What's Up at Whittier

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our PTA events this week. McTeacher Night was a blast with many families attending and socializing over dinner. The PTA Spring Fundraiser was a huge hit as well! Lots of fun with trivia, music, raffles, and the silent auction. Thank you for your constant support of all we do at Whittier!

This week begins our annual Student Council ABC Spirit. Every day is a special spirit day emphasizing a letter of the alphabet. "A" - Athletic Day kicks us off on Thursday, April 17. Be sure to check out the flyer that was sent home with students and that is also attached to the Student Council article below. Help us celebrate ABC Spirit as we wind down the school year.

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

Monday, April 14 - Student Council Community Service Project - St. Jude's Research Hospital (Apr 14-18); Board of Education Regular Meeting, DG Civic Center, 7:00pm

Tuesday, April 15 - Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:10-4:10pm; PTA Meeting via ZOOM, 7:00pm

Wednesday, April 16 - Student Council Spirit Day - Fancy Day; PTA Walking Club; Craft Club - Grades 2 & 3, 3:00-3:30pm; Language Labs Showcase, 3:00-4:00pm; Northside 4th & 6th Grade Orchestra Spring Concert, Herrick Middle School, 7:00pm

Thursday, April 17 - Student Council ABC Day - "A" Athletic Day; Gr 2 Field Trip - DG History Tour; Craft Club - Gr K & 1, 3:00-3:30pm; Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; Dancing with the Stars Club, 3:00-4:00pm; Northside Elementary Band Spring Concert, Herrick Middle School, 7:00pm

Friday, April 18 - No School

Monday, April 21 - Student Council ABC Day - "B" Blackout Day

Tuesday, April 22 - Student Council ABC Day - "C" Crazy Hair Day; Young Rembrandts, 3:00-4:00pm; BAM Theater, 3:10-4:10pm; Whittier Open House, 6:00-7:30pm

Wednesday, April 23 - Student Council ABC Day - "D" Drawing Day; Field Trip - Grades 1 & 2 (AM) - The Tivoli; PTA Walking Club; Author Fest - Grades 1 & 3 (PM); Dancing with the Stars Club, 3:00-4:00pm; Language Labs, 3:00-4:00pm; Northside Elementary Musical, Herrick Middle School, 7:00pm

Thursday, April 24 - Student Council ABC Day - "E" Extra Recess Day; Author Fest - Grade 5; Author Fest Lunch; Gr 4 Band Demo (PM); Chess Scholars, 3:00-4:00pm; Dancing with the Stars Club, 3:00-4:00pm

Friday, April 25 - Student Council ABC Day - "F" Funny Day; Gr 3 Orchestra Demo (AM); Grade 1 Field Trip - Lyman Woods; Fun Lunch

Here are the School Hours for the 2024-25 school year:

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 2024-25, which includes all school days off.

The final Whittier Student Council Spirit Day and Community Service Project for April are listed below. Show your Whittier Spirit as you participate in all the fun activities that our Student Council offers. The ABC Spirit Days calendar is attached below. Our ABC Spirit Days will begin on Thursday, April 17 and bring us to the last day of school on Friday, May 23. We hope you join in on the fun!

April Spirit Day

Wednesday, April 16 - Fancy Day - wear something you normally wear for a special occasion

April Community Service Project

Help support St. Jude's Research Hospital during the week of April 14-17! The Student Council will be selling Smencils at lunch for $2 each.

A fun time was had by all who attended this year's McTeacher Night at the McDonald's on Ogden in Downers Grove. There was a steady stream of customers made up of Whittier students, parents, family members. community members, and staff starting a little before 5:00pm and going beyond 7:00pm. THANK YOU to all who attended, purchased meals, purchased cookies, and gave donations throughout the evening. It was a very successful event. A special thanks to the Whittier Staff who attended the event and worked to provide a fun night for all - Mrs. Bartkowiak, Mrs. Brems, Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Gergits, Mrs. Hedman, Mr. Kirby, Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smitley, Ms. Sullivan, Mrs. Zagorski, and Mr. Krugman! Enjoy the pics below.

Thanks to all the Sponsors of our Spring Fundraiser - WIN THE NIGHT WITH WHITTIER!

