Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
PTO Seeks Co-Treasurer
The PTO is looking for a Co-Treasurer to start working with our current treasurer to take over the position for next school year. This position is asked to help manage PTO finances by tracking expenditures and produce reports for the Board and community. Please contact Christine Pan at president2@whittierpto.org if you are able to help!
Save the Date: PTO Community Gathering
Mark your calendars for our first PTO Community Gathering of the new year is scheduled for Thursday, January 23 from 6:30 - 8pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Join us for PTO updates as well as resources and discussion about:
- Navigating the Impact of Device Use On Our Kids
- How To Have Thoughtful Conversations at Home about Diversity
More information to come!
Recycle Your Holiday Lights Now
Holiday lights recycling is available now! Please drop off any broken strands of lights in the bin in front of the Whittier office. Before dropping off your lights, be sure they are separated from any other decor and are free from other packaging (no plastic bags, please). We are happy to partner with Reduce Waste Chicago to recycle lights rather than send them to landfills!
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
Early Bird Sign-Up for OPBS
Save on your registration for the Spring season with Oak Park Youth Baseball or Softball when you sign up before January 5.
Oak Park Youth Baseball Softball is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization in Oak Park, Illinois. With nearly 1,500 kids in the program, OPYBS is among the largest athletic associations in Oak Park.
Their mission is to create a fun, safe, and rewarding experience for the children and families who participate through their youth baseball and softball programs. New this year, softball levels have been reorganized in order to allow for students in the same grade to play together.
Visit the OPYBS website to register or for more information!
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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