Author: Communications
2023 Lunch Menus
Looking for this month’s lunch menu? For this school year, lunch menus will be available directly through SPS’ Culinary Services website: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/culinary-services/menus/
Look for the “View School Breakfast and Lunch Menus” button to get this month’s updated PDF menu.
Meet the ’23-24 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
Co-Presidents
Renee Hartnett & Courtney Sievers
Vice President
Jess Templeton
Co-Secretaries
Emily Robertson & Melissa Ivancevich
Treasurer
Michelle Nemeth
Assistant Treasurer
Stacy Rose
Communications Chair
Mandy Nelson
Fundraising Co-Chairs
Ashley Schiavone & Glenda Elley
Family and Community Engagement Co-Chairs
Kathleen Donahoe and Courtney Sievers
Family and Community Engagement Chair – Events
Meg Pietz
Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
Emily Schweiger
Programs Chairs
Jared Cortese & Jen Foreman
Legislative Reps
Jon Overman & Molly Firth
Membership & Volunteer Chairs
Leah Lansberry Austin & Anjean Vanden Bosch
Hospitality Co-Chairs
Kathleen Donahoe & Emily Grosse
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee Chair
Kiana Swearingen
Members at Large
Nicole Kaczmarek & Joa Pope
PTA Non-board Positions
Website Editor
Kate Scher
WildChat Editor
Kate Scher
Student Directory
Laura Zingg
Room Parent Coordinator
Sara Lukas
Spring Fling Chairs
Seeking Volunteers!
Move-a-thon
David Peabody
Ice Skating Party Coordinator
Seeking Volunteer!
Family Dance & Game Night Co-Chairs
Seeking Volunteers!
Spirit Gear
Mendy Minjarez
Tech Support
John Shaw
Movie Night Coordinator
Seeking Volunteer!
Science/STEM Night Coordinator
Seeking Volunteer!
Nominating Committee for 2024 Board
Seeking Volunteers!
Fall Festival Chairs
Jess Twarzik, Melissa Ivancevich & Laura Zingg
An Individual to Help File our Taxes (Form 990)
Seeking Volunteer!
What do all these people do? See our Board Position Descriptions for a detailed description of job duties.
Willy Wonka, Jr. presented by the Whittier Wildcat Players!
Download this program by clicking here.
The Wildchat: 6/13/2023
June 13, 2023
That’s A Wrap! Whittier PTA-organized After School Programs Ends for this school year!
Congratulations to Whittier PTA Program Chair, Jared Cortese, and his amazing volunteers for wrapping up an incredibly successful two sessions of After School Programs! From Lego robotics to games with Mr. Buck to the musical, Wildcats had incredible fun learning, connecting, laughing, and building community after the final bell. 125 Wildcats participated in Winter’s programs and a whopping 178 Wildcats enjoyed our Spring Session.
This Fall, we heard feedback from families that restarting After School Programs was a priority. While an amazing success, this wasn’t without effort; changes in SPS policy made re-establishing and coordinating Programs a challenge for our all-volunteer crew. After becoming experts in background checks, room reservations, and attendance, Jared and his volunteers hit a smooth stride as they wrapped up their last Program just yesterday. Thank you and congratulations to the Whittier PTA and especially this dedicated group of individuals:
- Jennifer Foreman
- Nichole Barba
- Kate Scher
- Rebecca Grandin
- Darby McShain
- Elliot Scher
- Heather Andersen
- Tanya Cunningham
- Megan Connors
- Natalie Gromoff
- Cora Sumner
- Megan Wilson
- Sara Lukas
- Duncan Hooper
- Angie Lundstedt
- Eddie Tannini
- Kellie Pecoraro
- Jessie Fine
- Alex Hanselman
- Mike Nett
- Dana Kulp
- JoAnn McKimpson
- Ashley Cannon
- Jess Twardzik
- Kim Kocher
- Laura Zingg
A special thanks as well to Principal Watters, Ms. Monica, and Ms. Rebecca for their extra time and cooperation in helping to make After School Programs functional, safe, and inclusive for our Wildcats!
Still On Deck: Here’s What’s Still Happening This School Year
- 6/13 @ 4:30pm: New Family and KinderCat Welcome (in the Library)
- 6/13: PTA Board and Transition Meeting
- 6/16: Field Day (Volunteer spots are now FULL; thank you, Wildcats!)
