“I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” –The Lorax
Happy Earth Day!
There are items to be voted on at the May 20 meeting, so be sure to get informed. To find out what was discussed at last week’s PTA meeting and others, log in to the PTA Meeting Minutes section of the website. Login: whittier, Password: pta1213
As the home page of the PTA website states, the PTA is a democracy, and the Executive Board is there to facilitate, not be sole-decision makers. Make sure your voice is heard.
We are so fortunate to have a wonderful Whittier Community. Thank you!
Whittier School PTA Executive Board
info@whittierschoolpta.org
www.whittierschoolpta.org
Book Fair April 24, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Have you heard about Summer Slide? I’ll give you a hint… it has nothing to do with stealing second base or a fabulous new shoe. Summer slide refers to the nearly 2-months worth of learning that the average child loses during summer break. But there’s good news, too! One of your best weapons against summer slide is probably lodged under the bed or smashed in the couch cushions of every home in Downers Grove. Books! Six books, in fact, read during the course of the summer, is all it takes to keep struggling readers afloat and to keep everyone’s skills sharp.
Luckily for you, we know just where you can score some! The Spring Book Fair is this Thursday in the Jaguar Jungle! It’s open from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., so you can stop by after school or pop in during Open House. Fliers will come home with books that should be available at the fair…and if any title on that Book Fair flier is sold out, you can order it right there at the fair and have it in about a week. What could be easier? So pick out a couple to read with your kids… have them pick out a couple to read with their friends… don’t forget something for the beach or poolside… and maybe one big one that’s just for rainy days. NOT sliding has never been so much fun! See you at the Fair!
2014/2015 Registration Deadline May 5
The registration deadline for the 2014/2015 School year is quickly approaching. Fees do not need to be paid at this time, but registration is necessary so planning for staffing can be done. Yes, it is early and we aren’t even finished with this school year yet, but knowing how many students to expect directly affects how our classrooms are set up and how many teachers and aides we need. Late registration is a major reason we don’t hear about teacher placements until summer, so if you are dying to know if there will a split class and which teachers are teaching which grades, then do your part and register now!
Registration can be done online or by paper forms. Emails and paper forms have been sent out already. The online registration process has never been easier, so find those emails regarding your returning student and use the Infosnap process they have set up to get it done now. If you have any questions, please contact Jennie Waldorf at jwaldorf@dg58.org.
Green News
Happy Earth Day! Remember that Waste Free Wednesdays will continue for the rest of the school year. Please pack lunches with reusable containers and nothing to throw away (yogurt tubes and string cheese are NOT waste-free).
Are your children missing jackets, gloves, or other items? Don’t spend money and resources replacing them until you check out the Lost and Found Table during Open House this Thursday. There are over 30 jackets in there right now plus other countless items! Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the year so at least they can be reused by someone. If you don’t get the chance to see the items laid out during Open House, the Lost and Found bin is always right inside the school doors for your perusal.
Spring Walking Club
Get the kids in their walking shoes every Wednesday for the rest of the school year so they can participate in the Walking Club again at lunch recess. As before, they will earn Jaguar Bucks ($1/two laps) to buy fun prizes at the Walking Club store that will be open twice more this year. The next Walking Club store will be open on April 30, so make sure they are keeping track of those Jaguar Bucks!
Community News
Please see the attached flyer for more information about the Fun in the Sun community event on May 18 at the Downers Grove Swim and Racquet Club. Please contact Melissa Rausch, melissarausch@sbcglobal.net, if you would like to volunteer at this event. High school students are welcome to volunteer as well!
Mark Your Calendars
Tuesday, April 22: Earth Day Student Council Movie Event: African Cats
Wednesday, April 23: Walking Club
Thursday, April 24: Open House 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 24: Book Fair 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, April 25: Fun Lunch – Great American Bagel
Wednesday, April 30: Walking Club Store
Thursday, May 1: Half Day of School – School Improvements
Monday, May 5: School Registration deadline