Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Thank You for Making the Fun Fair Fantastic
Please see this note from the fun fair committee:
On behalf of the PTO, thank you for your help on Thursday! This event couldn't have run without you. Many of you covered shifts or did more than you signed up for. We really appreciate it! So did the kids, for whom this event is a thrill. This was one of our most successful fairs to date in terms of attendance and staffing!
We are always working to make this event better, and there are lots of moving parts. Please consider joining the planning committee next year to contribute behind the scenes. We need your ideas and energy!
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
We want to thank everyone who answered our call for volunteers for the End of Year Celebration and Fun Fair! Thank you so much to the following volunteers that make the event possible:
Dominique Betancourt, Ashley Christensen, Kristina Coenen, Rebekah Coffman, Cary & Joe Concepcion, Rachel Crookes, Tom & Sheri Dahl, Amy Daly, Nneka Daniels, Marlene De Jesus Veach, Jaci Devine, Andrew Dorsch, Anne Douglas, Clay Ewing, Robin Glover, Suzanne Griffin, Betsy Hart, Chris Hartung, Rebecca Ho, Justin Holmes, Kimberly Jursa, Livia Kenney, Liz Kropp, Tracy Leman, Delia Lucani, Anne McNamee-Keels, Megan Mitchell, Mehia Montgomery, Priscilla Mutharasan, Hannah Nolan-Spohn, Amy O'Dea, Brielle & Jonathan Osting, Christine Pan, Emily Patterson, Daniel Perkins, Heather & Nathan Peterson, Johnny Pinzari, Seth Putnam, Ames Ronde, Nadine Roth, Jane Saedi, Paul Schaap, Carrie Schwarz, Archita Shrivastava, Heriberto Soto, Sara Spivy, Bam Stanton, Elizabeth Stanton, Katie Stipanovich, Richard Surber, Nikhil Trivedi, Robert Vega, and Erin Woods. Also, a huge shout-out to Megan Keller for donating face painting!
Special thanks to our Fun Fair committee: Lisa Karp, Sylvia Schweri, Stephanie Pinzari, Melanie Chapman, and Rebekah Coffman! We are so grateful for bringing your ideas and energy to make this event even better than before!
Please take our Parent/Guardian End of Year Survey!
Please take our year-end feedback survey! As we often say, you are the PTO and your feedback helps our board ensure that our programming and operations are the best they can possibly be.
Please note that adding your email address is optional--if you would like to remain anonymous you may do so! Please also note that all questions are optional; if you don't have a response or would otherwise like to skip any question you can simply leave it blank.
The survey should take you less than ten minutes to complete. We appreciate your time and thoughts!
It's time to order school supplies!
Whittier families, we've all been there! Back-to-school sneaks up on us, and suddenly we're running from store to store trying to find supplies. But what if you could check it off your list today? Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/35937. 1st Day School Supplies makes it easy. In just a few clicks, you can order the exact supplies your teacher requested, packaged in a beautiful new box and delivered on time, stress-free! If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact Lakresha Johnson at: ljohnson1@op97.org
JOIN US the last day of school for the 5th Grade CLAP OUT !
June 4th WED: 5th Grade Clap Out (2:15pm) & Last Day of School!
We have a nice celebration for our 5th graders on the last day of school. All staff and students in grades K-4 line the halls and applaud the 5th graders as they travel the halls to the exit doors before dismissal.
-
2:10 - Students at all grades will line the hall for a "clap-out" for the 5th graders.
-
2:15 - 5th graders walk throughout the Whittier School building while being cheered on by their peers, former teachers and Whittier staff.
-
2:20-2:25ish - They are greeted by parents as they exit the 7W door (3 steps, nearest the Gaga Ball Pit)
-
Note: Parents may spray students with silly string and bubbles only. Please do not bring water balloons, water guns, or super soakers.
Shop for Spirit Wear Any Time!!
Top News
Submit Bike Plan Feedback!
Did you know the proposed Village of Oak Park Bike Plan Update includes a new bike lane on Augusta?
There is a lot in there in terms of making the roads safer for families on two wheels. The Village Board is considering the plan on Tuesday, June 3. If you’d like to provide feedback to the board in writing or in person, Bike Walk Oak Park is here to help your family do that.
Scan the QR codes to review the plan and sign up to provide input! Kid comments are especially encouraged! 😊
Volunteer
Did you know when you registered at Whittier you became part of the PTO!
There are many ways to support the Wildcat pack! Whether that is contributing to the PTO financially, attending a PTO meeting, or donating your time and talent. All help support the mission and positively impact you, your scholar and family. Find an opportunity below!
LEARN MOREFollow-Up Survey on Navigating the Impact of Devices on Youth
Volunteer Information Station
What is the PTO?
The Whittier Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer team made up of teachers, staff, parents, and guardians of students attending Whittier Elementary School. The Whittier PTO requires no membership dues. By enrolling in Whittier, you are already part of the PTO!
Our mission is to build connections between families, the school, and the Oak Park community. We are dedicated to promoting academic success and social and emotional growth for all children at Whittier.
In order to fulfill our mission of engagement, enrichment, and advocacy, we fundraise as transparently as possible. Your participation and feedback make that possible! Be sure to keep in touch and tell us what you think!
It’s Nice to Meet You!
Meet the 2024-25 PTO Leadership Team! Be sure to say hello when you see us on the blacktop! We are still looking for few more leads to join the fun. If you’d like to learn more, check out some the open positions for the school year.
Volunteers Make it Possible
Volunteers are the key to making the school year enriching, engaging, and excellent for our Whittier students. If you plan on volunteering in a classroom, on field trips, or at special events, be sure to sign up for your District 97 background check now, as appointments are limited. Click the link below for more information and to make an appointment.
Background checks remain in the D97 system, so if you’ve already been cleared, you should be ready to volunteer this year!
The PTO is 100% run on volunteer power! Many hands make light work. We are seeking people who can take on any portion of any event in order to lighten to the load and bring fresh energy and ideas.
Please check out all the areas we need volunteer support. Even if you only have an hour to spare, it helps! Check the boxes with your interests, and we will contact you next year when planning the event.
Background Checks Volunteer Opportunities
Paw Store Volunteers are Needed!
WHAT: The PAW store provides fun items for students to "purchase" with their PAWS. PAWS are passed out to students exhibiting responsible, respectful and safe behaviors by Whittier staff.
WHY: The PAW store promotes a sense of belonging and engagement for all students across our school building and provides a direct, positive incentive for demonstrating positive behaviors at school.
WHEN: Students "cash in" their PAWS at the store when they shop with their class on the 2nd Friday of each month. Our first PAW store will take place on October 18th!
HOW: We NEED parent volunteers to make the PAW store happen. Please sign up HERE to volunteer!
Whittier Teachers, Staff, and Administration appreciate your help and support!
Donate
The Whittier PTO runs on the generous donations of our community. Donations are always put to good use and we appreciate your support of our efforts!
Follow Us! Special Events, Updates and More!
