Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Wise Winter 2024/2025
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.
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 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.
The Fun Run iS BACK ON for OctOBER 30th!
Please stay posted as we confirm the updated class schedule and keep sharing to help us hit our goal!
Way to go, Wildcats! We have hit 80% of our goal, but only about 40% of our students are registered. It’s not too late, register today and help us reach our goal. Every dollar goes back to our school programs!
Total so far: $22,125 — we broke $20,000! Woohoo!
So far our top three classrooms are:
- 1st place - Herron (2nd Grade)
- 2nd place - Darley/Mason (4th Grade)
- 3rd place - Villasin (Kindergarten)
Remember, top earners will win big prizes from Urban Air, Go Ape, and Dave and Busters and earn money back for their classrooms
Don’t miss your chance to win - register on our Whittier Fun Run Fund Hub page today! Use Whittier’s School Identifier Code: 5d2f47547adff to create your personal page.
Volunteer Information: We will still need volunteers and spectators are welcome to this exciting on-campus event! Pre-K families, your kids are running too! Check back to these pages periodically for updates: Check out the classroom participation schedule to see when your scholar will be running the courses! Then, grab your volunteer slot today.
Volunteer Information
The Fun Run event is now scheduled for Wednesday, October 30. We need volunteers to help us set up in the morning, warm up students before their run, and supervise stations. This is one of the most fun activities families can join, so sign up and show up! Grab your volunteer slot today.
Fun Run Details
This year, the Fun Run is sponsored by Kid Strong. They will be hosting the obstacle course and giving away lots of fun prizes at the event! Thank you, Kid Strong!
All kids get to participate during school hours with their classmates, whether they are registered to fundraise or not. Spectators are encouraged to come cheer and keep the energy high! Also, remember to wear your Whittier Wear to show our school pride during this fun event!
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!
Top News
October is National Principals Month!
From District 97:
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages all communities in Illinois to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week October 20-26, 2024, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, October 25, 2024!
Please take a minute to tell us what makes your District 97 principal so special. You can share photos, videos, or notes of appreciation with us by reaching out via Let's Talk or emailing us at communitynews@op97.org.
Click here for COMMUNITY NEWS
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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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