WHITTIER SCHOOL

Dear Whittier Family,

Afternoon classes and the lunch program will not

be in session Thursday and Friday, October 24

and 25, 2019. We will dismiss students at

11:00am on October 24 and October 25. Classes

will resume Monday, October 28, 2019.

Be sure to sign up for a conference time with your

child’s teacher.

Housing Forward needs OUR help! There were

947 homeless people that Housing Forward

served last year. Whittier School Student

Council is participating in SOCKTOBER to help

the homeless. We want to help them stay warm

this winter.

Please bring NEW, WARM socks

to Whittier School by October 28th

Thank you!

715 N. Harvey Oak Park Illinois 60302 ph: 708.524.3080 fax: 708.524.3047 www.op97.org/whittier

October 8, 2019 Dear Whittier Families, To satisfy the Illinois School Safety Drill Act, in addition to practice fire, severe weather, and bus evacuation drills, all schools must also practice lock-down drills. Students and staff will practice a “soft” lock-down drill next Tuesday. A “soft” lock-down assumes danger is outside the school, but safety precautions must be taken. Students and staff stay in the school and conduct learning as usual, except that shades/blinds are closed and no one enters or exits the building during the drill. We have scheduled Monday, October 21, 2019, for a “hard” lock-down drill. A “hard” lock-down assumes the perpetrator is in the school. Students and staff lock themselves in their rooms and remain silent and out of sight from any interior doorways or windows. Shades/blinds are closed and no one (except first responders) enters or exits the building. Please know that teachers and staff will go over expectations and why we are having these drills so that students are aware. If you have any questions about the drills, please feel free to contact our office at (708) 524-3080. Educationally yours,

Patrick CL Robinson Patrick CL Robinson Principal

Whittier at the Movies – The Secret Life of Pets 2 on Oct 18 The first Friday after school movie of the year will be The Secret Life of Pets 2 on October 18! The movie will take place in the auditorium after school until 4:50. Students will be able to purchase tickets for $2 and snacks/goodies for $1 each. Please make sure to fill out an online permission form for each student attending the movie here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsANoCHT63oZCIf0pj-dGIedjBZ94Vu6IiEQz-gY-r1bu5OQ/viewform?usp=sf_link. Permission Forms must be submitted by the end of the day on October 17 in order for your unaccompanied child(ren) to attend the movie. This is a super fun event for students that depends solely on volunteers so please sign up to volunteer here https://whittierpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/32028 If you have any questions, contact Shannon Kazyak at preston_shannon@hotmail.com or Christine Diedrich at christinediedrich@yahoo.com.

Whittier DivCo General Meeting Thursday, Oct. 10 from 7 to 8:30 pm in the Whittier Community Room CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED This will be the first general meeting of the 2019-2020 school year. If you’re curious about DivCo and/or you would like to participate in the Diversity Committee here at Whitter, please join us. The Diversity Committee is your committee on diversity. We discuss various issues, organize playdates, organize informational sessions, according to what you feel is most that we need as a Whittier community—with regards to race, gender, disability, and other issues surrounding diversity. If you have any further questions, please email Munirah Curtis (munirahcurtis@gmail.com).

Fundraising Giveback Event

Lou Malnati’s will donate 20% of total sales to your organization (20% based on pre-tax purchase, excludingalcohol) from every order received from Dine-in, Carryout or Delivery (within zone).

FUNDRAISER/FLYER MUST BE MENTIONED AT TIME OF ORDER.Cannot be combined with any other promotional o�ers including but not limited to: Discounts,

Deep Dish Dough rewards redemption or Malnati Mail welcome coupon.

DateTuesday, October 22, 2019

Time11:00 am - 11:00 pm

LocationLou Malnati’s Oak Park

1038 Lake Street(708) 358-0800

Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery (within zone)*Excludes Online Ordering*

• Must mention fundraiser at time of orderto ensure credit towards fundraiser.

• Please check receipt for “fundraiser” item,if you do not see “fundraiser” on your receipt,please see or call a manager.

• For questions or concerns please email fundraising@loumalnatis.com

ATTENTION CASHIERS: please be aware of daily fundraisers and key infundraising item on orders, found in miscellaneous tab for each order.

STOP & READ!STEPS TO FOLLOW:

Order 132

Server:Guest:

Medium Cheese $14.55

Medium Thin Cheese $10.45

FUNDRAISER $0.00

Sub Total $25.00 Tax $1.94 Total $26.94

For Questions Please ContactKristyna Ryan

(312) 933-8609kristyna.ryan@gmail.com

Whittier PTO

Capture Your Memories in This Year’s

Yearbook

To Purchase & Customize Your Yearbook Must be a parent or student 13 years or older.

