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Author: Communications

Open Positions for the 2024-2025 School Year

Whittier PTA is seeking community members to volunteer for key volunteer roles for the 2024-2025 school year. These positions have different commitment levels, including some that can be accomplished remotely. Whittier PTA is an all-volunteer run organization that aims to have fun, build community, and support Whittier Elementary’s educational excellence.

Open 2024-2025 PTA Roles

  • Wildchat Editor: Our biweekly newsletter, the Wildchat, is an essential way to keep families informed and connected. But without an editor, we won’t have a newsletter (which can also impact our fundraising effectiveness)! Content inputs are organized by the Communications Chair, so this role primarly inputs prepared content into the existing Wildchat newsletter template on our WordPress-based site. Easy to learn and no website experience necessary! This is a great remote-only role for new families looking to learn more about Whittier! Without a volunteer, we’ll lose this important communication vehicle! Learn more about this role >>
  • Website Editor: The PTA’s website (whittierptaseattle.org) is our community’s main resource for Wildcat information. With SPS’ limited website tools, both PTA and Whittier Elementary resources are housed on this site. Whittier’s website editor is a remote-only position that sees most of its work at the beginning of the year, with smaller tasks after that. The website uses a simple WordPress theme, with guided instructions that anyone can learn! Without a volunteer, we’ll lose this important resource! Learn more about this role >>
  • EDI Co-Chair: This role works with returning EDI Co-Chair, Kiana, to develop important programs focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. K-2 families are strongly encouraged to consider this position to ensure this key work continues. Learn more about this role >>
  • Are you a graphic designer? We’d love your help! We have one-time and on-going graphic design needs to support our PTA activities. These include:
    • Designing Takehome Tuesday flyers (on-going, 2x per month)
    • Designing IG posts (on-going, 2x per month)

Whittier PTA has a Canva pro account, so design can use this tool or any other graphic design software.

Want to learn more or sign-up? Please contact volunteers@whittierptaseattle.org.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

None of these suit your needs but you'd still like to get involved?

The Wildchat: 5/28/24

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

There's 17 school days left! Here's your summary of important upcoming dates:

Thank you, Wildcats and the Spring Fling Team!

Congratulations to our Spring Fling team and community for an amazing event earlier this month! Thanks to our community’s participation and generosity, we raised over $83,500–exceeding our $60,000 fundraising goal! Great job, Wildcats!

And a HUGE thank you to our amazing community volunteers, without which this event couldn’t have happened! A special shout out to Brie Gardner, Spring Fling Chair extraordinaire, along with:

  • John Shaw
  • Laura Zingg
  • Emily Grosse
  • Sara Lukas
  • Joni Larson
  • Jess Twardzik
  • Melissa Ivancevich
  • Jess Templeton
  • Melinda Nett
  • Shannon Luoma
  • Elan Simonson
  • Andrea Pungoti
  • Angie Lundstedt
  • Mendy Minjarez
  • Rebecca Grandin
  • Sarah Okun
  • Meg Herscher
  • Kate Scher
  • Mike Nett
  • Ron Sievers
  • Renee Hartnett
  • Courtney Sievers
  • Jenn Foreman
  • Sandy Hawley
  • Sherry Lawson
  • Chris Wylcinski
  • Josette Jeffery
  • David Peabody
  • Rebecca Adamson
  • Katie Stiver
  • Megan Wildenradt
  • Leah Lansberry
  • Anna Reeve
  • Jill Muscatel
  • Courtney Miller
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch
  • Katie Kreiger
  • Ashley Sullivan
  • Erin Lancione
  • Katie Hambley
  • and of course Danny Adamson and The Late Shift

And it’s not too late to contribute to our Spring Fling fundraising goal! We have some hosted parties (fun, themed events hosted by members of our community–some for adults and some for kids!) with spaces left, including Beauty and Bubbles Workshop, 4th-5th grade Skate Party With Mr Pule, Bootcamp and Brunch, Discovery Park Adventure, Dreaming of Dragons, First Grade Moms Happy Hour, and more! Learn more about these hosted parties and buy your tickets here.

Ms. Rebecca performing in The Late Shift!
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Wildcats showed up dressed to impress!
Local cover band, The Late Shift, inspired disco dance moves.
Amazing volunteers (of all ages) helped set up!
Wildcats answered the call!
Spring Fling decor team brought it with a DISCO light up letter sign
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Seeking 5-6 Volunteers for Financial Review Committee

Seeking volunteers to complete the 2023-24 PTA Financial Review. There is a checklist to divide up and work through. First meeting via zoom and then follow-ups via email. Work on July-Sept and present brief findings at Sept PTA Meeting. To learn more or sign-up, please contact Michelle, PTA Treasurer. Thanks for considering!

After-School Program Survey

We want to hear from you! How was your experience with after-school programs this year? What clubs would your child be interested in next year? This survey is open to all families, even if your child did not participate in clubs this year. Your feedback will help us plan our program offerings for the next school year! Complete the survey >>

Learn more about this year’s Drag Queen Story Hour.

Help Shape SPS' 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

SPS is asking families to share their voice as they develop a new strategic plan to guide the district’s 2025-2030 work. We’re asking all our Whittier families to complete this SPS survey before June 7.

You can also attend special School Board meetings about this strategic plan on May 29 (6-7:30pm) at Robert Eagle Staff, June 5 (6-7:30pm) at Cleveland STEM High School, or June 12 (6-7:30pm) online. Learn more about SPS’ engagement around this strategic planning work here.

