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) (Zoom)
Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair
Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair
Members at Large
Nicole Kaczmarek
Maureen Nothum
Kellie Pecoraro
NON-BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
John Shaw – Tech Support
Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator
COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Lindsay Murphy
Brianna Mercker
Sarah Rubin
Shannon Blackman
Rachel Sidles
Esther Kooiman
Lana Sturmer
Emily Barbee (Zoom)
Sridharan (Zoom)
Megan Connors (Zoom)
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at 7:02 PM
PRESIDENT UPDATES ● Thank you’s: ○ Emily Grosse and Kathleen Donahoe for back to school ○ Jon Shaw for IT assistance ○ Julie Osborne for the Back-to-School event, including Jen Foreman and Mendy Minjarez ○ Kate Scher for website and Konstella updates ○ Emily Schweiger for the Kinder welcome event ● Meeting format overview ● Motion to approve co-secretaries Emily Robertson and Melissa Ivancevich ○ Kathleen Donahoe motioned, Leah Lansberry Austin seconded – Approved by the voting members
TREASURER’S REPORT (Michelle Nemeth) ● Balance update: $243,000 in the bank account ○ No major expenses in the last month ● Four people who were signers on the HomeStreet Bank Account last year: ○ Leah Lansberry Austin (President) ○ Renee Harnett (Treasurer) ○ Jessie S Templeton (Secretary) ○ Katherine E Lindsay (Communications Chair) ● Four people who are signers on the HomeStreet Bank Account this year: ○ Renee Harnett (Co-President) ○ Courtney Sievers (Co-President) ○ Jessie S Templeton (Vice President) ○ Michelle Nemeth (Treasurer)
● Renee and Michelle gave the okay to pay the Washington State PTA and Konstella dues electronically ● Finishing up the financial reviews REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST ● Theme: “I Am Hopeful Because” ● Jess Templeton leading & looking for volunteers to help PTA GOALS/FUNDRAISING 2023-24 ● Goals for 2023-2024: ○ Annual Give: $80,000 ($250/student) ○ Move-A-Thon: $15,000 ○ Spring Fling: $60,000 ● Annual Give: October 2nd-20th ○ Asking everyone to participate in some way (donating money, volunteering, etc.) ■ A recent non-school related fundraising event asked 5 economic privilege questions to help inform how much you should give, something to consider for Annual Give – Kiana to share those questions
○ No tiers/thank-you gifts – if the goal is achieved, then the PTA will bring in an experience for the whole school (i.e. bring in a band and have a dance party and popsicles) ○ John to see if we’ll be using the same platform as last year and if monthly payments that were signed up for last year automatically roll over ■ If so, need to reach out to those folks ● Move-A-Thon will be in the Spring, student led ○ If we don’t achieve our Move-A-Thon goal of $15,000, the difference can be rolled into the Spring Fling goal
TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES ● EVENTS CHAIR ○ Grade level happy hour events at Chuck’s starting next week (week of 9/18) ○ A movie night on October 6th? ■ Looking for a volunteer to organize ○ November 21st – Kraken ice skating event from 2:00-3:00pm ■ Looking for a volunteer to organize ○ March 8th – family dance & game night ● FALL FESTIVAL ○ Festival will be Friday, October 27th, 4:30-7:00pm ■ Similar set-up and activities as last year, with improved efficiencies ○ First planning meeting on Tuesday, September 19th ● OUTREACH CHAIR
○ Working with hospitality to do morning coffee – first one will be October 20th, with an additional one in the Winter and one in the Spring
● ROOM REP COORDINATOR ○ Need a room rep for Richmond and for Childers ○ Need email addresses for a few of the room reps that signed up at Back to Business
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ● Spring Fling – need co-chairs to coordinate and bring everyone together ○ A lot of folks with past experience will be on the committee to help out ○ Don’t need to raise as much, less procurement
CINDY WATTERS Q&A ● Open House on Thursday, 9/14, 5:30-7:00pm – students will be the leaders ● Author (Gary Gray Jr.) visit in October ○ Also sponsoring him to visit Viewlands Elementary ● Developed a partnership with the math agency ○ Four days a week: 1:15-2:15pm on M, T, Th, F ○ Focusing on 3rd and 4th grade classes due to the large classroom sizes ○ Still need volunteers to help with the math agency – can volunteer just one of the four days
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:15 PM
Approval of January Board Minutes
Renee Hartnett motioned to approve and Kate Scher seconded
Nominating Committee
There are still a few positions open. Family game night, Konstella, and work directly with Cindy to identify parents who are already involved who can become more involved.
VP or Co-President, events, outreach, volunteer, EDI, legislative rep and membership.
It’s not going to be great. Cindy has been advocating on our enrollment projections and trying to keep our budget numbers up.
General
Put in a funding request for some microphones to get a couple of lapel microphones and 2 new handheld microphones. $12,000.
-Mrs. Steph often rents for the spring play.
We’re in Black Lives Matter week of action. Trying to meet kids developmentally where they are. It’s going really well. Helping kids to be thoughtful citizens and promote civic engagement.
Going to do Prides of March. Partnering with a church up in Broadview to do a food drive and gift cards to stock the pantry. Cindy will get us information on this next week. Focus is hyperlocal and tangible. Curriculum will teach about community investments and service.
The fundraiser for Ms. Jo raised over $5000 for the Ballard Food Bank.
There is a wednesday or thursday pickup- about 15 bags for families in the Whittier Community.
Leadership group has selected 4 spirit days in March. Wacky hat and sock day, twin day, famous person or book character day.
Outreach to Ballard HighSchool and Ingraham that have pantries for students who live independently and are home insecure. Food and supplies
Is there going to be a Massive Monkey’s performance (Kate)? Yes, in March.
What is happening with the merging of the Special Education Services.
They want more schools to serve the kids in their neighborhood. Have kids spend as much time in the gen ed settings as possible to meet their learning needs. This is already done at Whittier and Cindy thinks there will be less of a change than other schools. Though we’re not an SEL school, we still serve those students. The way we serve kids is the service model the district wants all schools to go to.
