SAVE THE DATE! Blast Off to Kindergarten - Sunday, May 18, at Rehm Park
The Collaboration for Early Childhood, in partnership with District 97, will host its third "Blast Off to Kindergarten" event on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rehm Park. Children and families who will be entering kindergarten in Oak Park this fall are invited to meet and explore after-school programs, District 97 staff, administrators, and parent teacher organizations.
Early learning programs, who have played a pivotal role in preparing our little adventurers for this next chapter, will also be in attendance. There will be games and refreshments, and a “kindergarten portal” for our future kindergarteners to pass through and “officially” enter the “kindergarten universe.”
Blast off to Kindergarten is meant to celebrate our little ones, but it also will help parents and caregivers connect to parent organizations and to make connections that will help jump-start a smooth transition to kindergarten for everyone involved. All incoming kindergarteners and their families are invited!
To see more resources about how you and your young adventurer can prepare for kindergarten, visit: collab4kids.org/kindergarten.
Student Council’s Food Drive Ends Soon
Whittier School's Student Council is now participating in the CAN DO Challenge to support the local food pantry, Beyond Hunger! Students and families can do many different activities to support Beyond Hunger's mission AND have Whittier win the CAN DO community-wide challenge and competition. Please help us raise money and collect food for them. This year in particular they are in great need for food and finances.
The link to our school fundraising page is: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/CanDoCommunity/team/Whittier
We are also collecting certain food items at school. Students can even collect on their block and bring everything to Whittier. The food pantry needs as much help as we can give it right now. The foods we will be collecting are:
High Need Items:
- Bagged White Rice
- Bagged Brown Rice (2lb bags)
- Canned peaches (in natural juice)
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Chicken
- Sunflower Seed Butter/Soy Butter
Essential Items:
- Canned Chicken Soup
- Cheerios’ Cereal
- Canned Mixed Vegetables (low sodium)
- Tomato Paste
- Refried and Dry Beans (Pinto and Black)
- Canned Pineapples
- Gluten free pasta
- Canned sardines (in water)
- Vegetable oil (12 – 16 oz)
The fundraiser runs from April 1st-30th. Feel free to contact Mrs. Weiss lweiss@op97.org or Nurse Hilary hwinkelhake@op97.org with any questions.
Celebrate the Diversity of Oak Park at the
2025 Multicultural Fest
Reposted from the D97 Weekly Wrap-Up:
The Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 are excited to host a Multicultural Fest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scoville Park.
Join us and celebrate diversity and inclusion with a day of performances, workshops, and activities showcasing cultures from around the world!
Student Council Hot Chocolate Stand
The Whittier Student Council is hosting their popular Hot Chocolate stand after school on April 4.
Hot chocolate and lots of toppings will be available for purchase.
How did they know that it would be hot chocolate weather all through Spring Break?!
Registration for SMART Hephzibah open now until April 7
SMART Hephzibah offers weekly supplemental instruction in math over Zoom outside of school hours for students in 2nd – 6th grade and is facilitated by teachers from Oak Park School District 97. New for 2024 is the addition of 6th grade math! This program offers both regular and advanced levels, depending on your child’s needs.
The 2025 spring session will run April 14th – May 22nd.
Registration for the 2025 spring session will open on Tuesday, March 18th and remain open until Monday, April 7! The cost for fall SMART is $84 for seven sessions. Scholarships are available. To register your child(ren), please visit the link below.
Hephzibah Clothing Sale - Donations Needed
Black History Month Photos
Share your photos! How are you and your family honoring Black History Month? We’d love to celebrate with you through your stories and photos! Share your photos with us by emailing communitynews@op97.org. Your image might even be featured as “Photo of the Week” in an upcoming newsletter! How are you and your family honoring Black History Month? We’d love to celebrate with you through your stories and photos! Share your photos with us by emailing communitynews@op97.org. Your image might even be featured as “Photo of the Week” in an upcoming newsletter!
