Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Check out New Auction Items!!
A quiet weekend away. Luxury resort stays. Tickets to the best teams in town. VIP concert admission. A private classical concert to elevate your event. One-of-a-kind art pieces. Playdates, Parties, and Prizes galore. These wonderful items and more wait for you on our online auction and raffle. What are you waiting for?
Browse new Items here. Check back often as new items will be added daily. Simply create your log-in and enter your bid for a chance to win! You don’t have to wait until the event to join the fun—start bidding now.
Every bid supports a great cause, and you don’t have to attend the event to participate. This is one of our largest fundraisers of the year, and we need your participation to be a success. Feel free to share the auction site with family and friends.
Don’t Miss the Fun — Order your Throwback Bash Tickets Today!
NO DATE NEEDED! Come as you are, come with a friend, bring a neighbor, bring yourself!
Wish you had more time for a girls’ night? Here’s your chance!
Been trying to get the boys together? This is your sign
Don’t feel like dressing up? You do you! We just want to see you there.
Grab your tickets for our Retro Rewind Throwback Bash on April 26 from 6:00 — 10:00 PM and bring your best looks to the dance floor.
Just $75 a ticket includes entry to Cheney Mansion, catered food by Maya Del Sol, all night open bar, live DJ, trivia, and more! Come let loose with friends for this kid-free night and have some fun with us! Check out this video from last year to preview the party.
Remember, all proceeds go to support year-round programs, enrichment, and advocacy for Whittier students. This event funds a large portion of our budget. So, don’t wait — buy your tickets now!
Purchase Tickets View Auction Items
We need you! Volunteer and get a discounted ticket at $50!
*Tickets will be available for purchase after you sign up.
Earth day SCHOOl-Wide activity on April 22nd
Teachers and students will be participating in an Earth Day Gardening Activity in our very own Greenleaf Garden! We are looking for volunteers to assist classrooms with garden prep and planting on Tuesday, April 22nd. This event will take place during the school day from 8:30am - 2:30pm.
Purchase a T-Shirt to Support the WILDCARE FUND!
The Wildcare Fund’s main goal is to increase equity and reduce barriers to participation in school activities in support of all Whittier students and families in need, inclusive of FRL families. These funds can be used for field trip costs, WISE scholarships, school supplies/items, basic necessities, etc.
During the pandemic in 2022, an anonymous donor graciously started the “Angel Fund” which would support all D97 schools in this goal for 3 years. In anticipation of this being the last year of Angel Fund, we have collaborated with Whittier parent, Claire Frieling, who created this fun and adorable "Where the Wildcats Are" design with an expanded catalogue of items where 20% of all purchases will go directly into our Wildcare Fund.
Coffee on the Blacktop is Back!
PTO is hosting Coffee on the Blacktop every other Tuesday beginning April 8. Come talk with us!
Find out more about upcoming PTO events and volunteer opportunities and how you can help make a difference. Or just come socialize and connect with some free coffee in hand.
Bring your own cup, or use one of ours. We'll be there after drop off by the playground, see you there!
Family Bingo Night: Prize Donations Needed!
We are seeking donations for kids prizes throughout April. If you have an extra game, toy, book, or similar item, please drop it off at the office for the PTO. We thank you for donating to this event!
Family Bingo Night is booked for Friday, May 2 from 6-8pm in the gym! We will need volunteers to make the night a success. Please check out opportunities to help here. Thank you!
Create your 2 free custom yearbook pages through Treering!
Order your book now and take your time with the custom pages if you choose to use them.
April 30th is the deadline for custom pages so that we can ensure the books are delivered by May 23rd
Go to treering.com/validate and use passcode: 1014163242633998
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
Celebrate the Diversity of Oak Park at the
2025 Multicultural Fest
Reposted from the D97 Weekly Wrap-Up:
The Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 are excited to host a Multicultural Fest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scoville Park.
Join us and celebrate diversity and inclusion with a day of performances, workshops, and activities showcasing cultures from around the world!
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 MOREFollow-Up Survey on Navigating the Impact of Devices on Youth
Volunteer 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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