It’s unclear if kids will still be bussed to Whittier.
Cindy would love a full time social worker
The state only funds for 13% of each school’s kids to be special needs. Typically the need is greater than this.
Universal design learning can’t be scaled to all 106 schools in the district.
Budget will be released Feb 28th.
How are the teacher’s feeling right now? They’re tired and stressed but Cindy tries to keep this away from them.
Will there be an adjustment from the current ask? Potentially.
Vote on the fundraising proposal
Kelly moves to approve and Sara Seconded
Approved
Treasurer’s Report
$201k in the bank
10 kids who got to go to the sensory friendly night at Wild Lanterns
Update on Fall fundraiser/ annual give $72,000 of a $75,000 goal
The jog-a-thon is tracking at over budget as well
Budget committee: if you know anyone who is interested, have them join. Will get started the week after mid-winter break. It will be between 3-6 hours of time commitment.
Be thinking about how this is our money and we can choose what we do with it. What programs do you hear about that you want to see at Whittier?
Potentially bring back a comment/ idea form or use room parents to ask for ideas.
Renee will send out a budget survey shortly.
Chair Reports
Events:
The Family Game and Dance night is March 3rd. Michelle and Meg are chairing this event. Sending out a Sign Up Genius for food. Looking for an MC or may use Spotify. Will have a PTA table at the event for Spring Fling and volunteers for next year.
Spring Fling tickets go on sale March 1st. Meeting this Thursday. Date is May 20th. Committee was unanimous about having the event at a different location. Will be casual. Renee drafted up the landing page and Courtney will review.
Highway to the Wildcat Zone
Classroom Buckets, wine wall, silent auction, classroom art
Want a strong MC
EDI:
Budget survey- could we share funds with another organization as a teaching moment for our kids? Maybe a food bank or homeless shelter. There are some challenges with non-profits giving to other non-profits. Missing the communication about what we’ve done. Report out.
Like the idea of us giving back to the community and teaching our kids about that.
Add Impact page on the PTA website- Lauren will take on data collection.
Could we ask folks to volunteer to run these small events
EDI is working on affinity groups and building those small communities within the larger community
We need folks to lead these groups and the groups can be whatever they want to be
Still doing the buddy bench in the Wildchat
Trying to get the special ed classes more included in the school
On that note, for the first time we’re doing sped room classroom art and classroom buckets
Also trying to collaborate on the school’s race and equity team. Their main focus is the Rebellious Read Allowed program on different topics like Identity, food, culture, etc. The books come with questions to prompt conversations. The Race and Equity Team wants to bring the Author Rebellious Read Allowed to the school but it’s really expensive. May try to split with another school
Hospitality:
Regular cadence of every other week between Fun Fridays and Teacher Lounge stocking
Valentines for the beginning of Feb
PTA is funding lunch for all staff from Ban Town (Emily Coordinating)
Family Dance and Game Night
Cereal Bar for Staff (First Grade Families
May is a big staff appreciation week. There’s a theme, etc. The next meeting we will need to have time on the agenda to do some planning in this regard. Will likely do the flower event this year as well.
We have our snacks at in person meetings
Communications:
Wildchat is next week. Send Content.
As a group we need to talk about we have 27 volunteers we are asking for between next year and Spring Fling and we need to understand our capacity.
Family Game Night could have a physical poster and celebrate when folks sign up.
We got 10-12 new folks for Spring Fling
Celebrate how we’re being involved.
Classroom rep head position could be really valuable. Invite them to the next meeting.
Communications position is not sustainable- too much work and skill. We may want to talk about how we restructure the role.
Back in the day there was only the Wildchat so parents knew where they had to look. Part of the messaging is lost because of multiple avenues. We need to reimagine.
What if we had a PTA table at drop off every week?
Everybody needs to submit their stuff.
Programs:
Auditions for the musical were Monday and Tuesday this week and rehearsals start next week.
7:00pm via ZOOM Meeting ID: 864 5941 6022 Passcode: wildcats
BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Leah Lansberry Austin- President
Tina Lilley – Adviser/Support/Spirit Gear/Website
Jess Templeton – Co Secretary
Jared Cortese – Co Secretary
Courtney Kirk Sievers – Hospitality and Events
Mendy Minjarez – Volunteer Coordinator
Kate Scher – Communications Chair
Cindy Waters – Principal
Megan Wildenrandt – Advocacy
Emily Grosse – Hospitality and Events
Kellie Pecoraro – Member at large
Tricia Schalekamp – Membership Chair
Natalie Gromoff
Kathleen Donahoe
Lauren Carey
Tania
COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
NA
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:03 PM
BOARD UPDATE
No vote this week. Meeting minutes from the December Board meeting will be voted on next month.
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
Yearbook
Tina Lilley is in charge, she hasn’t decided if she is going to include student volunteers. Just getting things started.
Family directory – Do we need volunteers? Add volunteers for this to the nom com roster, possible get set up for Fall 2023
March Food Drive – Not PTA driven anymore. Prides of March has taken place, Cindy with Leadership Kids. They are going to work with the food pantry in Broadview, and another organization. Leadership kids are going to be in charge of it.
PRINCIPAL UPDATE – (Questions for Cindy)
Yearbook
Tina will let Cindy know what help she needs. Currently can’t upload photos, Tina will help with that. Cindy says kids can be involved in the yearbook. Target something with the kids, not all of it. “Day in the life of a Wildcat.” Give kids cameras and have them take pictures every 30 minutes. Every kid represented, parents can upload photos, and Tina will decide if they are appropriate.
Leadership kids
Meeting once a week with Ms. Paul. Letting the kids lead. Planning a dress up day for the end of the month. Announcements for Martin Luther King Day. Theater group led by Ms. Rebecca, do a skit every month about our virtue of the month. Performed at lunch. Build out opportunities for kids to say “I want to” and then build the runway. Cindy is going to try and get more engagement and build out some more structures.