One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest
Inspire environmental change or action through film. One Earth Film Festival seeks short, 3- to 8-minute environmental films from youth from third grade through age 25 for the Young Filmmakers Contest. Animated films of 45-seconds minimum are also accepted. Rules are more relaxed for those in grade 12 and up, and prizes have expanded. There are four $1,000 top prizes for live action, animation, creativity, and post grad categories, as well as several $500 activism awards. Submission is easy on Film Freeway. Learn more here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon Visits Whittier to Discuss Civic Engagement
Reposted from the D97 Blog:
On Monday, Oct. 28, Illinois State Senate President Don Harmon visited Whittier Elementary School to speak with fourth-grade classes about civic engagement. Prior to the visit, students prepared thoughtful questions and created patriotic welcome signs to greet him. The conversation gave students a firsthand look at how government works and how they can positively impact their community, even as young learners.
Senator Harmon’s visit tied directly to the district's Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate goal of nurturing Change Agents—students who make a positive difference locally and globally through civic engagement and sustainable practices. Experiences like these empower our young learners to embrace their potential to create meaningful change.
80th Annual Pumpkin Festival
The 80th Annual Whittier Pumpkin Festival will be held Oct. 29-30! Carve, paint, or decorate a real pumpkin to enter into the competition. The categories are EC/K/1st, 2nd/3rd, 4th/5th and Family. Outside of the family category, pumpkins should represent the real, unassisted work of children. Please drop off your pumpkins at the time designated for your last name on either day and enter through the main entrance doors. Then, pick up your pumpkin by the end of day on Wednesday, October 30th. All participants will be awarded a participation ribbon. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a trophy, as voted on by Whittier staff.
Last Names: A-M register from 7:35am - 7:50 am
Last Names: N-Z register from 7:50 am - 8:05 am
Please contact Heidi Gawne (hgawne@op97.org) or Laurie Conley (lconley@op97.org) with questions.
Spook-tacular Junior Chess Tournament
October is National Principals Month!
From District 97:
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages all communities in Illinois to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week October 20-26, 2024, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, October 25, 2024!
Please take a minute to tell us what makes your District 97 principal so special. You can share photos, videos, or notes of appreciation with us by reaching out via Let's Talk or emailing us at communitynews@op97.org.
Hispanic Heritage Month at OPPL!
Hispanic Heritage books, events, videos & more: your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can:
- Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages.
- View: A special display in the Main Library Idea Box.
- Attend: Upcoming events.
- Watch: Spanish-language videos for early learners.
- Explore: Librarian-curated resources.
Level Up Basketball Family Event!
Please register and/or volunteer!
Join your fellow Whittier Wildcats in kicking off our Fun Run Lead Up Festivities with a free one-day basketball clinic offered by Level UP Basketball! We will have grade level stations K-5 for dribbling drills and games. We will end the session with a Free Throw Contest for kids and adults!
This event will be held on Sunday, September 29th from 3:00-5:00 on the blacktop. Please bring your water bottle.
Level Up Basketball was founded in 2011 by Oak Park resident and Whittier parent Steve Larsen. Coach Larsen has 20+ years of basketball coaching experience from kindergarten through high school. Level Up offers skill development clinics and private basketball instruction in Oak Park and the surrounding Chicago suburbs. The goal is to provide high-level basketball coaching in a positive, fun, and encouraging environment!
Smartphones on Hold
Smartphones on Hold is a group of Oak Park parents and caregivers committed to delaying giving children smartphones until high school. Together, we can set a positive norm that enhances our children's social development.
Their website connects like-minded families, breaking the myth that everyone needs a smartphone before high school. This list exists to help navigate this evolving technology, balance its use, and shift our community culture toward delaying smartphones.
Add your name at Smartphonesonhold.com.
Curriculum Night This Wednesday
Be sure to attend Whittier’s Curriculum Night on Wednesday, August 28th to learn more about what your student will study this year. Curriculum Night runs from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Some classroom presentations will be for parents only. There will be childcare will be provided by the school during presentations for those who need it. Stay tuned for more information coming from the administration or teachers!
