Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Reminder: WISE Winter Session Begins This Monday, 12/2
If you have enrolled in a WISE winter class, please remind your student that classes begin this week, starting Monday, 12/2. This reminder will help with dismissal and WISE attendance confusion.
CRITICAL: Volunteers are desperately needed for attendance, Mondays - Thursdays for 20 minutes each day at school day dismissal. Please email wise@whittierpto.org if you are available.
A big thank you to our Fall Attendance volunteers: Candice Tipton, Christine Pan, Dominique Betancourt, Daniel Avila, and Amy O'Dea!
Save the Date: Whittier Around the World is booked for December 12
Whittier is excited to invite families to a night showcasing Whittier Around the World on Thursday, December 12, from 6-7:30 pm.
We invite families to help us create a unique experience by bringing your culture and traditions for Whittier families to experience a first-class trip Around the World! This is a great opportunity for families to learn about the varied traditions of their fellow Wildcats.
The Whittier community is rich with diversity and families representing many countries worldwide. We are looking for families willing to share their great culture and traditions with the Whittier community.
If you are interested in presenting your culture and traditions, please fill out the interest form by Friday November 29th, 2024.
Holiday Light Recycling
Our proactive neighbors are reminding us that holiday decorating is just around the corner. This year, as you discover broken strands of lights, please do NOT toss them out!Your newly established Green Team will be putting together a recycling drop off to safely and responsibly recycle these old strands!
If you have any experience with successfully recycling lights in the past and would like to share it with the Green Team, please shoot an email to greenteam2@whittierpto.org.
Stay tuned for more collection information about collection dates.
30% Off Whittier Wear for Cyber Monday!
Save 30% sitewide Black Friday - Cyber Monday with the Whittier holiday spirit wear sale! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments, all with home delivery guaranteed by December 23rd! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/30602
Wildcare Fund is Available
For the last few years, the Whittier PTO has offered discrete and direct financial support to families in need, through its Wildcare Fund. Our goal is to increase equity for our students and families, and the Wildcare Fund is currently supported by an anonymous donor.
If you need financial assistance for food, winter clothes or school-related equipment, please reach out via this form. Your teacher, or the social work team, will handle requests and distribution. No information is shared with the PTO team about who is making requests.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Sideeka Ryan (sryan@op97.org)
Adult Fundraiser Event Planning Committee
Calling all my party people!
We are looking for a group of people to help plan our annual adult fundraiser event. Last year was a big hit, and we are looking forward to building momentum this year. We divide tasks across many volunteers, so any help you can lend makes a difference.
We need people to help with communications, submitting local business donation requests, event planning and decorating, project timeline management, and more. The fundraiser event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025. We want to kick off planning soon and start gathering donations in December.
Contact Amy O’Dea at fundraising@whittierpto.org for more information!
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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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