- 6/19: No School (Juneteenth)
- 6/20: 5th Grade Adventure Day
- 6/22: 5th Grade Promotion
- 6/22 @ 6pm: Drag Queen Story Time
- 6/23: Blacktop Painting (3 Volunteer Spots Left!)
- 6/30: Last Day of School (1-hour early dismissal)
- 7/18, 8/2, and 8/20: Popsicle Playdates for New Whittier Families
Psst – There are no essential events at Whittier between 6/26-30 to respect family plans coordinated prior to the school year’s extension.
Did your Wildcat love After School Programs? Ours did, too! But for this After School offering to continue, we need YOU. The Whittier PTA is seeking a Programs Chair and volunteers for next school year. This year’s current Chair is will help facilitate Fall’s slate of After School Programs, at which point a new Chair is needed to continue the program for Winter and Spring sessions. We are also building a contact list of volunteers who’d be interested to support programs in other ways. Want to learn more or be added to the list? Please contact Jared at programs@whittierptaseattle.org today!
Congrations and Claps, Whittier Wildcat Players!
After months of hard work, congratulations to our 4th and 5th graders for two great performances! Thank you to the volunteers that made it happen and the incredible Ms. Steph and Mr. Provence for their leadership, passion, and patience to create this amazing production!
Pride Parade Sunday, June 25, 2023, 11 a.m.
Students, staff, and families are invited to join Seattle Public Schools in the June 25 PRIDE Parade. Those participating in the procession will meet prior to the parade’s start time to decorate posters and start staging on 4th Avenue.
At 11 a.m., the parade will begin its route north along 4th Avenue between Union and the Seattle Center, where the party will continue with family-friendly festivities that include music, booths, food, and fun!
Registration is not required; just show up. For more information, visit the Seattle Pride website
Celebrating Pride at Home
In addition to book kits, conversations in the classroom, and getting to enjoy Principal Watters’ incredible array of t-shirts throughout the month of June, SPS also offers a series of videos aimed at celebrating pride for K-5 families. Alongside these videos, SPS has provided supporting resources that help identify vocabulary and activities to continue these important conversations at home.
Learn more about the video series and get links for videos here: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/health-education/lgbtq-programs-curriculum-and-support/list-of-books-by-grade/
And learn more about SPS’ LGBTQ Programs, Curriculum and Support here.
Opportunities to Volunteer with the Whittier PTA
The PTA is seeking volunteers to participate in key roles for next year. Both board and non-board positions, these roles are vital to ensure Whittier’s essential staff and services, along with community events, supports, and programs, can continue next year. Roles include:
- Communications Co-Chair
- Spring Fling Chair
- Yearbook Volunteer
Want to learn more? Please contact us!
Join the Building Leadership Team!
We are looking for one parent volunteer to join the Whittier Building Leadership Team (BLT). This is a collaborative group of teachers, 2 parents and the principal. We come together once a month on Mondays from 2:30-3:30 to help inform key decisions for our Whittier Wildcats. This is a great way to share parent perspectives and deepen relationships with the school. For more information, and if you’re interested in volunteering, please email Kim Tracy.
HELP MAKE SURE THE WHITTIER PTA BEST REPRESENTS YOU!
(Super Short) Survey
Mark Your Calendars! Drag Queen Story Time is NEXT WEEK!
Don’t Forget: Collect Your Lost & Found Items
As mentioned once or twice by Principal Watters’ during our Spring Sing (😂), please remember to check out the racks of Lost & Found items in the school’s main hallway. Any items not picked up by 6/30 will be donated or sold to a local reseller to establish a clothing fund for vulnerable families.
Thank you AGAIN for a great Spring Fling!
Huge thank you to our Wildcat community for coming out in force to support the Spring Fling in May! In total we raised $103,618–well above our stretch goal of $80,000! Also want to thank The Osborne Family for generously donating back their winnings from the Golden Ticket – how awesome is that? Finally, one last shout out to the amazing Spring Fling committee and all of your work!
We love THE LATE SHIFT!
Did you love the amazing band that played Spring Fling? In addition to being incredible, they also have a Whittier connection–Ms. Rebecca’s son is in it! If you’re interested to keep up with them or for booking information, check out their Instagram!