The School
Budget is looking challenging this year. Cindy is getting the budget ready for the Community Meeting next Tuesday. Cindy is trying to get our reading specialist funded so she can ask the PTA for more. Cindy is working on advocacy to try and petition the district to figure out the floor of what every school needs. Nurse, Reading Specialist, Librarian, Social Worker, Recess Monitors. The PTA can help by elevating this conversation through advocacy with the city and state. What is the minimum that a school needs to run? Cindy doesn’t think we have the minimum to run a school.
Covid
Break out in 2nd grade. Send kids to school with masks, not mandatory. Quarantine is still 5 days. Kids were given cleaning supplies to clean their desks today.
Enrollment
We need to have people come to our school. Cindy needs help to do a promotional video for Whittier for the website. The sooner students enroll in Whittier, it helps Cindy’s budget. Better to enroll now than in June. Students who apply for school of choice, there’s a good shot!
Is there anything you (Cindy) need from the PTA?
Advocacy, talking to the school board about carving out a minimum. We are one of the lowest funded schools. Ask the district to think creatively. One position Cindy doesn’t want to lose next year is Ms. Katie, utility role. That position gives the school a little more nimbleness. Rather have Ms. Katie then a Vice Principal. She would prefer to not have a volunteer for recess. Gives kids permission to take more risks, rather than having parent volunteers.
Good people to reach out to locally:
Lisa Rivera Smith – The School Board Member from our district
Legislative reps depending on where you live
Good people to reach out to on the federal level
Pramila Jayapal
Patty Murray
Maria Cantwell
New Food Specialist
Ms. Joe found her replacement, Ms. Laura.
Budget
Wait to hear for Renee next week at the Community meeting. She will be conducting a budget survey.
NOMCOM UPDATE
Thank you to everyone who has filled out the survey
Mendy is facilitating a meeting next week to figure out new recruitment methods. Cindy’s email would be an effective way to reach beyond current members’ friend groups.
Mendy needs to know who wants to continue in their roles or switching roles so we know who we are recruiting for.
Mendy needs the descriptions of each role. Where is the document describing everyone’s role.
Went through all positions currently filled.
Nom com should fill major roles, then within the committee they can recruit for other roles.
Once Mendy gets the room reps family lists, she can come up with a strategy. Do we need a coordinator for Room Reps? Mendy says no, it’s not a hard job traditionally and the Volunteer Coordinator can do the role.
EDI UPDATE
Black Lives Matter Week
Emily Barbee is working on it, and there will be more info next week.
Susan and Melissa stepped down from EDI chairs. Melissa is still going to be on the committee.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Notes from Emily – Black Lives Matter Week. Buddy Bench section in Wildchat to keep everyone engaged on what’s going on with EDI. Affinity groups, Megan will be sending out a link to a survey. No shortage of things to advocate for especially at the State Level. Why is funding done this way, and what can we do as a PTA?
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Spring Fling
1st meeting next Wednesday, meetings scheduled out until Spring Fling, May 20th
Deciding whether or not they are going to do the block party. Only concern is the weather so might book a venue.
Top Gun Theme
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Up to 129 members, right in line where we were last year. Lower than precovid times when we used the paper form, or signed people up at a library.
Add a form to sign up as a part of the packet the school sends out in the beginning of the year
EVENTS UPDATE
Fun Friday went really well
3rd Thursday is staff appreciation. Stock the lounge. This is the 2nd grade month to stock the staff lounge, but might need help because of COVID outbreak
Valentines Day events
PROGRAMS UPDATE
Still working on it. Might need volunteers. Still hoping for a February 1st starting date.
TREASURER UPDATE
Budget survey next week at the community meeting
FINAL WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
If you are going to be leaving your role, please find a replacement.
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:05 PM
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
General
Took a moment to acknowledge this was a hard day for Seattle Public Schools. Sending solace to Ingraham community and all of those affected.
School update- we are doing great. We’ve hit our stride and kids are stretching themselves and have good curiosity. Kindergartners settled in and many other fantastic things happening.
Loved the fall festival. Thank you to Jess Tz for organizing.
Postponed the gratitude assembly because Ms. Steph is out and will get that rescheduled.
Ms. Trilby & Sarah Update:
Book Fair- Literacy Night. There will be folks reading aloud on the stage, a number of crafts, teachers there, and parents will be shopping upstairs for the book fair with Phinney Books. December 1st.
Need 4-5 parent volunteers to help unpack. As soon as school is out the book fair starts and literacy night begins at 5:30- 7:30. They will also have teacher wishlists so parents can purchase books for classrooms.
Emily Grosse will be helping with the crafts and contact her with questions. Shout out to the teachers to spend a bit of extra time after hours reading with
Ms. Jo has self published a few books and will be in attendance as well and may read one of her books.
Questions for Cindy:
Chocolate Milk: Sara L. asking about chocolate milk being served at breakfast per Culinary services requirement. Ms. Jo does not want to serve Chocolate milk at breakfast because there is too much sugar and culinary services is taking some disciplinary action against her. There is information in the Wildchat for how to support Ms. Jo.
Tricia wrote in and received a disappointing response from culinary services.
Cindy supports Jo and has deep regard for her integrity. Proud she’s a part of whittier- she has a passion for food justice and access to healthy foods.
Assistant Principal & Counselor: Tina asked if there are any updates on an assistant principal. Cindy said we’re not going to get one regardless of if we step in or not. SPS has no money to implement. It makes things bumpy and rocky but there should be a conversation about what is the minimum needed to run a school. If Cindy had a full time counselor, a AP would be less necessary.
We do need to have interventionists budgeted and PTA needs to pay for it. Funding allocation for the next school year comes out in February. Advocate for minimum of what schools should have.
At Whittier PTA pays for art and reading interventionist
Discretionary dollars is $40k which is about as much as we need for basic supplies.
We have Lauren, the counselor, 5 days a week in the morning from 7:30-10:45 and every other Wednesday she’s here all day.
