About the Whittier PTA
Mission
Whittier PTA mission is to partner with and advocate for students, families and teachers to provide a safe and inclusive environment, equitable resources, and engaging opportunities to enable all of our children to reach their full, unique potential.
What We Do
Through fundraising and the help of parent volunteers, the PTA provides outreach, organizes special events and activities, hosts parent education events, plans and coordinates teacher appreciation activities, and supports enrichment opportunities for all students. The Whittier PTA is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit (Federal ID #91-1479413).
Your contributions fund many programs and services THIS YEAR:
- Staffing Grants ($118,250): Whittier has a unique commitment to a daily Specialist schedule (Art, Performing Arts, Physical Education) for our Wildcat scholars. The PTA’s budget funds 50% of our Arts Specialist’s salary. Whittier PTA is also funding 75% of our Reading Interventionist salary so Ms. Trilby can support twice as many students in their literacy journey. This year, Whittier PTA is also funding 25% more time on site for Nurse Marissa.
- Math Agency Program ($60,000): Piloted last year, the Math Agency offers supplemental math instruction and curriculum for students needing more math support or challenge. Whittier PTA fully funds this program.
- Enrichment Programs and Events ($24,400): Instructional Supports, Curriculum Enrichment, Global Reading Challenge, Massive Monkees residency, Maker Space, In-school field trips (like The Reptile Man, author visits), After School Programs, Safety Patrol, Field Day, Wildcats READ!, Book Breaks program, Art Walk, Reflections Art Contest
- School Support ($11,600): Supplies (including school supplies for every student), Staff appreciation, Scholarships and Fragile Family Support, Community-driven funding proposals
- Family Events ($6,575): Fall Festival, Literacy night, Family Dance and Game Night, EDI Education Opportunities, 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
- Operations ($8,473): Insurance, Bank Fees, License Renewals, Supplies, Accounting Services and Software, Website services, Legislative Assembly participation
Meet the Board
The Whittier PTA is powered by dozens of parents and staff members who do everything from helping to organize and run events, raising funds, planning parent education events, shaping our school’s EDI efforts, and coordinating community outreach. Leading their efforts are the members of the Whittier PTA board, who each oversee a different facet of the PTA’s work. We’re such a fun bunch, you might just be tempted to join us next year. (You’ve been warned. Just kidding, but only kind of. We’re always on the hunt for more parents who want to help make Whittier even better for everyone.) And if you see us at school or around the neighborhood, come say hi! We love getting to know the families in our community.
What do all these people do? See our Board Position Descriptions for a detailed description of job duties.
Come to a PTA Meeting
Whittier PTA hosts regular meetings to connect with the community, conduct operations business, hear directly from Principal Watters, vote on key issues (like budgets), and more.