Be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 22 for our annual Open House. All are invited to come and visit Whittier between 6:00 and 7:30pm. No formal presentation occurs. Just drop in and see all the awesome things our students have worked on throughout the school year. This is their night to shine and show you a snapshot of their learning. Our students should be very proud of all the hard work they exhibit throughout the school year! We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to our Weekly Raffle Winner - Kindergartener Ilsa C won Music during Lunch for the week. Students had a great time singing and swaying as they listened to music during their lunch period. Jaguar Jackpot raffle tickets are earned for following our schoolwide expectations in the areas of Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. Keep up the good work Whittier Jaguars!

Officer Patti came to visit Kindergarten to talk about safety. We learned how to stay safe in the car, in parking lots and stores, and who to call if there is an emergency.

Herrick is looking forward to hosting students and families of incoming 7th graders on Monday, April 28th for a brief presentation and chance to view the building. There will be two shifts, split by student last name as follows:

• Last Name A-M: 7:00 - 7:45PM

• Last Name N-Z: 7:45 - 8:30PM

This will be an opportunity for students to learn a little about what it means to be a Herrick Spartan and how to navigate the middle school experience. Please note this is optional, and families will have other opportunities to visit the school at a later date.

We want to remind you of the health requirements for current 2nd and 6th graders. 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

The completed form 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!

We want to remind you of the health requirements for current 1st and 5th graders (incoming 2nd and 6th graders).

All current fifth graders - as your child prepares for the transition to 6th grade, we want to remind you that a school physical and required immunizations are necessary for all incoming 6th graders in Illinois. To ensure your student is ready for the start of the school year, we encourage you to schedule their appointment as soon as possible.

We can accept completed physical and immunization records for the 2025-26 school year if they are dated after September 2, 2024. Submitting these documents early helps ensure your child meets all health requirements before the school year begins.

With our later start next school year, there will be fewer days for follow-up before Illinois' mandatory school exclusion date (10/15/25). To avoid any delays, we strongly encourage families to complete these health requirements well in advance. The form can be downloaded and printed here: School Physical Form

All current first and fifth graders will need to have a dental exam completed and turned in no later than May 15, 2026. This form can be dated anytime between November 15, 2024 - May 15, 2026. The form can be downloaded and printed here: Dental 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!

Attention 6th & 7th Grade Parents -

Does your student plan to participate in a fall sport in middle school? A completed sports physical is required for all middle school athletes—even for practice before tryouts.

Since fall sports practices begin before the school year starts, we strongly encourage you to schedule your child’s sports physical as soon as possible to ensure they are eligible to participate. Sports physicals are valid for 13 months from the exam date, so be sure your child’s physical is up to date. Our health offices are currently accepting physicals dated after September 2nd, 2024.

Please submit completed sports physicals to the Herrick Middle School Health Office - HEMedicalRecords@dg58.org before the first practice. If you have any questions about requirements, feel free to reach out to the school nurse.

Thank you for your attention to this important step in preparing for a great season!

• Registration: Leap Into Kindergarten registration opens Tuesday, April 8 at 9am and will close when capacity is hit. Starting April 8, click here to register. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.

• Schedule: Weekdays, Monday, June 9-Friday, June 27 (excluding June 19) from 8-11am.

• Location: Henry Puffer School 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515

• Cost: $109

• Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their student’s transportation.

• Description: This program is intended for students entering kindergarten in the fall of 2025 and will focus on reading and math readiness. Some of the topics covered include: letter and number recognition, letter sounds, and fine motor activities, including cutting, coloring, pasting, and writing.

District 58's elementary schools have joined the National School Lunch Program and have partnered with a new elementary food service provider, Open Kitchens.

All families who would like their child to receive a boxed lunch will be required to pre-order it online through the MyMealOrder system.

Click here to learn more information about ordering elementary boxed lunches.

We will be clearing out and donating our Lost & Found on a monthly basis. We will be donating any remaining Lost & Found items on the last Friday of the month. Lost & Found items are kept in the Lost & Found bin in the main foyer area. The week they will be donated, we will hang them on the clothes rack in the main hallway for students to have a better view. If you notice your son/daughter is missing something, have them check the Lost & Found. Thank you!

The information below comes directly from the District 58 Family Handbook, which was distributed electronically at the start of the school year. After Winter Break, many students have been bringing personal cell phones, Smart Watches, and other personal electronic devices to school. We just wanted to remind everyone of the District procedure that all DG58 schools follow.

