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Author: Communications

Specialist Schedule

At Whittier, students rotate which Specialist they visit every two days (AA/BB/CC). This schedule is partially funded by the Whittier PTA.

Classes visit the same Specialist class two days in a row before rotating to the next. Holidays are skipped over (resuming wherever classes left off in the rotation) so no classroom misses specialist instruction. Classes start the school year rotation with the Specialists below. If you’re looking for more specific direction on where your classroom is in their rotation, teachers often provide Specialist schedules to their classroom families.

When preparing for your rotations, please be sure students have gym shoes for their PE rotation. Pro tip: Waterproof gym shoes are often best as our Wildcats are often outside in wet weather for both PE and recess!

TIMEA (PE)B (Art)C (Performing Arts)
8-8:40am
(Wed: 8-8:35am)		Childers (5th)PCPProvence (5th)
8:45-9:25am
(Wed: 8:40-9:15am)		Baldi (3rd)Parekh (3rd)Peterson (3rd)
9:30-10:10am
(Wed: 9:20-9:55am)		PCPOgle (4th)Richmond (4th)
12:10-12:50pm
(Wed: 10-10:35am)		DiTullio (K)Keener (K)O’Rourke (K)
12:55-1:35pm
(Wed: 11:50am-12:25pm)		Leming (2nd)Mayo (2nd)PCP
1:40-2:20pm
(Wed: 12:30-1:05pm)		Shellenberger (1st)Hansen (1st)Worotikan (1st)
(This rotation began on Monday, September 9, 2024).

Join the Whittier PTA for Pints for Purpose

Join the Whittier PTA for tasty drinks while supporting Whittier! Between 3-10pm on Wednesday, October 5, Wheelie Pop Brewing will donate $1 per pint or tasting tray purchased at their brewery (1110 NW 50th Street) to the Whittier PTA. Wheelie Pop has indoor and outdoor seating, is family friendly, and they’ll have Burger Planet on-site (and Trailbend next door) if you want to grab food while you’re there. Let’s come together and celebrate as a community!

The Wildchat: 9/20/22

Welcome Back, Wildcats!

Important To Dos for New & Returning Wildcats

  • Create your Paypams account to pay for lunch, if needed. (You’ll need a Student ID number to set-up an account; you can find your student’s ID number on The Source. Learn more about meals at Whittier this year.)
  • Breakfast and lunch menus will be posted regularly here. Check out September’s menu and this year’s a la carte menu.
  • Lost items? Lost & Found rack can be found outside the gym doors daily (for students). Parents can also check out the rack on Fridays at pick-up (sometimes outside the main entrance).
  • Class Communication – In addition to emails from teachers, each class has 1-2 Room Reps to help share class news and info. Want to become a Room Rep? Email volunteers@whittierptaseattle.org with your name and classroom teacher to sign-up or learn more.
  • Join Konstella and/or make sure your child has been added to their classroom. Yes, yes sign-up or login to this platform that’s basically announcements/event info/family directory. Use default notification settings so all important announcements, news, messages, and events are emailed to you (so you can avoid logging in, if that’s your style). And visit the “Calendar” page to subscribe so all event information is connected to your native Calendar system. Then you can just check in if you want to reference the digital family directory or social forums. Learn more about Konstella, including step by step instructions for adding them to their classroom.
  • Become an approved SPS volunteer (if you’re not already) so you’re ready to volunteer during school hours. If you’ve been an approved SPS volunteer in the past, you’re usually approved for two years. Sign into the SPS volunteer portal to see your current status and contact Monica with any questions.
  • Look for emails from teachers with links to Amazon Wish Lists for helpful items to support your classroom or shop these Wish Lists to support Nurse Marissa and the Front Office.

Fall’s Main Events

(Want to automatically add these events to your digital calendar? Subscribe on Konstella or our website.)

We Need Volunteers!

Our incredible work can’t be accomplished without Whittier volunteers. We have several key PTA positions and committees seeking volunteers in order to make this year’s planned events and support schedule a reality, including:

  • Co-President
  • Vice President
  • Programs Chair
  • Communications Co-Chair
  • Reflections Art Contest Chair
  • Classroom/Room Reps (2 per class)
  • Reflections committee members
  • Fall Carnival committee members
  • Membership committee members

Volunteering can span any level of commitment or skill set; we have all kinds of positions available. If you’ve submitted a volunteer interest survey in the past, please contact us to let us know you’re still interested and, if so, what kind of volunteer position or commitment you’re looking for. WE NEED YOU, WILDCATS!

Renew Your PTA Membership (or Join for the First Time!)

