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!
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.)
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:
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.
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.
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.
“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:
“What Is Systemic Racism?” 8-part short video series that shows how racism shows up in our lives across institutions and society: Wealth Gap, Employment, Housing Discrimination, Government Surveillance, Incarceration, Drug Arrests, Immigration Arrests, Infant Mortality. https://www.raceforward.org/videos/systemic-racism
Take the Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) prior to the workshop. The presenters especially recommend Race (‘Black – White’ IAT), and Skin-tone (‘Light Skin – Dark Skin’ IAT)
Question: Who must be oppressed for me to have the privilege that I do?
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:
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 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).
Sign-up for School Break Camps at Illumination Learning Studios or the YMCA (want to learn more and share camp opportunities with other parents? There’s a Konstella social group for that!)
Get your Lego on at BrickCon 2022 in Seattle Center on October 1-2
Join basketball training sessions on Sundays throughout October at the Ballard Community Center from 1-2pm. Learn simple to advanced skills including dribbling, passing, and shooting with fun drills and games; $75 for the entire session. Sign up or learn more: a.t.seattletraining@gmail.com
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:
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.
Whittier families can use the Whittier playground during this time (it’s a community space when school isn’t in session).
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.
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.
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
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.
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
3rd
8:45 – 9:15am
K
9:25 – 9:55am
2nd
12:05 – 12:35pm
4th
12:40 – 1:10pm
1st
1:15 – 1:45pm
5th
1:50 – 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.
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.
The Whittier PTA’s 2022-2023 budget was approved by the Community at the PTA Community meeting on May 19, 2022. Interested to have input on next year’s budget? Please join us!
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.
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 $3.80. Students may also purchase some foods a la carte, like milk ($0.75). 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 or electronic check to establish a pre-paid deposit account. You’ll need your Student’s ID number to create an account. Student ID numbers can be found on The Source. My School Bucks does charge a transaction fee ($2.49-3 depending on payment type).
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.
Please note Culinary Services is unable to notify sites which hot options are available until the day of service so this menu may be subject to change.
