Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Register for WISE Winter Session this Saturday, November 9
Registration for Winter session will open Saturday November 9. Check back for full course catalog as we continue to add classes. Winter session runs 12/2/2024 - 3/7/2025.
Course Schedule Overview
- Monday: Ceramics, Chess, Yoga
- Tuesday: Art Explorations
- Wednesday: Ceramics, Mixed Media Art, Cooking
- Thursday: Broadway, Cooking, Robotics
Scholarships
A limited number of need based scholarships are available for WISE. Families can request one scholarship per child, per session by emailing scholarships@whittierpto.org with the student's name and the class they would like to take. An invitation will be provided via email with a discount applied at checkout for 50% off the class or up to $100 off. Please note we are unable to reimburse so requests must be made before you register.
Volunteer for $50 off a class of your choice!
Volunteers are needed to run WISE program. All volunteers receive $50 off a course of their choice. Volunteers are needed to take attendance from 2:50 - 3:15 Mon/Tue/Thurs, and 2:20 - 2:45 Wednesdays. It’s an easy way to be involved and help us run the WISE program. Email wise@whittierpto.org if you are interested.
Thank You For Making the Fun Run a Success!
THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the volunteers who helped make the Fun Run a success! Thank you to all the parents and families who came to cheer and bring the energy! Thank you to everyone near and far who donated to our annual fundraiser! A big thank you to Lisa Edelman Karp, Christine Pan, Mike Smith, and Dominique Betancourt who helped plan and run the event! We had such a beautiful day, and the kids had a blast!
Thank you to our amazing volunteers:
Anna Burandt, Jaci Devine, Suzanne Griffin, Kayla Hays, Kimberly Jursa, Lyndsay Legel-Carmody, Tracy Leman, Laura Loveless, Donny Mahlmeister, Mark Manalli, Noemi Mata, Anne Montana, Vishal Naik, Amy O'Dea, rachel ostergaard, Jessica Paul, Lisa Reynolds, Rebecca Romano, Ames Ronde, Jane Saedi, Nora Schlesinger, Carrie Schwarz, Sarah Swagler, and Erin Woods
Stay tuned for a separate email announcing the Fun Run prize winners later this week.
As a thank you for participating in the Fun Run, KidStrong wants to give away prizes for participating the the Run. Simply enter the free raffle here. Additionally, anyone at Whittier can take advantage of the below offer to try a free trial class and get a percentage off enrollment by November 30.
Save the Date: Whittier at the Movies Returns!
Save the date for Friday, November 22 and get ready to send Kindergarteners through Second Graders to the Movies.
Whittier at the Movies is one of our most popular events with students. Admission is free, and concessions will be available for purchase. We will need volunteers for the event to help with selling concessions and serving as ushers.
This year, electronics will not be allowed in the audience, so please make sure students leave them at home or in their backpacks. Stay tuned for the permission form, movie details, and volunteer sign-ups.
Scared of too Much Halloween Candy?
We know what to do with all that extra candy!
Drop off unneeded Halloween treats in the office to help the Whittier at the Movies team make special movie snack bags to offer at our concession stand. After all, who needs more than one pound of Candy anyway? :)
Save the Date: Eat and Earn at Daly Bagel
On Wednesday, November 20 from 6:30am to 2:00pm all walk-in or call-in sales at The Daly Bagel that mention "Whittier" will earn 15% back for your Wildcat PTO!
The Spiritwear Holiday Sale is on!
1st Place Spiritwear has new designs and product lines that will make great gifts for the entire family. Shop for Whittier hats, scarves, backpacks, water bottles, cozy PJ pants, hoodies and more.
All Holiday Sale orders are guaranteed to arrive by December 23rd! Order your Wildcat gear today.
Don't miss our weekly PTO newsletter, The Rundown! It's filled with important information about upcoming events, school news, and opportunities to get involved at Whittier. Subscribe below, and don't miss a thing!
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More NewsVolunteer
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 MOREVolunteer 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!
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