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:

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

Don’t forget! Staff Appreciation Week: Dress Like Your Teacher, Bring a Flower

Whittier PTA’s Staff Appreciation Week continues! We’ve already gotten ready for take-off with a coffee cart and today’s inflight snack service. Tomorrow’s festivities will include a catered lunch provided by Barking Dog.

How can you join in on the celebration? Show your Wildcat Staff appreciation by:

• Dress Like Any Staff Member: We’re asking our Wildcats to dress like any staff member on Thursday! Grab glasses, make a name badge, carry a special pencil–whatever reminds you of your amazing Wildcat staff!
• Bring a Flower: For our final day of Staff Appreciation week, we’re asking all students bring a special delivery (flower(s)) for their teacher. Whether it’s a garden cutting or purchased flower, the PTA will help collate the flowers into vases to celebrate our staff. Bring it with you at drop-off where PTA volunteers will collect them for delivery.

Spring Fling Class Art Preview – May 5th!

The PTA’s First Friday Fun event for May is a special Spring Fling Class Art Preview! Come see each room’s collaborative art piece on display for the FIRST and ONLY time before the big auction! Join us on the blacktop after school on Friday, May 5th, from 2:25 – 2:45pm. Please plan to greet your Wildcats at your usual pick up locations before returning to the covered area. You won’t want to miss seeing the art in person!

Save the Date and Sneak Peek: This Year’s Hosted Parties

One of Spring Fling’s most loved traditions is selling tickets to our community’s Hosted Parties. These events, hosted by Whittier community members, have limited tickets available and can only be purchased by participating in our Spring Fling Silent Auction! Here’s a sneak peek of some of this year’s Hosted Party catalog:

• Sunday, June 4th (5:00-7:00pm): Sip & Shop 15% off @ Evereve (University Village) – Add to Your Calendar
• Thursday, June 6th: 4th Grade Moms Happy Hour – Add to Your Calendar
• Thursday, June 15th (5:30-6:30pm): barre3 in Whittier Gym – Add to Your Calendar
• Saturday, June 17th: Family Tide Pooling – Add to Your Calendar

• Saturday, July 15th (4:00pm): Taste of Chicago – Add to Your Calendar
• Saturday, July 22nd: Wagyu and Whiskey Party – Add to Your Calendar
• Saturday, July 22nd: Spirits Tasting at the Austins – Add to Your Calendar

• Saturday, September 23rd – European Feast – Add to Your Calendar

*Please note dates could shift due to, you know, life stuff and capacities are limited for many of these events!

Psst–It’s not too late to host a party yourself! Parties of all kinds and sizes are welcome! Sign up today!

What Else Happens at Spring Fling?

This year we are striving to have items available to purchase at a wide variety of price points. In addition to all of our classroom buckets, art and the myriad of silent packages, there will be a Wine Wall and Golden Ticket opportunity.

And, of course, this year’s event is also a celebration! Expect music, tasty beverages, food trucks, and more.

So remember to preview one-of-a-kind Class Art on Friday, sign-up to host a party for Whittier, or help with your Classroom Bucket (if you haven’t already)! All Spring Fling proceeds support the Whittier PTA’s funding for essential staff and services at Whittier! Go Wildcats!

Drag Queen Story Time with Aleksa Manila!

Thursday, June 22nd (6-7:30PM)

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!

PNW Parent Ed Presents, “Building Your Child’s Superpower of Stress Resilience”

We know that children and adolescents are reporting higher and higher levels of stress. We are partnering with PNW Parent Education (www.pnwparented.org) for a FREE online presentation titled “Building Your Child’s Superpower of Stress Resilience” with Dr. Laura Kastner, PhD.

Tonight, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 6:30-8pm. (If you can’t make the date/time work, register anyway as all registrants will receive an email with the recording following the event.)

Register via eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/PNWsuperpower

Searching for Whittier Spirit Gear?

Whittier Spirit Gear is always available in a ton of styles at our Bonfire online store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/whittier-elementary-spirit-gear/

Styles include paw print, Wildcat profile, and “Class of” designs.

