Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
The Fun Run Has Been Rescheduled!
Due to unfavorable weather that will make the field and experience for kids not very FUN or safe, the PTO has decided to reschedule the Fun Run for the end of October, either the 30th or 31st. Please stay tuned for details of the finalized date and keep sharing to help us hit our goal!
The volunteer page will be updated when the rescheduled date is finalized. Thanks for your patience as we try to make this a fun experience for the kids!
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: $20,470 — we broke $20,000! Woohoo!
So far our top three classrooms are:
- 1st place - Darley/Mason (4th Grade)
- 2nd place - Herron (2nd 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.
Get Started! Whittier Goal Page Class Schedule Sign Up to Volunteer
Teacher Conferences Dinner
The PTO is buying tacos for our hard-working teachers and staff during Teacher/Family conferences later this month. We’d love your help to supplement the main entree with chips, dips, fruits, veggies, desserts, or drinks on Thursday, 10/24. Our Wildcat team looks forward to dinner and treats during the long day of conferences. Sign up with your donation below!
Scholastic Book Fair - Set up Your e-Wallet
The Scholastic Book Fair is returning October 21 - 24. Students will be visiting the fair with their classes during school hours. Choosing their own books inspires students to become lifelong readers.
Weather permitting, the Book Fair will be set up on the blacktop by the Whittier Garden for you to shop after school, too! Every item purchased benefits our school.
Start setting up your student’s e-wallet today so they are ready when the fair begins.
We Deserve It: Save the Date for Adults’ Night Out at One Lake Brewing
Join us on Saturday, October 19th for a PTO Adults’ Night Out at One Lake Brewing from 6 - 9:00 p.m. More details to come — but grab a sitter now and plan to pop over for a some fun with this wonderful Whittier community! Let us know you can make it and RSVP here. Come for an hour or three!
Support Whittier with Chipotle Eat & Earn Next Wednesday!
Eat at Chipotle on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4-8PM to show your support!
Order online for pickup using the code LG8HLT9 or tell the cashier at checkout that you are there for the Whittier fundraiser before you pay and 25% of all sales from 4-8pm will be donated to the Whittier PTO!
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, started on October 2nd. Now’s the time to wish your Jewish friends and neighbors a Happy New Year, or Shana Tova!
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
Hispanic Heritage Month at OPPL!
Hispanic Heritage books, events, videos & more: your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can:
- Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages.
- View: A special display in the Main Library Idea Box.
- Attend: Upcoming events.
- Watch: Spanish-language videos for early learners.
- Explore: Librarian-curated resources.
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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