All PTA members have to renew their memberships at the beginning of each school year! PTA members can vote during board meetings which impacts PTA budgets, priorities, and more. Learn more about membership and renewals. Questions? Contact membership@whittierptaseattle.org.

Announcing Our Fall Fundraising Drives: Annual Give & Move-a-thon

It’s time to kick off another year of FUNdraising! The Whittier PTA aims to raise $130,000 this year to support its operating budget that provides essential staff and services, community events, and more for the Whittier community. As a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, the Whittier PTA aims to only raise what’s needed to fund its budgeted commitments, including flexible staffing grants we commit to the prior school year.

This year, fundraising is split into two main funding periods: Fall (Annual Give, Move-a-thon), where we’ll aim to raise $90,000, and Spring (Spring Fling Block Party & Auction) with a $40,000 fundraising goal. Annual Give is an opportunity for families to directly donate while Move-a-thon’s per lap donations are easily made on behalf of families by their supportive community.

Annual Give, kicking off 10/5 alongside our Pints for Purpose event, is an opportunity for each family to give donations of any size to help support your Whittier community. Help meet our $250 per student Fall Fundraising goal through online donations and employer matching. Families can receive thank you gifts for their donations. Learn more about Annual Give, thank you gifts, and make donations on our Annual Give page.

We know there are a lot of opportunities to give your family might be considering this Fall. Learn more about what the PTA funds and why you might want to choose the Whittier PTA for your gifting. If you’d like to have a voice in the PTA’s budget priorities, please join us and attend upcoming PTA board meetings to make your voice heard. We’d love to have you!

What does the Whittier PTA do?

Through fundraising and the help of parent volunteers, the PTA provides school grants, outreach, organizes special events and activities, hosts parent education events, plans and coordinates teacher appreciation activities, and supports enrichment opportunities for all students. This means our scholars have more time with specialists, our community can be more connected, and we can support the needs of our students and community in ways we couldn’t otherwise. The Whittier PTA is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit (Federal ID #91-1479413).

Your contributions fund many programs and services THIS YEAR:

  • Essential Staff Positions & Support (60%)
    • Time with Key Support Staff and Specialists
    • Professional Development
    • Staff Appreciation
  • Enrichment (23%)
    • Grade-Level Curriculum Enrichment
    • Library Books and Supplies
    • Guest Artists and Authors
    • Funding Proposals
    • Reflections Art Contest
    • Global Reading Challenge
  • Family Events and Resources (13%)
    • Community Engagement
    • Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee 
    • Scholarships
    • Family Communications Platform
    • Family Support Services
    • Safety
  • Operations Costs (4%)
    • Insurance
    • Bank and Licensing Fees
    • General Supplies and Printing
    • Accounting Software

Teachers’ Lounge Makeover

A million thanks and kudos to the F.A.C.E. (Family and Community Engagement) committee for their incredible work to makeover the Teacher’s Lounge to benefit our teachers and staff.

The PTA hospitality team extends special thanks to: Cindy, Rebecca and Monica, Mr. Chris and the custodial team, Lisa Rivera Smith, Elliot S, Tina L, Kellie P, Jess Twardzik, Jess Templeton, Melinda N, Julie O., Ron S., Peter A., Will G., and Laura Z. Extra shout-out/thank you to this project’s leads: Courtney Sievers, Kathleen Donahoe, Leah Lansberry-Austin, Emily Grosse, and Kate Scher.

Paws Up for a Cooler Fence!

After months of planning and ordering and hours of pushing, hammering, and installing, both the 13th and 14th Ave NW fences have been beautified! We hope families enjoy the colorful cup design as much as we do!

Special thanks to Tina Lilley, Jess Twardzik, Megan Wildenradt, Kate Scher, and others who contributed to this project.

Curious about the cups?

“Undoing Racism and Teaching Equity to Our Children”

On Tuesday evening September 13th the Whittier PTA attending a training led by Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) entitled, “Undoing Racism and Teaching Equity to Our Children.”

The training focused on the history of systemic racism and discussed how it affects our lives today. Participants had a chance to learn, discuss and reflect on race, systemic racism, privilege, and how our own upbringings have shaped our views around racism. The Whittier PTA will continue to learn about and discuss the topic of racial inequity and how it shows up in our community, continue to work to address specific goals that pertain to this topic, and hope to offer more workshops and trainings for the community this school year. Some takeaways we’d like to share from this training:

Want to get involved? Contact our EDI (Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion) Committee!