How do kid’s utilize her? She’s going into classrooms and taking on big feelings days and working with families. She’s doing a lot. She rarely sits down. Her professional background is mostly as a social worker in a healthcare setting.
.
NOMCOM UPDATE
Don’t have NOM COM updates because Mendy isn’t sure what she’s supposed to be doing.
Leah will walk Mendy through what to do. In general, the task is to find out who from this year wants to fill a position for next year. Will make sure practices for reaching out are as equitable as possible.
Need a better way to get and keep a parent directory. For next year we should come up with some language for room reps to get emails for class. There could be something at Back to business or curriculum night.
Room reps are a really good entry point into involvement.
Could have a meeting over the summer to discuss what we should send to room reps. Sara Lukas is happy to spearhead that.
Kidmail folder paper to add contact info.- Jess and Ashley to create.
December 13th Meeting: in person or zoom? Folks are interested in- in person. Jess Templeton to host
BOARD UPDATE
Members at Large
I Sara Lukas, move to approve Kellie Pecoraro and Tina Lilley to serve on the PTA Board as members at large.
Courtney seconded.
PASSED.
REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST
Due this Thursday. Must include a digital record of the art piece as well. Not many submissions yet
TREASURER UPDATE
October budget report
Current balance $201,084
Annual Give $37k
Jogathon $21k
Expenses of note: Insurance, Tap Root Theatre assembly, supplies purchased for the school over the summer.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Annual Give Update:
Extending to 11/14 and trying to get to $90k. Currently at $75k
Will announce the seahawk ticket winners next week.
Is it a big concern if we don’t make our goal now? (Courtney) In the last few years we’ve been eating away at our reserve where expenses are outweighing fundraising.
Ultimately we need to decide what we want to fund next year. We don’t typically poll the community about where they want to see their dollars go until after the holidays.
CHAIR ROUND ROBIN
Advocacy- Emily Barbee
First, in light of what happened at Ingraham we want gun legislation advocacy to have a renewed focus at Whittier. Invite Everytown to come and talk to our PTA and give an information session. Tricia will spearhead and get a date on the calendar aligned with one of our regularly scheduled meetings. Will aim for January.
If anyone has other organizations to highlight let Emily and Tricia know.
The Washington State PTA voted on their top 5 legislative priorities
Addressing student mental heatlh crisis
Addressing critical gaps in education funding
Reducing gun violence
Special education and support
Maintaining safer schools
Renee asked what the action items are beyond advocacy. Emily will try to find out more.
Some PTAs donate $ to organizations which support these efforts.
Mendy asked if we’re allowed to lobby with legislators as the PTA.
Next month advocacy would like to talk about equity and fundraising.
Advocacy postcard at literacy night? Great idea. Emily will implement
Communications- Kate
Kate is traveling.
EDI- Susan
At the last EDI meeting members created a two year plan to track progress. Strategies:
Whittier is committed to being an anti-racist school
All families are able to be their authentic self
All families be able to know the system well enough to advocate for themselves
More to come at the next meeting.
They will talk to Kate about getting it up on the website and in the Wildchat.
Events- Courtney
Thanks to Tina, Jess Tzs and Laura for leading the fall festival.
Next is ice skating later in November. If we get more that 40 kids to show up will be $11 per kid.
1:30-2:30 on Tuesday the 22nd. Will firm up what it covers and communicate to kids.
Literacy Night Dec 1st
March- First fun Friday will be a family dance game night chaired by Michelle and Meg.
May- Spring Fling
Hospitality- Kathleen and Emily
First fun Fridays- gratitude and chalk
Will be on the blacktop this year
Third Thursdays- October staff appreciation breakfast went really well.
November- hardi lunch hosted by 4th graders
December- Cookie bar provided by 3rd graders
Going through coffee like crazy. Trying to get the numbers correct and aksing for classes to donate.
Outreach- Sara
Haven’t done much recently but thinking about events that we’re already doing more welcoming and outreach oriented.
For Literacy night we want to make it obvious that it’s a PTA event and recruit people that we would not otherwise reach.
Also thinking about doing some kind of coffee meetup -do you want to get involved with being on the board? Morning or evening? Will be after the first of the year.
We should have a PTA table at all events.
What is the plan for Helping Hands this year? They asked about this at our principal check in. It is a gift card collection drive for families in need in the Whittier community.
Target, Fred Meyer, Safeway and the goal is between $1-$2k in gift cards.
Volunteers- Mendy
Mr. Collins does not have a room rep. Kathleen and Courtney will reach out to Natalie.
Amazon wish lists and teacher surveys. Mendy has them and will send out to room parents.
Tina populated the room parent email so all room parents will receive.
Mendy also has a master volunteering list for anyone who needs it.
Next year at first meeting we should have more training for each of the board positions.
11/15- Special Ed PTSA: Kids Do Well if They Can
12/1- Book fair/ Literacy Night
12/2- First Friday
12/8- EDI FOCS follow-up
12/13 Board Meeting
12/15 EDI Meeting
1/10 Board Meeting
1/17 Community Meeting
Q&A AND LOOKING AHEAD
Gifts for staff members- Need to have more of a conversation about how we do gifts for staff if we group together again. Mendy will send language to room parents.
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:05 PM
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
General
Grateful for the strong launch. a lot of fun at the move-a-thon and feels like we have a strong connection with families, especially after a wonky start.
Week 4 of school. Kids are getting into their routines. Continuing to have lunch outside for half the scholars.
Activities
Looking forward to the Taproot Theater Company coming to perform a play this week.
Trying to do many events at school because transportation costs are prohibitive. $250 for school bus and charter is $350/ hour.
Other events- 5th avenue theater coming in april. Talking to the opera for bilingual opera
What about inclusivity for these activities? Two assemblies to limit the number of scholars and make it more accessible for all. Massive monkeys will provide a smaller interaction for specialist groups.