Look out for Yearbooks!
Our amazing PTA volunteer, Tina Lilley, in coordination with the Front Office and our incredible staff, have been hard at work creating this year’s yearbook!
Please keep an eye out for yearbooks coming home. 5th graders will receive their yearbooks on 5/20 for a signing opportunity during their 5th Grade Adventure Day.
K-4 Wildcats will receive their yearbooks on 5/21 through their teachers, so please check backpacks when they get home!
Please note all Wildcats will receive a yearbook, regardless of whether one has been purchased, funded by the Whittier PTA. If you’d like to make a donation to support the Whittier PTA, including offsetting the purchase of these additional yearbooks, please click here.
Download this year’s Whittier Family Directory!
The Whittier family directory is now available for download and at-home printing: https://bit.ly/whittier-directory-22-23
Families can use the directory to find contact info for your child’s classmates for planning playdates, birthday parties, and other summer fun! The directory is a living document and will be updated as needed.
The directory is a living document and will be updated as needed. The link above will automatically redirect you to the latest version as updates are made.
If you notice anything that needs a quick correction, please reach out. Many thanks to the families who opted in this year, and to our Wildcat artists for submitting awesome drawings for the cover art!
Thank you for the amazing year, Wildcats! Have a great summer!
The Wildchat: 5/30/2023
May 30, 2023
Mission Complete: Thank You for an Amazing Spring Fling!
Thank you to everyone is our community that so generously supported our Spring Fling Block Party and Auction. Our goal was to raise $80,000 and, so far, we’ve raised over $100,000 to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary! We are so grateful to have such an engaged, welcoming community to enrich our Wildcats.
If you weren’t able to purchase your Wildcat’s aviator photo, there is one printed photo available per student. To purchase yours, select your preferred package from the online Aviator Photo purchase page, checkout, and show the front office your receipt when you pick up photos from Monica and Rebecca. Photos will be available until Friday, June 2nd.
There are also a handful of hosted party tickets and items still available for purchase. And if you didn’t get a chance to participate in our Fund the Need campaign, it’s not too late! You can still contribute here.
Please also consider amplifying any donation, including Fund the Need and financial contributions above an item’s designated retail value, to any corporate matching programs (Whittier PTA’s 501(c)3 Federal ID is Federal ID #91-1479413). Please reach out if you need any help submitting your corporate match.
Thank you so much for choosing to support Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA during this year’s Spring Fling! Would you like to help make next year’s Spring Fling a success? Please contact volunteers@whittierptaseattle.org to learn more about how you can help!
Upcoming Happenings
- 5/31: Spring Sing @ 6pm
- 5/31: Last chance to submit your contact info for the Whittier Family Directory
- 6/2: First Friday Fun (after school)
- 6/7-9: Spring Art Walk
- 6/8-9: Whittier’s School Musical (Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)
- 6/13: New Family Welcome
- 6/13: Final PTA Board Meeting of ’22-23 School Year
- 6/16: Field Day
- 6/19: No School (Juneteenth)
- 6/20: 5th Grade Adventure Day
- 6/22: 5th Grade Promotion
- 6/22: Drag Queen Story Time
- 6/23: Blacktop Painting Day
- 6/30: Last Day of School
Keep your calendar up-to-date! Sync using Konstella (Visit “Calendar” and click on “Sync to My Calendar”)
Reel by Kellie Pecoraro
Thank You, Spring Fling Committee Volunteers!
Thank you to our incredible Spring Fling Committee for their generous donation of time, talent, and commitment to make this event a reality:
- Anjean Vanden Bosch
- Ashley Cannon
- Ashley Schiavone
- Brie Gardner
- Courtney Sievers
- Elliot Scher
- Emi Matsumoto
- Emily Gross
- Emily Robertson
- Glenda Elley
- Gwen Weed
- Jess Templeton
- Jess Twardzik
- Joa Pope
- John Shaw
- Joni Larson
- Kellie Pecoraro
- Laura Zingg
- Liz Young
- Melissa Ivancevich
- Mendy Minjarez
- Rebecca Grandin
- Renee Hartnett
- Sara Lukas
- Shannon Louma
- Tina Lilley
Volunteers Needed for Blacktop Painting Day – Friday, June 23rd!
