What's Up at Whittier
Week of February 26
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Thank you to everyone who came out last week for McTeacher Night at McDonald's. It was great seeing so many Whittier people supporting our PTA. We ALL had a lot of fun. Be sure to check out some pics below. Be sure to mark your calendar for the PTA Spring Fundraiser - Whittier Royale - Saturday, April 20. More information can be found below.
Congratulations to the Whittier Teams who took part in this year's DG58 Reading Games yesterday at O'Neill Middle School. Everyone had a good time while focusing on reading!
Registration for the 2024-25 school year will be coming out soon. In the meantime, we are hoping that all parents of incoming Kindergarten students attend our Kindergarten Round-Up on Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00pm in the Whittier Gym. More details can be found in an article below.
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, February 26 - Choose Happy Orange Day (wear orange as we celebrate happiness each Monday)
Tuesday, February 27 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, February 28 - SC Spirit Day - Superhero Day (dress like a superhero); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, February 29 - End of 2nd Trimester; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:00-4:10pm
Friday, March 1 - Teacher Institute Day - NO SCHOOL
Monday, March 4 - Choose Happy Orange Day (wear orange as we celebrate happiness each Monday)
Tuesday, March 5 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, March 6 - SC Spirit Day - Waste Free Wednesday (try to bring a snack and lunch that contains no waste); Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm; Gr 5/6 STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm
Thursday, March 7 - Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:00-4:10pm
Friday, March 8 - WH Spirit Day (wear your favorite Whittier spirit wear or our school colors - blue and gold or blue and yellow); Fun Lunch
Sunday, March 10 - Daylight Savings Time Starts (spring ahead - turn your clocks ahead 1 hour)
Making Kindness the Norm
See below for the February and March Make Kindness the Norm Calendars. 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.
Reading Games 2024
Whittier had 4 teams in this year's District 58 Reading Games, which took place yesterday. Thanks to our students and parent volunteers for participating this year. Looks like our teams had a lot of fun, while focusing on reading!
McTeacher Night = McFun Night!
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Whittier PTA McTeacher Night this past week. It was a great time and lots of fun was had by all! It was great to see so many current students, former students, and future students, along with parents, grandparents, friends, community members, and our Whittier Staff - Mr. Krugman, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Kluga, Mrs. Gergits, Mr. Williams, Mrs. Hedman, Ms. Sullivan, Mrs. Smitley, Mrs, Lyons, Mrs. Zagorski, Mrs. Brems, Mrs. Bartkowiak, and Mrs. Porter. Also, thank you to McDonald's for hosting this event and sharing 20% of sales during our event back to the Whittier PTA.
Mark your calendar for the PTA Spring Fundraiser - Whittier Royale (see the flyer above for more info) on Saturday, April 20. We hope to see you there for a fun night!!
Remembering Blue
We are sad to share that we lost one of our classroom pets - Blue. Blue was a lizard in Mrs. Lyons' 5th grade classroom, and she passed away last Sunday, February 18. We are all saddened by this news. See below a message from Mrs. Lyons and a drawing from 4th grader Koralyn B, depicting Blue with her angel wings.
Parent and Student Survey Information
Parent Survey Information:
As a reminder, parents are invited to take the District 58 School Environment Survey here. The survey should take just a few minutes yet provides valuable information that guides our school improvement efforts. All responses are anonymous.
In addition, parents are also invited to take the Illinois State Board of Education’s 5Essentials Parent Survey. This survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes. Your identity and survey responses will be kept confidential and will not be connected to you or your child.
Student Survey Information:
Additionally, grade 4-8 students will be asked to participate in a 5Essentials student survey sometime between Feb. 23 and March 22. If you do not wish to have your grade 4-8 student(s) participate in the 5Essentials, please fill out this opt-out form and return it to your child’s school by Tuesday, Feb. 20.
A District 58 email was sent to all parents/guardians about the surveys and the student’s 5Essential opt-out form on Monday, Feb. 12. Learn more about the surveys here.
Reporting Student Absence from School - Now an Electronic Option is Available
As a reminder - we ask that parents report their child(ren)'s absence to the school office.
There are a variety of ways you can now report your child(ren)'s absence from school:
1. Call the school office at (630) 719-5865 (24 hours a day), and leave a message regarding your child's absence from school.
2. Email the Whittier secretaries (ccasella@dg58.org and kpeters@dg58.org) indicating the reason for your child's absence.
3. Report absences electronically. Just click on the link below, complete the information, and submit the form. This form can also be found on the Whittier webpage.
https://forms.gle/1Q3gXFonR3by2ppR9
While many parents contact the classroom teacher with absence information, the school office MUST also be notified. Please report student absences using one of the 3 methods above. Thank you for your assistance!
Student Council Spirit Days & Community Service Projects - February and March
Spirit Days:
Wednesday, February 28 - Superhero Day - dress like a superhero
Wednesday, March 6 - Waste Free Wednesday - try to bring a snack and lunch that contains no waste
Wednesday, March 13 - Disney Day - dress in your favorite Disney clothing
Wednesday, March 20 - Tropical Day - dress in tropical attire
Service Project:
Help support the World Wildlife Fund during the week of March 11-15! Please help by buying mini plush animal toys during lunch for $2 each.
