Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Scholastic Book Fair Next Week - Volunteers Needed!
The Scholastic Book Fair is returning October 6 - 10. Students will be visiting the fair with their classes during school hours. Choosing their own books inspires students to become lifelong readers.
Weather permitting, the Book Fair will be set up on the blacktop by the Whittier Garden for you to shop after school, too! Every item purchased benefits our school.
Start setting up your student’s e-wallet today so they are ready when the fair begins.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help out during the day. If interested, sign up on the button below!
Call for Volunteers: Harvest Day Help!
Please consider volunteering for Harvest Day! Help with harvesting veggies and cleaning up the garden beds on Mon 10/13 from 2pm to 5pm.
If interested, sign up to volunteer in the link below! And if you’re planning to help with the harvest, you may just want to hang around for…
Special Thanks to Our Mulch Crew!
Have you seen the playground since Saturday morning? You might have noticed some freshly spread mulch filling out the areas around the playground benches. That is all thanks to a generous donation from our buddies at the Mulch Center and a few superstar volunteers: Yvonne Cikanek, Bryan Gentile, Chris Hartung, Kruti Shah—and first grader Robert Hartung. :) Thanks for making our playground safer and keeping it looking great!
By the way, this was a super last-minute volunteer opportunity that we only sent out to PTO Board members and a few friends. If you want to be considered for these kind of last-minute volunteer opportunities in the future, email Mike at president@whittierpto.org.
Monday Night Football Bears Game Watch and Potluck on the Blacktop on 10/13!
What better way to shake off the memory of the last time the Bears played Washington than with an outdoor game watch and chili cook-off with friends on the Whittier blacktop? We’ll get started at 6:00 with a potluck dinner and we’ll have the game projected on a screen near the playground. Bring a snack, drink, or your best CHILI to be judged in our chili cook-off! Stay tuned for more details in the liaison emails and next week’s Rundown, but for now you can RSVP with your potluck contribution at the link below. BEAR DOWN
Thank You 5th Grade Families!
Sunshine drop hosted by 5th grade families Rachel Coiley & Lindsey Gallante took off this past Wednesday!
They set up a hydration station for all staff to enjoy. Their thoughtfulness contribution & sunny decorations brought an extra boost of energy to our wonderful Whittier Staff! ☀️
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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