Customize Your 2 Free PagesAdd photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive & more.

Answer fun Memory Questions to help remember the year.

The 2 Custom Pages are FREE and are printed ONLY in your book. Want more pages? Each additional 2 pages is just $0.99.

Purchase by September 30th to get 15% OFF

Regular Price:

Go to www.treering.com/validate

Enter your school’s passcode:

1

2

15%OFF

purchase bySeptember 30

1014163242633998

Whittier Elementary School

$15.49

  

Green Your Halloween Guide  

Americans spent an estimated $9 billion on Halloween in 2018, an average of $86.79 per person.  From costumes and trick-or-treating to parties and donating leftover candy, there are many ways to 

practice a sustainable Halloween and still have fun each fall.  

Promote zero waste for the planet and save money with these tips!  

Pumpkins Before Halloween  

Buy local and don’t overshop: According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Illinois harvests about 3-5 times as many pumpkin acres as any of the other top states. Support local farmers and connect your family with the pumpkin growing process. By visiting a local pumpkin patch, children can see for themselves how pumpkins grow and may even get to feed animals and participate in farm activities. 

Even better - grow your own! Start planning now for sowing the seeds of next year’s pumpkins this spring. Take into account that there are suggested varieties for carving and eating. 

After Halloween  

Plan ahead for your pumpkin’s afterlife: Don't doom your pumpkin to eternity in a landfill! When pumpkins and other organic materials decompose in a landfill, they generate methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Landfills are the third largest producer of methane in the U.S. where an estimated 1.91 billion pounds of pumpkins are grown annually. Keep your pumpkin in the cycle of life - eat it, or compost it! 

Eat your pumpkin: Give your pumpkin a second life is to turn it into a key ingredient of a delicious meal, dessert, or hot beverage to enjoy on a crisp fall night.  

Pumpkins are high in fiber and beta carotene, add flavor, and are a great source of Vitamin A and C. You can also scoop out the pumpkin seeds and roast them for a healthy snack. 

 

Compost your pumpkin: If your pumpkin is already a jack-o-lantern, or you aren’t interested in eating it, the best thing to do is to compost it. Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter. Adding compost to soils not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, it returns nutrients to soils, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and helps prevent soil erosion.  

● Join or host one of SCARCE’s Pumpkin Smash events across Illinois. Take a look at their guide on How To Host a Pumpkin Collection   

● Compost your pumpkin in your own backyard. Take a look at this DIY Project by SCARCE. 

Costumes Don’t buy new 

Use what you own: Raid your closet and house to find clothing or items that could be used to create a unique costume. Find easy DIY costume ideas on Pinterest or websites with guides such as Perfection Pending or Real Simple.  

Costume swap: Gather your friends to swap costumes, clothing, and props to create your look this Halloween. Or consider renting a costume. 

Thrift an outfit: Look for second-hand clothes at a thrift store, which will often have Halloween sections in the month of October. 

 

Shop sustainably 

If buying new, keep these tips in mind: 

● Avoid or minimize plastic and non-recyclable props. Instead of a plastic or rubber mask, for example, opt for non-toxic face paint that could be used for multiple years for different costumes. 

● Pick costumes and items that you could reuse as everyday wear throughout the year or next Halloween.  

Make a green statement 

Halloween can be a great opportunity to show everyone what you’re passionate about. Choose a costume that raises awareness about sustainability and environmental issues. Several eco-friendly ideas can be found on a Planetsave guide. 

Trick-or-Treating Candy 

Sustainable packaging tips: Look for treats packaged in recyclable cardboard rather than plastic: boxes of Dots, Nerds, Jr. Mints, Milk Duds, and raisins are examples. When buying treats, try to buy in bulk to minimize the amount of 

packaging. If buying or eating candy with plastic packaging, collect your clean, empty wrappers with a Terracycle Candy and Snack Wrapper Zero Waste collection box for upcycling.  

Shop local: Visit your local candy or fair trade store to support local businesses while finding candy options that might be organic, use sustainable packaging, or support fair prices being paid to the producers.  

Alternatives: Consider distributing non-candy goods that can be recycled or reused. Examples of treats kids would love include soda cans (perhaps natural sodas, sparkling water, or other carbonated beverages), mini playing cards, coloring pads, fun colored pencils, or bracelets. 

Leftovers: Rather than throw away uneaten candy, consider donating leftovers. Chicago-area leftover candy drop off locations are increasing (be sure to check with your dentist). You can also donate through a chapter of a national program. 

