The Wildchat: 10/8/2025
Catch up on what’s happening around Whittier this October — upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and our annual fall celebrations in this week’s Wildchat!
Catch up on what’s happening around Whittier this October — upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and our annual fall celebrations in this week’s Wildchat!
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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We’re 44% of the way to our $130,000 goal—math whizzes will note that means we need a big finish. Your suggested $395 per student fuels 58% of Whittier PTA’s total fundraising for the year, keeping the good stuff rolling:
🎨 Daily specialists (including, regular art class)
📚 Math & reading support and challenge
🎉 Community events that turn strangers into friends
🍎 Curriculum & instructional support for our teachers
…and so much more.
If we don’t hit the goal, those programs wobble. If we do? Our kids keep thriving, and you’re officially a hero with bonus raffle bragging rights—every student whose family submits their form (regardless of donation amount) is entered to win cool prizes.
Right now, we’ve had about 38% of our Wildcat families participate in Annual Give–let’s get that participation number to 100%!
Donate today and remeber amplify the impact with your employer’s matching program if you can! Let’s finish strong so every Wildcat can keep pouncing on art, music, math, and memories. 🐾
👉 Give Now 👈
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It starts on September 15 (because that day marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries) and runs through October 15.
The theme for 2025 is Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. It’s all about celebrating and learning from the past while also looking forward to the contributions and promise of future generations.
Why is it important for schools and families to know about Hispanic Heritage Month?
What can you do to celebrate?
There are lots of fun ways children and families can observe Hispanic Heritage Month together or in school! Here are a few:
Want to learn more?
Check out these resources:
SPS nutrition services has introduced a curious new Friday tradition in Whittier’s lunchroom: every student who buys lunch now receives a six-pack of mini doughnuts.
Kids cheer; teachers cringe. Six doughnuts take time, leaving apple slices and carrot sticks untouched. Staff worry the sugar rush—and the lack of anything green—won’t help students stay focused through the afternoon.
Parents with thoughts can share them with Seattle Public Schools’ Nutrition Services here: https://www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/Dialogue.aspx?k=WF7G2YLT@DY9Z5RXLT
Think PTA work is all late-night meetings and endless emails? Think again. Here’s a lightning-round of ways to jump in, meet fun people, and maybe even power-wash a giant sea creature:
Want to help Whittier grow? Email the PTA today and snag your spot! Psst–you can always find a complete listing of volunteer opportunities at Whittier here >>
Whittier PTA coordinates After School enrichment programs for Whittier families across Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Registration for Fall session is open now through October 3rd with spots still available for:
Learn more about Whittier PTA’s After School programs and how to register here >>
CFPR Functional Fitness teaches youth physical fitness with a focus on form and fun! Our classes can help athletic kids become stronger, faster, and more agile, and build confidence and body awareness in children who just want to have a good time and move their bodies.
From bodyweight movements like squats, planks, and burpees, to cardio with rowers or scooters, every exercise is scaled to each child’s ability. And we’ll play fitness-oriented games that make exercise fun!
We’ll also introduce older children to weighted movements—starting with extremely light dumbbells and barbells, then increasing weight as they develop good form.
Interested? Details are below.
CFPR Kids (ages 7-11)
CFPR Teens (ages 12-15)
Email info@cfpr.fitness to learn more or sign up!
Attention 3rd-5th grade families! Girls on the Run at the PNA is seeking needs two more participants to join other Whittier and community members for their Fall session in order for the session to happen! They’re also seeking adult volunteers to coach. If you’d like to learn more information, please visit www.gotrpugetsound.org
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
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Ahoy, Whittier Community! Our 2025 Spring Fling was a splendid voyage, charting a course for success with over $89,000 raised – a whopping $14,000 beyond our initial goal of $75,000!
A Big Thank You to Our Crew
None of this would have been possible without the steady hands at the helm. A massive thank you to our Spring Fling co-captains, Rena Giannoulakis and Elan Wang Simonson, and to the Spring Fling Core Committee: Rebecca Grandin, Melissa Ivancevich, Joni Larson, Angie Lundstedt, Shannon Luoma, Sara Lukas, Aisling McCarron, Mendy Minjarez, Melinda Nett, Sarah Okun, Emily Schweiger, John Shaw, Jess Twardzik, and Laura Zingg-Wadstack.