Finally, the regular School Board meeting on June 10 is slated to include an update on SPS’ “Well-Resourced Schools,” including a list of closures for the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more about how to watch, attend, or testify during a school board meeting.

Submit Nominations for Volunteer Award!

Do you know someone who has been an exceptional volunteer for the Whittier community over the past year?  If yes, please consider nominating them for the Golden Acorn Award!  This award is given out each year by the PTA  to recognize outstanding dedication to our children and youth, and we know Whittier would not be the special place it is without all the love and energy poured into it by our many volunteers.  Please email nominations to Jess by June 6th.  The recipient does not need to be a PTA member. 

PTA Positions We're looking to Fill for the 24-25 School Year

  • Co-President
  • Assistant Treasurer
  • EDI-Co Chair
  • Comms Website Editor
  • Comms Wildchat Editor
  • Back to Business Chair
  • Fall Festival Chair
  • Spring Fling Chair
  • Student Directory
  • Yearbook
Contact Jess if you’re interested in learning more about any of the roles or have additional questions. 

Great Job, Really Rosie Cast & Volunteers!

Congratulations to the Cast & Crew of this year’s Spring Musical, Really Rosie! Fans and supporters packed Ballard High School’s Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center last Thursday and Friday to catch this exciting, funny performance. This cast and crew of Whittier 4th and 5th graders could only have succeeded thanks to the stewardship of their amazing director team: Ms. Steph (Director), Ada Scales (Assistant Director), and Mr. Collin (Music Director). Click here to check out the musical’s virtual program. This year’s Really Rosie cast includes:

5th graders:
Sydney Hartnett
Reese Pecoraro
Graysen Hawley
Ben Toppenberg
Elsie Smith
Lydia Gaspard
Zoe Johnson
Denali Swearingen
Henry Neuman
Ruby Pope
Isla Herndon-Farnam
Maeve Herndon-Farnam
Henry Gudmastad
Zoe Intawong
Abby Gruber
Vivi Robertson
Myla Gardner
Felicity Foreman
Greta Leuschke
Karolina Makmatova
Margaret Robillard
Rowan Ritchie
Neko Hickey
Hailey Lawson
Michael Mayo
Shoyer Mayo
Madeline Nett
Poppy Tallarico
4th graders:
Aleita Hendricks
Arlo Marshak
Bea Poll
Brook Bahru
Charlie Rust
Claire Chertack
Claire Crockford
Colette Davis
Corrine Kostis
Emersen Rider
Emma Kirschbaum
Everly Grandin
Everly Ringler
Grace Curran
Harlow Hatter
Lauren Egging
Lulu Cook
Leo Wildenradt
Madeleine Gartin
Matilda Boysun
Riley Hammond
Ruby Medina
Ryan Mcdougal
Santi Montesinos Martos
Silas Bendickson
Simone Herten
Sophia Hartnett

And congrats and thank you to Principal Watters for her special guest performances! Finally, thank you to the amazing team of volunteers and crew who helped make this special musical happen:

Aarron Lawson
Angela Buck-Hatter
Angie Bianco
Ashley Ward Gaspard
Ben Peterson
Brie Gardner
Camille Peterson
Chuck Rust
Clark Wildenradt
Diane Clausen
Erin Lancione
Eva Wong
Isaac Hatter
Jennifer Foreman
Jerrica Kostis
Julia Massey
Julie Childers
Julie Vano
Kai Herndon-Farnam
Katherine Abraham
Katie Stiver
Kellie Pecoraro
Kelly Rider
Kendall Scales
Laura Zingg
Lindsay Fasser
Lindsay Robillard
Lisa Davis
Liz Young
Megan Wildenradt
Melinda Nett
Melissa Caviezel
Michelle Nemeth
Mike Boysun
Mike Kostis
Mike Nett
Mindy McGuane
Paul Bianco
Rebecca Grandin
Renee Hartnett
Sandy Hawley
Sarah Bendickson
Sarah Gartin
Scott Ringler
Sherry Lawson
Stacy Tischler
Steve Neuman
Sue Tallarico
Toby Ross
Trisha Kostis
Tyler Gaspard
Valerie Rust
Will Scales

Some pictures of both casts captured by Whittier parent and photographer, Kellie Pecoraro:

Thank you, Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 5/7/24

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Only 31 Get Ups Left in the 2023-2024 School Year!

Here are all the key events remaining this year:

SPRING FLING is 11 days away! Are you ready to follow the call of the disco ball?

It’s already MAY and Spring Fling is less than 3 weeks away! If you haven’t purchased a ticket, you can here! When you purchase your ticket, you will have the option to buy one for a staff member, too.

Remember, this is kid-free event, so get your babysitter booked!  

Some highlights to look forward to at the event include:

  • Food trucks from Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza (vegetarian options) and Bai Tong on Wheels (vegetarian and gluten free options)
  • Drinks tent with featured cocktail
  • Live music from the Late Shift, a youth cover band from Ballard (returning for its second year)
  • Art gallery with your kiddos’ art
  • Golden ticket- chance to win $$!
  • “Raise the Paddle” opportunity to learn more about why we fundraise and to donate
  • Silent Auction including:
    • A magical evening of dragons with the 1st grade teachers (6/7)
    • A culinary trip through France with dinner and wine pairings (9/21)
    • 2 tickets to the UW Huskies
    • Tickets to Seattle Storm
    • Backyard Pizza party classroom bucket … and more!

We hope to see you there!

Volunteers Needed!

Join our day-of team! We’re seeking volunteers in a variety of shifts and roles. Sign up here!

