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Month: February 2025

The Wildchat: 3/05/2025

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

No More Manual Entry of Events!

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LAST CALL! Purchase Tickets by March 7th

PTA Meeting, March 11th

All are welcome (and encouraged!) to join us for this month’s Whittier PTA Meeting!

March 11, 2025
7-8:30pm
Whittier Library or over Zoom

This month, we’ll hear from Principal Watters, discuss and vote on the Staffing Grant for next school year, and learn more about issues and updates that impact our school community.

 Learn more here: https://whittierptaseattle.org/events/pta-meeting-10/.

Get Ready for Spring After-School Programs! Registration March 17th

Blue and yellow Whittier after-school programs banner.

Whittier PTA is excited to continue offering after-school enrichment this Spring! We’ve got arts and crafts, LEGOS, parkour, dance, and more!  View the schedule and class info here.

Save These Dates! 

  • Registration opens on March 17 at 3:30 p.m
  • Classes are held weekly after school from March 31 – June 2

Set up your 6crickets account. We are using the 6crickets platform to make registration easier for families. Families MUST set up an account prior to registering. Set up only takes five minutes.

Scholarships are available! Please reach out to programs@whittierptaseattle.org for more info.

Volunteers needed!

After-school programs at Whittier can’t happen without your help.

Volunteers commit to one hour a week for eight weeks. Volunteers help unlock classrooms, take attendance, hang out in the school building during club time, and ensure dismissal goes smoothly.

It’s one of the easiest jobs, and you get to know so many amazing Wildcats! Tuition discounts are available for volunteers.

Please contact programs@whittierptaseattle.org for more info.

Family Dance & Game Night, March 20th

Thursday, March 20th
6:00-8:30PM

Put on your dancing shoes for the Whittier Dance & Game Night Thursday, March 20th.The party begins at 6:00pm and will wrap up at 8:30pm. So grab an early dinner and come ready to play, twist, shake & party with your Whittier family & friends!

Volunteers Needed for Family Dance & Game Night!

We’re gearing up for an unforgettable Family Dance & Game Night on Wednesday, March 20, and we need YOUR help to make it happen! Whether you can lend a hand with setup, games, refreshments, or cleanup, every bit of support makes a big difference.

This is a fantastic way to get involved, meet other families, and be part of a fun-filled night for our school community! Sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up

Thank you for helping us make this event a success! 

Spring Fling: Classroom Art & Buckets Volunteers Needed

Sign up to coordinate class art/buckets for Spring Fling! Our Spring Fling event is coming May 31st, and it’s a flurry of fun to prep for the fundraiser.

We’re looking for volunteers to help coordinate CLASSROOM ART and BUCKETS, which will be auctioned off during Spring Fling. Classroom art and buckets are a fun short-term opportunity to get involved and help the school raise crucial funds.

We need 1-2 people in the following classrooms to lead their class in making a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned at the event:

  • Keener
  • DiTullio
  • Mayo
  • Baldi
  • Ogle

 We will help you brainstorm crafty ideas, source supplies, and coordinate with your homeroom teacher to lead your class in making art—usually one or two sessions working with the kids. You do not have to be an artist to volunteer! Check out last year’s projects and some inspiration to help you get started! (Multiple smaller pieces also tend to do well on auction day, in case you’re feeling intimidated by creating one big masterpiece).

Sign up to lead a classroom art project!

Laura Zingg-Wadsack & Emily Schweiger, Class Art Coordinators (elzingg@gmail.com, emily.schweiger@gmail.com)  

CLASSROOM BUCKETS:

We are looking for one volunteer from the following classrooms to coordinate a themed bucket to be auctioned off at the Spring Fling:

  • Keener
  • DiTullio
  • O’Rourke
  • Hansen
  • Shellenberger
  • Mayo
  • Baldi
  • Parekh
  • Childers

The volunteer will pick the theme and recruit other parents from the classroom to contribute items and/or money. Ideas for buckets could be anything! (ex: Family Game Night, The Art of Lego, Ballard Beer, Backyard Pizza Night.) We are also happy to provide ideas for buckets that have worked well in the past.