To the Volunteers Who Stepped Up
We’d also like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who pitched in throughout the event—whether you signed up for a shift ahead of time or jumped right in at the end of the night to help us swab the deck! Your willingness to help out wherever needed is the true spirit of our Whittier community, and we couldn’t have sailed this smoothly without you.
Our Party Navigators
A special shout-out to the crew who kept the event afloat:
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Captains
We are deeply grateful to our leaders:
To Our Auction Contributors
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the auction—whether you hosted or will host an event, helped create beautiful classroom art or masterpieces of your own, chipped in to create fantastic classroom buckets, offered up your vacation rentals, or donated tickets to exciting events. Your generosity created a treasure trove of experiences and items, making the auction an incredible success!
Set Sail with Us for Next Year
If you have feedback, questions, or are interested in volunteering for next year’s event, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at springfling@whittierptaseattle.org. Together, we’ll keep sailing toward success!
Our Ship for the Night
A heartfelt thank you to our beautiful venue for the evening: Sunset Hill Community Hall. It was the perfect port for our celebration.
To Our Community of Caretakers and Supporters
And of course, we extend our deepest gratitude to the crew of caretakers, families, and supporters of Whittier and our Wildcats. Your generosity has helped us sail far beyond our financial target, allowing us to support crucial staff and services for next year.
Because of your unwavering support, we’re now able to fully fund next year’s Unified Snack Pantry, ensuring that families won’t need to provide snacks for individual classrooms. Your contributions also put us nearly halfway to our $15,000 target to increase investment in our school by funding a Staff Intervention and Enrichment Coordinator, who will facilitate math intervention and extension programs, a Whittier STEAM Lab, and much more.
If you missed the boat, it’s not too late! You can still contribute to our Fund the Need, buy tickets to some hosted party experiences, and bid on/buy some amazing silent auction items!
The PTA is planning next year’s after-school programs, and we’d love your input!
What clubs would your child be interested in? How can we improve your experience? This survey is open to all families, even if your child did not participate in clubs this year. Your feedback will help us plan fun, enriching programs aligned with your students’ interests. It only takes five minutes to share your thoughts!
This year, the PTA has been learning about belonging- what it means to belong, how we can create a sense of belonging and how to increase belonging within the larger Whittier Community.
A new project that we are launching is the Wildcat Connection. We are looking for current 1st and 2nd grade families ( Connector Families) to be matched with incoming Kindercat Families, with a goal of helping Kindercat families transition into the Whittier Community and foster a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
Emily S. will be the PTA Contact person to support the Family Connections program. You will receive monthly check-ins and Emily will be available as needed for questions / concerns/ suggestions. The goal is to create community without creating a lot of extra work!
Duties of Connector Families:
Interested??? Complete this form!!
If you have any questions, please email outreach@whittierptaseattle.org.
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
Wildcats Walk to Whitman!
Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am
Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW
The Staff Appreciation Team at Whitman is a fun, social, organized, and thoughtful team that loves to spoil our hardworking staff.
Whitman staff spend more waking hours with our kids than we often do. Let’s show them they are valued and integral to our community!
The Staff Appreciation Team hosts low-key, meaningful, monthly appreciation events and recognitions of staff. The best news is most of the work is done online!… However, showing up in person at the school once or twice a month is a bonus!
If you are interested in joining the team everyone is happy to see, don’t wait!
Contact Ali Schlameus at whitman-ptsa-staff-appreciation@googlegroups.com.
Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are looking for community members to join a STEAM Lab task force this summer! This group of leaders will collaborate on designing the new STEAM Lab space, plan how teachers and volunteers will use it, and help prepare the space and program for launch.
Volunteers will attend a kickoff meeting in June, meet periodically over the summer, and participate in hands-on work sessions in late August and early September.
No science background is required—just a passion for creating a valuable resource for the Wildcat community!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Whittier STEAM Lab Experience Team: Do you enjoy brainstorming creative ideas and helping shape educational experiences?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are seeking community volunteers to help develop a yearlong set of science-focused activities—including demonstrations, invention projects, and games—that will support classroom instruction and engage K–5 students in hands-on learning.
Volunteers will work independently and remotely from June through July 2025 to design these activities, with opportunities in early September to finalize plans and collaborate with fellow community members who will bring the ideas to life in the school’s new STEAM Lab.
No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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Hello Wildcat Families! We are very excited for our Spring Fling fundraiser THIS Saturday!