Spring Fling Art Preview!

Join us on the blacktop after school on Friday, May 10 to preview classroom art for this year’s Spring Fling auction. Art will be displayed from 2:30 – 3:15. Many thanks to our volunteers and Wildcat artists for their amazing work!

We Love our Wildcat Staff!

Thanks to our Wildcat families for bringing flowers and to our Room Reps for providing vases and crafting arrangements for our staff! We continue our Staff Appreciation Week celebration with:

  • Tuesday: Staff Lunch from Barking Dog
  • Wednesday: Custom Smoothie Bar
  • Thursday: Morning Coffee and Donuts
  • Friday: Don’t forget to help your Wildcat dress like a staff member!

THANK YOU, Wildcats! Move-a-thon Raised Over $29,000!

Our Wildcats showed their incredible spirit to our community as they helped raise $ during Move–a-thon on April 26th. We surpassed our $15,000 goal, inching us even closer to this year’s total fundraising goal of $155,000. 

This amazing community accomplishment couldn’t have happened without the participation and support of our Whittier community and volunteers. Huge kudos and shout-outs to the amazing David Peabody, who chaired this event (and made incredible hype videos!), along with a team of volunteers who helped before and during the event: Bonnie Smith, Emily Robertson, Angie Lundstedt, Lauren Zerbey, Silvana Moncayo, Lana Sturmer, Glenda Elley, Michelle Nemeth, Kimberly Gilsdorf, Megan Herscher, Katie Hambley, Sara Lukas, Jon Reckers, Renee Hartnett, Kate Scher, Jess Tuardzik, Kristin Laughlin, Kathleen Donahoe, Megan Wildenradt, Jerrica Kostis, Jessica Milman, Anjean Vanden Bosch, Courtney Miller, April Soliman, Sara Elmore, Natalie Gromoff-Hiatt, Kara Stone, Tricia Schalekamp!

Learn more about this year’s Drag Queen Story Hour.

Click here to join the virtual meeting.

Last Whittier PTA Meeting of the School Year is TONIGHT!

Join the last Whittier PTA Meeting of the school year is TONIGHT (Tuesday, May 7th) only on Zoom! Password: wildcats

PTA Members will vote on next year’s board volunteers and budget, which reflects how the Whittier PTA will raise and invest donated funds for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Updates from the PTA's Advocacy Team

  • We have a new school board director for our district, Sarah Clark, who lives near Whittier and is the Director of Policy at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.  You can read Sarah’s statement of interest here.  
  • There is an important SPS board meeting on May 8th! They will be talking about the plans for “Well Resourced Schools” with potential implications for the 25/26 school year (changes to bell times, transportation, and school consolidation). You can find out more about the meeting here.
    • For a refresher on the district’s budgetary issues, we recommend listening to the Seattle Hall Pass podcast episode 32.  Funding will be a big topic next year so stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved in advocacy.  
  • SPS will be updating their Strategic Plan this year and will be holding community engagement meetings over the next two months. We will let you know when we hear of opportunities to engage!

"1000% Me" Screening = 1000% Success!

Thank you to our EDI team, facilitators, Whitter Kids childcare team, and families who participated in last month’s viewing of the film “1000% Me: Growing up Mixed.”

Looking for Ideas to Support Our Wildcat Staff?

We’ve been updating our Teacher and Staff Wish Lists to guide families interested to support Whittier, especially specialists, the front office, Nurse Marissa, and other staff. As always, families are encouraged to look at Wish Lists for inspiration and purchase items outside of the Amazon site should they choose. Know of a staff wish list that’s not included or needs updating? Please contact us!

Click here to purchase tickets!

From Our Ballard Community

Fundraiser for Take 5 Urban Market after Natural Gas Explosion Damages Building

Take 5 Urban Market, local beloved deli and Whittier Elementary community partner, was damaged after a natural gas explosion occurred Thursday morning. Luckily, there were no injuries. 

From the Seattle Times: Around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, the Seattle Fire Department responded to a blaze at Take 5 Urban Market in Ballard. The fire, which only damaged the Take 5 building, was the result of an accidental natural gas explosion, the Fire Department confirmed Thursday afternoon. The building was empty at the time of the explosion and subsequent fire, and nobody was injured. In addition to the building being vacant, “nobody was outside when the windows blew out from the gas leak,” said Take 5 co-owner Rebecca Rouleau. “We’re grateful nobody was hurt at all,” she said, and “right now we’re just trying to process.” 

If you would like to support Take 5 and their rebuilding effort, a fundraiser has been set up here. 

Learn more about this event!

SPS Healthly Schools Seminar at Whitman MS: Fentanyl Awareness Seminar

Please join us on the evening of May 9th for a special seminar on Fentanyl Awareness, provided by SPS Healthy Schools Coordinator, Lynnet Mitchell at Whitman Middle School. This event aims to provide crucial information and insights into the dangers of Fentanyl, an opioid that impacts all Seattle communities. This seminar is geared toward adults. Whitman students will attend a separate seminar during school. 

  • Date: May 9th
  • Time: 6-7:30pm
  • Location: Whitman Cafeteria
  • Some food and snacks will be provided.
  • Ms Mitchell will bring Narcan for participating families.

We would appreciate a head count for this event so we can be prepared. Thank you in advance for emailing your RSVP to Jan Johnson (PTSA President Whitman Middle School).

Thank you, Wildcats!

2024 Staff Appreciation Week: May 6-10

We love our Whittier teachers and staff! In addition to our on-going appreciation activities, we participate in a full week of appreciation hosted by the Whittier PTA. 