• Club Husky Tickets to the Apple Cup + Parking Pass: The Apple Cup is back at Husky Stadium this year on Saturday, November 25th (time: TBA). This is a big rivalry game between the University of Washington & Washington State University! You can bid on 4 Club Husky tickets + a Parking Pass (Padelford lot)
• Art by Local Artists, including Leah Nadeau! 
• Brooks is Back: Get your spring self ready with Brooks gift cards in the auction again this year!
• Reptile Zoo Experience: Did your family love Reptile Man? Win 4 tickets to Reptile Zoo to see those amazing critters close up for a fun family day trip!

Psst–it’s not too late to donate! Auction donations are due May 5. Submit one today!

Spring After School Program Registration – Thursday, April 6 at 3pm!

Whittier PTA is excited to coordinate additional After School Program opportunities for Spring! Planned program offerings include:

• Mondays (5/1 – 6/12, no classes 5/29) – 2:25 – 4pm:
  • Mighty Coders (Grades 3-5): Coding for Kids
  • Bricks For Kidz (Grades K-2): Lego Engineering for kids
• Tuesdays (5/2 – 6/6) – 2:25 – 4pm:
  • Gamer Group w/ Mr. Buck (Grades K-2): Board Games, card games
  • Robotics (Grades 3-5): Learn how to make a robot
• Wednesdays (5/3 – 6/7) – 1:10 – 2:30pm:
  • Mode Music (Grades K-2): Intro to music for kids
  • Chess Wizards (Grades 1-5): Learn chess, play with friends
• Thursdays (5/4 – 6/8) – 2:25 – 4pm:
  • Gamer Group w/ Mr. Buck (Grades 3-5): Board Games, card games
  • Jump On Languages – Spanish Immersion (Grades K-5): Learn Spanish in a fun, interactive setting

Note: Whittier Wildcat Players will continue its program through Spring Quarter, but registration is closed for the program’s duration.

Registration details and links for Spring Quarter will be updated and posted on Thursday, April 6 at 3pm here: https://whittierptaseattle.org/after-school-programs-at-whittier/. If you have any questions or concerns about the registration process, please contact programs@whittierptaseattle.org.

Spots are limited, so be sure to ask to be on the waitlist if classes are full.

The Whittier PTA only coordinates building reservations and hosts registration links for these independent enrichment providers. Please note: Whittier Elementary and Seattle Public Schools are not affiliated with or connected to the Whittier PTA Programs offerings or these individual program vendors. The enrichment providers will be managing registrations and schedules independently for each program.

Prides of March: Final Week to Contribute!

Our school’s month of giving drive ends this week! As a reminder, we’re collecting donations for the Luther Memorial Church Food Pantry and Ballard High School Teen Health Center. Click here for more information on what and how to donate.

And don’t forget to participate in this Friday’s final dress-up day: Neon Day!

Neurodiversity Affinity Group – Parent Gathering

Please join the Whittier Elementary Neurodiversity Affinity Group for a parent gathering March 31st at Barking Dog at 7pm. This will be a casual get together to support each other navigating the joys and challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child.

Key Positions Require Volunteers for ’23-24 PTA Board

The Whittier PTA funds essential staff and services, programs, and more for the Whittier community. From flexible staffing grants to ensure we have a Literacy Specialist (Ms. Trilby) and our amazing Specialists (Mr. Pule, Mr. Buck, and Ms. Steph) to community events (Family Dance and Game Night, Reptile Night) to enrichment (Massive Monkees, After School Programs), the Whittier PTA needs volunteers in board positions to make it all happen.

Please see our currently available positions here. Questions? Please contact volunteers@whittierptaseattle.org.

From SPS: LGBTQ+ Mailing List and Families Dinner

We are trying to reach as many LGBTQ+ families as possible for our mailing list. We sometimes offer events and opportunities for connection/community for LGBTQ+ parents and also parents/guardians of LGBTQ+ or gender-expansive kids. We have a families dinner coming up on Saturday, May 6 at Camp Long from 4 to 7 pm. To join our mailing list and receive updates, please fill out this form!