How Communication Works at Whittier

Whether you’re a seasoned Whittier veteran or a new family navigating the wheres, how’s, and what’s of school communication channels, it can be challenging. Here’s a summary of where to get updates and how to make sure you’re subscribed in the right spots.

WHITTIER NEWS

Whittier families, students, teachers, and staff stay connected and build community through a network of communication channels:

  • Whittier Elementary Website – evergreen info and official school calendar
  • Whittier PTA Website – upcoming events, announcements, meal menus, and more
  • Texts from the Front Office – time-sensitive announcements and reminders
  • Emails from Principal Watters – generally on Mondays, these are important sources of official school info and happenings
  • Wildchat Newsletter – emailed every other Tuesday, this newsletter wraps up SPS, Whittier official, PTA, and community info
  • Takehome Tuesday/KidMail flyers – paper flyers placed in take-home folders occasionally
  • Konstella – online community forum (see “Primer” article for more)
  • Whittier PTA Instagram/Facebook – this info overlaps with Konstella content, but can be helpful as a place for reminders (if you need them)
  • Grade-level Facebook Groups – informal community discussions specific to your Whittier student’s grade level
  • Updates from the Nurse Marissa – website with evergreen and health-related updates specific to our school nurse and community

FROM YOUR TEACHER(S)

  • Email and/or text messages – Teachers will identify their preferred communication method, but some use email and experiment with a new platform allowing them to text directly
  • The Source – SPS’ platform to share student attendance, assessment scores, Elementary Progress Reports, Schoology Access Codes and other information.
  • Schoology – a place for teacher’s to share and receive assignments and communicate about classwork

FROM SPS

  • Emails, phone calls, and text messages – all caregivers of registered students receive emails (generally from publicaffairs@seattleschools.org) and phone calls/texts using contact info provided at registration
  • SPS social media – urgent and not-so-urgent news is offered on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
  • SPS website – evergreen district-wide info, including information about school meal accounts
  • Covid-19 updates – SPS is currently updating its dashboard platform, but says it will be available soon
  • District School Board Directors can be great sources of news and information. Ours is Lisa Rivera Smith and another useful member to follow is Vivian Song Maritz.

What is this thing? A Konstella Primer

Konstella is the platform we use to create classroom-specific forums, an opt-in digital family directory, an events calendar, and circulate announcements to the Whittier community. It’s available on desktop or a mobile app, which you can choose to visit never (and sign up for email notifications and subscribe to our calendar) or whenever. If you’re new to Konstella (or signed up for it years ago and haven’t used it since), here are some basics:

  • Classrooms: When you sign-up for Konstella, you’re asked to join a classroom. If you’ve signed up in the past, you’ll need to add your child to their classroom this year. Once you’re part of a Classroom, you can message other families in your classroom. This might be where your Classroom Reps message you about volunteer opportunities, teacher gifts, and other stuff.
  • Calendar: This is updated to contain the most current event set for the year. It’s linked to the PTA Google Calendar, so if you subscribe to either calendar, you won’t miss out on anything.
  • Announcements: Both event listings and general announcements will show up on your “Feed.” When you sign-up, you can choose to have these announcements sent to your inbox so you don’t have to login to see what you’ve missed.
  • Directory: Search for a specific user or browse family info by classrooms. This is the info you’ve allowed to be visible when you signed up for Konstella (and can always be modified in your settings).

Want more help? Check out our full Konstella guide.

Whittier Community Events & Happenings

Have an event or activity you’d like included in an upcoming Wildchat? Submit requests for future PTA communications or contact communications@whittierptaseattle.org.

Thank You, Wildcats!

September Breakfast & Lunch Menu

September’s breakfast offerings are $2.25 and lunch offerings are $3.25. An a la carte menu is also available throughout the year.

