4th Grade Science Fair is a Success! 5.22.13

Students in 4th grade participated in the annual "Science Fair" at Whittier. Every student researched and conducted experiments in every area of science you could think of! Each classroom had a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner, and there was also an OVERALL 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner as well. Congratulations to all the students for a job well done! Of course, everyone had fun.........IT'S SCIENCE!!

1st place overall - David A.

2nd place overall - Amy L.

3rd place overall - Amy H.

Whittier Elementary School Part of "Bernie's Book Bank" Documentary Video! 5.22.13

Whittier Elementary School was lucky enough to be a part of the latest documentary video published by Bernie's Book Bank. We have enjoyed a healthy and positive relationship with the organization for a number of years, and we are PROUD to help them in any way we can, for as much as they have given our students! 

Mrs. Ellen Montgomery, a 3rd grade teacher and future movie star in the making, is featured prominently in the video. 

To watch the video, click HERE!

"Club Cocina" Visits Whole Foods! 5.22.13

Students in Mrs. Vanlaningham's "Club Cocina" had an AMAZING end of the year field trip to Whole Foods.

Students were taught about the benefits of buying local foods, took a tour of the store, and had a sampling of local foods. They were taught about the types of fish and produce to buy, as well as the vegetables that are used as an alternate to food coloring. Students made their own trail mix and enjoyed the other samples as well!

5th Grade Learns About Civil Rights! 5.22.13

Mrs. Slaters' Class was gifted by a visitor! Mr. Joe William Young visited room 18 last week to share his courageous childhood experience during the Civil Rights movement. Growing up in Alabama, he humorously described pieces of his past. Though parts of the nation were disgustingly ugly during this time, he and his family found a way to live harmoniously through humor, a strong work ethic, and a belief in humankind. Mr. Young not only found ways to give back to his community back then, but he also continues to "pay it forward" through his life's work in all of his endeavors. Mrs. Young, Whittier's school librarian, shared her husband's knowledge and his inspirational talents with Mrs. Slaters' fifth graders to conclude a reading and social studies study unit on civil rights. 

Abbott Middle School Mini-Concert at Whittier! 5.14.13

Students from Abbott Middle School came over to Whittier today to showcase all of the wonderful musical programs that are offered once students matriculate from elementary school in the district to Whittier 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.

Led by Jonathan Tompary and Melissa Moore from Abbott, Whittier students were exposed to the band, orchestra and choir. Not only did each group perform a couple of musical numbers, but each teacher took the time to explain the different instruments and what makes each group special, and even joined the Abbott Choir in singing a song! Time was also given for a brief question and answer session as well.

Special thanks to Mr. Tompary, Ms. Moore, and Ms. Crotty-Kagan, prek-5 Enrichment Coordinator at district office, for setting up this informative, educational and FUN assembly!

An IMPORTANT letter regarding new ISAT cut scores! 5.15.13

Please click HERE for an important letter, that describes the recent changes in ISAT cut scores, and what it means for your student, and our school!

Haga clic aquí para una carta importante, que describe los últimos cambios en las puntuaciones de corte ISAT, y lo que significa para su hijo, y nuestra escuela!

"We Both Read" Night at Whittier! 5.06.13

Led by Judy Green, Director of School Improvement, and Tim Kirschner, from the Welcome Center, Whittier parents learned about the importance of reading in the home. A presentation, in both English and Spanish, was given, along with plenty of resources for parents to use to help foster a love of literacy in their homes! Students were given time to read and color while the presentation took place.

Thanks to Mrs. Green, Mr. Kirschner and Ms. Laracuente for coming out and providing a much appreciated evening learning opportunity for Whittier parents!