PTA support and how that impacts the school
As a tier 4 school we are funded at a lower rate than a tier 1 school. Perceived needs of the school is different. This year our nurse was reduced from 2 full days to 1.5 days and staff decided to use discretionary dollars to fund the other half day of nurse.
PTA funds a .5 of a specialist so all kids have specialist time every day.
Our kids need reading support which is the bulk of what Cindy asks the PTA to pay for. Whittier also has a grant for reading support
Our PTA will fund Amazon classroom wish lists and other school needs. The PTA is a backup.
Leah- This is also so our teachers have a full time job which is why we try to get all of our specialists to full time or full days.
Questions:
Can we make this information viewable for all families? Glenda Ellen
Kellie P. answered that we typically make recordings available for families to view the meeting.
What is the max enrollment for Whittier? Lauren Carey
Right size enrollment is about 65-75 per grade level which is about 3 classes per grade.
There’s a new social worker, Ms. Lauren, who is at our school 7:30-11 in the morning and then drives to Magnolia for the afternoon. Next ask would be for a full time social worker. Cindy has enough work for (2) full time social workers.
Whittier tries to be super good stewards of all PTA money. Have recently purchased resources for spelling in 3-5th grade and a book series with full curriculum for diversity.
Advocacy- SPS needs to send a minimum a school needs to operate. For example, this year Whittier doesn’t have an AP and should. Then secured Special Ed staffing sept 6th and more IAP staffing (56 kids require IAPs). This should have triggered an AP. Would be extremely helpful to have a minimum amount of funding to resolve issues such as these.
Calendar Updates
The revised calendar has come out and is being voted on tomorrow by the Board. Whittier is not adjusting end of year celebrations, which will occur the week(s) before school gets out. Such as field day, 5th grade promotion and 5th grade
Overview of Building Leadership Team (BLT)– governing body for the school. Meets once a month and talks about school improvement plan, conference schedule, things that need to be voted on contractually, school wide things that are happening, forum for staff input. Collaborative team.
Volunteer training– Everyone please go through it so when something comes up you can do it.
Board Updates: Vote to appoint Co-Secretaries Jared Cortese and Jess Templeton
New Website: subscribe to calendar. Also has the lunch menu and link to Whittier spirit gear.
Teacher’s lounge Makeover: Rallied around sourcing from buy nothing/ Amazon wishlist. Teachers have been so appreciative of it. They actually meet there and eat lunch there and it’s fostered more camaraderie.
Wildcat Spirit Fence: Something that Cindy asked for last summer.
Reflections Art Contest: Nationwide contest. We need someone who can drive this this year. It is all set up but it needs a champion who can organize, then a couple of people who can review submissions.
Have many different categories students could choose from.
Champion would work with Cindy and the office to get the word out.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR UPDATE
Running Volunteer List: Folks that put their names on it at back to business and curriculum nights
Encourage reaching out to others who may be interested.
If you need volunteers Mendy can send names to you.
Mr. Province’s class does not have a room parent. Help find one!
For special education classes it is different this year. Previously there have not been room parents in these classrooms but are trying to best represent and include these classrooms.
Focus and Access are programs and there is a resource classroom. Really depends on the needs of the students and kids. Provides more support for kids that have IAPs and 504 plans.
Cindy has provided a presentation in the past about these programs which may be more helpful. Access to specialists is a big deal.
Ask Cindy to present this slide show at the next meeting.
Room reps allows for representation of these classrooms.
Current Needs:
Reflections art program
Programs chair
Co-President
VP
email volunteer to be put on the list to volunteer or for any other inquiries
Nominating Committee Update: This is a committee that identifies folks for positions next year. This is a formal committee and will be voted on at the end of the meeting. This committee recommends who will be next year’s Executive Board. The Community will vote in next year’s PTA board in May of this year.
Proposed Members: Susan Hernandez, Courtney Sievers, Mendy Minjarez, Joa Pope
TREASURER REPORT
September Budget Reports: $166k in the bank, and we get our money from the fundraisers. A big piece of fundraising is employer matching. Also get passive funding from Amazon Smile, etc.
To date we have income trickling in from annual give and move- a -thon.
Expenses year to date: Insurance processed, quickbooks account, kindergarten pizza party, EDI training for Board members and staff, putting on an assembly later this week.
Proposed updates for 2022-23 budget
This is to right size our budget that need to be added back into our budget post covid.
Update Whittier Support Grant to cover Q4 2021-22 and Q1-3 of 2022-23= $77,299.67
Increase Outreach budget by $710 for incoming Kindergarten pizza event
Increase staff appreciation by $1000 for staff lounge updates
Increase web hosting $20
Increase Konstella budget $350
Increase President’s budget for zoom by $200
Increase hospitality budget by $200
Increase awards budget by $100 to cover plaque/ engraving costs
Total Expenses increase by $4,679.
Lauren Carey asked a question about EDI budget training. It is one of the largest budget items at $4500. There is still $2000 left to spend. Lauren asking if any of the EDI money is restricted.
Process for Money to come out- need invoice to write a check or executed contract.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE (Ashley)
Annual give has 44 donations with a total of 14k so far
Move-a-thon $21k
Goal is $90k between the two.
Support Whittier PTA while you shop
Amazon smile and Fred Meyer
FALL FESTIVAL (Tiina)
Friday, October 28th from 4:30-7
No tickets necessary, just show up
Games and activities: pumpkin decorating, apple toss, face painting, candy corn toss, pumpkin run, cake walk and photo booth.
Move inside after dark for the Monster Mash DJ’d by Ms. Steph
Costumes are welcome but not required
Inclusive because it is more relaxed.
Will have some food available for sale: Corn dog combo, Popcorn & Cotton Candy machine
Not meant to be a fundraiser, meant to be a net zero event. Going to make money back by food purchase and a raffle.
VOTES:
Executive Committee:
Leah moved to approve the following:
We, the Whittier General Membership, approve Secretaries, Jared Cortese & Jess Templeton to serve on the PTA Executive Committee for 2022-23.
Renee Seconded the motion.