BREAKFASTLUNCH ENTRÉE 1LUNCH ENTRÉE 2LUNCH ENTRÉE 3FRUIT & VEGGIES
MON, SEPT 12Assorted CerealChicken WingsTurkey Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato SandwichSunbutter & Jelly Sandwich2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
TUES, SEPT 13Assorted Breakfast PastryPizzaChicken Caprese SaladSeeds & Cheese Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
WED, SEPT 14Turkey Sausage & Potato Scrambled with ToastChicken Tinga MeltElote Chicken SaladYogurt Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
THURS, SEPT 15Assorted Breakfast PastryHamburger with FriesBBQ Turkey SaladBagel Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
FRI, SEPT 16Assorted Breakfast PastryChef’s ChoiceChicken Caesar SaladHummus Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
MON, SEPT 19Assorted CerealPizzaBagel LunchboxTurkey Sub Supreme2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
TUES, SEPT 20Assorted Breakfast PastryBroccoli and Cheese Cavatappi PastaYogurt LunchboxSummer Berry Chicken Salad2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
WED, SEPT 21Turkey Sausage & Potato Scrambled with ToastHot Dog with FriesChicken Florentine SaladTex Mex Salad2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
THURS, SEPT 22Assorted Breakfast PastryKorean Meatballs with Veggies and RiceHummus LunchboxBBQ Turkey Salad2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
FRI, SEPT 23Assorted Breakfast PastryChef’s ChoiceProtein LunchboxChicken Caesar Salad2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
MON, SEPT 26Assorted CerealShredded Beef BurritoTurkey Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato SandwichSunbutter & Jelly Sandwich2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
TUES, SEPT 27Assorted Breakfast PastryBBQ Chicken SandwichChicken Caprese SaladSeeds & Cheese Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
WED, SEPT 28Turkey Sausage & Potato Scrambled with ToastPizzaElote Chicken SaladYogurt Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
THURS, SEPT 29Assorted Breakfast PastryEdamame Potsticker with Vegetable Fried RiceBBQ Turkey SaladBagel Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
FRI, SEPT 30Assorted Breakfast PastryChef’s ChoiceChicken Caesar SaladHummus Lunchbox2 Seasonal Veggies & Fruit Selections
Please note menu offerings are subject to change based on availability.

Whittier’s a la Carte Menu

(Note: Daily fresh meals are also offered (Breakfast – $2.25, Lunch – $3.25); visit this page to see current menus.)

BREAKFAST
Entrée only or 2nd entrée$2.00
Bowl of cereal with milk$1.50
Bowl of cereal (no milk)$1.00
4 oz. yogurt$1.50
Toast (per slice)$0.50
LUNCH
Entrée only or 2nd entrée$3.00
1 serving of fruit, bread, or vegetable$1.00
BEVERAGES
8 oz. soy milk$1.00
8 oz. milk$0.50
4 oz. 100% fruit juice$0.50
Bottled water$1.00

Important Strike-Related Resources

Whether you’ve been clued in or you’re feeling a little lost, the Whittier PTA has assembled some important information to help you understand (and make it through) this strike.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

Channels of direct communications from stakeholder groups:

SEA:

SPS:


School Board Directors:


Seattle Council PTSA:


Seattle Special Education PTSA:

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

  • Contact your School Board representative (our rep is Lisa Rivera Smith). She is your voice, so let her know what you think is the best path forward. Here’s a letter template/sample.
  • Whittier teachers and staff will be picketing outside of Whittier starting at 7:30am on Wednesday.
  • Whittier teachers and staff, along with SEA, are organizing a food drive to benefit the Ballard Food Bank from 11am-3pm on Friday, September 9, in front of Whittier. High demand items include: non-perishable food items and hygiene products (dry shampoo, tampons, etc). Gift cards to Fred Meyer are also being requested to be provided to Whittier families in need of support (to be distributed by Ms. Monica and Ms. Rebecca). Learn more on Konstella.
  • There is a district-wide Facebook group organizing community efforts as they relate to the strike.

I’M LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT

CHILDCARE

SCHOOL DAY MEALS

SPS Culinary Services is offering free sack lunch meals beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for pick-up at Whittier near the main office. This is available for all students. Parents, and guardians may pick up meals for students. Students do not need to be in attendance. Looking for help picking up meals? Want to offer to help drop-off meals to a Whittier family? Contact outreach@whittierptaseattle.org.

OTHER SUPPORTS

  • Mental Health Supports 
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources 
    • Crisis Text Line – free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. 
    • The Trevor Project–Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people ages 13-24; 24/7 opportunities to chat online, text or call 
    • The GLBT National Youth Talkline–Youth serving youth through age 25; Provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support. 
  • Domestic Violence Support 
    • ADWAS – Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services empowers Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment to transform their lives, while striving to change the beliefs and behaviors that foster and perpetuate violence. We provide comprehensive services to individuals and families, community education, and advocacy on systems and policy issues. 
    • DAWN–protects women and children from domestic abuse, providing shelter, support and empowerment  https://www.dawnrising.org/get-help/ 
    • The National Domestic Violence Hotline–A general 24-hour domestic violence hotline 
    • New Beginnings–One-on-one advocacy, counseling, legal support, youth and parent groups, educational training/prevention. 
    • Northwest Network–Offers support to LGBTQ survivors, as well as youth programming, community education, and professional development for youth-serving providers 

Move-a-thon 2022

Move-a-thon 2022

Support our Fall fundraising with a Fall Move-a-thon, “Wildcats on the Runway,” on Friday, October 7th! This annual, community favorite fundraising event asks families for per lap donations from friends, family, and community to raise funds for essential staff and services, community programs, and more. In conjunction with our Annual Give campaign, we’re aiming to raise $90,000 this Fall.

