Stay in the Know with the Whittier PTO
Thanks for Shopping the Book Fair!
The Book Fair was happy to have sunny and warm weather for our readers. Over 5 days we welcomed our classes, teachers and staff, and families and community members to the fair. We posted over $13,869 in sales! We also gave back over $2,400 in Scholastic Dollars to the library, and students to help fund their book purchases, and earned up to $5000 to use for cash, books and other school supplies for future use.
Thank you to our volunteers!
A huge thank you to our amazing book fair leads Suzanne Griffin and Kayla Hays! These two bring the joy and excitement of beautiful new books to our students, staff, and community with a huge and successful event twice a year. They’ve got the process down, and it’s so much fun to see the kids light up as they carry off their new books
Thanks so much to the following volunteers who helped set up, take down, restock, and work the registers. We simply could not host the fair without you!
Melissa Avila, Dominique Betancourt, Anna Burandt, Melanie Chapman, Amy Daly, Javi Devine, Jamie Ericson, Monique Fernando, Andy Hays, Livia Kenney, Liz Kropp, Mandy Manalli, Mark Manalli, Noemi Mata, Sally McGowan, Chris Mickens, Candace Nicks, Rachel Port, Ames Ronde, Katie Stipanovich, Nikhil Trivedi, and Erin Woods!
Mark your calendars for the Spring, and plan to volunteer again. Interested in training to lead the Book Fair? Scholastic has a playbook, and we need someone to join the team! Reach out to bookfair@whittierpto.org with your interest!
Teacher Conferences Dinner!
The PTO is buying tacos for our hard working staff during Teacher/Family conference night on Thursday, October 23. We'd love your help to supplement the main entree with chips, dips, fruits, veggies, desserts, or drinks on Thursday, 10/23. Our Wildcat Team looks forward to dinner and treats during long conferences. Sign up with your donation below!
Do-Rite Donuts Fundraiser on 10/23
Our next fundraiser is on 10/23! Pre-order using the link below and pick up during parent teacher conferences on 10/23 between 3p - 7p. Be sure to order by 10p on 10/22!
Come to our First Adults’ Night Out
We’ll be gathering at One Lake Brewing to hang out and raise a glass together, but the best part is childcare is available just a short walk away! The GRC is hosting their monthly “Parents’ Night Out” down the street, where you can drop your child(ren) off at 6:30 and for $30 they get three hours of fun, games, and PIZZA in the open gym. Register now as spots do fill up!
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!
Follow Us! Special Events, Updates and More!