Passed
2022-23 Budget:
Courtney Sievers, moved to approve the revisions to the 22-23 Whittier PTA budget revisions
Jared seconded the motion.
Passed
Nominating Committee:
Kate moved to approve the individuals listed for the Nom Comm
Anna seconded the motion
Passed
Approval of Standing Rules to include
Leah Motioned to approve.
Courtney Seconded
4.4 Addition of member at large position to the Board
6.2 Updates to fiscal year budgets.
Passed
EDI UPDATE
Melissa O’Keefe & Emily Barbee
Focus this year: community education, engagement, communication and advocacy
Will have an EDI section in the Wildchat every issue.
Currently reviewing an equity assessment that was done a few years ago for the PTA and we will be implementing this year.
CHAIR UPDATES
Communications: Join Konstella & grade-level FB group
Advocacy: Megan Going to the legislative assembly this weekend and will meet up with nearby elementary and middle schools
Working on getting legislators and school board members to visit the PTA throughout the year
Supporting the work of the EDI committee
Outreach (Sarah Lukas): Going to host a kindergarten coffee date soon
Events (Emily Grosse): First fridays. Behind the scenes is third Thursday staff appreciation. Thank you to 5th grade parents for contributing to this month.
Membership: We are at a total of 109 PTA members, 4 staff for a total of 113.
To have afterschool programming we need a chair. If interested, reach out to Kate or Mendy.
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:05 PM
Each attendee introduced themselves, who their children are, their position, and what their favorite karaoke song is.
STAFF MEMBERS PERSPECTIVE – JARED OGLE
Thank you for your support during contract negotiations and for getting students back to school on Wednesday
Thank you for the update on the staff lounge
Excited for more volunteers to have access into the building this year
Excited about the Amazon wish list for teachers
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
Thank you for the updated staff lounge
Many more people are using it this year
We don’t know the calendar yet, due to the missed days from the teacher’s strike
We are going to start with mid-winter break
Ok if students miss days because of vacation, kids will have the opportunity to catch up
Won’t be a lot of work scheduled during added days
We are allowing a lot more volunteers in the school this year
Looking for really specific tasks for volunteers
Ex. 1st Grade and Kindergarten need help to set up Ipads, reach out to teachers if you have time
Great start to the school year
Currently only allowing students to enter the property on 13th Ave. NW
Not enough staff members to have the 14th Ave. NW entrance open right now
Would rather have staff in the building getting ready for the day
Principal Waters will announce any changes as they happen throughout the school year
We’re looking forward to getting back to in-person events
Some families will be experiencing Whittier Events for the first time
Curriculum Night – This Thursday, September 22nd is our first in-person event
Parents will get to find out what their children’s experience is like during the day
Tour of their classroom, introduce to their teacher, see their desk, and see all teachers and staff in scholar’s life
Amazon wish lists for teachers will be up and running soon
Questions for Principal Waters
Q: What is Whittier doing to try and keep students COVID safe?
If a student is ill, please stay home
If a student has been exposed, pleased wear a mask
Continuing having two lunch spaces – one grade level eating indoors, one grade level eating outdoors (continuing through the school year)
Some students are still choosing to use masks and test at home
Many staff are still keeping windows open
Still using HEPA filters
Whittier is in a high vaccine area
Q: Where do we find the Amazon Wishlist?
It will be on the PTA website in the next week
Some teachers are still figuring out what they need
Q: How are we feeling about Move-a-thon being in the fall this year?
Cindy is excited and happy that it is happening early this year. It is a great community-building event. We are ready!
Q: How many staff have keys to the gate on 14th Ave.?
Lots of teachers have keys.
The concern is kids are getting impatient and climbing the fence when the gate is locked
Principal Waters doesn’t like to tell kids what they can’t do, but wants to tell kids what they can do safely to solve the problem
PRESIDENT UPDATE
Jess Templeton and Jared Cortese have been voted in as Co-Secretaries
We are going to try and do some in-person meetings this year
PTA will let people know when
Agendas will be on the Whittier PTA website the Friday before board meetings
Next meeting will be a community meeting on October 11
Vote in exec committee chairs
Vote nominating committee
Vote on standing rules
Slide Show
Examples of how PTA Funds have recently been used
Updates to the teacher’s lounge
Spirit Fence Project – 5000 cups
PTA Website available online
You can link to your google calendar to get updates
Lunch menus
Spirit gear
News links
Spirit Gear
New spirit gear on website
To order go to the website and fill out the form. Orders will be directly shipped to the customer
More designs coming!
Evergreen w/ the original logo
PTA-sponsored designs
Reflections art contest
Each school can participate
Many categories, all students can submit for any category they want
This year’s theme is “Show Your Voice”
PTA still needs to set a deadline for submissions
We currently need volunteers for the art submission committee to choose finalists
If questions, Emily Grosse is happy to be a resource
COMMUNICATION’S REPORT
After School Enrichment Programs
PTAs and other groups are now allowed to access the school again for Programs
More structured than pre-Covid
The Whiitier has communicated a desire for after-school programs, and that they consider these programs are essential
Goals for after school programs
Offer opportunities for student socialization for grade level peers and cross-grade
Offer positive experiences after school
Program Guidelines
Accessible and low barrier
Sustainable budget
Inclusive
We need a volunteer to be Program Chair, Kate Scher can advise and guide
Questions For Kate
Q: Do teachers have a desire for Programs
SPS has provided significant barriers for teachers to participate
If teachers do participate they need a business license
TREASURER’S REPORT
Still getting money from last year’s annual give
We currently have close to $170,000 in our account
Suggested changes for this current year’s fiscal budget
Update Whittier Support Grant to cover Q4 2021-22 and Q1-3 of 2022-23 = $77,299.67
Add $710 to Outreach budget for the incoming Kindergarten pizza event (have had in the past pre-Covid)
$100 to Staff appreciation for staff lounge updates
Increase web hosting to $220 (moved to new platform this year)
Increase Konstella budget to $350 (previous budget was a guesstimate)
Add $200 to President’s budget for Zoom Increase Hospitality budget by $200 for increased expenses
Add $100 to awards to cover plaque/engraving costs
Total expenses increased by $4679.67
Will need to include $25K in staffing for Q4 2022-23 in the 2023-24 budget
Questions For Renee
Q: Could you explain why we need to add the previous years Q4 into the current budget?