Bags and Transportation 

Reuse household containers such as pillowcases, canvas bags, buckets, or other containers to collect candy rather than purchase a new, plastic jack-o-lantern container or treat bag. Kids might also have fun decorating their reusable bags or containers with Halloween-themed colors or supplies. If so, be sure to save their finished artwork so it can be used again! 

Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood or a neighborhood within walking distance to save on gas and reduce emissions. If walking is not possible, take public transit or carpool with friends or neighbors.   

 

Parties & Decorations Supplies 

Inside: Opt for decorations and supplies that can be reused each year. Don’t be shy about using what you already have - be creative!   

For parties or gatherings, use dishware rather than plasticware or use recyclable or compostable products that reduce landfill waste. Purchase a variety of fall colors or Halloween-themed fabric napkins and table linens at a resale shop. Some examples of eco-friendly decor ideas can be found at DIY Network and Green Child Magazine.  

Outside: Avoid using outdoor fake cobweb decorations which can harm wildlife and are bad for the environment. 

 

 For more information and to share your success stories, contact us at: ZeroWaste@SevenGenerationsAhead.org  

In This Issue October 2019

PTO Update Page 2DivCo News Page 2Bio Poems Pages 3, 7, 11Library News Page 5Music News Page 9Art Start Page 12Green Team Page 15

WHITTIER ELEMENTARY715 NORTH HARVEY

OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302 708.524.3080

www.op97.org/whit t ier

It was great to see everyone at the back-to- school picnic and to welcome both new and returning families to another exciting year at Whitt ier! It was a beautiful night and a huge turnout! Huge shout out to our Picnic Committee and all the volunteers for making it happen!

Upcoming PTO Meet ings All are welcome and encouraged to join us at our monthly PTO meetings, happening the f irst Tuesday of every month at 7 pm in the Community Room. The next meetings is on November 5th. Child care will be provided.

Can't make the meetings?You don't have to attend a meeting to be part of the PTO! Contact us at info@whittierpto.org or visit our website at whitt ierpto.org for more ways to get involved. We are looking to grow our committees and pool of volunteers and would love to have you!

PTO on Facebook Whittier PTO has a Facebook page and it is a great way to get real t ime updates and see requests for volunteers. Make sure you like it to get up-to-date announcements.

Find us on Facebook: https:/ /www.facebook.com/whitt ierelementarypto/

As PTO co-presidents, we know that our PTO and our school are only as strong as our community. Thanks for all you do to support our kids, our teachers and staff , and our neighbors.

Best,Shesel Washington and Shailushi RitchiePTO Co-Presidents

2

Whit t ier DivCo General Meet ing

Thursday, Oct. 10 from 7 to 8:30 pm Whittier Community Room

This will be the f irst general meeting of the 2019-2020 school year.

The Diversity Committee is your committee on diversity. We discuss various issues, organize playd ates, organize informational sessions, all according to what you feel is most needed as a Whittier community? with regards to race, gender, disability, and other issues surrounding diversity.

If you?re curious about DivCo and/or you would like to participate in the Diversity Committee here at Whitt ier, please send Munirah Curtis an email at munirahcurtis@gmail.com

Race Conscious Dialogues

Here in Oak Park, there have been a facil itated series of discussion sessions called the Race Conscious Dialogues.

?The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed for people who are white to deepen their awareness of identity, power and privilege, then develop tools for anti-racism work. The series consists of 4 sessions, 3 hours each?From the website: raceconsciousdialogues.org/purpose

Right now they are offering school level sessions. Holmes and Mann are having these dialogues, with Lincoln and Beye almost at capacity for Fall school cohort sessions.

If this is something you would be interested in having here at Whitt ier, please email Munirah Curtis at munirahcurtis@gmail.com so that we can contact the organizer for a cohort.

Updates f rom Whit t ier DivCo

Happy Fal l Whit t ier Famil ies!

2

AnthonyI love PS4.I don?t l ike sushi.I?m afraid of snakes.I?m happiest when I do math.I wish for two PS4s and two games.Smith

ZoeI love my family.I don?t l ike meanness in the world.I?m afraid of the dark.I?m happiest when I?m reading or with my family.I wish for peace and happiness.Daly

JacksonI love sports.I don?t l ike f lat basketballs.I?m afraid of heights.I?m happiest when playing basketball with my dad.I wish for peace for all and to be a future basketball player.Grif f in

AmoniI love dogs.I don?t l ike f ish.I?m afraid of bees.I?m happiest with my family.I wish for a dog.Blanchard

TheoI love baseball.I don't l ike when I miss baseball or hockey.I'm afraid of bugs and snakes.I'm happiest when I'm with my friends.I wish for a long, happy life.Riegsecker

AnnaI love drawing.I don't l ike sadness.I'm afraid of war.I'm happiest when it is quiet.I wish for peace and joy.Kaegi

