Whittier Elementary School

April 2015 Newsletter

February and March have been busy months around Whittier as we prepare for the PARCC testing, as
well as, the myriad of other activities that have been happening. Whittiers students have just completed
their first week of the test, and I might add it went very well. Our students conveyed that they felt
confident and prepared as they navigated their PARRC sessions. We have instilled in our students that
they must also realize that regardless of ability, their success will depend upon the attitude they bring to
school. Without a positive approach, no tools will work for them.
We are especially proud that several of our staff members, along with two of our very
awesome parents, Mrs. Sabiha Vhora and Mrs. Nicole Harrington, presented a two
day workshop entitled, A Virtual Tour of an Effective School in a High Poverty
Community at the Superintendents Conference at the Tinley Park Convention
Center. Our sessions were so popular that people were standing in the hallways
listening as we spoke about the 7 characteristics of an Effective School that Whittier
has embraced.
Adding to Whittiers list of accomplishments, we have formed a collaborative
partnership with Meadow View Elementary School in Country Hills School
District #160. The axiom that two heads are better than one really is true when
it comes to strengthening children and families in a holistic way. By thinking,
planning, and working together, the individuals and groups that make a
community can accomplish goals that neither could achieve alone. Building
upon this partnership, selected staff members from both schools visited each
other. Meadow View is a 4-6 grade campus, in addition, they have several
gifted classrooms. In comparing our 2014 School
Report Card Test Data, Whittiers scores surpassed
their scores. This collaboration confirms the findings from our presentation that
it is the school not the environment from which a child comes that determines
their success.
Our parent involvement activities have had exceptional participation this year.
More recently, parents have come out in droves for the Father/Daughter and
Mother/Son Sweetheart Dance on Valentines Day, the PARCC Bash in March,
the Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History programs, just to name a few.

Traffic Congestion at Whittier School

More and more parents are picking up students at the end of the school day than ever before,
which is causing quite a traffic jam. Unfortunately, our parking lot and school grounds are not
designed to accommodate so much traffic. Beginning on Monday, March 30, 2015, we will be
closing the gates when the traffic becomes too congested. If and when that happens, parents will
be asked to park along the curbs of 152nd Street and Myrtle Street to pick up their children.
Parents will not be able to use the second parking lot area on 152nd street, to avoid the risk of
someone getting hit by moving traffic.
Parents must park beside the curb next to the building only. Remember, double parking is never
allowed. We will be blocking off the left hand side of the street to prevent vehicles from double
parking. Also, parents are asked to pull all the way up so we can accommodate as many vehicles
along the curb as possible. Backing out is also not permitted. Once you enter the parking lot,
you must follow the flow of traffic. You must exit on the Myrtle Street side only. Students are
not to walk out in the parking lot. So, therefore please do not park in the lot. It is our goal to
make sure everyone is safe.
If you have any problems or concerns, please address them to Mrs. Thomas. The Safety Patrol
workers are there to keep everyone safe. Please show courtesy and respect to them.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly
Our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly Program held on Monday, January 26th at 1:30 p.m.
was a smashing success. Again, our Speaker, Dr. J. D. Taylor, Pastor of the St. Paul M.B. Church
and Greater Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church of Chicago, Illinois was awe-inspiring and inspirational.
He encouraged the students to strive for excellence and set goals for success. Dr. Taylor was
accompanied by his lovely wife who sang the Negro Spiritual Walk with Me. Her angelic
voice touched and moved the audience. Mrs. Thomas was so proud to have both her Pastor and
First Lady share their talents with the parents, students, and staff of Whittier.
Sweetheart Parent Dance
Our Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Sweetheart Dance, held on Friday, February 13th, was a
terrific event. Over 70 parents and grandparents participated in this activity. Line dancing was
taught by our Computer Lab Assistant, Mr. Marque Reed. This was a regal and grand affair as
the students and parents danced together and took photos. The gym was elegantly decorated and
adorned with beautiful pastel colors of pink, red, and white. Refreshments were served. This
years turnout even surpassed last years attendance. Due to the tremendous parent turnout and
support this will become an annual tradition at Whittier School.
1st Semester Awards Assembly
The 1st Semester Awards Assembly was held on Monday, February 23rd. Many of our students
were honored for their first semester academic accomplishments.
Black History Celebration
Our Black History Program was held on Wednesday, February 25th. The Guest Speaker for the
program was a former Whittier student, Demetrius Mitchell, who is now a senior at Thornton
High School. His topic was After Ferguson, Now What? The audience was captivated and
moved by this eloquence. We were also entertained by two creative dance groups. One group
2