Sign up to coordinate a class bucket!

Mendy Minjarez & Rebecca Grandin, Class Buckets Coordinators (mendy.boettcher@gmail.com, rebeccakf@gmail.com

Move-a-thon is in FOUR WEEKS! Create (and share) Your Wildcat's Student Donation Page Today!

Our Move-a-thon annual fundraiser asks our Wildcat scholars to run, walk, or move to help raise funds for the Whittier PTA. Students ask their community for donations; this year’s fundraising goal is $20,000!

To participate, families are asked to create a page for their Wildcat student to share with friends, family, and community members to pledge their support. If every Wildcat receives at least $60 in pledges, we’ll reach our Move-a-thon fundraising goal! 

Mr. Buck has also incorporated a Move-a-thon logo design challenge for each grade. Adults, ask your Wildcat about their creation in Mr. Buck’s class!

Then, on April 4th, Whittier students will be sure to wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bring water bottles so they can walk, run, or move on 13th Ave NW during their grade’s in-school Move-a-thon session. Visit the Move-a-thon page to learn how you can volunteer during this event! Paws up!

From Our Community

BHS 5k Fun Run/ Walk on March 22nd

Please join us on March 22nd for the Running of the Beavers 5k at Golden Gardens! This fundraiser is a family-friendly, community event to support Ballard High’s band, sports, cheer & dance teams. Please visit  https://runningofthebeavers5k.com/ for registration and event information.

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year. 

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!

Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.

The Wildchat: 2/26/2025

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

  • 2/27 – Staff Appreciation (Hosted by the 2nd Grade)
  • 3/04 – Raising & Supporting Neurodivergent Children of Color Workshop
  • 3/07 – Last Day to Purchase Tickets to Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark
  • 3/07 – Massive Monkees Residency Begins!
  • 3/11 – PTA Meeting
  • 3/13 – Class Group Photos and FINAL Make-up Portraits
  • 3/17 – Registration for Spring After School Programs Begins
  • 3/20 – Community Coffee at Drop-off Starting at 7:40 am (Hosted by the PTA)
  • 3/20 – Family Dance & Game Night

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Workshop Sponsored by Whittier PTA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, March 4th

Family Dance & Game Night is March 20th

Thursday, March 20th
6:00-8:30PM

Put on your dancing shoes for the Whittier Dance & Game Night Thursday, March 20th.The party begins at 6:00pm and will wrap up at 8:30pm. So grab an early dinner and come ready to play, twist, shake & party with your Whittier family & friends!

Volunteers Needed for Family Dance & Game Night!

We’re gearing up for an unforgettable Family Dance & Game Night on Wednesday, March 20, and we need YOUR help to make it happen! Whether you can lend a hand with setup, games, refreshments, or cleanup, every bit of support makes a big difference.

This is a fantastic way to get involved, meet other families, and be part of a fun-filled night for our school community! Sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up

Thank you for helping us make this event a success! 

LAST DAY to Purchase Tickets is March 7th

Spring Fling: Classroom Art & Buckets Volunteers Needed

Sign up to coordinate class art/buckets for Spring Fling! Our Spring Fling event is coming May 31st, and it’s a flurry of fun to prep for the fundraiser.

We’re looking for volunteers to help coordinate CLASSROOM ART and BUCKETS, which will be auctioned off during Spring Fling. Classroom art and buckets are a fun short-term opportunity to get involved and help the school raise crucial funds.

CLASSROOM ART:

We need 1-2 people (if you want a helper) per room to lead their class in making a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned at the event. We will help you brainstorm crafty ideas, source supplies, and coordinate with your homeroom teacher to lead your class in making art—usually one or two sessions working with the kids. You do not have to be an artist to volunteer! Check out last year’s projects and some inspiration to help you get started! (Multiple smaller pieces also tend to do well on auction day, in case you’re feeling intimidated by creating one big masterpiece).