The mission of the World Wildlife Fund is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
Give Kids a Smile Day
DuPage County Health Department Dental Program is joining the American Dental Association in observance of "Give Kids a Smile Day" on Friday March 1st. Free dental screenings will be done by DuPage County Health Department dentists. Children will receive a School Dental Exam form, oral health education and an oral healthcare kit. This event is by appointment only.
See below for flyers in both English and Spanish for the upcoming “Give Kids a Smile Day” event.
Kindergarten Round-Up - March 13
Kindergarten Round-Up - Save the Date!
It's time to gather all our incoming Kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year. Our Kindergarten Round-Up will take place on Wednesday, March 13, from 6:00-7:00pm in the Whittier Gym. If you have an incoming Kindergarten student, or know of someone who has an incoming Kindergarten student, please save the date and share this information.
Please call the Whittier Office at (630) 719-5865, so we can add you to our incoming Kindergarten list. We will then send you information and keep you up to date on what to do for the upcoming school year registration. Please plan on joining us on March 13 for this parents only informational meeting.
Please be sure to spread the word so all incoming Kindergarten parents are aware of this event. Thanks for your help!
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!
Kane County Cougars Reading Club
Whittier will be participating in the Cougars Reading Club, a reading incentive program sponsored by the Kane County Cougars baseball team. Your child will have the opportunity to improve his or her reading skills while earning a ticket to a Cougar game, a Cougars drawstring bag, and a free hot dog and drink to enjoy during the game.
This reading incentive runs from March 1st to April 1st. Please complete the parent verification form (below) and return to your classroom teacher by April 2nd.
2024-25 Health Requirements
It is never too early to consider an appointment for your child's school physical.
As you begin to think about the 2024-2025 school year, we wanted to remind you of the health requirements for your incoming second or sixth-grader. All second and sixth graders will need to have a dental exam completed and turned in no later than May 15, 2025. This form can be dated anytime between November 15, 2023 - May 15, 2025. The form can be downloaded and printed here: Dental Form
All sixth graders are required to have a physical and two additional vaccinations; Meningococcal and Tdap, which are required at the age of 11. If your child is not 11 years old at the start of the year, they still should have their physical completed with a note from their physician stating when they are scheduled to return for their required vaccinations. This physical can be dated as early as August 16, 2023, and must be turned in by October 15, 2024. Prior to turning it in, be sure to complete and sign the top of the backside! The form can be downloaded and printed here: Physical Form
The completed forms can be dropped off to the school office, mailed, or emailed to the school nurse. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!
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)
Kindergarten Dual Language Information Night
Join us on Monday, April 29 if you are interested in learning more about the Kindergarten Dual Language Program in District 58.
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.
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.
★ IMPORTANT DATES! ★
Sun, March 3 (3:30-5:00pm) Family Fun Winter Event at Rocket Ice Arena
Fri, March 15: Scholarship Applications due on. More info HERE.
Sat, April 20: Casino Royale Spring Fundraiser (Adult Event). More info HERE.
Keep an eye out for specially priced early bird tickets (March 4 - 10)
★ FAMILY FUN WINTER EVENT ★
Sunday, March 3rd, 3:30-5:00pm
Rocket Ice Arena in Bolingbrook (180 Canterbury Lane) - More Info HERE.
Enjoy an afternoon of complimentary ice skating for the whole family! Entry is FREE. All parents, guardians and siblings welcome! There is $4 skate rental fee (cash, card and Apple Pay accepted). Questions? Contact Sarah Patterson at iuskula@gmail.com
★ EXPERIENCES - SEND US YOUR IDEAS! ★
Spring Experience idea submissions are now open! "Experiences" are events hosted by someone or a group of people (parents or teachers) that raise money for the PTA. We're hoping to have all ideas submitted by the beginning of March to go live the week of March 18 and events would take place before mid-June. Please reach out to Julie Orozco juliembaker@gmail.com with your questions or ideas! More info and examples HERE
★ 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.
There are a variety of ways you can now report your child(ren)'s absence from school:
1. Call the school office at (630) 719-5865 (24 hours a day), and leave a message regarding your child's absence from school.
2. Email the Whittier secretaries (ccasella@dg58.org and kpeters@dg58.org) indicating the reason for your child's absence.
3. Report absences electronically. Just click on the link below, complete the information, and submit the form. This form can also be found on the Whittier webpage.
https://forms.gle/1Q3gXFonR3by2ppR9
While many parents contact the classroom teacher with absence information, the school office MUST also be notified. Please report student absences using one of the 3 methods above. 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.
When Visiting Whittier
As everyone knows, safety is always at the forefront of our mind, especially when students are in the building. Many safety protocols have been established and are followed on a daily basis by both staff and students.
One of these safety measures is that no staff member or student should allow a visitor into the building at any time. Even if the visitor is recognized, they still need to enter the building at the main entrance and be buzzed in after identifying themselves to an office staff member.
We would ask that parents and other visitors to our building during the school day, be aware of this procedure and follow this protocol when already authorized to be in the building. Please do not allow entry to anyone - even if you know them. This is the responsibility of our office staff. If you are waiting or walking in the hallway and you see someone at the door, please allow them to be recognized and acknowledged by our office staff. This is the only way we can maintain who is in the building at any given time. We appreciate your assistance and follow through with this very important safety protocol.
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