Farewell Note from PTO Co-President Christine Pan

Wow! What a year! Is it really over? As I reflect back, it is all kind of a blur! This particular year is tough because not only is it the end of my co-presidential term with the PTO, but it is also my family's last year at Whittier since my twins, Emmy and Everett, graduated from 5th grade. Lots of emotions!

This year was possibly one of the most challenging and equally rewarding for me personally. I started a new job, transitioned my eldest into OPRFHS, transitioned my twins out of Whittier, and ran the PTO! It was a lot! And knowing what I know, I would still do it again because of the people I got to know and work with and the things we were able to accomplish together.

This year, the goal was to bring more intention and connection within the Whittier community and between the school and families as we continued to align with the PTO mission of enriching the student experience. I've had the honor and privilege of getting to know even more parents, kids, and Whittier Staff this year. I was at the school so much that kids were starting to think I worked there!

In all humility though, I am only one part of a bigger thing. What this year taught me is that when you ask, people show up in a big way. Any success that we have had with the PTO this year is your success. We could not have done any of it without our volunteers. So my first thank you goes out to all of you! Whether you came out once or were at almost every event, I saw you and I appreciate you!

Also, I am grateful for our PTO Board and Leadership Members, many of whom will be stepping off after being there for 2 or more years! Your hard work, dedication and vision is what drives the heart of the PTO and I look forward to what our new incoming Board Members will bring!

I want to thank Dr. Mosley and the Whittier Staff as we reached new levels of communication to ensure that we were supporting our kids, staff and community alike, by bringing those voices forward and addressing those needs in a purposeful and mindful way. A special thanks to my co-President, Mike Smith, who was there with me every step of the way. I have no doubt you will continue to bring PTO to even greater heights next year as you continue the work we started.

Most of all, a huge thanks to my family, Brian, Ainsley, Emmy and Everett, for sharing me with the school and community for the last two years. We were all in for this wild ride that at times we didn't know what ride we had signed up for, but we made it through together!

I love the people in our Whittier community and I'm proud of what we've achieved together. Thank you for being there for me and for being there for each other. It takes a Whittier Village and I'm happy to be a part of it! I'm not going to say goodbye, but I'll leave you with a fave quote:

In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Have an amazing summer everyone! You deserve it!

— Christine Pan, PTO Co-President 2023-2025

Happy Summer!

Time to unplug and recharge! This will be our final PTO Newsletter of the year. Be on the lookout for Back-to-School news and special school year kick-off event details starting in mid-August.

It’s been a pleasure to be your Whittier Rundown Lead for the past two years. If you have an interest in helping our community stay informed in the coming year, please reach out to president2@whittierpto.org. Thank you, and have the best summer!

Cheers, Rebecca Romano

Please take our Parent/Guardian End of Year Survey!

Please take our year-end feedback survey! As we often say, you are the PTO and your feedback helps our board ensure that our programming and operations are the best they can possibly be.

Please note that adding your email address is optional--if you would like to remain anonymous you may do so! Please also note that all questions are optional; if you don't have a response or would otherwise like to skip any question you can simply leave it blank.

The survey should take you less than ten minutes to complete. We appreciate your time and thoughts!

Take the Survey

It's time to order school supplies!

Whittier families, we've all been there! Back-to-school sneaks up on us, and suddenly we're running from store to store trying to find supplies. But what if you could check it off your list today? Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/35937. 1st Day School Supplies makes it easy. In just a few clicks, you can order the exact supplies your teacher requested, packaged in a beautiful new box and delivered on time, stress-free!  If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact Lakresha Johnson at: ljohnson1@op97.org

Order Now!

JOIN US the last day of school for the 5th Grade CLAP OUT !

June 4th WED: 5th Grade Clap Out (2:15pm) & Last Day of School!

We have a nice celebration for our 5th graders on the last day of school. All staff and students in grades K-4 line the halls and applaud the 5th graders as they travel the halls to the exit doors before dismissal.

• 2:10 - Students at all grades will line the hall for a "clap-out" for the 5th graders.

• 2:15 - 5th graders walk throughout the Whittier School building while being cheered on by their peers, former teachers and Whittier staff.

• 2:20-2:25ish - They are greeted by parents as they exit the 7W door (3 steps, nearest the Gaga Ball Pit)

• Note: Parents may spray students with silly string and bubbles only. Please do not bring water balloons, water guns, or super soakers.