Sign up to lead a classroom art project by Friday, February 28

CLASSROOM BUCKETS:

We are looking for one volunteer from each class to coordinate a themed bucket to be auctioned off at the Spring Fling. The volunteer will pick the theme and recruit other parents from the classroom to contribute items and/or money. Ideas for buckets could be anything! (ex: Family Game Night, The Art of Lego, Ballard Beer, Backyard Pizza Night.) We are also happy to provide ideas for buckets that have worked well in the past.

Sign up to coordinate a class bucket by Friday, February 28

More details on the event and ways to get involved coming soon!

Reach out with any questions. Thank you!

Laura Zingg-Wadsack & Emily Schweiger, Class Art Coordinators (elzingg@gmail.com, emily.schweiger@gmail.com)  

Mendy Minjarez & Rebecca Grandin, Class Buckets Coordinators (mendy.boettcher@gmail.com, rebeccakf@gmail.com

2025 Whittier Move-a-Thon is Friday, April 4th: Be in the Next Hype Video!

The 2025 Whittier Move a Thon this year is on Friday, April 4th.

Scholar-athletes of all grades will have the opportunity to move as much as they can in 30 minutes.

More details on times, volunteering opportunities, and how your Wildcat can help raise awareness and funds for the school coming soon.

If your child would like to be part of the next Hype Video, meet at drop off on 13th at 7:35 this coming Friday, February 28th. Wear your Whittier gear and we will shoot just before first bell. 

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year. 

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!

Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.

PTA Meeting Agenda: 3/11/25

Whittier PTA Monthly Meeting

Agenda

7-7:05pm – Welcome & Call To Order

  • Call to Order
  • Table & Zoom Chat Informal Introductions

7:15-7:25pm – President Update

7:25-7:30pm – Voting

7:30-7:45pm – Principal Watters’ Report

7:45-8:05pm – Chair & Lead Updates

  • Membership: Dues Increase
    • Members of the WA State PTA voting body during the 2024 National PTA Virtual Convention adopted a $1 increase to the National PTA dues rate. The new National PTA dues rate of $3.25 will go into effect on July 1, 2025. This includes any membership sold for FY2026 before July 1, 2025.
    • For all PTA memberships sold starting in the membership year 2025-2026—which starts July 1, 2025—please collect dues based on the new National PTA dues rate of $3.25.
    • Local PTAs have two options regarding the $1.00 National PTA dues increase:
    • Keep your overall dues the same and incur a $1.00 loss per member to your local PTA or
    • Adjust your overall dues by $1.00 to prevent any revenue loss for your PTA. Washington State PTA recommends that your local PTA adjust your overall membership dues by $1.00 to prevent any revenue loss.
    • This change allows PTA to launch new initiatives and strengthen existing programs that empower families and communities. Together, we are creating lasting change and making a real difference!
  • Move-a-thon
    • $2,265 raised (11% of $20,000 goal) with 40 students signed up and 42 donations (71% of donations are opting to pay 7% fee)
    • Giveaway update
    • Timeline
  • Spring Fling
    • Classroom Bucket and Art Volunteers
    • Activities/Food/Drink Updates
    • Timeline
      • Ticket Sales
      • Hosted party (pre-event) Sales open
      • Auction Catalog opens
      • Website updates with event info/art
    • Other volunteer needs
  • VP: Nominating Committee
  • Hospitality
    • February Staff Appreciation Report (Bagel Bar)
    • March Staff Appreciation plan (Gift of Time; Sign-up to Volunteer)
  • Treasurer
    • February Report
    • Budget Committee Volunteers Needed!
  • Events:
    • Whittier Mariners game update (Fri April 25th) – Sold over 360 tickets!
    • Family Dance and Game Night update
    • Caregiver Happy Hour update
  • Volunteers (all open positions):
    • Family Dance & Game Night Day-of
      • Activities: Board Games (6-7pm), Gaga Ball x2 (6-7pm), Board Games x2 (7-8pm), Gaga Ball (7-8pm), Twister (7-8pm), Cookies x3 (7-8pm), Clean-up (8-8:30pm)
      • Cookies spots are all filled. Thank you!
    • Hospitality – Volunteers for Gift of Time (3/18-3/20)
    • Budget Committee volunteers
    • Spring Fling Class Art Volunteers (Keener, Mayo, Ogle need 2; 2nd volunteers available for DiTullio, Hansen, Baldi, Mr. Collin)
    • Spring Fling Class Bucket Volunteers (Keener, DiTullio, O’Rourke, Hansen, Shellenberger, Mayo, Parekh)
    • Spring Fling committee positions (Online Auction Coordinator, Live Event Coordinator)
    • Nominate yourself for next year’s PTA board!
  • Advocacy – WSPTA Advocacy Week + Legislative Update
  • Communications
  • After School Programs
    • Dates: 3/31 – 6/5
    • Spring Programs: Chess Wizards, Spanish, CraftLab, Musical, Gamer Group, Kong Academy, Dungeon Master Academy, Pop Rox Dance
    • Coordinator help!!
  • EDI