Create your Wildcat’s Fundraising Page

Putting the FUN in FUNdraising

This event supports the 2022-23 Whittier PTA budget–student enrichment, staffing support, equipment upgrades, and community events. Students raise personal sponsorships from family, friends and/or neighbors (see details below).

Our overall fundraising goal this fall is $90,000 or $250/student between participation in our Annual Give and Move-a-thon. Donations are NOT required to participate but will support all students, staff and community members.

Running Schedule

3rd8:45 – 9:15am
K9:25 – 9:55am
2nd12:05 – 12:35pm
4th12:40 – 1:10pm
1st1:15 – 1:45pm
5th1:50 – 2:20pm

How does the fundraising work?

Students can raise Move-a-Thon sponsorships online or in person as flat donations or per lap pledges.

  1. Set up an online donation profile for your Wildcat today to send an easy link to friends and family for credit card donations.
  2. Wildcats can pick-up cash/check pledge collection envelopes in the Front Office if they’d like to submit donations that way.

All donations are due by 10/14!

How can parents participate at the event?

We need MANY event and classroom volunteers to make the Move-a-Thon run smoothly: Volunteer sign-up sheet

Volunteers MUST complete the SPS Volunteer Application OR Renewal process in order to participate (see details below). Please allow one week for application approval. Your application will be valid for two years.

Questions? Contact Katie (lydenkatie@gmail.com)

SPS Volunteer Application Process

Before you begin, please have the following items ready:

  • Two references, including one personal or family reference.
  • Emergency contact name and phone number.
  • A digital copy of your government issued photo ID (e.g., a clear photo taken with a smartphone).

NOTE: All volunteers are required to complete an online Health & Safety Course (23 minutes) and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Meet the ’22-23 PTA Board

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.

PTA Board

President
Leah Lansberry Austin

Co-President
Seeking Volunteer!

Vice President
TBA

Co-Secretaries
Jess Templeton and Jared Cortese

Treasurer
Renee Hartnett

Assistant Treasurer
Stacy Rose

Communications Chair
Kate Scher 

Communications Co-Chair
Seeking Volunteer! 

Fundraising Co-Chairs
Ashley Schiavone and Glenda Elley

Family and Community Engagement Co-Chairs
Kathleen Donahoe and Courtney Sievers

Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair
Emily Grosse

Programs Chair
Seeking Volunteer!

Legislative Reps
Emily Barbee and Megan Wildenradt

Membership Chair
Tricia Schalekamp

Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
Sara Lukas

Volunteer Chair
Mendy Minjarez

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee Co-Chairs
Susan Hernandez and Melissa O’Keefe

PTA Non-board Positions 

Website Editor
Seeking Volunteer! 

WildChat Editor
Kate Scher 

Spring Fling Chair
Courtney Sievers and Renee Hartnett 

Move-a-thon
Katie Lyden 

Spirit Gear
Tina Lilley

What do all these people do? See our Board Position Descriptions for a detailed description of job duties.

Breakfast & Lunch at Whittier

Packing Lunch

Students can bring a packed lunch to school in a lunch container (that they can open themselves) with an ice pack, if they need to be kept cold. Students may be able to get disposable utensils school. Ask your student’s teacher if they can still purchase a lunch if you pack a lunch. You may receive a note from our amazing Kitchen Manager, Lara, to confirm you’re ok with your Wildcat purchasing lunch.

Buying Meals

Fresh meals are available for purchase daily. Breakfast is $2.25 and Lunch is $3.25. Students may also purchase some foods a la carte, like milk. To purchase meals, your student will require a student account. Students can bring a check (payable to “Culinary Services”) or cash for a pre-paid deposit to our Kitchen Manager, Lara.

Alternatively, caregivers can set-up a MySchoolBucks account to use a credit card to establish a pre-paid deposit account. PayPams require the Student’s ID number or meal account pin number (provided by the school) to create an account. Student ID numbers can be found on report cards or by accessing The Source. There is a fee per student for each transaction.

Breakfast & Lunch Menus

Breakfast & Lunch menus are posted monthly by SPS here. Please note Culinary Services has advised meals are subject to change.

Free & Reduced Meal Programs

Learn more about and apply to free and reduced meal programs here.