What's Up at Whittier
Week of October 2
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
Our monthly Positive Behavior All-School Assembly continues to be a blast and a lot of fun for everyone while concentrating on our all-school student expectations. This month we are focusing on "Be Respectful" behaviors. Please reinforce and practice these at home and in the community too. Be sure to see the article below, along with some pictures.
Be sure to sign up for a Parent/Teacher Conference on either Thursday, October 12, or Wednesday, October 18, both days from 4:45-8:00pm. More information can be found in the article below.
Looks like we have one more warm week before Fall temperatures finally arrive. Hoping we can enjoy the fall temps and weather before we get hit with the cold Winter weather. You just never know in this part of the country.
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 2 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; National Custodians Day
Tuesday, October 3 - Reading Club, 3:00-3:40pm; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, October 4 - Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day; Walking Club; Gr 5/6 STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 5 - BAM Theater, 3:15-4:15pm
Friday, October 6 - 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 9 - Choose Happy Orange Day - be sure to wear orange today; Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Tuesday, October 10 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, October 11 - Walking Club; Gr 4 STEM Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, October 12 - BAM Theater, 3:15-4:15pm; Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:45-8:00pm
Friday, October 13 - 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
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.
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
Sign-Up for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for Fall 2023 Parent/Teacher Conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system via PowerPTC.net. The sign-up window will close on October 6, 2023, at 11:00am.
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 for K-6 students will take place:
- Thursday, October 12 from 4:45-8pm
- Wednesday, October 18 from 4:45-8pm
Please view the parent-teacher conference signup guide (para Español: Registro para las reuniones de padres y maestros) to learn how to sign up for a conference using the system, along with other helpful information.
Mr. Krugman - 1st Grade Star Student
Here is the general Star Student information that he also shared:
Birthday - March 21
Favorite Food - Spaghetti & Meatballs
Favorite Color - Blue
Favorite Book - Harry Potter series
Favorite Thing To Do - travel and spend time with family
Pets - 2 dogs - Cooper and Barkley
Mr. Krugman was also the guest reader that day and read Dr. Seuss' "If I Ran the Circus." It was a fun morning in 1st Grade.
All School PBSS Assembly
As part of our monthly raffle, students were selected to participate in some fun "Beat It" activities. Students went head to head to see who could win the challenge. Students cheered and lots of fun was had by all!
Congratulations to our monthly raffle winners:
2nd graders - Miles J, Briana O-S, Max P, Kai W
3rd graders - Rivers G, Norah W, Miranda R
4th graders - Luke S, Ariana S, Saoirse M
5th grader - Morgan P
6th graders - Ian B, Ellery M, Kiera C
Beat It Challenge Participants:
Kindergartener - Ayden W
2nd graders - Natalie T, James R, Sofia M
3rd graders - Hazel B, Gideon M
4th graders - Gabe M, Zainab S
5th graders - Elise B, Jax M
6th graders - Zaylan S, Caroline A
And - CONGRATULATIONS to our first weekly raffle winner - 2nd grader Luke C. Luke and a friend of his choice will receive McDonald's lunch one day this week. We have 3 more weekly raffles ahead as we continue our goal of "Be Respectful."
Health/Physical Examination & Immunization Record due October 15
As required by law, all new students, as well as students entering grades K, 2, and 6, must receive health examinations and immunizations and submit completed health forms by October 15th. To learn more check out the Health Services page on the District 58 website.
Thank you to many of the families who have already completed and submitted these forms. In accordance with Illinois law, failure to comply with these requirements by Oct 15 of the current school year, or 30 days following registration for first-time registrants, will result in the student's exclusion from school until such requirements have been met. All sections of the child examination form must be completed including the health history, which must be completed by the parent.
District 58 communicates frequently regarding these requirements as it is our hope to avoid school exclusion for all of our students. If you are in need of additional assistance, our school nurse, (Laura Monyek, lmonyek@dg58.org, (630) 719-5865), would be happy to assist you in answering questions or connecting you with resources to complete this requirement.
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!
It is time! Registration is NOW OPEN for the Haunted Hustle! Our 1-mile costume fun run will take place on October 27th. You MUST register by October 6th to get a Haunted Hustle t-shirt. Additional long-sleeved and hooded sweatshirts are available for purchase! Paper flyers will come home on Monday.