Students may possess cellular phones and other personal electronic devices in school or on school property, only in accordance with the following requirements:

District 58 prohibits students from using an electronic device in a manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to record (video or audio) others without permission, take photographs or recordings (video or audio) in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, a cellular phone, wearable technology, computer/laptop, tablet, earbuds, personal technology, etc.

Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of an electronic device. Electronic devices may be used when:

1. there is a documented need in a formal student support plan (medical plan, 504 plan, MTSS plan, or Individualized Education Plan);

2. it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals;

3. the supervising teacher grants permission; or

4. before or after school hours.

During the school day, personal electronic devices should be turned off or silenced and out of sight, including those that are able to connect wirelessly to other devices (e.g. Bluetooth Airplay), unless a supervising staff member directs otherwise. Students may use personal electronic devices before or after school in a manner that is consistent with Board Policy 7:190: Student Discipline and does not disrupt the educational process. District-issued devices may be used during the school day in a manner that is consistent with this policy and does not disrupt the educational process.

Any student found to be in violation of this policy shall be disciplined consistent with the Board’s written disciplinary standards for such a violation as set forth in Board Policy 7:190: Student Discipline, including suspension and/or expulsion.

As the school year continues and the winter weather arrrives, 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!

Pre-orders for this year's Whittier Yearbook can now be made. Click on the flier below for more information. While the early bird ordering discount has ended, you can still order a yearbook at regular price.

★Join us at the next PTA Meeting - Tuesday, April 15★

The Whittier PTA has 6 general meetings during the school year. Join Principal Mr. Michael Krugman, Whittier teachers and your PTA Board at the general meetings. Let’s connect, catch up, and make things happen together! At this meeting, next year’s board will be nominated. Click HERE for the meeting’s agenda. Join the meeting using this Zoom link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84424882845?pwd=eFgP8Q4ajChVhqnlLKtWyiPbfE2NFW.1

Meeting ID: 844 2488 2845; Passcode: 732481

★Spring Experiences★

We have some great opportunities still available for students and adults.

-Bowling (2nd Grade Students) - Friday, April 25

-Volleyball (5th and 6th Grade Students) - Wednesday, April 30

-Slime and Slushies (4th Grade Students) - Friday, May 2

-Pickleball Tournament - Spectator Ticket (Adults Only) - Friday, May 2

-Girls with Tools (5th Grade Girls) - Saturday, May 10

-K-2 Princess & Superheroes Dance Party (Grade K, 1, & 2 Students) - Friday, May 16

-Outdoor Movie Night (3rd Grade Students) - Thursday, May 22

https://app.givebacks.gives/spring-experiences-2025/Campaign/Details?ReturnUrl=%2FCampaigns%2FSetup%2F5ebd2f%2FOptions

★Cozzi Corner Dining Fundraiser - Tues., April 22 through Sat. April 26★

Support Whittier by grabbing a meal from Cozzi Corner (75th and Lemont Rd., Downers Grove) on Tues., April 22 through Sat. April 26. Present the flyer when ordering. 20% of your lunch, dinner, or carryout sales will benefit the PTA. Click HERE for the flyer.

The GPS Parent Series - Navigating Healthy Families has launched their current event schedule. This is a worthwhile free resource! Keep in mind they are offered virtually both at noon and 7pm, so hopefully everyone can attend one of the options. By participating in the year-long learning opportunities, it's like we are building a virtual parenting manual. Anyone who is a parent knows, we can use all the help we can get. Click on the attachment below to view the current events calendar.

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 tardy 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.

Driving and Walking Procedures

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.

A couple of additional reminders about dropping off and picking up students at Whittier.

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!

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 tardy pass.

Upon arrival to school, students in these classes will line up at the Main Entrance (Door 1):

KH - Mrs. Hedman

KR - Mrs. Roberts

1Q - Mrs. Quill

1R - Mrs. Richards

Upon arrival to school, students in these classes will line up at the West Entrance (Door 2), off the Staff Parking Lot:

2Su - Ms. Sullivan

2Sw - Mr. Swade

6M - Mrs. Miller

6Z - Mrs. Zagorski

Upon arrival to school, students in these classes will line up at the East Entrance (Door 4), off the Intermediate Playground:

3K - Miss Karius

3M - Mrs. Modine

4M - Mr. Miller

4S - Mrs. Smitley

5H - Mrs. Hodkowski

5L - Mrs. Lyons

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 dismissal 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.