WynneI love hanging out with my friends.I don't l ike feeling sad.I'm afraid of a dark night.I'm happiest when I'm with my old dog.I wish to have three pugs and a rainbow bike.Huels

ClaraI love dogs.I don't l ike mosquitoes.I'm afraid of poison bugs.I'm happiest when I'm with my family.I wish for a dog and a good education.Soto

DiyaI love my house.I don't l ike my soup.I'm afraid of my cousins.I'm happiest when I'm with my friends.I wish for a bird and a helpful bird.Mody

BenjaminI love reading.I don't l ike being talked about and being bothered when I?m reading.I'm afraid of creepy YouTube videos.I'm happiest when I'm reading.I wish for my own room and a reading fort.Diedrich

Sebast ianI love my family.I don't l ike surprises .I'm afraid of pain and the unknown.I'm happiest when I'm thinking.I wish for my hopes and dreams to come true.Vil lafane

JaxonI love to go on vacation with my family.I don't l ike when someone bites me.I'm afraid of snakes.I'm happiest when I'm with my family.I wish for a loft bed and a new watch.Mitchel l

Madel ineI love my family.I don't l ike giving up.I'm afraid of the dark.I'm happiest when I'm with my mom.I wish for a unicorn and a kitty.Morales

LeoI love my baby brother.I don't l ike broccoli.I'm afraid of my garage.I'm happiest when my cousins come over and when I play on my Xbox and iPad.I wish for a Nintendo switch a hot tub and a pool in my backyard.Persoon

Wil l iamI love playing on my phone and playing real board games.I don't l ike when someone takes up too much space at the bottom of the bed.I'm afraid of dying.I'm happiest when I'm at home.I wish for a 3-D printer and the ink for it.Van Horn

LylaI love insects.I don't l ike spiders.I'm afraid of hot peppers.I'm happiest when I'm with my friends and family.I wish for love and happiness.Mackey

NoahI love soccer.I don't l ike math.I'm afraid of heights.I'm happiest when I play soccer.I wish to play Minecraft and to eat pizza every Friday night.Ohannes

MarkistI love my mom.I don't l ike being mad.I'm afraid of heights.I'm happiest with my dad.I wish for my grandfather to be alive.Washington

ChloeI love my new dog.I don't l ike being hit by my baby sister.I'm afraid of the dark.I'm happiest when I'm at school.I wish for happiness and love.Ronde

SoniaI love swimming.I don't l ike mushrooms.I'm afraid of spiders.I'm happiest when I'm having fun with my sister.I wish for joy and happiness.Bradshaw

LucyI love my kitten.I don't l ike mosquitos.I'm afraid of small spaces.I'm happiest when I'm in Muskoka.I wish for peace and love.Koschmann

Bio Poems from Ms. Swanson's Class

Read more bio poems on

page 7

3

nurse's note

4

Hey Whittier!

Halloween is just around the corner and I?d like to encourage all of you to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project!

1 in every 13 elementary school age children has a life-threatening food allergy. Participating in this project is a great way to include all children in this fun holiday.

Participation is easy!For more information or for free printable signs go to: www.tealpumpkinproject.org

If you have questions call (708.524.3076) or email (hwinkelhake@op97.org) me anytime.

Thank you, Nurse Hilary

Dear Whittier Families,

Welcome back to school! I hope you?ve had a wonderful beginning of the year! I?ve been so happy to be back with your students!

How does the Whit t ier Library work?

Students visit the library once a week with their class. For K-2, we typically read a book together, either something that relates to a skil l they?re working on in the classroom or a book from the Monarch Award list. For 3-5, we delve into research strategies, evaluating websites, sorting types of information and more. At the end of their visit, students check out books to take home.

What do students learn during l ibrary?

Students work on two primary things during their t ime in the Whittier l ibrary: developing a love of l iterature and learning to use and evaluate information sources. For our f irst goal, we do a lot of readalouds, book talks, book matchmaking and discovery. For the second, we explore various websites and other resources and learn how to analyze them for content, bias, relevance and appropriateness. I also work with classroom teachers to work on research skills, such as note-taking, cit ing sources, f inding relevant research, and more.

How does check out work?

K-2 students may choose two books per week. Students may keep a book for up to two weeks, but I encourage them to return them each week in order to get replacements. 3-5 students may check out three books and can also keep them as long as no one else has them on hold. If students forget their book, they may browse books in the browsing bin during check-out t ime. They can exchange a book at any point during the week ? I know how it feels to want to keep moving on a favorite series! Please help your student remember to bring his or her books back each week so that he or she can continue to check out.

What is the makerspace?

