Escuela Whittier

“Torneo de Libros” “Battle of the Books”

“Este año escolar los estudiantes de 4to y 5to grado participaron en el torneo de libros en español. Durante varios meses leyeron 20 libros en español, escribieron resúmenes y prepararon preguntas para la competición. Las escuelas públicas de Chicago manejan el mismo evento en inglés, conocido como “Battle of the Books”. El evento en español fue manejado por maestras como Maria Catalan y Laura Caravello de Whittier y de las otras escuelas que participaron este año: Kanoon y Talcott. El evento culminante tomo lugar el 18 de mayo en la escuela Benito Juarez. Los estudiantes contestaron preguntas sobre los libros que leyeron. Se llevaron el premio de 3er lugar y el gozo de leer libros maravillosos!

This school year our Whittier 4th and 5th graders participated in a Spanish language “Battle of the Books”. Throughout various months, they read 20 books in Spanish, wrote summaries, and prepared questions for the competition. Many other schools in CPS participated in the English version of this event. The Spanish event was coordinated by Whittier teachers : Maria Catalan and Laura Caravello as well as teachers from the other 2 participating schools: Kanoon and Talcott. The culminating event took place on May 18 at Benito Juarez High School. Students were challenged to answer questions about the books they had read. They took home the 3rd place prize and the joy of reading!

- Maria Catalan

Herman Cohn, Holocaust Surviver & Liberator, Spoke at Whittier School

Herman Cohn, Holocaust Surviver & Liberator, spoke at Whittier School on May 26th, 2010.

Dr. Terrence Roberts Visits Whittier Dual Language School

Powerful! Dr. Roberts came to be at Whittier Dual Language School thanks via our partner organization “Facing History and Ourselves.” Craig Segal, middle school teacher of literature and the American Constitution, is a member of the “Teacher Leadership Team” for Facing History and Ourselves. Thanks to Dr. Roberts and Mr. Charles Meyers of Facing History.

8th Grade Graduation Photo Day

8th Grade Graduation Photo Day

Originally uploaded by escuelawhittierchicago

The 8th Grade students of Whittier Dual Language School took their graduation photos on the 24th of February. In this Flckr set, students took photos with some of their former teachers.

Whittier Chess Team Captain Gets Invite to MVP Invitational Chess Tournament

Whittier Chess Team Works Out

Originally uploaded by escuelawhittierchicago

The Captain of our Whittier Chess Team, Ramiro has been invited to participate in the MVP Invitational Chess Tournament for Chicago Public School Students in April at the Harold Washington Library’s Winter Garden.

The Falcon’s Message – El Mensaje Del Halcon

El Mensaje del Halcón-The Falcon’s Message: Bilingual Student Written Newsletter Published.

Under the excellent guidance of Mr. Osiris Alday, eleven middle school students worked on developing the content for the first issue of the Whittier Dual Language School newsletter, The Falcon´s Message/El Mensaje del Halcon. The students wrote articles on school life and school sports, music and game reviews, cartoons, an advice column and more. We hope to publish the newsletter on this site by weeks end. The second issue is coming out soon. Mr. Alday is our middle school student teacher from the University of Chicago. Cheers!

Primer Noche de Reportes un gran éxito!

por Anahit y Grecia

El 18 de noviembre de 2009 fue el día de la recogida de reportes para grados kindergarten hasta el octavo en la escuela Whittier. Muchos padres se presentaron y estaban más preocupados por aprender los grados de sus hijos que los propios alumnos. Para este importante evento, Anahit Tapia y yo estuvimos en asignación para El Mensaje del Halcón llevando a cabo un estudio de algunos de los padres en asistencia. La encuesta consistió en preguntas con respecto a cómo los padres participación en estudios de sus hijos. Cuando se le preguntó, “¿qué es la rutina de deberes en casa” la mayoría de los padres respondió que cuando sus hijos llegar a casa comen primero entonces hacen sus deberes. Fue otra pregunta, “¿cómo puede usted, como padre, ayudar al niño mejorar sus calificaciones?” La mayoría de los padres respondió una manera ayudan es ayudar a sus hijos a estudiar en casa y dándoles buenos consejos como, “pagar atención al profesor!” como muchos padres aconsejaría. Fue difícil, en algunos casos, para ver a los estudiantes a pie en el aula muy seguro y sonriente, sólo para venir nuestro buscando deprimido y triste cuando terminó la Conferencia de profesor. A pesar de ello, el ambiente era muy tranquilo. Recogida de tarjeta de informe corrió desde las doce de la mañana a seis quince. Muchos profesores fueron sin duda cansados después de una larga noche de conferencias, pero satisfacción con la participación de los padres y la suavidad con fueron programadas conferencias. Mirando a través de las encuestas, es evidente que los padres realmente importan el grados para sus niños y quieren que sus hijos para empujar a sí mismos para ganar grandes calidades y sus padres pueden ser satisfechos.

First Report Card Pick-up Night a Great Success!

First Report Card Pick-upNight a Great Success!

by Anahit and Grecia

November 18, 2009 was Report Card Pick-up Day for grades kindergarten through eighth at Whittier School. Many parents showed up and were more anxious about learning their grades than the students themselves. For this important event, Anahit Tapia and I were on assignment for The Message conducting a survey of a few of the parents in attendance. The survey consisted of questions regarding how parents involve themselves in their studies. When asked, “What’s the homework routine at home” the majority of parents answered that when their kids get home they eat first then they do their homework. Another question was, “How can you, as a parent, help your child improve their grades?” Most parents replied one way they help is by helping their children study at home and giving them good advice like, “Pay attention to your teacher!” as many parents would advise. It was awkward, in some cases, to see students walk into the classroom very confident and smiling, only to come our looking depressed and sad when the teacher conference was over. In spite of this, the environment was very calm. Report card pick-up ran from twelve to six fifteen. Many teachers were admittedly tired after a long evening of conferences, but satisfied with the parent turnout and how smoothly conferences were scheduled. Looking through the surveys, it was clear that parents really care about their grades and want their children to push themselves to earn great grades they and their parents can be satisfied with.

8th Grade Tree Planting in November.

It’s finally happened. The 8th grade class will be planted two trees Monday , Nov 9th. We have been doing some research into the different types of trees and decided that the large leaf linden tree would do well in this region. It will grow tall and strong enough to handle the activities of the play ground. It will grow to a size that will provide a shady spot on hot days and the smell of the fragrant flowers in spring will bring a happy feeling to all who take the time to smell. The class of 2010 will be preparing the ground and planting the trees next Monday if all goes well with the delivery. One of the trees will be in their name and the second tree will be planted for the two kindergarten classrooms. Let’s help children understand the importance of the trees and identify ways of caring and protecting them.

Maestro Trigueros

See more photos here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/escuelawhittier/sets/72157623133334848/