Happy August!

I hope you have been enjoying your summer break! It is hard to believe that we are in August already. It has been a fun, but busy summer! This is an early edition of What's Up at Whittier. Our newsletter is typically sent out on Sunday morning, and will resume that schedule on August 11 with a much more detailed newsletter with lots of back to school info. We just wanted to share a few bits of upcoming information before that.

Construction projects have been going full force at Whittier, as I am sure you have seen if you've been by the school this summer. The building, the Intermediate Playground, and Blodgett Avenue have all been under construction. We are looking forward to the completion of all these projects, as we embark on our first day of school - Friday, August 16. We are looking forward to being in school on the 16th with air conditioning and ready to go!

Later today you will have access to PowerSchool in order to see your child's class assignment. Students in grades 4 through 6 who are in the Accelerated Math program have not been assigned their Math teacher yet. Your child's classroom teacher will let you know who their Math teacher will be prior to the start of the program on August 21.

Our school team met before the end of the school year to develop class lists. Our staff put a lot of time and thought into placement of all students. Teachers collaborate and consider many variables before putting these lists together in order to create a positive learning environment for all. We are looking forward to a great school year ahead.

Be sure to check out the Calendar of Events below for upcoming important dates.

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

Tuesday, August 13 - Meet and Greet at Whittier, 2:45-3:30pm; Whittier PTA Back to School Bash, 3:00-4:30pm

Friday, August 16 - 1st Day of School for Students - Fulll Day, 8:15am-3:00pm

If you still need to get school supplies, you can access the school supply lists by clicking the link below.

As the 2024-2025 school year begins, we wanted to remind you of the health requirements for incoming second and sixth-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

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!

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.

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