Whittier PTA hosts most of these appreciation events, but students are invited to participate for two activities during this week:

  • Monday (5/6): Bring flowers to morning drop-off! A Room Rep or PTA volunteer will collect flowers to make arrangements for staff. (Psst–if you have a student teacher, be sure to bring extra flowers for their arrangement!)
  • Friday (5/10): Dress like a staff member day! Don glasses, specialty shoes, a lanyard–whatever reminds your student of a Whittier staff member!

We’ll send reminders as Staff Appreciation draws closer. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact the Hospitality team. Go Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 4/16/24

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Events!

Tonight's PTA Meeting: Vote on the Math Agency Program (2024-2025)

All are welcome and encouraged to attend tonight’s monthly PTA meeting at the Whittier Library (or join us virtually). Tonight’s meeting agenda includes voting on the PTA Executive Board’s recommendation to allocate $60,000 towards the Math Agency program at Whittier for the 2024-2025 school year. All PTA Members can vote on this recommendation during the meeting. For general questions, please contact president@whittierptaseattle.org. For membership questions, please contact membership@whittierptaseattle.org.

PTA Members can vote during the meeting. Learn more about becoming a PTA member and PTA membership benefits. Click here for virtual attendance information.

Whittier's Community Needs Your Help!

It’s a great time to get involved! The PTA has opportunities at all commitment levels for both this and next year!

  • Check out Move-a-thon volunteer sign-ups and stay tuned for Spring Fling sign-up sheet!
  • 2024-2025 PTA Board: EDI Co-Chair
  • 2024-2025 PTA Board: Treasurer (this vital role is required; if left unfilled, our PTA will have to increase its administrative budget to cover this mandated role!)

Move-a-thon is NEXT WEEK! Are You Ready??

We’re getting HYPED for this year’s Move-a-thon! On Friday, April 26th, all wildcat scholar-athletes will have 30 minutes to shake and groove their way around the course on 13th Ave NW. This fundraiser asks our Wildcat community to seek donations from family, friends, and community to support their Wildcat as they run, walk, jog, dance, or move around Whittier! We’re over HALFWAY to our $15,000 fundraising goal with 10 days to go! Here’s how to participate:

Learn more about Move-a-thon, including this year’s run map (we’re headed outside the playground this year!), here.

Film Screening & Discussion - 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed (for mixed-race children in grades 3-5 with their families)

Questions? Please contact edi@whittierptaseattle.org

1000% Me: Growing up Mixed: Film Screening & Discussion

This event is for mixed-race children (in grades 3 and above) and their families.

  • Tuesday, April 30th 6pm-7:45pm
  • Whittier Elementary School

Join mixed-race children and their families for a screening of the film 1000% Me: Growing up Mixed followed by a child-centered facilitated discussion. In the film, W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families. Bell explores how young people navigate issues of identity in a world that can ask them to pick a side and reveals the many joys and complexities of what it means to raise multiracial children.

Attention KinderCat Families!

WILDCATS STICK TOGETHER! 

Each month a different grade provides goodies for Staff Appreciation. Kindergarten families are up for April. This month, we are helping the staff by purchasing all of the GLUE STICKS the school needs for next year! It might not seem like a lot, but your donations will go a long way! In addition to collecting glue sticks, let’s thank the staff for STICKING around by providing a few themed goodies! Some snacks skewered on sticks, sticks of gum, lollipops, honey sticks, and all things STICK-Y! 

Sign Up Here! Please label all items “Staff Appreciation 4/18” and drop off at the main office by 8am on Thursday the 18th. Email hospitality@whittierptaseattle.org if you have any questions. Thank you!

Get ready to Follow the Call of the Disco Ball at Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling Block Party and Fundraiser on Saturday, May 18th.

We’re hard at work planning class art and buckets, decorations, food, and more for our final fundraiser of the 2023-2024 school year. We’re aiming to raise $60,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.

Date: Saturday, May 18 from 5:00-9:00pm
Location: Whittier Elementary Block Party (13th Ave NW)
Theme: Follow the Call of the Disco Ball!
Come dressed to shine in sequins and silver, or disco glitz and glam to get you in the groove! No sparkles? No problem! Come join the party as you are.
Auction: All bidding will be done online again this year.
More Fun: Once again you can expect to see live music, food trucks, drinks, and new this year-a dance floor!

Want to help make this year’s event a success?

  • Buy Tickets Here! 
  • Sign Up to Host a Party Here!
  • Donate a pair of season tickets or a weekend at your vacation home! Email us!
  • Or, Donate Here!

To learn more about the event or ways to contribute, please contact us.

Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark: 5/31

Order tickets here. To receive your tickets, please include contact name, email address, and number of tickets purchased. Tickets will be emailed in May to the email address provided. All orders due by April 19th!

Please contact Katie with questions!

Start Planning Now: Staff Appreciation Week (May 6-10)

We love our Whittier teachers and staff! In addition to our on-going appreciation activities, we participate in a full week of appreciation hosted by the Whittier PTA. 

Whittier PTA hosts most of these appreciation events, but students are invited to participate for two activities during this week:

  • Monday (5/6): Bring flowers to morning drop-off! A Room Rep or PTA volunteer will collect flowers to make arrangements for staff.
  • Friday (5/10): Dress like a staff member day! Don glasses, specialty shoes, a lanyard–whatever reminds your student of a Whittier staff member!
We’ll send reminders as Staff Appreciation draws closer. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact the Hospitality team. Go Wildcats!