The blacktop is getting a refresh! Thanks to the hard work of our 4th grade leadership team, we are able to repaint the hopscotch, four square, tetherball, basketball, kickball and US map areas, and even add a WORLD MAP! But we need LOTS of helping hands.
Painting day is FRIDAY, JUNE 23rd.
Please sign up for shifts below! It’s fine if you can’t make all of a designated shift or if shifts overlap. Please make sure you have up-to-date volunteer status before you arrive. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A8A729A0FAC61-playground
Email Cindy or Emily with any questions.
Mark Your Calendars for Drag Queen Story Time!
Come join us for a special story time on Thursday June 22nd at 6pm. Popular Seattle drag queen, Aleksa Manila will be stopping by Whittier to spend an evening with us to read stories and have some fun! Drag Queen story time is all about love, acceptance, inclusion and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models! During story times like this one, kids will be able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves! Come join in the fun!
Last Chance to Opt-in to the Family Directory! Info Due 5/31
Whittier PTA is developing a Family Directory for students and families to use this summer. The Family Directory is an OPT-IN print directory providing family contact information. It is intended to foster communication within the Whittier community (e.g., arranging playdates, childcare swaps, family get-togethers, birthday party invitations, etc.) It’s a great way to stay in touch with families you met at Spring Fling!
The directory can only be compiled with the information YOU PROVIDE. The PTA cannot access the contact information you’ve provided to the school. If you would like your contact information included in the directory, please see below:
- New to Whittier this year? Change in contact info? Complete the Google form. (Versión en español)
- Is your contact info the same as last year? No action needed!
- Call for Student Artists! Students are invited to submit artwork for the Family Directory cover. The form was sent home in last week’s KidMail and can be downloaded for at-home printing
Directory information and artwork submissions are due by Wednesday, May 31. Questions? Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed for Field Day!
Join the team and volunteer on June 16 between 11:10am-2:10pm! (Please note you must be an approved SPS volunteer.)
Sign-up here!
2023-2024 PTA Board Seeking Volunteers for Essential Position!
We are seeking two volunteers to act as Co-Secretary for next year’s board. This role primarily records meeting minutes and is perfect for a family new to Whittier or just getting involved in the PTA. For more information or to volunteer, please contact volunteers@whittierptaseattle.org.
Thank You, Wildcats!
Volunteers Needed for Blacktop Painting Day – Friday, June 23rd!
The blacktop is getting a refresh! Thanks to the hard work of our 4th grade leadership team, we are able to repaint the hopscotch, four square, tetherball, basketball, kickball and US map areas, and even add a WORLD MAP! But we need LOTS of helping hands.
Painting day is FRIDAY, JUNE 23rd.
Please sign up for shifts below! It’s fine if you can’t make all of a designated shift or if shifts overlap. Please make sure you have up-to-date volunteer status before you arrive. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A8A729A0FAC61-playground
The Wildchat: 5/16/2023
May 16, 2023
Make Your Class Your Wingman!
Has your class gotten Spring Fling tickets? It’s not too late! Buy your tickets today and plan a pre-funk, after party, or designated meeting spot with your class!
It’s a pretty tight race among the grades, but we can still fight for 75% participation! Come celebrate your community and support the PTA’s final fundraiser of this school year this Saturday, May 20th!
Take me to BID or lose me forever! Here’s just a small preview of what’s in this year’s Silent Auction, available both online and in-person, starting at 5pm on Saturday, May 20th. Check out the full catalog here!
- Watching Outdoor Sports in Seattle: This Class “bucket” is actually a collapsible wagon filled with everything you need to stay dry, warm, cool, or shady during any outdoor sporting event!
- Worm Bin from Mr. Pule: If you’re a new Wildcat, you might have heard of it. If you’re an experienced Wildcat, you’ve probably been outbid on it. Don’t miss it this year.
- Pickleball Basket, Tournament and Picnic: Whether you are new to this fast growing sport or a pickled veteran, the Whittier Staff “The Real Dills” are challenging you! This package includes a basket of 6 paddles and balls to play, as well as some of our favorite pickles and picklebacks to get your competitive juices flowing. On tournament day, we will coordinate and meet up for a pickle picnic and games, kids and parents welcome. Split with another family of ballers or treat yourself and friends. Kids and families encouraged to play in this round robin pickleball tournament and picnic.