10. *New this year!* The online auction for class buckets, class art, and silent auction items will open early on Thursday, May 29 at 5pm. The online auction closes at 8:00pm. Sign-ups for the popular hosted parties will start at 6pm on Saturday, May 31 and remain open until 11pm Saturday, June 7.
9. Anyone with a schoolauction.net account for Spring Fling 2025 can bid on auction items or sign up for hosted parties – attendance at the live event is not required!
The PTA is planning next year’s after-school programs, and we’d love your input!
What clubs would your child be interested in? How can we improve your experience? This survey is open to all families, even if your child did not participate in clubs this year. Your feedback will help us plan fun, enriching programs aligned with your students’ interests. It only takes five minutes to share your thoughts!
This year, the PTA has been learning about belonging- what it means to belong, how we can create a sense of belonging and how to increase belonging within the larger Whittier Community.
A new project that we are launching is the Wildcat Connection. We are looking for current 1st and 2nd grade families ( Connector Families) to be matched with incoming Kindercat Families, with a goal of helping Kindercat families transition into the Whittier Community and foster a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
Emily S. will be the PTA Contact person to support the Family Connections program. You will receive monthly check-ins and Emily will be available as needed for questions / concerns/ suggestions. The goal is to create community without creating a lot of extra work!
Duties of Connector Families:
Interested??? Complete this form!!
If you have any questions, please email outreach@whittierptaseattle.org.
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
Wildcats Walk to Whitman!
Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am
Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW
Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are looking for community members to join a STEAM Lab task force this summer! This group of leaders will collaborate on designing the new STEAM Lab space, plan how teachers and volunteers will use it, and help prepare the space and program for launch.
Volunteers will attend a kickoff meeting in June, meet periodically over the summer, and participate in hands-on work sessions in late August and early September.
No science background is required—just a passion for creating a valuable resource for the Wildcat community!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Whittier STEAM Lab Experience Team: Do you enjoy brainstorming creative ideas and helping shape educational experiences?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are seeking community volunteers to help develop a yearlong set of science-focused activities—including demonstrations, invention projects, and games—that will support classroom instruction and engage K–5 students in hands-on learning.
Volunteers will work independently and remotely from June through July 2025 to design these activities, with opportunities in early September to finalize plans and collaborate with fellow community members who will bring the ideas to life in the school’s new STEAM Lab.
No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar
Spring Fling Class Art Preview on 5/23!
Save The Date! On Friday 5/23 from 2:30-3:30 the PTA will host a preview of classroom art projects for this year’s Spring Fling auction. Families are encouraged to stop by the covered area of the blacktop to check out their Wildcats’ amazing creative work. It’s a fun opportunity for students to see their finished projects and view art from other classrooms.
Auction Catalog Preview Drops on 5/23!
Get ready to start planning your bids – Our Auction Catalog goes live for preview at 5pm on Thursday, May 23rd! Take a sneak peek at the incredible experiences and items up for grabs at this year’s Spring Fling, including treasures from local businesses, unforgettable hosted parties, one-of-a-kind classroom art projects, and themed baskets for every interest. Don’t miss your chance to scope out your favorites before the big event!
Sign up to volunteer the day and/or night of the event!
Most Shifts are only 1 hour!
Visit the Spring Fling website Buy Tickets, book childcare, and for more details! Sign up to volunteer the day and/or night of the event!
Further Details: Raise $75,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.
We have an exciting update about this year’s Cruise for a Cause: Whittier PTA Spring Fling Auction & Fundraiser! While we originally planned for a lively block party on 13th Ave NW, updated guidance from the City of Seattle means we’re changing course—and we’re thrilled about our new destination!
New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉
This year’s event will now be held at the historic Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)—a beloved neighborhood gem that recently earned landmark status. This welcoming, indoor venue offers the perfect space for dancing, mingling, bidding, and celebrating all things Whittier. We can’t wait to fill it with the spirit of our amazing school community! Psst – We have 135 tickets left–be sure to grab your ticket today!
Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶
Arrive at 6pm when the upper level of Sunset Hill Hall will come alive with music, dancing, and social time, while the lower level will feature auction tables, dining, our signature bar, and more. It’s a new layout, but the same community energy you know and love!
Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️
Due to space constraints, our traditional food trucks won’t be part of this year’s Spring Fling. Instead, we’re offering a curated selection of heavy appetizers throughout the evening to complement our same great bar (buy extra drink tickets at checkout!). Attendees will have the opportunity to donate their planned food-truck-bucks to help fund the food during Spring Fling.