Thank You, Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 3/26/24

March 26, 2024

Community Input Needed: Math Intervention and Extension Opportunities for 2024-2025 School Year

Seattle Public Schools does not provide funding or a systematic structure for math intervention. This school year, Whittier has been working with the Math Agency to support scholars in becoming strong, confident and independent math learners. Since the Fall, the Math Agency has been supporting 35 Whittier learners aligned with the Math Agency’s mission to close educational gaps in math in public schools. In January, Whittier began piloting a program in partnership with the Math Agency to support 12 Extension learners as well (students identified as performing above grade level), as the District mandates but does not fund advanced learning support.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Whittier was not charged for Math Agency support. The service has been offered for free to provide the Math Agency with performance data. Going forward, the Whittier PTA is being asked to fund the Math Agency at Whittier.

As we create the 2024-2025 PTA budget, we as a community need to determine if we will continue to fund the Math Agency. The level of funding could be the largest line item in our budget, surpassing the flexible staffing grant Principal Watters uses to close the gap in district funding for Nurse Marissa; our literacy specialist, Ms. Trilby; our Specialists, Mr. Buck, Ms. Steph, and Mr. Pule; and our librarian, Ms. Newcomb.

We are hosting a special community meeting with the Math Agency on April 1st. The purpose of this meeting is to inform the community of the Math Agency’s mission, student support structure, and to-date results at Whittier. Discussion will also include qualitative impressions from the teachers, families, and students that the Math Agency has served. Then, on April 16th, the PTA community at large will vote on Math Agency funding.

Key Dates:

Mark Your Calendars for These Events & Happenings!

Psst–All these dates are included on our Konstella/Google calendars. Click on “Sync my Calendar” on Konstella‘s Calendar page or click the +Google Calendar button on the bottom of our Calendar page. 

School Budget Conversation with Principal Watters

If you missed last month’s budget conversations with Principal Watters, we encourage all members of our community to watch this virtual version to better understand how Whittier’s budget works and the PTA’s role. As SPS’ budget woes continue, we’ll need to be more transparent and proactive in understanding the important role our PTA plays to close funding gaps within SPS’ funding model. If you have any questions, please reach out to Principal Watters and check out the resources we’ve gathered for you here.

Move-a-thon is 4 weeks away!

We’re getting HYPED for this year’s Move-a-thon! On Friday, April 26th, all wildcat scholar-athletes will have 30 minutes to shake and groove their way around the course on 13th Ave NW. This fundraiser asks our Wildcat community to seek donations from family, friends, and community to support their Wildcat as they run, walk, jog, dance, or move around Whittier! Here’s how to participate:

Learn more about Move-a-thon, including this year’s run map (we’re headed outside the playground this year!), here.

Volunteer Opportunities!

It’s a great time to get involved! Support our amazing community (and meet some great people while you’re at it). We have lots of opportunities at all commitment levels for both this and next year!

  • We’re looking for 1-2 volunteers to help our Yearbook Chair to put together this year’s all-school yearbook. If you’re interested, please email us.
  • Look out for future Move-a-thon and Spring Fling volunteer sign-up links!

We need two rockstar volunteers to fill Board Positions for next year – EDI Co Chair and Treasurer – and you could be the perfect fit! 

  • EDI co-chair: Co-leads the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee which helps support, create, and promote a respectful culture of inclusivity so that members of our community feel welcome and able to engage. Examples of task roles include arranging community education and annual reviews and guidance for the PTA standing rules. 
  • Treasurer: This essential position requires someone with accounting or bookkeeping experience who can manage the financial books and records, track the budget, prepare reports, and prepare necessary tax forms. Without volunteer support, Whittier PTA will have to pay an outside bookkeeper, which means less funds going towards staff, services, and programs for our Wildcats.

If these skills and interests match yours, please consider volunteering for our wonderful community. Email us for more information. Thank you!

Get ready to Follow the Call of the Disco Ball at Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling Block Party and Fundraiser on Saturday, May 18th.

We’re hard at work planning class art and buckets, decorations, food, and more for our final fundraiser of the 2023-2024 school year. We’re aiming to raise $60,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.

Details
Date: Saturday, May 18 from 5:00-9:00pm
Location: Whittier Elementary Block Party (13th Ave NW)
Theme: Follow the Call of the Disco Ball!
Come dressed to shine in sequins and silver, or disco glitz and glam to get you in the groove! No sparkles? No problem! Come join the party as you are.
Auction: All bidding will be done online again this year.
More Fun: Once again you can expect to see live music, food trucks, drinks, and new this year-a dance floor!

Want to help make this year’s event a success?

  • Buy Tickets Here! 
  • Sign Up to Host a Party Here!
  • Donate a pair of season tickets or a weekend at your vacation home! Email us!
  • Or, Donate Here!

To learn more about the event or ways to contribute, please contact us.

Whittier Winner in the National PTA Reflections Art Contest

Whittier Wildcat, Vivienne Robertson, was selected as a city winner in the National PTA Reflections are contest for her film production “Bob and the Awards.” This year’s theme was “I am hopeful because…” and you can learn more about this annual contest here. Congratulations and amazing work, Vivienne!

Thank you, Whittier PTA and Volunteers, for making the Gaga Ball Pit Happen!

Our Wildcats have been loving the new Gaga Ball Pit! Thank you to the Whittier PTA for co-funding this equipment in partnership with Whittier. Special shout-out to our 5th grade crew that saw this project through from initial proposal to unloading the truck to installing the mats. And a huge thank you to our caregiver volunteers: James Grandin, Sasha Wadsack, Erin Lancione, Jess Twardzik, Melissa Ivancevich, JP Herscher, David Curran, and Pete Austin for helping with the build and install!