A makerspace is a physical space where students can go to create, t inker and problem-solve. We have a cart f il led with tools like Legos, Magnatiles, robots, wiring sets, gears and more that I roll out to use with library and classroom curriculum. Several Whitt ier classes visit at a f ixed time each week - students are given challenges or allowed to play freely. I also periodically open the library for Makerspace Lunch, usually for fourth graders, to explore the resources.

What should parents do?

Read with your students! Read to them or encourage them to read each night. Talk to them about what you?re reading and what you?ve read or seen around you. Talk about whether you can rely on the things you read and how you know. And reach out to me if you ever would like recommendations or ideas - I love to connect with kids and grown-ups about books!

Finally, the book fair is coming up October 23, 24 and 25th! Students will visit the fair with their classroom teachers and the fair will be open during parent-teacher conferences. Money earned from the book fair benefits our school community as well as the Whittier l ibrary. The PTO always generously donates many books to our school l ibrary, so thank you for your help in supporting our program!

I?m looking forward to a great year!

Laurie ConleyWhittier Teacher LibrarianLconley@op97.org

5

6

YahkidI love my familyI don?t l ike poisonous mushroomsI am happiest when at my cousin?s house and I?m with my Mom and DadI am afraid of bees and spidersI wish for a puppy, to be able to f ly and run fastJames

AminahI love reading, Harry Potter, water and familyI don?t l ike mushrooms, tomatoes, pollution, bullying and Brussels sproutsI am happiest when I am reading and having fun outsideI am afraid of cancer, hurricanes, tornadoes and other bad stormsI wish for dragons and magic to be real, money for the poor, a green planet and peace everywhere!Mbengue

DavisI love snow and my familyI don?t l ike animals or dogsI am happiest when I am spending time with my brother and familyI am afraid of snakesI wish for being the richest man in the worldMoses

FischerI love my family, soccer and friendsI don?t l ike bullyingI am happiest when I am playing soccerI am afraid of t imeI wish for a magical well in front of my house, to own a mansion, and have a dogLind

Tahl iaI love animals, friends and familyI don?t l ike animals getting hurtI am happiest when I am around cats, dogs and watching video of cheetahsI am afraid of clownsI wish for money for the poor and a petBracey

ArunI love planes and my familyI don?t l ike eating meat and campingI am happiest when I am with my family and I have KittyI am afraid of tornadoes, hurricanes and drowningI wish for a cat, money for the poor and an iPhoneNoah-Majmudar

AvaI love my familyI don?t l ike my cats f ightingI am happiest when I get to see my Great GrandmaI am afraid of snakesI wish for making the basketball team in Middle School, bringing my friend from college back, and getting three more cats Oliver

ConnorI love GTD and MathI don?t l ike SpellingI am happiest when I am with my catsI am afraid of spidersI wish for more pets, my driver?s license now and to be the richest person in the worldLeonard

MaeI love my family and petsI don?t l ike mean people, spice and peppermintI am happiest when I am with my BFFs and when my friends say funny things I am afraid of storms and lies I wish for ALL super powers in the worldMedlar

NathanI love my dogI don?t l ike peppersI am happiest when my Birthday is hereI am afraid of stormsI wish for a lot of homework, healthier food and a lot of MathLat tyak

SylviaI love to readI don?t l ike princessesI am happiest when I?m travelingI am afraid of forest f iresI wish that the earth was healthier, that some of the turtles wouldn?t be going extinct, and that I could go to JapanVolk

AlejandroI love baseballI don?t l ike bulliesI am happiest when I am with my friendsI am afraid of ghostsI wish to be able to build ?cool? stuff , code and study dinosaursBarrera

AnyaI love ice cream and rainbows I don?t l ike sour patch kidsI am happiest when I draw and readI am afraid of the darkI wish for super powers, a unicorn, and my own roomMathai

MilanI love reading and my familyI don?t l ike asparagusI am happiest when I am with my familyI am afraid of some spidersI wish for money for the poor, to have some super powers and a dogGandhi

MaxI love puppies, family and candyI don?t l ike mustard and bulliesI am happiest when it?s my birthdayI am afraid of snakes, bees and shotsI wish for super powers, my own dog and a phoneBeaver

Bio Poems from Mrs. Hoehne's Class

7

ZoeI love family and friendsI don?t l ike jawbreakersI am happiest when it is my BirthdayI am afraid of butterf l iesI wish to stop Global Warming, for a loll ipop machine and money for the poorIrvine

LucasI love T.V., food and my dogI don?t l ike being sickI am happiest when I am around my friendsI am afraid of steep thingsI wish for more pets, all the super powers in the world and Willy Wonka candyBeaver