Childcare Reminder! 🧸
Don’t forget—this is an adults-only evening, but Illumination Learning Studios is offering a childcare option exclusively for Whittier families. Make your plans and enjoy a well-deserved night out for a great cause!
The PTA is planning next year’s after-school programs, and we’d love your input!
What clubs would your child be interested in? How can we improve your experience? This survey is open to all families, even if your child did not participate in clubs this year. Your feedback will help us plan fun, enriching programs aligned with your students’ interests. It only takes five minutes to share your thoughts!
Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are looking for community members to join a STEAM Lab task force this summer! This group of leaders will collaborate on designing the new STEAM Lab space, plan how teachers and volunteers will use it, and help prepare the space and program for launch.
Volunteers will attend a kickoff meeting in June, meet periodically over the summer, and participate in hands-on work sessions in late August and early September.
No science background is required—just a passion for creating a valuable resource for the Wildcat community!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Whittier STEAM Lab Experience Team: Do you enjoy brainstorming creative ideas and helping shape educational experiences?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are seeking community volunteers to help develop a yearlong set of science-focused activities—including demonstrations, invention projects, and games—that will support classroom instruction and engage K–5 students in hands-on learning.
Volunteers will work independently and remotely from June through July 2025 to design these activities, with opportunities in early September to finalize plans and collaborate with fellow community members who will bring the ideas to life in the school’s new STEAM Lab.
No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!
Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wildcats Walk to Whitman!
Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am
Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar
Anchors Away in 2 Weeks! Visit the Spring Fling website Buy Tickets, book childcare, and for more details! Sign up to volunteer the day and/or night of the event!
Details: Raise $75,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.
We have an exciting update about this year’s Cruise for a Cause: Whittier PTA Spring Fling Auction & Fundraiser! While we originally planned for a lively block party on 13th Ave NW, updated guidance from the City of Seattle means we’re changing course—and we’re thrilled about our new destination!
New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉
This year’s event will now be held at the historic Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)—a beloved neighborhood gem that recently earned landmark status. This welcoming, indoor venue offers the perfect space for dancing, mingling, bidding, and celebrating all things Whittier. We can’t wait to fill it with the spirit of our amazing school community! Psst – We have 135 tickets left–be sure to grab your ticket today!
Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶
Arrive at 6pm when the upper level of Sunset Hill Hall will come alive with music, dancing, and social time, while the lower level will feature auction tables, dining, our signature bar, and more. It’s a new layout, but the same community energy you know and love!
Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️
Due to space constraints, our traditional food trucks won’t be part of this year’s Spring Fling. Instead, we’re offering a curated selection of heavy appetizers throughout the evening to complement our same great bar (buy extra drink tickets at checkout!). Attendees will have the opportunity to donate their planned food-truck-bucks to help fund the food during Spring Fling.
Childcare Reminder! 🧸
Don’t forget—this is an adults-only evening, but Illumination Learning Studios is offering a childcare option exclusively for Whittier families. Make your plans and enjoy a well-deserved night out for a great cause!
Join community member and former Whittier Elementary parent, Bridget Perry, on Thurs., May 22, 6:30-8pm in the Whittier Elementary School Library to learn more about the One Seattle Plan and the implications for the Whittier neighborhood. Come learn about the proposed plan and how you can join your Whittier neighbors to provide input to the City Council. Contact Bridget Perry (brperry3@hotmail.com) if you have questions.
We are seeking one volunteer to help us with a special project (re: Konstella post).
The project concept includes embroidering 3-5 roughly 2×2″ pieces on a prefabricated (high quality/dense) button-down shirt. Embroidery materials would be reimbursed up to $30 and project would need to be completed by 6/3/25.
If you’re interested and would like to learn more, please contact president@whittierptaseattle.org.
We’re hosting an end-of-year party to celebrate fun times on our blacktop before it’s closed for the summer–and we are seeking volunteers to help us make this awesome event happen! Most shifts are 1-hour long. Alumni student and family volunteers are welcome!
Learn more and sign-up here.
Questions about the event? Please check Konstella for an announcement or email president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Join a crew of volunteers to help our Whittier staff!
On 6/7 from 9am-12pm, help us prepare classroom spaces for teachers to move into next year. Please bring gloves, cleaning products, and rags to help make the work as fast as possible.
Learn more and sign-up here.
Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are looking for community members to join a STEAM Lab task force this summer! This group of leaders will collaborate on designing the new STEAM Lab space, plan how teachers and volunteers will use it, and help prepare the space and program for launch.
Volunteers will attend a kickoff meeting in June, meet periodically over the summer, and participate in hands-on work sessions in late August and early September.
No science background is required—just a passion for creating a valuable resource for the Wildcat community!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Whittier STEAM Lab Experience Team: Do you enjoy brainstorming creative ideas and helping shape educational experiences?
Whittier Elementary and the Whittier PTA are seeking community volunteers to help develop a yearlong set of science-focused activities—including demonstrations, invention projects, and games—that will support classroom instruction and engage K–5 students in hands-on learning.
Volunteers will work independently and remotely from June through July 2025 to design these activities, with opportunities in early September to finalize plans and collaborate with fellow community members who will bring the ideas to life in the school’s new STEAM Lab.
No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!
To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.
Dates: July 21–25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Hazel Wolf K-8
Learn more / register: invent.org/camp
What Is Camp Invention?
Camp Invention® is a nationally acclaimed K–6 summer enrichment program that has brought hands-on invention education to children for over 30 years. Each year, a brand-new curriculum is developed to give students high-energy, engaging experiences that:
This year’s curriculum features four exciting themed modules, packed with projects where students become confident creators and solution-seekers. The experience is designed to inspire kids to think like real inventors—and have a blast doing it!
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!
Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wildcats Walk to Whitman!
Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am
Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar
Looking for 2-3 parents of kids that are not performing in the school musical to help with running concessions before the shows and during intermission on Thursday and/or Friday, May 15-16th. This is a fun and easy volunteer opportunity to do with a friend!
If you are interested in helping out, please email rbishman@gmail.com.
We have planned some special ways for families to show their support for our amazing Whittier staff and would love your participation!
Monday, May 6 – Messages in a Bottle (Notes of Appreciation)
Please have your child bring a note or notes for their favorite Whittier staff members.
Students can deliver these notes to the blacktop in the morning, where Room Reps will collect and distribute them as “messages in a bottle” to our staff. Something small that can be folded up into a bottle!
Friday, May 10 – Dress Like Your Favorite Staff Member
Help your student dress like their favorite staff member if they’d like! This is a fun way to show appreciation and bring smiles to our staff’s faces.
Get ready to Cruise for a Cause at this year’s Spring Fling Party and Fundraiser on May 31st! Our final fundraiser of the year, this annual tradition includes Class Art and Bucket auctions, tickets for hosted parties, and more to raise $75,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.
Details
We have an exciting update about this year’s Cruise for a Cause: Whittier PTA Spring Fling Auction & Fundraiser! While we originally planned for a lively block party on 13th Ave NW, updated guidance from the City of Seattle means we’re changing course—and we’re thrilled about our new destination!
New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉
This year’s event will now be held at the historic Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)—a beloved neighborhood gem that recently earned landmark status. This welcoming, indoor venue offers the perfect space for dancing, mingling, bidding, and celebrating all things Whittier. We can’t wait to fill it with the spirit of our amazing school community! Psst – We have 135 tickets left–be sure to grab your ticket today!
Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶
Arrive at 6pm when the upper level of Sunset Hill Hall will come alive with music, dancing, and social time, while the lower level will feature auction tables, dining, our signature bar, and more. It’s a new layout, but the same community energy you know and love!
Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️
Due to space constraints, our traditional food trucks won’t be part of this year’s Spring Fling. Instead, we’re offering a curated selection of heavy appetizers throughout the evening to complement our same great bar (buy extra drink tickets at checkout!). Attendees will have the opportunity to donate their planned food-truck-bucks to help fund the food during Spring Fling.
Childcare Reminder! 🧸
Don’t forget—this is an adults-only evening, but Illumination Learning Studios is offering a childcare option exclusively for Whittier families. Make your plans and enjoy a well-deserved night out for a great cause!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the Whittier community?
The PTA is seeking passionate individuals like you to get involved and support our school. Your contributions can have a lasting impact on the educational experience of our children.
Join us in shaping the future — the PTA needs your support!
These positions are a great way to get to know other caregivers and help influence the activities our PTA focuses on.
The majority of our volunteers are working full-time and each role is truly what you can make of it, in the constraints of your time. PTA meetings are typically one evening per month.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, there are a number of open volunteer roles on the PTA.
Please see the following list and feel free to message vp@whittierptaseattle.org with any questions or if you are interested in taking on a particular role.