8:05-8:20pm – Belonging Practice

8:20-8:25pm – Kudos & Thank Yous

8:25-8:30pm – Open Floor for Community

8:30pm – Adjourn

Post-Meeting Gathering at Phinney Station

Resources

The Wildchat: 2/12/2025

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

  • 2/17 – 2/21: NO SCHOOL (Mid-Winter Break)
  • 2/25 – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Meeting
  • 2/27 – Staff Appreciation (Hosted by the 2nd Grade)
  • 3/04 – Raising & Supporting Neurodivergent Children of Color Workshop
  • 3/07 – Last Day to Purchase Tickets to Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark
  • 3/07 – Massive Monkees Residency Begins!
  • 3/11 – PTA Meeting
  • 3/13 – Math Night

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Whittier PTA Board Needs You!

The Whittier PTA nominating committee is looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year.

We will have a number of openings on our PTA board, including co-president, treasurer, and secretary, among other roles. We would love for you to join us!

If you have any interest in getting involved or even just want to learn more about what volunteer opportunities are available, please reach out to vp@whitierptaseattle.org.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Meeting, February 25th

Interested in learning what the EDI Committee does?

Have some ideas, concerns, questions to share?

Want to eat snacks and talk about how to make Whittier an even more inclusive and welcoming community?

Come check out our February meeting!

When: February 25th
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Where: Ballard

(Please email edi@whittierptaseattle.org for meeting location.)

Here is some of what the EDI Committee works on throughout the year:

  • Researches and arranges student, parent, and/or staff education opportunities around diversity/race/inclusion
  • Maintains relationships and mutual support with EDI PTA chairs across the district
  • Shares relevant community events with the Whittier community
  • Works with school leadership to support activities in conjunction with Black Lives Matter at school week, Pride, etc.
  • Annually reviews and provides recommended updates to relevant PTA EDI guidance such as the EDI Communication Rubric, Land Acknowledgement guidance and the Anti-Harassment policy (in standing rules)

Workshop Sponsored by Whittier PTA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

Deadline to Purchase Tickets is March 7th!

Announcing the 2025 Whittier Move-a-Thon: Friday, April 4th!

The 2025 Whittier Move a Thon this year is on Friday, April 4th.

Check out Hype Video #1:
 https://youtu.be/gmp-izzU8P0?si=hFveP68K7nfY_xL3

Join the Whittier Ultimate Frisbee Team!

The Whittier Ultimate Frisbee Team is seeking active, team-oriented 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to join the “WUF Gang” for the Spring 2025 season. No experience is necessary to play. The all-gender, non-contact sport prioritizes mutual respect, fair play, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

3rd and 4th grade Wildcats are especially encouraged to participate so we will be able to field at least one gender-balanced team for this age group. 

