What's Up at Whittier
Week of April 10
Mr. Krugman's Weekly Message
April Showers bring May Flowers! So, the saying goes... Hoping we see lots of May flowers with all the April showers we have had already.
Thank you to all families who have completed their Student Registration for the 2023-24 school year. While the official registration time period has closed, we still need ALL FAMILIES to complete their registration as soon as possible. We are still missing about a third of our registrations. We need complete registrations in order to finalize and confirm our staffing for next school year. Please contact the Whittier Office Staff if you have any questions or need any assistance.
If you have not ordered your 2022-23 yearbook yet, be sure to do that soon. See more information below.
Be sure to scroll all the way through the newsletter to review our year-round informational articles and for updates in the Whittier PTA Corner and the Whittier Calendar of Events.
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
Making Kindness the Norm
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.
Kindergarten Students enjoy Friends' Visit from DGPD
After School Parking Issues
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-24 School Year
IAR Testing Schedule - UPDATED
We ask that all students be in attendance on the day of their specific testing. Please be sure students get a good night sleep and eat a well balanced breakfast before coming to school.
These assessment scores are reported on the Illinois State Report Card and determine a school's rating. We ask that all students take these assessments seriously and try their best to show us their specific achievement in these areas.
Thank you for your support!
Attention 6th Grade Parents - A Message from the Middle Schools
District 58 Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already talking about Middle School! We are so excited to partner with you as your students begin to attend Herrick or O’Neill Middle School starting August 2023!
We wanted to send you a Save the Date for Tuesday, May 9th from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at your student’s middle school. We have attached the flyer below for your reference.
As we move through the rest of the school year, we will be sending out other communication to help support and provide guidance through this transition to middle school. This includes Sneak Preview, Gym Uniforms, and student schedules!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership of District 58 students and schools.
Sincerely,
David Norman - HMS Principal
Matt Durbala - OMS Principal
Order Your 2022-23 Whittier Yearbook
If you have not ordered your yearbook yet, please do so NOW! If you would like your child to receive their yearbook at school when all students do, you need to order soon. Orders that are placed too late, will result in yearbooks being mailed to your home.
If you are including custom pages, these NEED to be completed before April 12.
Whittier Spirit Wear - STORE IS OPEN
Order your Whittier Spirit Wear. "Be the Dream" grade-level spirit shirts, which can also be worn on Field Day are available, along with other fun Spirit Wear items.
Young Authors Contest
It's time for our Young Authors to get to work on submissions for this year's contest. While Illinois can no longer fund or host a statewide event, we are keeping the celebration of writing alive here at Whittier!
The Young Authors competition is for all students in grades K-6 who would like to share their stories or poems. There may be multiple winners at each grade level. Our new Whittier tradition is to publish our winners' stories in a school anthology, a copy of which will be given to each winner and be featured in the Whittier Library. Winners will also be invited to participate in a special writer's workshop with a published children's author in May.
All stories need to be submitted to Ms. Coleman by Friday, April 28th. The stories should be the student's own ideas. For students who require assistance, parents may help them write or type, but the words should be the student's own. Parents may help with editing for spelling and punctuation. The students can choose to illustrate their stories, but it is not required. Collaborating with other students is acceptable as long as the students are in the same grade. Hard copies must be turned in, securely bound, with a cover page that displays the title and author/illustrator names.
Please contact Ms. Coleman at kcoleman@dg58.org if you have any questions! Happy Writing!
ATTENTION 1st Grade & 5th Grade Parents - Health Requirement Letter
As you begin to think about the 2023-2024 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, 2024. This form can be dated anytime between November 15, 2022 - May 15, 2024. 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 23, 2022, and must be turned in by October 15, 2023. 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 at the school office, mailed, or emailed to the school nurse.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Stay well,
Laura Monyek and Michelle McGarry
Lost & Found Items
Outdoor Recess Information
Now that the cold weather and snow is upon us, I wanted to share with you the Outdoor Recess Procedure at Whittier, and throughout District 58. We will do our best to give our students an outdoor recess opportunity whenever safe and possible. Across the District, we follow the "0" degree guideline. If the outside temperature is "0" degrees or below; or the windchill factor is "0" or below, recess is held indoors.
If recess is outdoors and there is snow is on the ground, we follow our snow procedure:
If student wears snow pants AND boots - play in the snow
If student wears snow pants OR boots - play on the blacktop
If student wears NO snow pants or boots - play on the blacktop
We want to make sure students return to the classroom after being outside in the snow ready to learn.