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 Your PTA Now!
★ DON’T FORGET TO SIGN-UP FOR YOUR PTA! ★
JOIN HERE … The Membership Race is On!! See Facebook for updates!
★ ROOM PARENTS NEED YOUR HELP! ★
Everyone should have received an email from your child(ren)’s Room Parent. If you are able to contribute money towards classroom Halloween Parties and teacher gifts, please send it to your respective Room Parent by THIS Friday, Oct 6th. Instructions are included in the initial email.
Questions? Not sure who your Room Parent is?
Catherine (PTA Co-Vice President) can help! Contact her at ccratin@gmail.com
★ WALK OR ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY IS THIS WED, OCT 4th!★
Let's get out and get moving, Whittier Family!
Grab your walking shoes or wheels/helmet for this annual national event!
There will be fun encouragement as kids arrive at school.
The PTA will provide students with their healthy snack this day!
★ FALL EXPERIENCES ARE LIVE! ★
Take a look HERE - Register soon!!
★ FALL FAMILY RUN - REGISTER BY FRI (10/6) TO RECEIVE A SHIRT! ★
FRIDAY, OCT 27th - The Haunted Hustle (PTA Family Fun Run) - Register HERE.
**Register by Oct 6th to receive a T-shirt.
★ BAM THEATRE STARTS THIS THURS (10/5) - REGISTER ASAP! ★
BAM Theatre is thrilled to be offering another fun after-school enrichment program at Whittier School this fall: Hits from THE LITTLE MERMAID!!!! This program kicks off THIS Thursday, and there is still time to join in the fun! More info HERE. Register HERE! Students are welcome to join in the fun starting Week 2 or 3, pending ongoing availability in the program.
★ LANGUAGE LABS STARTS THIS WED (10/4) - REGISTER ASAP ★
Language Labs is hosting a fee-based Spanish program at Whittier after school on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 4th (ending Jan 31). More information and registration HERE.
We need a Parent/Guardian Volunteer to support this program!
Language Labs is able to offer a tuition discount to the student of the parent/guardian volunteer (100% if one volunteer, 50% if split between 2 volunteers). More info HERE. Interested? Contact president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ YOUNG REMBRANDTS STARTS THIS TUES (10/3) - REGISTER ASAP ★
Young Rembrandts is hosting a fee-based art program at Whittier after school on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 3 (ending Dec 19). More information and registration HERE.
We need Parent/Guardian Volunteers to support this program!
Young Rembrandts is able to offer a tuition discount to the student of the parent/guardian volunteer (100% if one volunteer, 50% if split between 2 volunteers). More info HERE. Interested? Contact president@whittierschoolpta.org
★ CHESS SCHOLARS STARTS THURS (10/19) - REGISTER SOON ★
Chess Club is hosting a fee-based Spanish program on Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting October 19th (ending Dec 14th). More information and registration HERE.
Parent/Guardian Volunteer Position is Filled! (-:
★ WHITTER WEAR SHARE ★
Get ready for our fall Whittier Wear & Share program!
How it works:
1. Gather your gently used & washed Whittier Spirit Wear that your household no longer wants.
2. In early October, we’ll start the collection process. Similar to last year, you’ll be able to drop off items in the school foyer at the front entrance in the designated bin.
3. Items will be organized by size and displayed for selection during October’s Parent-Teacher Conferences. All families are welcome to take what they want for their little jaguars at no cost.
In other spirit wear news, we’ll be opening the fall online shop in October with some fresh new designs!
★ WALKING CLUB IS BACK! ★
Fun (and easy!) Volunteer Opportunity:
Whittier Walking Club Fall Session is in full swing!. You can sign up for a Wed midday slot (11:20am -12:15pm) HERE.
Don't know what Walking Club is? Take a look HERE for more info
Questions? Sarah B. and Kristin W. are your go-tos for anything!
Sarah B. sarahtbogs@gmail.com
Kristen W. waszak.kristin@gmail.com
★ JOIN BOX TOPS ★
A simple and fun way to support our school! Download the app HERE.
*100% goes to Whittier Elementary School
*Use referral code LHKR54FN
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.
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!
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