Joset teI love dogsI don?t l ike catsI am happiest when I am with my familyI am afraid of clownsI wish to have my driver?s license nowWashington

Joe?nayI love my kittenI don?t l ike bugsI am happiest when I am dancingI am afraid of losing my school iPad I wish for more pets, to have my driver?s license now and my own petPit tman

LennoxI love my iPadI don?t l ike punishmentI am happiest when I have internetI am afraid of common fearsI wish for $1,000,000,0000, games and to be better at writ ingRitchie

ReubenI love Halloween, spiders, pets and bugsI don?t l ike music, crowds, skunks and ?L? ridesI am happiest when I am at home and at fun placesI am afraid of alarms beeping and fall ingI wish for Halloween to be right nowKarp

Read more bio poems on page 11

If you take pictures at a school event , you can upload them direct ly to the PTO for use in the Greenleaf , Yearbook, the PTO website, and on social media.

Just go to www.t inyurl .com/whit t ierpix to upload.

Don?t have the l ink handy?  You can always f ind access to submit photos through the Whit t ier PTO website, under ?News & Events,? and at the bot tom of the Tuesday Newsday Digital Backpack emails.

Did you know?

88

Bio Poems from Mrs. Hoehne's Class

Notes f rom MusicMusic-General

We're off to a wonderful start to music class. So far, students have focused on singing and moving, through activit ies and games.

We've also done reading activit ies: K-2ndSteady beat

3rd-5thGrade appropriate rhythms

Fourth and f if th grade students interested in playing recorder f lute will have an opportunity to join Recorder Club on Mondays at 12. Parents will receive an email if their child comes to the the club.

This October, Opera for the Young will be returning to Whittier to perform the roll icking operetta ?Pirates of Penzance? for our Wildcats! Over the next few weeks, all students will learn about the story of the operetta as well as learn a song or two from the show.

Music-Band

Families, please note the weekly schedule for all band students. If your child is participating in the band program and you are not receiving weekly emails please email Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org to get on his contact l ist.

Beginning Band Lessons: TuesdaysIntermediate Band Rehearsals: TuesdaysIntermediate Band Lessons: Thursdays

Always bring your instrument to school on these days. Instruments & supplies are to be stored in the auditorium at the beginning of the day before going up to your classroom.

Go to Mr. Barnard's website for band-related resources and playing tips: t inyurl.com/WhittierBand

9

Kindergarten doing the movement game Galloping, Galloping at the part of the song where it says "backs touch the ground."

9

10

From the Desk of the Whit t ier Social Worker...10

An important part of classroom management is creating, teaching, and practicing clear and consistent student

expectations. An effective way to managing voice levels in the classroom is to define for students how they are

expected to talk in various settings and during various tasks.

For example, over the course of a morning, students may be collaborating with group members at a conversational

intensity at their tables, whispering to a neighbor during quiet partner work, or working in silence during reading

time.

In order to provide students clear expectations, Whitt ier has implemented this universal voice level chart. All

students and teachers use this voice level chart in order to provide students the same language to convey voice level

expectations consistently across the school. Feel free to implement the universal voice level chart at home too, if you

would like!

- Sideeka Ryan

School Social Worker

AmadouI love mom and dad.I don?t l ike Michigan.I?m happiest leaving Michigan.I?m afraid of snakes.I wish for a bed downstairs, more toys and more cheese.Mbengue

KathleenI love nature.I don?t l ike pizza.I?m happiest being alive.I?m afraid when people brush my hair.I wish for health, wealth, family and lots of pets when I grow up.Cohen

Ekemini I love my stuffed animal, Cutie Pie, and my family.I don?t l ike when my brother AT ripped Cutie.I?m happiest when I?m with my family.I?m afraid of nothing.I wish for my dad to come to America.Ikpidungise

MichaelI love my dogs, Bonnie and Cody.I don?t l ike when people are mean.I?m happiest when I play on my iPad.I?m afraid of getting hurt sometimes.I wish for a shark, Nerf gun and to be rich.Mackey

MatthewI love TV.I don?t l ike bad people.I?m happiest when I feel good.I?m afraid of jump scares.I wish for a hamster, new video games and to have an awesome car.Ash

IsaiahI love Black Panther and Halloween.I don?t l ike cheese.I?m happiest when I have a birthday party.I?m afraid of Pennywise.I wish to meet Michael Jackson, visit Nickelodeon and be a movie star.Quinn

AddieI love my friends.I don?t l ike my dog.I?m happiest in bed.I?m afraid of my dog.I wish for peace, love and fun.Goehl

KaedynI love my family.I don?t l ike spiders.I?m happiest when it?s my birthday.I?m afraid of clowns.I wish for good health, education for everyone and no more homelessness.Smith