- Class Art: From framed collages to custom serving trays to little libraries, don’t miss your chance to win a one-of-a-kind piece!
- Dick’s Delivery – Hangover Hamburgers: Buy a ticket to this sweet hosted un-party and, the morning after the auction Sunday May 21st, 2 Dicks cheeseburgers, 2 french fries and 1 vanilla milkshake will be delivered to your front door between 11am and 12pm.
- Movement is Medicine: Elevate your self-care routine with this incredible gift set that combines style, fitness and relaxation, including a Brooks Running gift card and 5-class package to Barre3 Ballard.
- AND SO MUCH MORE
Don’t Forget: We Fling Rain or Shine (but hopefully shine)
Come dressed in your best aviators and be ready to rock this outdoor Block Party Top Gun-style!
Thanks to PTA Hospitality and our Wildcat Community for an Amazing Staff Appreciation Week!
We flew high with our Staff Appreciation celebration! A big thank you to Kathleen Donahoe and Emily Grosse, and the rest of the Whittier PTA Hospitality team for coordinating a week of amazing events to match the awesomeness of our Wildcat staff. Go Wildcats!
What is Drag Queen Story Time?
Drag queen story time is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children. A drag queen generally reads 3-4 children’s books and may sing songs or lead kids in a craft activity. Through a fun and fabulous literary experience drag queen story time celebrates learning and play, encouraging kids to celebrate gender diversity and all kinds of difference, while building confidence in expressing themselves.
People of all ages should be free to express themselves however they want, free from the constraints of prescribed gender roles. In other words, there’s no such thing as “girl clothes” and “boy clothes,” or “girl toys” and “boy toys.” Drag queen story times teach children that there are many ways to express themselves and their gender, and they are all OK! Drag is an art form that is rooted in diverse LGBTQ communities, which support equality, justice, and respect for all people. Given that LGBTQ people are present in every community, it’s important that children are exposed to these aspects of our shared history and culture, in age appropriate ways.
Why is Drag Queen story time necessary?
Drag queen story times help children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference, and tap into their own creativity. These story times can also be life-changing and ultimately life-saving for LGBTQ kids and teens, kids with LGBTQ parents or family members, and anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests or who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the broader culture. Come experience a fun, inclusive, creative, and unique story time with us!!
Drag Queen Story Time with Aleksa Manila!
Come join us for a special story time on Thursday June 22nd at 6pm at Whittier. Popular Seattle drag queen, Aleksa Manila will be stopping by Whittier to spend an evening with us to read stories and have some fun! Drag Queen story time is all about love, acceptance, inclusion and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models! Come join in the fun!
Reminder: Check out our Calendar page (or Sync Your Calendar on Konstella) for all of the end-of-the-year event details!
Send Your Student Directory Submissions!
Whittier PTA is developing a Family Directory for students and families to use this summer. The Family Directory is an OPT-IN paper directory providing family contact information. It is intended to foster communication within the Whittier community (e.g., arranging playdates, childcare swaps, family get-togethers, birthday party invitations, etc.). The directory can only be compiled with the information YOU PROVIDE. The PTA cannot access the contact information you’ve provided to the school.
If you would like your contact information included in the directory, please see below:
- Kindergarten Families:
- Complete this Google form, https://bit.ly/whittier-directory-2023, OR
- Complete the 2022-23 Family Directory form that will be sent home with your student in Tuesday’s Kid Mail (a.k.a. your student’s backpack).
- Grade 1-5 Families
- A draft of your student’s class directory page will be sent home in Tuesday’s Kid Mail (a.k.a. your student’s backpack), using information shared in last year’s directory. Please review and mark any updates.
- New families can complete the Google form: https://bit.ly/whittier-directory-2023 Return to your student’s teacher or the office by Wednesday, May 31.
Call for Student Artists! Students are invited to submit artwork for the Family Directory cover. The form was sent home in this week’s KidMail and can be downloaded for at-home printing: https://bit.ly/whittier-directory-art
Directory information and artwork submissions are due by Wednesday, May 31.
Questions? Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.