The team will practice on Wednesday afternoons at Loyal Heights Playfield beginning February 26.

Coaches will organize a “walking bus” from the Whittier courtyard (with an option for pick up and drop off at Whittier Kids). The season runs from March 8 through May 10, with an optional three-game tournament on May 17.

Learn more and register here.

Register for Youth Lacrosse (Pssst.... Mr. Buck is One of the Coaches!)

Youth Soccer Clinic with Seattle University Athletes

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year. 

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!

Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.

The Wildchat: 2/05/2025

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

  • 2/11 – New & Prospective Family Information Session
  • 2/11 – PTA Meeting
  • 2/17 – 2/21: NO SCHOOL (Mid-Winter Break)
  • 2/25 – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Meeting
  • 2/27 – Staff Appreciation (Hosted by the 2nd Grade)
  • 3/04 – Raising & Supporting Neurodivergent Children of Color Workshop
  • 3/07 – Last Day to Purchase Tickets to Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Family Dance & Game Night Volunteers Needed!

Family Dance & Game Night Co-Chairs are needed for this March event to occur!

Love Family Dance & Game Night? Don’t want to miss it this year? Well, we need your help! This is a one-time volunteer position, perfect for someone who does not have time for full year commitment.

Last year’s Chair has detailed notes to hand over and the whole thing should be easy to coordinate. Chair it with a friend! Responsibilities include:

  • Arrange dance party in gymnasium
  • Coordinate games for cafeteria
  • Find volunteers for baked good party treats

Previous Co-Chairs are happy to provide guidance.

Contact events@whitterptaseattle.org for more info or to volunteer!

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Meeting, February 25th

Interested in learning what the EDI Committee does?

Have some ideas, concerns, questions to share?

Want to eat snacks and talk about how to make Whittier an even more inclusive and welcoming community?

Come check out our February meeting!

When: February 25th
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Where: Ballard

(Please email edi@whittierptaseattle.org for meeting location.)

Here is some of what the EDI Committee works on throughout the year:

  • Researches and arranges student, parent, and/or staff education opportunities around diversity/race/inclusion
  • Maintains relationships and mutual support with EDI PTA chairs across the district
  • Shares relevant community events with the Whittier community
  • Works with school leadership to support activities in conjunction with Black Lives Matter at school week, Pride, etc.
  • Annually reviews and provides recommended updates to relevant PTA EDI guidance such as the EDI Communication Rubric, Land Acknowledgement guidance and the Anti-Harassment policy (in standing rules)

Workshop Sponsored by Whittier PTA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

New & Prospective Family Info Session

PTA Meeting February 11th

Announcing the 2025 Whittier Move-a-Thon: Friday, April 4th!

The 2025 Whittier Move a Thon this year is on Friday, April 4th.

Check out Hype Video #1:
 https://youtu.be/gmp-izzU8P0?si=hFveP68K7nfY_xL3

Deadline to Purchase Tickets is March 7th!

Join the Whittier Ultimate Frisbee Team!

The Whittier Ultimate Frisbee Team is seeking active, team-oriented 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to join the “WUF Gang” for the Spring 2025 season. No experience is necessary to play. The all-gender, non-contact sport prioritizes mutual respect, fair play, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

3rd and 4th grade Wildcats are especially encouraged to participate so we will be able to field at least one gender-balanced team for this age group. 

The team will practice on Wednesday afternoons at Loyal Heights Playfield beginning February 26.

Coaches will organize a “walking bus” from the Whittier courtyard (with an option for pick up and drop off at Whittier Kids). The season runs from March 8 through May 10, with an optional three-game tournament on May 17.

Learn more and register here.

Register for Youth Lacrosse (Pssst.... Mr. Buck is One of the Coaches!)

Youth Soccer Clinic with Seattle University Athletes

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year. 

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!

Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.