“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
-Nelson Mandela
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday 10/12 – Walking Club and Store (during lunch recess)
- Friday 10/14 – Whittier Spirit Day! Wear Whittier Spirit Wear or blue/gold
- Monday 10/17 – Family Fun Night @ Potbelly (see #2 below) between 5pm-8pm
- Tuesday 10/18 – Picture Retake Day
- Tuesday 10/18 – General PTA Meeting in the LRC – 7pm
- Destination Imagination
- Family Fun Night @ Potbelly
- Book Fair Volunteer Request
- Language Labs Spanish Classes
- Reading Games
- Walking Club Donation Request
- Reflections Fine Arts Competition
- LRC Subscriptions
- WRECK Needs Help!
1. Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination promotes creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. It is a program that runs much like Reading Games and the Variety Show. Interested students grades K-6 form teams of 2 – 7 students and meet outside of school hours to work collaboratively and creatively on a team-chosen challenge. Team challenges include improvisational, fine arts, scientific, engineering, and community service projects. Each team must have an adult team manager to guide students in the creative process. In March, teams showcase their challenge and hard work at a regional tournament.
Check out the 2016/17 team challenges and DI’s website.
https://www.destinationimagination.org/challenge-program/challenge-previews/
If you are interested in forming a team this year or have any questions, please contact Shelly Beavers schultz72@ameritech.net by October 15th.
2. Family Fun @ Potbelly
3. Book Fair Volunteer Request
November Bookfair – Could you help?
We could use your help selling these wonderful books. Please sign up through the Sign up Genius link below.
4. Language Labs Spanish Classes
Scientists believe before age 10 is the BEST time to begin learning a new language because as we get older it becomes increasingly difficult to absorb words in this manner. Beginning now is a great head start!
When do classes begin? Thursday, October 13th
How much does it cost? The early bird price of $280 has expired, the new price is $300
What grades are included? Currently grades 1-6 only
How can I register my child? You can register online at www.thelanguagelabs.net and choose Spanish, then scroll down to register. It’s a snap!
Questions? Contact Language Labs Principal Lourdes Beard at 630-533-2644
5. Reading Games
6. Walking Club Donation Request
Walking Club is looking for donations for their Walking Club store. For those that aren’t familiar with Walking Club, every Wednesday during the fall and spring seasons, students are invited (and challenged!) to walk or run laps around the school building during recess. With every lap completed, students earn “Cat Cash” to spend at the Walking Club Store. The store could use things like pencils, rubber balls, trading cards, games, erasers, stuffed animals, cars, figurines, pads of paper, etc. Think about things you might be able to “purchase” at Chuck-e-Cheese or might get in a birthday party goodie bag. Please no candy/food or toy weapons.
If you have anything you think the Walking Club might be able to use, please contact Debbi Andrews at deachick1@yahoo.com
7. Reflections Fine Arts Competition
http://www.illinoispta.org/reflections.html
Is this chilly autumn weather keeping your kids inside with nothing to do? Why not get their creative juices flowing and start a Reflections Project?
The theme this year is “What is Your Story?”
And don’t limit your littles (or bigs) to drawing a picture, although that’s completely acceptable, because there are 6 different categories!!
Dance choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
Just be sure to follow the link above for specific rules for each category, or contact me and I’ll be happy to help! Student entry forms went home on Monday. Entry deadline is Friday, October 30.
Wendy Carter at wendlycarter@att.net
8. LRC Subscriptions
We are looking for some families to make a worthwhile contribution to the LRC at Whittier by sponsoring a magazine subscription. Magazines provide a unique opportunity to get children interested in reading while developing the critical academic skills they will need in the years to come. The selection of magazines is wide ranging and will certainly appeal to boys and girls of all ages and interests.
With parent contributions we will receive a full year of issues in the LRC. Your help is making this valuable resource a part of our kids’ education and is greatly appreciated. Interested families can review the list of magazines and subscription rates here and send a check (payable to Whittier PTA) to Carla Giannelli via backpack mail.
LRCSubscriptions2016.pdf