When PTA gets invoice from SPS, we can’t pay right away with our staffing grant because our fiscal year is different from SPS’s. PTA has to pay it over two years
Q: Why are we now paying for Konstella when we previously had a free version?
Free version no longer available
Q: Who pays for our Zoom account, and how do different departments use Zoom without having to pay for a separate account?
Connect with Leah, and she will send you a link
Maybe we will migrate the communal Zoom over to the support account
Q: Will Cindy need more money for the 2022-23 staffing grant?
She has already said no
MOTION: Leah motioned to approve changes to 2022-23 budget
VOTE: Yes 17 , No 0, Abstain 0 – motion passed
FUNDRAISING CHAIR’S REPORT
Fall Fundraising Goal ($90k or $250 per student)
Annual Give – 10/05 – 10/31
Upping the award for the next category to $250
Asking each student to give $250
Trying to reach out to employers to match donations
PInts for Purpose
Move-a-thon
Questions For/From Fundraising
Q: To the Board from Glenda (Fundraising) – Are we able to publish where the staffing grant specifically goes?
No, but we can say:
flexible staffing grant and service
Positions such as these are not fully funded and a flexible staffing grant helps us fund positions such as these
Follow up from Glenda:
Any informant will help the fundraising team to educate younger families
A list of the roles that aren’t fully funded would be helpful
CHAIR UPDATES
Communications
Check out the Whittier PTA Website for all information and messages from PTA
Join Konstella: Konstella calendar = Google calendar (on website) – link your calendar using either system
Join grade-level FB group – if you are a new parent go to the connect tab
Get to know the people in your community beyond your grade level
Wildchat will be sent to you
If you have an idea for an event or an article send to Kate
If you want to be a co-communication chair see Kate
Informal discussion about shared drives amongst board members
First step was to make sure everyone was using the Whittier Group Drive instead of personal accounts
Next step is to figure out how to organize all the documents from the different roles
Use Shared Drives instead of My Drives so that other PTA members can view?
Community Access is the only folder that is public-facing
Advocacy
Be one of Whittier’s voting delegates at WSPTA Legislative Assembly (Oct. 23-24)
The district is severely underfunded, so we will be asking the state why is public education so underfunded
EDI
Working with the 1st grade teachers on pilot to helping neuro diverse students
Currently trying to figure out how to continue EDI training, for staff and PTA volunteers
Building affinity group
More to come at next board meeting
Outreach
Popsicle party over the summer
Pizza party, parents couldn’t come but good community building event for Kindergarteners
Had to cancel 1st day of school event, coffee for Kindergarten parents
Coffee event is rescheduled for Friday September 30th
Events
Annual Give
10/5 Pints for Purpose @WheeliePop
10/7 First Friday Fun (Same day as Move-A-Thon
Staff Appreciation every 3rd Thursday – 5th Grade first
10/28 Fall Carnival
Not as Halloween-oriented as years passed
More low key than in the past few years
95% outdoors, bathrooms available indoors
Looking at a 4:30 PM or 5:00 Pm start time
We will have volunteer sign ups at Curriculum night
Membership
Total Memberships: 88
85 PTA Members
3 Staff Members
Let Tricia know if anyone needs to have their membership updated
Volunteer Opportunities
Co President/VP/Communications Co-Chair needed
We really need people to sign up for committees
Nominating Committee (vote to approve @ Oct. 11 Community Meeting)
Fall Carnival Committee
Reflections Art Contest Committee
We need a Programs Chair
Won’t have After School Programs is no one signs up
We need a Support Co-Chair
Can be done from home
Room Reps sign-up going well
Be one of Whittier’s voting delegates at WSPTA Legislative
General volunteer list has been started
Currently 23 people on that list
Mendy will connect with Tina on how best to support and connect volunteers to events
Next meeting: Community Meeting October 18th
Questions for Chairs
Q: To the Board from Susan (EDI) – How can we incorporate EDI into room reps with the training they have, so all events and programming have an EDI lens?
Will consider over coming weeks
Q: To Susan from Mindy (Volunteer) – What is the best approach for Access and Focus class so their families feel included?
Should there be room reps for the access and focus classrooms?
This would be an easy way for families to get involved
Kathleen motioned, Courtney seconded – Meeting minutes approved. (vote was at 8:46 pm)
Land Acknowledgement by Kristen Liang
7:05 Staff Update
7:15 Principal Update
Student Guest Speakers – Emma Kocher & Julia Liang
EMMA – 5th Grade Celebration
5th grade classes could take a day off to go to a park, have pizza & play games
Stay at school – all 3 classes could have different activities ie; movies, arts & crafts, games
Parks – salmon bay, carkeek, Kirke – going somewhere because then the other classes won’t be there
Emma is happy to be on an organizing committee
JULIA – Bathrooms, Library – non-fiction books, Food Quality at Lunch
Bathrooms – toilets should have seat covers to be more sanitary (flushable covers)
Library – Doesn’t have a lot of diversity, especially about people. For example, people who helped make our community the way it is now.
(Cindy posed question: How we could get more diverse books?) A: School families could donate books about certain topics
School Lunches – The food should be better quality.
Half of the pasta wasn’t cooked in one of the lunches. Food is soggy and they don’t want to touch it.
(Cindy Question: How could we make the food better?) A: Food is in a freezer and heated up in a microwave… they should check it to make sure it’s fully cooked
Julia agreed to be on a Food Service Committee
MASKING UPDATE
No update tonight, but she has a meeting tomorrow about masking. Her hunch/best guess is that SPS will probably follow what other schools in the general area are doing with masks.