CooperI love my parents and birthday.I don?t l ike my sisters.I?m happiest when I get to go on my iPad.I?m afraid of ???I wish for a pool, hot tub, and money for a Nurf!Rockey

VivianI love my dog, Olive.I don?t l ike being sick.I?m happiest when I?m with my friends.I?m afraid of pickles and broccoli.I wish for an inf inite cookie, 55 gallons of glue and 3 puppies.Overbeck

LoieI love Halloween.I don?t l ike death.I?m happiest when I?m with my family.I?m afraid of the dark.I wish for thick hair, happiness and pets.Burwel l

Maxwel lI love my family.I don?t l ike bullies.I?m happiest when my best friend Riene can play.I?m afraid of things that will hurt me.I wish for lots of money, good health and a tiny Pug.Pruss

BaileyI love my family and my dogs.I don?t l ike sharks.I?m happiest when I see my baby sister smiling.I?m afraid of monsters under my bed.I wish for a red panda, a puppy and a stuffed animal.Milburn

EleanorI love Snoopy.I don?t l ike being hot.I?m happiest when I?m eating.I?m afraid of clowns.I wish for a Nintendo, good health, and to be a YouTuber.Shepley

MarleeI love cheetahsI don?t l ike math.I?m happiest when I?m with my friends.I?m afraid of the dark.I wish for a dog, a cat, and a mill ion dollars.Tracy

AlphaI love November.I don?t l ike f ish.I?m happiest when I play.I?m afraid of guns.I wish to be rich.Pare

ArchieI love cats.I don?t l ike scary movies.I?m happiest when it?s the weekend.I?m afraid of monsters.I wish for a chat and an Xbox.Friel ing

AshtonI love baseball and football.I don?t l ike soccer.I?m happiest when I play.I?m afraid of the dark.I wish for a pet and Beyblades.Brown

MasonI love rhinos and dogs.I don?t l ike school.I?m happiest when I?m with friends in my apartment.I?m afraid of death.I wish to never die, have all the powers in the space time continue and to have atrampoline.Croom

LenaI love my friend Lillyann.I don?t l ike tomatoes.I?m happiest when I?m with friends.I?m afraid of darkness.I wish for my f ish to come back, my dog to come back and to be healthy.Hamil ton

Bio Poems from Mrs. Johnson & Ms. Jacobson's Class11

For at least the last 15 years (everyone's lost count!) the lucky second graders in Mrs. Druckmiller's class have participated in Art Start with Guillermo Delgado, Academic Specialist for Community and Socially Engaged Arts at the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities at Michigan State University. There, he works with his students to bring yoga, poetry, and art to prisons.

At Whitt ier, they plan a project that encompasses a current passion of Mr. Delgado's and something Mrs. Druckmiller is working to accomplish in her classroom. A shared love of coffee sees them start with a planning session at Sugar Fixe over

coffee. Their collaborations have included milagro shoes which found a home in the window of Competit ive Foot after the Boston marathon bombings, to walking mediation and sidewalk chalk haiku to creating zines to designing and crafting Cortez kites.

Each classroom session starts after Mr. Delgado arrives by bike and with, you guessed it, a coffee. He brings the energy of his Michigan State classes to the second graders in room 106 A session may start with stretching, nature observations, a discussion. The process and end results? They're always hands-on, relfective, and meaningful.

Art Start Brings Col laborat ion ? and Cof fee ? to Whit t ier12

Want to see Mr. Delgado's work in the world? Check out the mural he's been working on in Pilsen at Canalport and Halsted. Head out on a mural walk with your family and stop in to Mr. Delgado's brother's coffee shop, The Jumping Bean. You can raise a cup of coffee in his honor and support the local economy!

An interactive map of Chicago's murals can be found here: t inyurl.com/ChicagoMurals

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HELP WANTED: Lunchroom Volunteers Needed

Thank you to all who are giving of their t ime. But we stil l need more help!

We've reduced the request to two volunteers a day, from three.

Even if you can come just the last 1/2 hour of lunch (12-12:30) when the litt le ones eat, this would be a great help!

This is a great way to get involved and takes only an hour of your time. You get to see your kids and their classmates at school, and is a great way to get to know the kids, staff , teachers

and other parent volunteers.

Plus it 's super f lexible ? do it one time, or become a regular.

Sign up on the Get Involved tab of the Whittier PTO Toolkit.

An Update on Recycl ing

Sof t Plast ic Recycl ing Col lected Near the Whit t ier Elevator + At Local Stores

After checking in with the Village, we learned that NOT ALL SOFT PLASTICS ARE RECYCLABLE.

