Stay in the Know with Whittier PTO!
Scientists, Start Investigating!
Calling all Whittier Scientists!
Whittier Science Fair Night is 11/17 (5:00pm- 6:30pm) and we'd love to have you there! If you're ready, register today. Not sure where to start? Sign-up for some support, click the link below to see a project idea generator, or check out our FAQs.
On Tuesday, 10/20 Whittier volunteers will be available at the Dole Library multipurpose room (second floor) from 6:00-7:30pm for families to drop-in for Science Fair help! Many more options for “office hours” help will be added soon. Sign up to attend here!
Attention 5th Grade Families: Trunk-or-Treat!
The 5th Grade Only Halloween Party sign-up is LIVE! Please RSVP for your kiddo, and if you're able, sign up to help.
5th Grade Halloween Party
Friday, Oct. 30
4:15-6 p.m.
Whittier Blacktop
This year's party is a Trunk-or-Treat on the Whittier blacktop for all 5th graders. Families can sign up to host a trunk station (go wild with your fun decorations!) or host an activity station. We have some suggested activities, but if you have a great idea for a station, you're welcome to set up the spooky station of your dreams. We can also use help with set-up, clean-up, candy donations, and more.
This is an after-school event hosted by the PTO for Whittier 5th graders. This does not replace a class party!
Thanks to our Conference Dinner Volunteers!
On behalf of the PTO, we would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who helped make our recent Teacher dinner on conference night a huge success.
Our teachers and staff were able to enjoy a delicious meal catered by Bouna Beef and enjoyed plenty of sides, treats and drinks. The entire staff felt the appreciation and support of our entire school community.
A huge shout out to Anne Bendelow, Jane Borjon, Melanie Chapman, Marlene De Jesus-Veach, Lexie Dore, Anne Douglas, Bridget Gavin, Betsy Hart, Livia Kenney, Noemi Mata, Rose Ann Mathai, Patricia Mathy, Brittany Mineo, Stefanie Morrison, Laura Rogers, Simone Russell, Kruti Shah, Kyla Wine, Erin Woods, Sarah Yaffe and Sarah Yale for helping our dinner become a successful event.
A very special THANK YOU to our VP Staff Appreciation Lead, Noemi Mata for organizing another fantastic dinner!
Whittier at the Movies K-2!
Attention K through 2nd graders: Our first Whittier at the Movies showing is scheduled for Friday, November 6th. Register below to attend by Wednesday, November 4th. There will be no admittance at the door without the permission form. This allows for us to plan for number of volunteers and concession items. Thank you for your cooperation and see you there!
Movie: Toy Story 5 (Rated PG, 2026, duration 1 hr 42 min)
Movie Time: Registered students will go directly to the Auditorium after school; movie starts at about 3:30 pm
Pick Up Time: 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Cost: Movie is free to attend
Food: Concessions will be available for purchase
Technology: No iPads will be allowed during the movie. Remind students to keep them at home or in their locker!
Important: Volunteers are needed! Your time and assistance are greatly appreciated. If you have little ones, they are also welcome to come. Volunteers help by selling concessions and ushering students into the movie. Volunteer below!
Calling All Helping Paws: PAW Place Needs You!
Got a little time? Want to make a BIG difference? PAW Place needs our school community to lend a hand! 💙
Can’t volunteer? You can still help! Shop our Amazon Wish List and send a much-needed item our way. Every volunteer hour, donation, and purchase helps make PAW Place an even more welcoming and fun place for our students. 🐾
🙋 Ready to Help?
Sign Up for a Volunteer Shift
Shop the PAW Place Amazon Wish List
Every paw makes a difference! 🐾
Check Out Next Year’s Events Calendar!
Subscribe and Sign Up to Help!
We’ve got next year’s PTO calendar ready to roll and couldn’t wait to share it with you all ASAP! Not only did we want to give you all the chance to save the dates early, we also wanted to call out a few events in particular that we’ll need some help with planning. Want to step up and help with (or lead!) an event? Click the button below. And don’t forget to subscribe to the calendar (available in Google, Apple, or Outlook format) so you don’t miss anything—note you’ll need a Membership Toolkit account in order to access the calendar subscription. This calendar will update automatically with any changes and new additions. Note that we don’t yet have start times set for all events, so these will show up as all-day events on your calendar for now.
Top News
Save the Date: 11/17 - Science Fair Night!
We are so excited to announce our first Whittier Science Fair Night! All students and families are invited to join us for an evening of curiosity, creativity, and discovery as our students showcase (optional) science projects. Look for a flyer and more information to come. For now, please save the Date for 11/17/26 from 5:00-6:30pm. Questions: Enrichment@WhittierPTO.org
More News
Volunteer
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 2026-27 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.
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