WISE: Get Ready to Enroll
Enrollment for WISE (Whittier is Enriched) starts on Monday, August 26th. View course information here. Fall session kicks off the week of September 9th!
It’s just three simple steps to be ready to enroll:
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Create an account on Homeroom
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Add your student(s)
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Preview the Course Offerings to plan your classes!
Exciting Classes
This year we have your popular favorites returning such as Broadway, The Breaking Program, Ceramics, Yoga, After school sports, Art+Science, and Good Food Experience.
We are also excited to announce new classes joining WISE: Young Rembrandts Drawing Fun, STEAM Academy Robotics, Flag Football, and World Language: French!!
Scholarships
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for WISE. Families can apply for one scholarship per child, per session. Once the scholarship is approved, you will receive a code to enter in when you register. To request a scholarship:
- Please submit a request to scholarships@whittierpto.org by 8/31 so we can secure your spot
- Scholarships are given a coupon code in advance of registration; reimbursements are not available
- Scholarships are for 50% of the course cost up to $100
Volunteers
We are seeking attendance volunteers to check in WISE students and distribute a snack. Attendance volunteers receive $50 off their student’s session, and will receive a coupon code to use when registering. Attendance volunteers are needed for about 20 minutes after school in the auditorium. It’s a fun and easy way to learn students’ names and be involved! If you are interested, email wise@whittierpto.org for more information.
Save the Date: Juneteenth Community Cookout
Whittier Student hosts “G That's Delicious Cooking Camp”
Get ready for some culinary fun! One of Whittier's very own is hosting a 3-Day Summer Cooking Series, where kids ages 7- 12 will embark on a delightful culinary journey, exploring the magic of cooking in a fun and educational setting with a trained Chef and the young culinary prodigy herself, Giselle.
Enroll your kiddos today at www.gthatsdelicious.com! Space is limited. Special note: The price includes all three dates! Takes place at Let's Play Work, 7228 Circle Ave. Forest Park, IL.
Check out Summer Camp Options From Whittier’s Celebration Sponsor: KidStrong
OPRF Community Block Party
Join Oak Park and River Forest High School for an exciting day featuring the legendary alumni band The Jade 50's, a variety of food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, and numerous other family-friendly activities.
It’s all happening on the Mall on the west side of OPRF, where you’ll also have the chance to take a lap on the new track! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Sign up Early for the Good Life Race
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Location: Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N Scoville Ave, Oak Park, IL, USA.
Courses: The 5K, Youth Mile, and Junior Dash courses are flat, fast road races. The 5K and Youth Mile courses are USATF certified, which means they are precisely measured.
Giveaways: All 5K, Youth Mile, and Junior Dash participants receive a t-shirt.
Entertainment: Oak Park and River Forest High School drumline, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School band, and Jesse White tumblers.
Charitable Partner: Housing Forward.
The 2024 Good Life Race will sell out, so register early!
Supporting Asylum Seekers in Oak Park
Some of our Whittier parents have already stepped in to help provide basic supplies for asylum seekers in Oak Park. If you are able to provide any of the following, please drop off in the bin just inside the front door. We are in need of:
- pink stickers for trash
- large garbage bags
- large composting bags
- first aid kit supplies
- scissors
- pens
- children’s ibuprofen
- children’s & adult cold & cough medicine
- KN95 masks
- cleaning sprays
- paper towels
There are multiple people coordinating support efforts around Oak Park. Help with laundry is one major need and Grace Episcopal is organizing volunteers to help wash, dry, and fold at home.
St. Edmunds is also organizing volunteers. Email Celine Wozinica if you are interested in volunteering your time or resources at St. Edmunds.
Volunteer with Laundry Volunteer at St. Edmund's
Welcome New Families
Over the past two weeks the Village of Oak Park has been working with multiple community partners to successfully relocate dozens of asylum-seeking migrant families from Venezuela into new temporary shelters in Oak Park. We anticipate welcoming a number of these new Oak Park families and students into our schools, as early as next week.
To learn more about how the Village of Oak Park is assisting our newest community members and ways you can help this community-wide effort, click here.