Please put only CLEAN & DRY polyethylene grocery bags in the collection bins at school and at stores like Jewel, Walmart and Whole Foods.

Keep it simple and avoid contamination.

Just CLEAN & DRY polyethylene grocery bags.

No ziplock, granola, grated cheese or other food bag or soft plastics.

Our focus should be non-contamination and having the courage to throw more into landfil l.

At the same time, we can put our energies into tell ing store managers that we don't want all of this plastic packaging, and we want safe recyclable or compostable materials. This will help keep nonrecylcable plastics out

of landfil ls.

More about Oak Park Recycling Guidelines can be found on the Green Team web page: whitt ierpto.membershiptoolkit.com/green-team

Contact Cathi Ward at wardcathi@gmail.com if you have any questions.

1414

Favorite....Sport : Not a huge sports fan but watching live Bears games (not on the TV)

Act ivity: Hanging out BBQing and watching movies with friends and family

Song- "Excited and Happy," Earth, Wind and Fire and "Before I Let You Go," Beyoncé's remix

Food- Pepperoni and sausage pizza from Beggars Pizza

Restaurant - Famous Dave's

Kids Movie: Sing? new favorite remake is Aladdin watched it f ive times with his two sons and daughter!

Kids Book: Amelia Bedelia series & Charlotte's Web

Way to Relax- Laying on couch, watching Netf lix

Ice Cream:Oreo mix ice cream

School Subject : Reading

Favorite...Animal : Lions

Thing to Do: Being able to do nothing and shopping for shoes

Thing about Yoursel f : my height and my personality

How do You Feel Being a Principal? proud

Something you real ly do not l ike: spiders

If you had one wish what would it be? That everyone would enjoy school

Pets- 3 Dogs Burlington (Shihpoo) , Wellington (Papillon, Miniature Schnauzer mix) and Lexington (Black Lab) who is the youngest dog but thinks it 's small dog because of Burlington and Wellington.

And Mr. Robinson loves shoes! He has 70 pairs.

Quest ions & Port raits by Mrs. Druckmil ler's class

All About Mr . Robinson

15

16

DIVCO MEETINGTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

FUN RUNWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16

WHITTIER AT THE MOVIESFRIDAY OCTOBER 18

PTO BOOK FAIROCTOBER 23-25

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (HALF DAYS)THURSDAY OCTOBER 24

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25

PUMPKIN FESTIVALOCTOBER 29-30

HALLOWEEN PARADETHURSDAY OCTOBER 31

INSTITUTE DAY (NO SCHOOL)FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1

PTO MEETINGTUESDAY NOVEMBER 5

5TH GRADE OUTDOOR EDUCATIONNOVEMBER 6-8

COMMON GROUNDFRIDAY NOVEMBER 8

PICTURE RETAKESWEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13

TURKEY TROTTHURSDAY NOVEMBER 21

EARLY CHILDHOOD PARENT MEETINGTHURSDAY NOVEMBER 21

HARVEST DANCEFRIDAY NOVEMBER 22

THANKSGIVING RECESS (NO SCHOOL)NOVEMBER 27-29SA

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AT

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Whit t ier Wildcat Fun Run Update: See You on the 16th!

Due to weather concerns, the Wildcat Fun Run is rescheduled for Wednesday, October 16th.

What's the Fun Run? One of our largest fundraisers of the year, it 's a walk/ run-a-thon, kid-style where students gather pledges for the PTO and run laps or participate a level that feels comfortable. They are joined by the Wildcat mascot on Whittier f ield for 40 minutes of fun, accompanied by their favorite music.

Our goal is to raise $16,000. To date, we've raised $13,980. Thank you all for your support and generosity.

The last day to submit donations online or to school is Friday, October 18th. Please get your money submitted so we can hit our goal and the kids can celebrate the grand prize . . . . a Lip Sync Battle against Principal Robinson!

Create an online account or submit your donations to your child's teacher. For online donations, go to https:/ /www.getmovinfundhub.com, select ?Register As Parent? and input the School Identif ier: 5d2f47547adf f

Questions? Contact us at FunRun@WhittierPTO.org

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Attendance of Children at OPRF Sporting Events

October 1, 2019 - Effective Immediately

Oak Park and River Forest High School welcomes the community to our athletic events.

To ensure the safety of all attendees, we are implementing the following rule, effective

immediately:

Children ages 11 and younger will not be allowed to attend OPRF High School

athletic events unless they are accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

We have had significant behavioral issues with unaccompanied children under the age

of 12 at our first two football home games this season. In addition, many of these events

end late in the evening, and we are concerned about unaccompanied children getting

home safely. Thank you for your cooperation.