performed to the son Glory by John Legend and Carmen and the other group performed a praise
dance to the Sunday Morning Medley. The program was well attended by parents and guests,
including our Board Member, Mrs. Gloria Johnson. Other student talent included biographical
sketches of famous African Americans who made an impact on Black History. The program was
awe-inspiring.
PARRC Test Activities for Students and Parents
To relax and motivate our students for the PARRC Testing, 38 Whittier students who participated
in the After School Tutorial Program, and/or the PARRC Saturday School Program were treated
to a UIC Basketball Game against Green Bay on Thursday, February 26th.
The PARRC Bash for parents was held on Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00 p.m. Parents received
information and tips on how to help their children prepare for the PARRC Test. Mrs. Janice
Preston, Consultant read the story, Leo the Late Bloomer, and showed parents how to ask
critical questions as she read. The parents were then taken to the lab and shown the PARRC
Sample Test items for 3rd grade. Several of the parents requested if there was help available for
them in order to better understand the Common Core Math Concepts.
A Pep Rally was held on Friday, March 6th as a means of inspiring our students to do their best
on the upcoming test, as well as, recognizing the 2014 ISAT honor roll. The honor roll included
the students who met and/or exceeded on any part of the 2014 ISAT Test. Whittiers
Cheerleaders performed and Mrs. Thomas led the students in various call and response chants
that totally captivated them.
At the end of the Pep Rally, the Whittier Boys Basketball Team was introduced by Coach Hasik.
However, our boys lost in the play-offs against Maya Angelou School. But they played
with valor and courage. They are true champions. They persevered through some difficult
calls and learned some valuable lessons. They have hearts of gold and we love them for
the sportsmanlike conduct they exhibited. The Basketball Team and Cheerleaders were
treated to a gym jam and pizza party on Friday, March 20th. They all had a blast!
Whittiers Homework Help & Fitness Center
Whittier Elementary School is pleased to announce the establishment of our free Homework
Help and Fitness Center after school on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning on Monday,
March 23rd from 3:10 p.m. 4:15 p.m. until grant funds has been depleted. The Center
was funded through a grant from Governors State University and will be staffed by highly
qualified individuals and our Physical Fitness Instructor, Mr. Sidney McNeal. Teachers will
recommend the students who participate in this program.
Students will receive one-half hour of homework help and one-half hour of fitness on a rotating
basis.

Family Math Night

3

Our first Family Math Night was held on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:00 p.m. It was well attended by
parents, students, and staff members. Various rooms were set up for different games and activities. The
teachers elaborated on the new Common Core Math concepts that students are required to know and
understand. They stressed that students are learning math skills at earlier grade levels than before. For
example, a 2nd grade student needs to know their multiplication tables by the end of 2 nd grade and not 3rd
grade. This program was held to promote and announce the upcoming Common Core Math Class for
parents. In addition, it showed families that math can be fun too.
Common Core Math Class for Whittier School Parents
Whittier School has created a Common Core Math Class for Whittier Parents who are struggling with
helping their children understand complicated math problems. This class was designed as a result of your
pleas and concerns. We were fortunate to receive a grant from Governors State University to employ
teachers after school hours to teach parents how to help their children with confusing and complicated
Common Core math homework. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity
to help their child become a successful student.
The Math Class will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. for a six week period,
beginning on Wednesday, April 1st.
Each One, Teach One Tutorial Program
The Each One, Reach One Program was held at Whittier School for a six week period on Saturday,
February 14th March 21st from 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Breakfast was served from 8:30 9:00. This
program was a tutorial program that focused on literacy and language development in children from early
primary to fifth grade. Students who are in need of additional academic support in areas of reading,
comprehension, phonological awareness, alliteration, word meaning, basic language and writing skills
were invited to participate.
In this program, students were taught and mentored by a group of professional teachers who volunteer on
Saturdays in Chicago Metro and South Suburban public schools.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled the week of April 13th April 17th. Parents are
encouraged to come out and visit, as well as, send money to support this Book Fair. This is also
a fund raiser for our school.
Skating Field Trip Scheduled
The PARRC Test Skating Party has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 15th for those students
who had good attendance during the PARRC Test, worked very hard, and had good behavior.
The cost will be $10.00 per student. This will cover admission, skate rental, hot dog, chips, and
soft drink. Permission slips will be forthcoming.
Principals Sip and Chat
The Principals Sip and Chat is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th at 9:30 a.m. followed a P.T.A.
Meeting at 10:00 a.m. Parents are encouraged to come out and share your concerns or questions.
Weekend Reading Festival
4

Our Weekend Reading Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 17th from 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Check-in
time for students spending the night is from 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. for
our guest readers and students sleeping over. The rotating sessions will begin at 7:00 pm. 5 Whittier
Bucks will be given to students whose parents come out and support our Weekend Reading Festival.
Again, as in past years, breakfast will be prepared by the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, sponsors of
the CAPTURE Boys Mentoring Program at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th.
Everyone is invited to attend the rotating reading sessions beginning at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be
served will be served and door prizes will be given to the first 15 parents in attendance. Hope to see you
there.

Thornton High School Honor Society Visits Whittier School

Thornton High School National Honor Society will visit Whittier School on Tuesday, April 21st.
28 students will provide teacher assistance and support to classroom instruction. This is this is
the second year that they have visited our school to earn Community Service credit for their
organization. We are excited to open our doors to such a great group of students. Ms. Mangino
is their Sponsor.
Whittier Parents Attend Parent Conference
Whittiers P.T.A. Officers attended the first Superintendents Parent Conference held on
Thursday, March 26th at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The parents enjoyed a wonderful
day of great speakers and entertainment. The sessions were very motivational and informative.