Masks are included in the MOU (memorandum of understanding). Cindy doesn’t think it requires a vote, but she thinks that it is just agreement between leadership teams
BUDGET – not great, not horrible
Down 1 homeroom teacher
She’s working on getting universal intervention support… She thinks it’s inequitable to not have the same support available to Whittier as other schools in this department.
SCHOOL
Prides of March – loosely organized but hoping it’ll be better next year
Cindy wants to support “safe conversations” Kids are picking up on current events… Russia/Ukraine, LGTBQ issues
Spirit Days – low barrier to participation, no purchases for these days, something you don’t really have to plan for – No heavy lifts!
Door decorating at the end of the month! Parents will be able to help, but 80% of the door will be done by the kids. Doors will show who the classroom is as a community.
7:30 President’s Report – Kristen & Tina
3/15 Community Meeting (platform, presentation, member voting)
Spring Fling Update – Sandra
Great committee, about 15 volunteers who are rocking & rolling
5-9 pm, no kids – set-up/tear-down earlier/later than that window
We can use the blacktop and the gym – will be using it for
Food Truck – Dantes – hot dogs, Veraci – Pizza
There will be drinking – out on the street. No alcohol on school premises
Games – Corn Hole, other outdoor games
Sandra has a permit – WA State liquor & cannabis board, will also get block party permit
Planning to let neighbors know that the event will be happening
Expenses – Minimal – trying to use things from school.. ie; tables, canopies from family
Decor Team
Standing meeting 7-9 pm
Special Guest DJ might be a possibility…
Procurement – Elliott has been doing an amazing job. He’s contacted 88 businesses. Mix of printed emails, online forms too. 6 donations so far, but many more coming. 20 more in-person drops planned for this week.
Virtual School Tours Update – Megan, Sara, Tricia
Good turnout for the virtual tours
Room Rep Emails – Kate
Wants us to consolidate requests via her so we don’t overwhelm room reps
Funding various PTA initiatives priority in survey results
enrichment activities
academic enrichment
equity
field trips
community events
Budget Committee Update
budget numbers from district are not good
Staffing Grant Request for 2022/23
2.5 PCP funded next year (vs 3 for this year)
staffing 90K – this keeps it so we retain staffing levels of reading specialists and PCP
Reading Interventionist serves a larger group of students than any homeroom teachers
Kathleen asked what happens if we don’t make fundraising numbers. Renee said fundraising forecasts are pretty conservative and that people want to know what they need to give.
Another comment was made that we need to continue/increase advocacy efforts to change the way things are funded… “BOTH/AND” re: Fundraising and Advocacy
VOTE – Courtney motioned to put a $90K staffing grant up for approval at the Community Meeting; Kathleen seconded
8:10 Nominating Committee Update – Leah
Received responses from half of the board
Still need more people to get involved
Talked about bringing FACE (Family and Community Engagement) committee efforts back
Cindy Watters pointed out that some schools get more LAP (discretionary) dollars per student than others and lots of PTA funding is making up for that to help students whose families might be less financially stable than their “wealthy” neighborhoods.
Tricia Schalekamp added via chat: Cindy’s comment (data from SPS site) 2021-2022 Lap Funding is $24,492 for Northgate & $12,816 for Whittier
PTA/PTO Revenue per student (‘18-’19)
North $323
Central $282
West $286
Southeast $67
Most fundraising happens in the North and West areas of SPS. Strong correlation between those areas and the historic redlining activities that happened.
SCPTSA looking for people who want to have a conversation with the Seattle Public Schools in the Take Back conversation & school funding policies.
Most fundraising happens in the North and West areas of SPS. Strong correlation between those areas and the historic redlining activities that happened.
SE Coalition is still seeking funds… they may do an equal distribution of funds this year, or they may do more of a equity based distribution (ie; free/reduced lunch #s)
PTA Community Meeting 3/15 – critical staffing budget requests and vote
Nominating Committee Update (Leah) – 1st mtg this week, more updates next month
7:50 Principal & Staff Updates (Cindy)
Budget Preview
Schools never have enough money
Enrollment projections – we think we will be down about 38 students – 80 – 5th graders moving on, 72 Kindergarteners projected to come, plus attrition
Megan asked if legislation passes to use 2019 enrollment numbers, if that will help us. Cindy said maybe because it might be used to cover for this year
We expect to get budget from the district on 2/28
COVID $ from government is paying for playground supervision, Katie Dahlen
We are paying Nurse Marissa extra to help with contact tracing
Cindy offered to have a bigger conversation about budgeting if anyone is interested
Kathleen asked if we’ll get more COVID relief money next year. Cindy said we don’t know
Kate S added via chat: “ESSER III dollars currently end on 9/30/22 and there’s no public discussion of it renewing again that I’ve found”
Tina asked about BLT meeting… meeting just happened. Starting to discuss who is staying/leaving. Teachers are torn about PTA funding… they LOVE having a reading specialist (Ms Trilby)
Black Lives Matter Recap
Great week
Cindy complimented the teachers – thoughtful & intentional, especially about BLM. They cultivate curiosity daily and are doing a great job!
Another bulletin board made by Ms Mayo to highlight BLM.
BLM week started in Seattle.
Lays the foundation for kids to be thinkers and future leaders/activists/voters/disrupters
Prides of March Drive
Partner with Tent City 3 at Phinney Lutheran Church, sanctioned tent city –
Starting 6th/7th of March
Each week is different theme with different grades helping to organize what we’re collecting and why
Student ambassadors to collect items
She’d like to partner with PTA to collect items
Tying to virtues of compassion and kindness
She plans to build in some spirit days too
Kristen brought up the book drive to diversify our library books – Cindy would like to still do it.
Kathleen asked for COVID update
LESS covid! Enough of a drop that we can resume vision/hearing screening
District says 2/7 in-person audiences for secondary schools will be ok, so maybe in March we can resume singing indoors (with masks)
Susan thanked Cindy for getting the IA positions at Whittier
