 12th through October 18th. All families are welcome to take what they want for their little jaguars at no cost.
If you have any questions please contact Ashley at ashleympapanikolas@gmail.com.
★ REFLECTIONS ENTRIES DUE FRI, OCT 27th ★
The 2023-2024 Reflections Theme is…”I am Hopeful, Because…”
Does your student enjoy art, music and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then consider submitting a PTA Reflections entry this year! Submission guidelines w/entry form will be sent home with students or can also be found HERE. MORE INFO HERE, INSPIRATION HERE
★ FALL EXPERIENCES ARE LIVE! ★
Take a look HERE - Register soon!!
★ FALL FAMILY RUN - REGISTRATION STILL OPEN★
FRIDAY, OCT 27th - The Haunted Hustle (PTA Family Fun Run) - register HERE.
WHITTIER GENERAL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND RESOURCES
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.
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