What's Up at Whittier
Week of October 17
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
We have a busy week ahead - here are some reminders.
Whittier Spirit Wear is now on sale. The online store opens today. See the article below for more information.
Parent/Teacher Conferences take place this week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. During the Fall Conferences, we hope to meet with parents of all students. Please see the article below for more information on sign-up. The appointment link closes Monday at 11:00am.
NO SCHOOL on Friday - Parent/Teacher Conferences in the morning and School Improvement Activities for staff in the afternoon.
PTA Hot Chocolate Fun Run on Friday. Be sure to register if you have not done so yet. See the article in the PTA Corner below for more information. Volunteers are needed, as well. See the article and sign-up below.
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.
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!
From the School Nurse - When Should I Send My Child to School and When Should I Keep Them Home?
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.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. During this month we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this week we recognized Laurie Hernandez. She is of Puerto Rican descent and is an American gymnast who competed with the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the 2016 Summer Olympics where she won gold in the team event and silver on the beam. She has now written a book on her experiences of hard work and dedication and is a New York Times Best Seller.
Whittier Spirit Wear Online Store Opens TODAY
Whittier Spirit Wear opens Sunday, October 16th running through Wednesday, November 2nd, and can be accessed here: https://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=1689
Check out the fall/winter selections which feature a 2022-23 “Jaguar logo” designed by Whittier Dad Jeremy Ruiz, alongside some of the classic Whittier logos we all know and love. School Theme/Field Day “Be the Dream” shirts are also available for purchase with each grade represented by a different shirt color. The Whittier store will reopen in the Spring with warm weather apparel, providing another opportunity to order school theme shirts in time for Field Day.
Items will be delivered approximately 3 weeks after the close of the store and will be shipped to the school. Orders will be sent home with the oldest child in the family unless it is noted at check out that office pick-up is preferred.
Thanks and happy shopping!
Volunteers Needed for the PTA Hot Chocolate Fun Run
On Friday, October 21, 2022, The Whittier PTA will be hosting a fun run/walk through our wonderful Whittier/Randall Park neighborhood. We are still in need of volunteers and are asking our Whittier families for help.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up for a volunteer position. We couldn't do this event without our wonderful volunteers!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f48acac28a0f49-volunteers
Volunteers Opportunities still available:
- Packet Pick Up @ Whittier School during Conferences (T/TH/ F)
- McDonald's Hot Chocolate Tent (Grand/Hill School Blacktop)
- Whittier Start Line/ Grounds Help
- Course Marshals
PTA Reflections Contest - Show Your Voice
The Reading Games Registration
The Reading Games will return for its ninth year on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at O'Neill Middle School. The Reading Games is a fun and friendly reading competition open to District 58 students in grades 3-8.
Start forming teams now! Team and individual registration is open now through November 2. Please click here for general Reading Games information, including team and individual registration links. Visit www.readinggamesdg58.com for detailed information.
The Reading Games also seeks question writer volunteers! Click here to learn more information and to sign up to volunteer.
Gaga Pit Platform - Help Needed
So far, we have 4 individuals who have volunteered to help. Are you interested in helping out?
If we had a wooden platform around the outside of the Gaga Pit, we could leave it open after it rains or snows. We have money in our PTA Outdoor Improvement Projects Fund for the materials, but we need a committee of volunteers to draw plans and then build the platform. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Mr. Krugman (via email at mkrugman@dg58.org or by phone 630-719-5865) to have your name added to our committee. If you have any questions, please direct them to Mr. Krugman. Once we have our group assembled and ready to start, Kevin Barto and Geoff Neustadt (Director and Asst Director of Buildings & Grounds) will assist us in organizing this project.
Thank you for your help!
Parent Teacher Conferences
District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for fall 2022 Parent Teacher Conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system at www.PowerPTC.net. PowerPTC is the same tool District 58 used for winter conferences.
The signup window will close on Monday, October 17 at 11am.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in person. However, families who require a remote option should schedule their conference in PowerPTC and then change the meeting type from “in person” to “video conference.”
Conferences will take place:
Preschool through sixth grade conferences:
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4:40-8pm
Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4:40-8pm
Friday, Oct. 21 from 8-11:20am
Middle school conferences:
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4:50-8pm
Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4:50-8pm
Friday, Oct. 21 from 8-11:20am
Please view the parent-teacher conference signup guide to learn how to sign up for a conference using the new system, along with other helpful information.
District 58 Informational Referendum Open Houses
Please consider attending the next District 58 Informational Referendum Open Houses to learn more about the District 58 referendum.
Monday, October 17 from 6:30-8pm
Herrick Middle School, 4435 Middaugh Ave.