Thank You, Families, For Our March Staff Appreciation!

Thank you to our 1st grade families for helping the PTA Hospitality team celebrate our staff this month! And thanks to Kathleen and Emily, our Hospitality team, for coordinating these appreciation opportunities each month!

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Thank you, Whittier Kids!

A huge thank you to our amazing partner, Whittier Kids, for providing free childcare for our Workshop (Supporting and Raising Mixed-Race Children) earlier this month. We appreciate you facilitating this important event!

Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark: 5/31

Order tickets here. To receive your tickets, please include contact name, email address, and number of tickets purchased. Tickets will be emailed in May to the email address provided. All orders due by April 19th!

Please contact Katie with questions!

Great Job Wildcats! Let's Keep Up Those Donations!

Paws Up for Wildcats!

Thank you to our Whittier families who have already donated clothes to our Big Blue Bin.

With spring starting to bloom, if you have any clothing donations, please bag them, and place them in the bin.

They also accept small toys and books. Your old clothes go a long way for children with disabilities.

Save the Date: Staff Appreciation Week (May 6-10)

We love our Whittier teachers and staff! In addition to our on-going appreciation activities, we participate in a full week of appreciation hosted by the Whittier PTA. 

Whittier PTA hosts most of these appreciation events, but students are invited to participate for two activities during this week:

  • Monday (5/6): Bring flowers to morning drop-off! A Room Rep or PTA volunteer will collect flowers to make arrangements for staff.
  • Friday (5/10): Dress like a staff member day! Don glasses, specialty shoes, a lanyard–whatever reminds your student of a Whittier staff member!
We’ll send reminders as Staff Appreciation draws closer. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact the Hospitality team. Go Wildcats!

From Our Community

Summer Camp Opportunities

  • Camp Read-a-rama: Singing, dancing, hands-on activities (that can be a bit messy) and more encourage a love for reading and curiosity. And at the end of each Read-a-Rama, every child chooses a free book for building their very own at-home library. These are literacy-immersion programs for children ages 4 – 11. Learn more and register >>
  • UW is offering 10 different youth programs for 4-5th graders, including block programming, photography, writing workshops, musical theater, engineering, and 3D design. A few are offered remote and the rest on-campus. Learn more and register >>

Age-appropriate strength and conditioning classes at CrossFit Phinney Ridge

CFPR’s Youth classes teach kids fundamental CrossFit movements, but with a focus on form and fun! Our age-appropriate strength and conditioning classes can help your already sporty child be stronger, faster and more agile. And it can help build confidence and body awareness in children who just want to have fun moving their bodies. Every movement will be scaled to each person’s ability, and we’ll play games that will be fun but also fitness-oriented! Ongoing classes every Wednesday (SPS early-dismissal day): 

  • Ages 7-11
    • 2:30-3:05 p.m.
    • $170+tax for a 10-class punch card
  • Ages 11-15
    • 3:15-4 p.m. 
    • $215+tax for a 10-class punch card

For more information or to purchase a 10-class punch card, email info@crossfitphinneyridge.com.

Thank you, Wildcats!

PTA Meeting Minutes: 2/13/24

Whittier PTA Board Meeting

February 13, 2024

7:00pm In Person & Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3911 8250
Passcode: wildcats

Meeting link

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest) 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary
  • Meg Herscher – Communications chair (zoom)
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat)
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory (zoom)
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon Chair
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kellie Pecoraro
  • Anika Anand
  • Maureen Nothum
  • Katie Stiver (zoom)
  • Bonnie (zoom)
  • Rachel Wold (zoom) 

Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 PM

WELCOME

  • Ice Breaker
  • Core Values and goals

APPRECIATIONS

  • David Peabody – Move-a-Thon
  • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling kicked off
  • Laura Zingg & Jennifer Foreman – Programs for Winter
  • Kate Scher – Gaga Ball
  • Kathleen & Emily – ongoing Staff Appreciation!

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES

  • PTA Roles & Descriptions
    • Done by 2/16 if possible
    • Goal of having smooth transitions
  • Survey to community on budget

BUSINESS

  • Yearbook
    • Annika Anand looking for a partner to help
  • PTA Table at Family Dance & Game Night
    • Need volunteers to be involved at PTA table 
  • Potential Shift with Move-A-Thon to 13th Ave NW
    • Location shift because of bike week
    • Need stanchions, flags, cones
    • Freezer pops Town & Country 
    • Frankie and Joe’s for volunteers 
  • Wildcats Wonder (instead of career day)
    • What problems do you want to solve? 
    • Crowdsourcing / engaging community / parents on what problems they’re working on 
    • April / May 
    • Moments of failure along the way / perseverance 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES

  • VP – Jess Templeton –
    • Reflections Updates
    • Nom Com
      • Survey Assistant Treasurer – Stacy not returning 
      • EDI co-chair, ideally someone representing communities not currently 
      • Volunteer co-chair recently vacated – going into a busy time 
      • Fundraiser co-chair 
      • More to come 
  • Kiana Swearingen EDI
    • Supporting & Raising Mixed-Race Children – think of someone that can go with you
      • Childcare will be provided
      • Neighborhood schools have been contacted

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH)

  • January 2024 Financial Report
    • $7,277 income from annual give
    • $3,936 gaga ball expense
    • -$372 for month 
    • $265,276 overall balance
  • Budget Committee
    • Need 5 volunteers