Students in grades K, 1, 2, and 6 will dismiss from Door 2 (west end of the building near the Staff Parking Lot).

Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will dismiss from Door 4 (east end of the building off the Intermediate Playground).

Student Arrival Reminders

Please remember to follow these helpful procedures:

As our 2nd and 6th graders arrive at the West 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.

As our Kindergarten and 1st graders arrive at the Main Entrance, we ask that parents line up a step or 2 in front of the sidewalk along Hill Street. Please do not stand and wait on the sidewalk as this blocks students from walking to their assigned line-up spot and blocks students from getting out of a vehicle if they are being dropped off. 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.

As our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders arrive at the East Entrance, we 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 and any adjacent sidewalks. 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.

Regular school attendance is crucial for students' academic and social development. Since the pandemic, student absences have increased in schools nationwide, including in District 58.

District 58 is focused on improving student attendance and raising family awareness regarding their child's attendance. As part of this effort, all District 58 schools sends home attendance awareness letters at 30-Day and 100-Day of school, noting the number of days students have been at school.

While ensuring your child attends school is important, we want to clarify that students should stay home when they are sick.

When determining if your child should remain home from school due to an illness, the District asks that you follow the recommendations of our local public health agencies and reference District 58's health guide. For example, your child should stay home if he or she has experienced the following symptoms within the past 24 hours: vomiting, diarrhea or a fever greater than 100. Your child may return to school if he or she has been symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

The Attendance section of District 58's Family Handbook provides additional information.

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!

For security reasons, District 58 removed its staff email addresses from the school directory web pages. The District replaced it with buttons next to every staff member’s name that say, “Email [Staff Member’s Name]”. When you click this button, a web form will appear. Type your message in that form, and it will immediately be delivered to the staff member’s inbox.

District 58 made this change because we’ve seen an increase in phishing (scam) messages sent to staff. Scammers were previously able to send bulk phishing emails to staff by accessing the email addresses listed in our staff directory. We want our staff to be accessible to our community, while also keeping our staff email accounts secure. We hope this solution will accomplish this goal. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Please make sure your child has a snack each day. Snack breaks should consist of nutritious food choices such as fruits, vegetables, and other portable snacks. This aligns with Policy 6:50. The health and safety of our students are our highest priorities. Therefore certain snacks or foods may be prohibited in your child’s classroom due to food allergies. A daily snack can be provided for students who qualify for free/ reduced lunch.

Each year, we place the safety and security of our students and staff as a top priority. We are constantly reflecting on practices and discussing any ways that this area can be improved. Please know that ALL exterior entrance doors to Whittier are securely closed and locked during the school day. This includes the doors at the Main Entrance. With our new secure entrance, visitors are required to ring the bell on the outside column. You will be greeted by an office staff member over the intercom, admitted to the building, if necessary, and then check-in at the entry window.

The District will continue to use the RAPTOR security system as part of our safe school program, 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.

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.

Understandably, sometimes there may be an item or two that gets left behind at home that is discovered after the start of the school day. We are more than happy to deliver those items to your child(ren) once dropped off. If you need to drop something off to get to your child, please do so by ringing the bell on the main entrance column, sharing with the office staff what you are dropping off, and then, after being admitted to the building, leaving your item in one of the cubbies in our new office entryway. There are post-its and pens so you can leave your child's name on the item(s). We will do our best to get any items to students in a quick and efficient manner. Our delivery may not be immediate, depending on the number of items we receive, but we will get the item(s) to your child as soon as we can.

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.

In case you still need to purchase any of the school supplies for your child(ren), you can find the grade-level supply lists in the attachment below.

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.

Now that the school year has begun, there are many more school buses out on the road. School bus safety is a huge challenge, as sometimes vehicle drivers do not understand when they need to stop for a school bus.

This article supports the reason for the rule and the image below can be used to help guide drivers. Please take the time to review when and how to stop for a school bus. Thank you for helping keep all school bus riders and drivers safe!

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:

1. Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options

2. 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 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.

Michael J. Krugman, Principal

Email: mkrugman@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org/wh
Location: 536 Hill Street, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 6307195865
Twitter: @MKrugmanDG58