A Message from Mrs. Henkels:

Thank you for visiting our Walt Whitman Elementary School site. Whitman serves approximately 500 kindergarten-5th grade students from diverse backgrounds within the CCSD21 boundaries. We host an extensive bilingual education program that includes self-contained classrooms as well as support in the general educational setting.

At Whitman we believe that every child can be successful and that each of us plays an important role in the development of their self-esteem and growth in their academic abilities. Together, as a team, the staff and parents of our students assist in the developing and nurturing of each student. To ensure success, we strive to work cooperatively and maintain ongoing, open communication.

Our staff is trained in current best practices; we implement intervention services to assist our students in their learning and to assist in closing any achievement gaps. In addition, our advanced students are provided with enrichment opportunities to expand their learning and to help them reach their maximum potential through our GATE program.

To promote a learning partnership between the Whitman staff and community, our PTO provides many fun and exciting events such as hosting our Kick Off Ice Cream Social, Bingo Night, Book Fairs, Holiday Boutique, Movie Nights, Fundraisers and much, much more. We invite every parent and community member to become involved. We value the partnership between home and school. We welcome, encourage and need your support.

Our belief is that we make “learning” rather than “teaching” the fundamental purpose of our school. Please join us on this journey!

Lori Henkels, Principal