Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Whittier at the Movies: Grades K-2 IS NOW PLAYING THE KUNG-FU PANDA
When: Friday, January 31st, directly after school.
Who: Students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
Movie: Kung Fu Panda (Rated PG: Duration 1 hr 32 min)
Movie Time: Students will go directly to the Auditorium after school; movie starts at appx. 3:30pm
Where: The Whittier Auditorium
The permission form is now closed. Students who do not have a permission form will not be admitted at the door.
We could use your help! Please consider and click here to Volunteer. Thanks and see you there!
*Note: due to a schedule conflict with the February date, this will be the last movie for Grades K-2, and the last movie for Grades 3-5 will be March 14th. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Teacher Conference Lunch Volunteers Needed
Winter Family/Teacher Conferences are approaching soon. The PTO will be providing lunch for our hard-working teachers and staff on Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 am.
Volunteers are needed to help with set up and clean up. We also need volunteers to bring side dishes, soups, salads, desserts, and beverages. (*Hint hint, we could really use a few more soup volunteers!)
Teachers and staff are always grateful for the conference feast we traditionally provide. Sign up below to pitch in! Thanks so much for helping our Whittier team feel the love!
Calendar Updates:
Feb 7: Family Bingo Night Moved (Date TBD)
Feb 22 - March 5: WISE Registration
March 4: Book Club Night
March 8: Chicago Wolves Family Night
WAM Cancelled in March, Last one will be for Grades 3-5 in April
PTO Community Gathering Recap
Thank you for a wonderful evening of community and conversation!
We had our 3rd PTO Community Meeting of the year on January 23rd catered by Buona Beef and special guest, Brendan Sage! He kicked off our discussion on “Navigating The Impact of Devices on Our Youth” with some powerful data and research findings which also inspired him and a group of parents to start the movement called “Smartphones on Hold.”
We were so enraptured by the conversation that we forgot to take photos! You can get more information by checking out the presentation slides.
For deeper discussion, Whittier Book Club is featuring “The Anxious Generation” as the Adult Book Club choice so sign up before spaces fill up.
Research says balancing the overuse of devices by creating more opportunities for kids to have in-person meaningful connections can offset the negative impact of devices on their mood, bodies and brains. Let’s help our kids connect and play! If you are interested in connecting with others in the community for this common cause, please fill out this form
Don’t miss our next PTO Gathering on March 20th where we will have a speaker and discussion on the topic of “How to Talk About Race and Diversity with Kids”
More details to come!
Whittier Book Clubs Are Back!
Save the Date! Tuesday, March 4 will be our second annual Whittier Book Clubs Night where groups of students, families, and friends will gather to discuss their book choices and participate in various activities.
Want to participate? Book Clubs sign ups are open now and all books will be available for pick up at Dole Library (or online, too) by the end of January. You can choose from various book choices and read on your own, with a friend, or at home with your family throughout February. Then, we will gather on March 4 for a fun evening discussing great books!
Heart Shaped Pizza Sale Starts Now
It’s back! The Whittier PTO has partnered with Home Run Inn Pizza again this year to help you knock it out of the park this Valentine’s Day.
Order your Take N’ Bake pizzas now through February 6 for easy pickup at the Melrose Park store or Whittier Elementary by clicking on the links below.
Restaurant Pick Up Days: Tuesday, February 11, Wednesday, February 12, and Thursday, February 13
Restaurant Address: 820 West North Ave. Melrose Park, IL 60160
School Pick Up Day: Thursday, February 13 at 2:45 PM (Please ignore the Pick Up Times stated on the online order form. The window to pick up will be from 2:45 - 3:30pm)
Don’t wait: 30% of your order goes back to funding programming for Whittier students and supporting Whittier teachers. Let’s raise some dough together!
Save the Date: PTO Spring Plant Sale
Save the Date: Adult Fundraiser Event
It’s back! Come enjoy a night of dancing through decades and repping your best era. We had an amazing time last year, and we’re sure to throw another excellent event for you to let loose and enjoy a kid-free night. Mark your calendars and book your babysitters — you won’t want to miss this event!
Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 6 - 10:00 p.m.
Venue: Cheney Mansion
What: Music, Trivia, Dinner, Drinks, Dancing, Silent Auction
If you are interested in helping the planning committee, email Amy at fundraising@whittierpto.org.
More information to come soon!
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
Winter Wear Donations
Nurse Hilary is collecting a limited amount of donations for warm gear extras to have on hand for student use. So if a student leaves their hat at home or needs a dry set of clothes from getting wet during recess, or whatever the need, they can get help at Nurse Hilary's office! She is looking for the following items:
- Elastic waist pants (sizes 5T-12Y)
- Warm Clothing
- Winter Gear (coats, scarves, gloves, hats)
Please drop off donations to Nurse Hilary’s Office!
Click here for COMMUNITY NEWS
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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