This open house will include a brief presentation, tour, and a question-and-answer opportunity. To learn more, please visit District 58's referendum information website at www.dg58.org/referendum. This website includes links to the Master Facility Plan, facility presentation, videos, frequently asked questions and much more.
Pictured below: Herrick’s boiler room (see it in person if you attend the Oct. 17 open house!)
Halloween at Whittier
This year, our Whittier Spooktacular Halloween Experience will take place on Monday, 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 12:30pm, and make its way outside around 12:45pm. Halloween Room Parties will follow at 1:00pm, and end by 1:45pm, in order to dismiss students at 2:00pm. AM only Kindergarten students will be invited back for the afternoon activities, if they wish to participate. 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 12:45pm, 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 1:00pm. 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.
Students will be dismissed at the regular 2:00pm dismissal time for Monday.
District 58 has a rich and diverse population in our learning community. District 58 staff members recognize that many families have different beliefs; and because of religious, cultural, or personal reasons, some families may choose to not be involved in Halloween activities. If you would not like your child(ren) to participate in Halloween activities, please communicate this with your classroom teacher and principal(s). We will then find an alternative location and activity for your child during the Halloween activities.
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.
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.
★ JOIN US for THE 2nd PTA MEETING OF THE YEAR on TUES, OCT 25th at 7:00pm! ★
Zoom information/agenda coming to your inbox soon!
Note: Thank you to all who submitted questions and/or inquired about the structure of our Oct 25th discussion on inclusion/inclusive naming. We are working diligently with school, state and national PTA leadership to compile accurate answers. We appreciate your patience!
Remember: In order to vote, you need to be a member. You belong in the PTA! JOIN NOW HERE.
★ HOT CHOCOLATE FUN RUN - REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!★
Join in on the fun and many family activities on Friday, Oct 21st! Sign-up HERE.
★ FALL EXPERIENCES★
Sessions are still open! Sign-up HERE.
★ REFLECTIONS★
The National PTA Reflections Arts Program invites all Whittier students (grades K–6) to create an original creative work in this year’s theme: Show Your Voice! More info HERE.
★ MASTERPIECE OF THE MONTH NEEDS VOLUNTEERS★
This is a fun (and rare!) opportunity to engage with your child’s classroom highlighting different artists (no experience necessary). HERE is more information. Please contact Liz Berger (esolnerberger@gmail.com) if you have questions or would like to volunteer!
★ WALKING CLUB - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ★
Only 1 spot is left Wed Oct 26th (11:20am-12:20pm) for the coveted role of a prize passer-outer!! Come feel like a hero as you exchange tickets for smiles and give students fun prizes for their walking club efforts! Sign up HERE
★ WHITTIER SPIRIT WEAR OPENS SUNDAY OCT 16th! ★
Check out the fall/winter selections which feature a 2022-23 “Jaguar logo” designed by Whittier Dad Jeremy Ruiz alongside some of the classic Whittier logos we all know and love. School Theme/Field Day “Be the Dream” shirts are also available for purchase with each grade represented by a different shirt color. The Whittier store will reopen in the Spring with warm weather apparel, providing another opportunity to order school theme shirts in time for Field Day.
Items will be delivered approximately 3 weeks after the close of the store and will be shipped to the school. Orders will be sent home with the oldest child in the family unless it is noted at check out that office pick up is preferred.
Check out the fall/winter selection HERE.
Calendar of Events
Monday, October 17 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; District 58 Referendum Informational Open House, 6:30pm, Herrick Middle School
Tuesday, October 18 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:00pm; PTA Hot Chocolate Run Race Packet Pick-up, 5:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 19 - Student Council Spirit Day - Dream Job Day (dress as you would for your dream job); PTA Walking Club, Lunch Recess; STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:00pm; PTA Hot Chocolate Run Race Packet Pick-up, 5:00-7:30pm
Friday, October 21 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences, 8:00-11:30am and School Improvement Day, 11:30am-3:30pm; PTA Hot Chocolate Run Race Packet Pick-up, 8:00-11:00am; PTA Hot Chocolate Run, 4:15pm
Monday, October 24 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; BOE Curriculum Workshop, 7:00pm, OMS
Tuesday, October 25 - Young Rembrandts Program, 3:00-4:00pm; PTA Meeting, 7:00pm via ZOOM
Wednesday, October 26 - Student Council Spirit Day - Dress Up Day (dress up for your day at school); PTA Walking Club, Lunch Recess; STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 27 - BAM Theater Program, 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, October 28 - Whittier Spirit Day (wear your favorite Whittier Spirit Wear or our school colors - blue and gold or blue and yellow to show your school spirit); School Picture Re-take Day; PTA Fun Lunch
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