Please make sure your child(ren) comes to school prepared to go outdoors for recess. Coats, hats, mittens or gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants are necessary items to stay warm while playing outside in the wintery weather.
Thank you for your assistance.
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.
Delivering or Dropping Off Items for your Child(ren)
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!
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.
There is no change to the Home Learning Connection process, which is followed when students are required to quarantine at home.
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!
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.
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.
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.
★ APRIL PTA MEETING ★
The next general meeting is this upcoming Tuesday, April 11th at 7:00pm - our 2023/2024 budget will be presented, as well as candidates for next year’s board. Please mark your calendars!
Click HERE to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 766 377 1114
Passcode: 536Hill
Meeting minutes and the agenda can be found on our website HERE.
★ FAMILY MATH & SCIENCE NIGHT - FRIDAY APRIL 21st ★
Free Event! Students and family members are invited to join us for an evening of museum exploration, investigation and creative play! Located at the DuPage Children's Museum (301 N. Washington St. in Naperville) - any time between 5:30 and 8pm on Friday, April 21. REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, APRIL 14TH - CLICK HERE.
★ SPRING EXPERIENCES ARE LIVE HERE ★
★ SPRING FUNDRAISER 90’s PARTY TICKETS are AVAILABLE HERE ★
Saturday, April 29th at the Tivoli (Adult Event). Tickets available soon!
★ WHITTIER SPIRIT WEAR! ★
The virtual Whittier Spirit Wear store is open through Friday, April 28th with anticipated apparel delivery mid-May. New Spring/Summer options have been added to the site for purchase alongside the grade-level Field Day shirts. Place your orders here: Whittier Elementary (Downers Grove IL) - Select Spiritwear a division of Select Screen Prints & Embroidery, Inc.
★ YOUNG REMBRANDTS: SPRING SESSION ★
Young Rembrandts is a fee-based Art program on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm starting THIS Tuesday, April 11th (ending May 23rd).
More information and registration HERE.
★ INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED? ★
Check out our many opportunities to volunteer HERE!
Have a few hours here or there?
★ JOIN GIVEBACKS, EARN CASHBACK ★
Planning a stay-cation this spring break?? Join Givebacks (HERE) and get some cash back for YOU and the PTA…
Make a splash at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee (1% cashback for you!)
Have a concert night (Ticketmaster or StubHub - up to 2% cashback!)
Start that garden planning! (2% cashback at Burpee)
Givebacks Pro Tips:
MOBILE: Don’t forget to download the app and enable the extension on your smartphone.
For Apple, you need to use the Safari browser to earn cashback
For Android, you need to use the Chrome browser
You need to use the merchant website (not the store apps) to get cashback
DESKTOP: You must use the Chrome browser to get cashback.
★ SUPPORT YOUR PTA - RIGHT FROM HOME! ★
Gift cards don’t have to be just gifts!! RaiseRight is a simple way to support the PTA community AND you can even earn cash back!
Join HERE (ENROLLMENT CODE is MXUC7281TCYN)
Calendar of Events
Monday, April 10 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; BOE Regular Meeting, 7:00pm, DG Village Hall
Tuesday, April 11 - Friendship Club, 3:00-3:45pm; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; PTA Meeting, 7:00pm via ZOOM
Wednesday, April 12 - SC Spirit Day - College Day (wear your favorite college spirit wear); PTA Walking Club; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, April 13 - Gr 4 Field Trip - Shedd Aquarium; Northside 5th Grade Orchestra and Herrick Chamber Strings Spring Concert, 7:00pm, HMS
Friday, April 14 - Whittier Spirit Day; Fun Lunch
Monday, April 17 - Choose Happy Orange Spirit Day; Senior Suburban Orchestra Concert Assembly; Dual Language Information Night, 6:00pm, El Sierra School
Tuesday, April 18 - 6th Grade Outdoor Education Trip to Camp Manitoqua, 8:30am-6:00pm; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; Building Bridges Parent Meeting, 6:00-8:00pm, Herrick Library
Wednesday, April 19 - SC Spirit Day - Country Western Day (dress in your favorite jeans and flannels, don't forget your cowboy/cowgirl hat); PTA Walking Club; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday, April 20 - Northside 5th and 6th Grade Band Concert, 7:00pm, HMS
Friday, April 21 - Whittier Spirit Day; PTA Math & Science Night, 5:30-8:00pm, DuPage Children's Museum
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