Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
It's Almost Fun Run Time! Get Active!
Registration for the Fun Run is open! The PTO’s annual Fun Run is our biggest fundraiser of the year in which all students participate during the school day on Wednesday, October 1st.
While all Whittier students will participate in the run, only those who are registered in FundHub, our fundraising and physical activity tracking website, will be eligible for the amazing prizes we’ll have this year. Registration is completely optional.
This year we'll be giving away a new set of prizes for the most physically active kids and classrooms in the weeks leading up to Fun Run! Be on the lookout for more info coming soon about how to track your child's physical activity--whether it's from riding a bike, playing basketball, climbing a tree... you name it, help your child get active to be eligible to win new prizes!
The Fun Run provides about 40% of the PTO's operating budget, helping us to pay for all of our various activities, including Staff Grants for classroom materials and clubs, staff appreciation efforts like Sunshine Drops, community workshops, and our many special events throughout the year. Got more questions? We might have the answers in our Fun Run FAQ.
WISE Courses Started
WISE classes start this week! If your student is signed up, please let them know which day they are attending so they know to go to the auditorium for attendance for their WISE class. Teachers are also aware, but it’s helpful if the student knows which day they have WISE. Also, be sure to pack an extra snack — our scholars show up hungry! :)
Did you miss the registration deadline? Some classes will accept late additions, email wise@whittierpto.org with your request.
Back to School Bash Was Bumpin’!
Whew! That was a blast, y’all! Thank you to our amazing volunteers who were the life of the party! Shout out to: Dominique Betancourt, Marlene De Jesus Veach, Lauren & Brian Gentile, Lyndsay Legel-Carmody, Tracy Leman, Andrea Lewis Hartung, Mandy & Mark Manalli, Noemi Mata, Hannah Nolan-Spohn, Amy O'Dea, Rachel Ostergaard, Brielle & Jonathan Osting, Heather & Nathan Peterson, Archita Shrivastava, Jane Lee Zimmer, Shelly Steffens, Sarah Swagler, Nikhil Trivedi, and Erin Woods for signing up to volunteer!
We’d like to send out a huge thank you to all those who stepped up and stepped in to fill the gaps and keep the party going! Also, an extra special HUGE shout out to Lisa Edelman-Karp for organizing the event!
Please send any of your favorite photos of the Back to School Bash to photos@whittierpto.org. Be mindful that some students do not wish to have their picture published. Please send only photos of your family, or small groups who’ve consented to be photographed!
We are always looking to improve events. Please provide any feedback you have about the event. What worked? What would you improve? Any ideas to add to change for next year?
Save the Date and RSVP: First Community Gathering of the Year on 9/16!
Our first PTO Community Gathering will take place on Tuesday, September 16th from 6:00 until 8:00 in the school's community room. Like last year, dinner is on us and childcare will be provided!
Come join us to break bread and hear about some of the PTO's plans for the year, including some news and updates about the Fun Run and Adult Ed workshop series. Please RSVP below so we can get a headcount for childcare and our dinner order!
Back-to-School Spirit Wear Sale:
Gear Up at our New Store Today!
Our Principal Dr. Mosley wants Whittier students to show school pride by wearing Spirit Wear every Wednesday. We would love to see every student in one of the fresh new designs by Whittier mom Claire Frieling at her new spirit wear store!
Please note that funding from our PTO Wildcare Fund is available to assist with spirit wear purchases. To make a request for these funds, please contact Dr. Mosley at this link.
All orders earn a percentage back to the Whittier PTO and helps us fund programming and support for our students and staff. Order now!
Our 2024-25 Annual Report is Out!
Check it out! Our Annual Report not only spells out how we raised and spent our PTO funds last year, but it provides a great summary of all the various amazing things that our PTO does. Take a look at the year that was and get excited for the year to come!
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 2025-26 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.
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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