KATE SCHER 

  • Gaga Ball – Lots of volunteers 
  • STEAM lab – grant opportunity with WA Arts
    • $5000 materials equip, $5000 training etc
    • Must be non-profit, so funneled through the PTA 
    • Grant submission due by Feb 23
      • If instated, would be housed in a pre-identified room in the building, staffed by volunteers, and potentially rolled out and
        • Need a state wide vendor number
        • Unique entity ID – may be washington state UBI 

ASHLEY SCHIAVONE

  • School Party scheduled March 29th
    • Activities, dance party in the cafeteria 
    • Unicycling in the gym with Mr. Pule 
    • Gaga ball, 4-square
    • Popcorn for all
    • Will need volunteers

PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE 

  • Entering budget time and it’s terrible
    • $10,000 – $12,000 for this year for supplies (vs. $20,000 – $22,000 last year)
    • Enrollment projections within 6-8 of what office staff thinks
    • Next year we will likely have (2) 5th grades, (2) 4th grades, (3) 3rd grades next year (most covid impacted cohort – current 2nd graders), (2) 2nd grades, (3) 1st grades, (3) kindergarten classes
    • Won’t know about staffing until August 
    • Split-level grade level classes aren’t good generally
  • Partnership with the Math Agency in grades 3 and 4 going well
    • On track for kids to grow 1.5 grade levels
    • Scaling back intervention from 4 days a week to 3 days a week
    • Pilot with 3rd graders 1 day x week to focus on task complexity 
    • High numbers of HC kids in 3rd grade 
  • 5th Grade trip next year might be Island Wood
    • Should be in the Fall for bonding
  • Prides of March
    • Food Pantry 
    • Hygiene kits for high schoolers
  • Pints with the Principal / Coffee – to talk budget 
  • Looking for new school board member for our area 
  • Highly Capable Services / Advanced Learning Program (unfunded mandate)
    • Got rid of HC / Advanced learning opportunities for 5th graders going into 6th grade (everybody still gets to same place at the same time) 

FINAL WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

  • NA

Meeting Adjourned 8:14  pm

Note for March meeting agenda: Mariner’s Game update

PTA Meeting Minutes: 1/9/24

Whittier PTA Board Meeting

January 9, 2024

7:00pm Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3911 8250
Passcode: wildcats

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest) 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (attended vida Zoom) 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary
  • Meg Herscher (New communications chair)
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat)
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
  • Glenda Elley – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair
  • Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) (attended via Zoom) 
  • Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary)
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
  • John Shaw – Tech Support
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon
  • Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kellie Pecoraro
  • Brianna Mercker 
  • Suman Pradhan
  • Andrea Pungoti
  • Tanya Cunningham
  • Rachel Wold
  • Meena Lenn
  • Lana Sturmer

WELCOME

  • Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at 7:01 PM
  • Intros – fave book or movie and PTA role, kids and grades
  • Vote to approve November PTA meeting minutes
    • Jess Templeton motioned to approve 
    • Emily Grosse seconded
    • Approved

APPRECIATION

  • Thank you’s:
    • Kraken Ice Skating Event
    • Literacy night 
    • Helping Hands/Mittens
    • Anjean – membership education & communication.
      • Now have around 136 members up from 70 something at beginning of year 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

  • Board Update
    • Meg Herscher – Communications Chair
    • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling co-chair (needs second)
      • Date: May 18th. 
      • Theme: Follow the call to the disco ball. 
      • First meeting this Thursday, 1/11. 3 responses to volunteer asks. Still looking for procurement team. 
      • Same format as last year minus wine wall and aviator photos
  • Surveying for preferences 
  • Budget
    • Budget conversations starting in February 29th 8am coffee, Feb 29th pints with principal, zoom option on March 7th.
  • Mariners Event in spring – date TBD

BUSINESS

  • Land Acknowledgement update from Kiana
    • Current practice
    • Why does SPS have different language than Whittier? 
    • Evolution
    • Land acknowledgements can be token, not meaningful
    • Still relevant if doing a specific call to action. Generally not recommended for standing meetings, etc. Only if relevant to actual meeting, possibly with local tribal members present
    • The monthly PTA meetings do not meet the parameters of when a land acknowledgment should be used. So we should not use land acknowledgements at every board meeting. 
    • We should use an acknowledgment if there is clear connection in the meeting activities or actions toward native sovereignty or the native land back movement
    • Recommendation for policy to be reviewed annually as part of EDI role.
      • Renee recommending we vote on recommendations from EDI
        • Glenda motioned to approve EDI recommendations
        • Jen Foreman seconded
  • Approved
  • Standing Rules
    • Renee motioned to approve standing rules as revised
    • Second Glenda
    • Approved
  • Update on Gaga Ball
    • Estimated delivery Feb 20th
    • Working on getting donated lumber
    • Octagon 20-30 kids
    • ADA door 
    • 5th grade fundraiser, co-creation of rules 
  • Lana Sturmer – whittier parent. Idea for what to do with lost and found
    • Non-profit that creates inclusive communities for kids with disabilities.
    • Northwest Center – The Big Blue Truck – Value Village
    • Cindy is a big supporter of this. Wants the big blue bin inside Whittier with signage explaining what it means. Lana will help manage program. Not throwing things away but giving things new life. Strategically find place for it.
      • Renee motions to approve implementation of program. 
      • Melissa seconds 
      • Approved. New program to implement 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES

  • VP – Jess Templeton – Reflections Updates
    • Lessons learned 
    • Next year directing messaging to kids, maybe through Mr. Buck
  • VP – Jess Templeton – Nom Com
    • End of Jan. let folks know if continuing to next year
    • Mendy – reminder: nom com process is supposed to be confidential. Notes should not be open to board. Internal discussions should not be made public etc. 
  • Events – Meg Pietz
    • Family Dance and Game Night – Michelle Nemeth helping. Friday the 1st of March – DJ Ms. Steph 
  • Spirit Gear – Mendy
    • Now that we have a communications chair, we should keep sending out link about ordering spirit gear on-demand. 
    • Haven’t updated many designs recently – classic and modern. Can create new things! Survey to see what people want/need.
  • Move-a-thon Chair David Peabody
    • Sponsorship Trader Joe’s, Swansons, Brook’s, Fred Meyer
    • Stuff – fidgets, water bottles, stickers
    • General note that sweat bands are a good option for swag

TREASURER’S REPORT (Michelle Nemeth) 

  • Review of Financial Reports from 2023
    • November
      • Income: $38,375.35
      • Expenses: $635.53 (fall festival) 
    • December
      • Income $14,079.32 income
      • Expense $27,828.80 expense
    • Fundraising $82,766 annual give 
    • Reports weren’t sent out yet 
    • Huge shout out for annual give! 

PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE

  • Thank you for land acknowledgement update
  • How do we bring people into the PTA? 
  • Mike Clay – old school sweatshirt design “Whittier Established 1908” second bld added 1929. Both demo’d 1998. New building opened in 1999. 
  • Staff love gear gifts
  • Thank you for support of Fragile Families
  • Annual Give in school party – keepin’ it simple. Fun, different. Popcorn party?
  • Massive Monkeys in March

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Sped classroom rep
  • Spring Fling Co-Chair
  • Tax person

Meeting Adjourned 8:39 PM

Learn More: School Budgets Discussion with Principal Watters

If you missed last month’s budget conversations with Principal Watters, we encourage all members of our community to watch this virtual version to better understand how Whittier’s budget works and the PTA’s role. As SPS’ budget woes continue, we’ll need to be more transparent and proactive in understanding the important role our PTA plays to close funding gaps within SPS’ funding model. If you have any questions about Whittier’s budget, please reach out to Principal Watters. If you’d like more information about how Whittier PTA funding and fundraising works, please contact us.

Looking for even more information? Here’s a little more about SPS’ budget and funding:

Want to share your voice? You can always reach out directly to SPS using their “Let’s Talk!” feature (see the menu in the bottom right here). Our district is currently waiting for a school board director appointment, but you are always encouraged to share your voice during school board meetings (learn more about how to participate here) and by reaching out to the board as a whole using the form on this page.

2024 Prides of March Community Drive

During the month of March, the Whittier encourages its Wildcats to support community organizations seeking donations. All families are encouraged to participate by providing any of the supplies listed below between 3/4-3/29. Donations can be given to Principal Watters at drop-off or dropped in the main office. 4th and 5th graders will also help sort donations to final delivery. This year, we are again supporting the Luther Memorial Church Food Pantry and Ballard High School’s Teen Health Center.

Luther Memorial Church Food Pantry

This food pantry is located directly across from Broadview-Thomson K8 on Greenwood Avenue. The church collaborates with a Boy Scout troop to serve individuals in the immediate area with food and other resources. Many of the resources to stock the pantry come directly from the congregation members (a small but committed group) and the church budget.

Because the pantry is available 24/7, it is impossible to know exactly how many people are served, but we know for sure that we have several people who use the pantry regularly. The pantry is stocked every day and it is almost always empty when it is time to be restocked the next day.

Unlike other food pantries, our main focus is on providing nutritious and ready to eat items, focusing especially on those in our community who do not always have ways to cook food. And, we also know that people enjoy treats like Oreos and Rice Krispie bars too!

In addition to food, our pantry provides some basic toiletry items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and individually wrapped toilet paper. The following items are the most needed at this current time (note: please look for pop-tops for all canned food as many pantry visitors do not have access to can openers):

  • Mandarin oranges* (either cans or individual cups)
  • Applesauce (either cups or the pouches)
  • Peaches* (either cans or individual cups)
  • Canned chicken
  • Canned tuna
  • Chili
  • Beef jerky sticks
  • Soup*
  • Sardines
  • Trail mix (individual packets)
  • Nuts (individual packets)
  • Granola bars
  • Protein bars
  • Shelf-stable milk cartons
  • Individual bags of chips
  • Pudding cups
  • Raisins
  • Rice Krispie treats
  • Individual packets of Oreos
  • Peanut butter crackers
  • Cheese filled crackers
  • Bottled water
  • Granola bars
  • Cup-o-Noodle

Ballard High School Teen Health Center

We are fortunate that all SPS high schools have a Teen Health Center where students can receive free health care and mental health therapy. Through the health center students can receive sports physicals, reproductive health care, treatment for illness (including chronic illness), immunizations and more.

In addition to providing care, the health center also provides food resources from the Ballard Food Bank and hygiene resources for students who may be experiencing house insecurity or other challenges.

We would like to gather hygiene resources for students at Ballard High School. These include:

  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrushes (individually packaged)
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental Floss
  • Shampoo/Conditioner (small or travel size)
  • Soap/Body wash (small or travel size)
  • Lotion (small or travel size)
  • Hair Brushes/Combs (individually packaged)
  • Tampons/ Pads
  • New drawstring backpacks
Prides-of-March-2024Download