Co-President – Oversee and manage the Whittier PTA
Communications Chair – Oversee PTA communications
Events Chair – Facilitate PTA presence at school events, support individual event chairs, plan grade level happy hours
Membership Chair – Manage PTA membership, mainly consists of data entry and one big Fall membership drive
Volunteer Coordinator – Organize volunteer data and engage volunteers as needed
Programs Co-Chair – Coordinate after school programs at Whittier
Tech Co-Chair – Maintain and help with PTA software applications
Wildchat Editor – Compile weekly care-giver communication about the happenings at Whittier
Yearbook Editor – Work with students and office staff to create yearbook
Student Directory Editor – Consists of compiling caregiver contact information per classroom and putting that into a directory format
We are also looking for leads for the following events next year.
Back to Business (typically held the week school starts)
Fall Festival (held around Halloween)
Book Fair (held around Thanksgiving)
Move-a-Thon (held in April)
Spring Fling (held in May)
Thank you in advance for considering taking on one of these important roles. Your school community thanks you!
Come check out your middle school and join us for a night of songs, skits, dancing and comedy!
Whitman Middle School Auditorium
Thursday May 8 and Friday May 9
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children, $20 for entire family including Aunts, Uncles.
Show is appropriate for ages 6 + and is 60 minutes with no intermission.
Songs include: Look for the Silver Lining, traditional English and Irish Folk songs, Rockin Robin, Itty Bitty Pretty One, Let Me Sing and I’m Happy
Ticket Link here. Please keep confirmation email to show at the door.
Wildcats Walk to Whitman!
Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am
Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW
Dates: July 21–25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Hazel Wolf K-8
Learn more / register: invent.org/camp
What Is Camp Invention?
Camp Invention® is a nationally acclaimed K–6 summer enrichment program that has brought hands-on invention education to children for over 30 years. Each year, a brand-new curriculum is developed to give students high-energy, engaging experiences that:
This year’s curriculum features four exciting themed modules, packed with projects where students become confident creators and solution-seekers. The experience is designed to inspire kids to think like real inventors—and have a blast doing it!
Licensed onsite child care for Whittier students K-5th
For more info and to register see https://www.phinneycenter.org/kids/wk/wk-afterschool/
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!
Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar
Looking for 2-3 parents of kids that are not performing in the school musical to help with running concessions before the shows and during intermission on Thursday and/or Friday, May 15-16th. This is a fun and easy volunteer opportunity to do with a friend!
If you are interested in helping out, please email rbishman@gmail.com.
We have planned some special ways for families to show their support for our amazing Whittier staff and would love your participation!
Monday, May 6 – Messages in a Bottle (Notes of Appreciation)
Please have your child bring a note or notes for their favorite Whittier staff members.
Students can deliver these notes to the blacktop in the morning, where Room Reps will collect and distribute them as “messages in a bottle” to our staff. Something small that can be folded up into a bottle!
Friday, May 10 – Dress Like Your Favorite Staff Member
Help your student dress like their favorite staff member if they’d like! This is a fun way to show appreciation and bring smiles to our staff’s faces.
Get ready to Cruise for a Cause at this year’s Spring Fling Party and Fundraiser on May 31st! Our final fundraiser of the year, this annual tradition includes Class Art and Bucket auctions, tickets for hosted parties, and more to raise $75,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.
Details
We have an exciting update about this year’s Cruise for a Cause: Whittier PTA Spring Fling Auction & Fundraiser! While we originally planned for a lively block party on 13th Ave NW, updated guidance from the City of Seattle means we’re changing course—and we’re thrilled about our new destination!
New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉
This year’s event will now be held at the historic Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)—a beloved neighborhood gem that recently earned landmark status. This welcoming, indoor venue offers the perfect space for dancing, mingling, bidding, and celebrating all things Whittier. We can’t wait to fill it with the spirit of our amazing school community! Psst – We have 135 tickets left–be sure to grab your ticket today!
Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶
Arrive at 6pm when the upper level of Sunset Hill Hall will come alive with music, dancing, and social time, while the lower level will feature auction tables, dining, our signature bar, and more. It’s a new layout, but the same community energy you know and love!
Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️
Due to space constraints, our traditional food trucks won’t be part of this year’s Spring Fling. Instead, we’re offering a curated selection of heavy appetizers throughout the evening to complement our same great bar (buy extra drink tickets at checkout!). Attendees will have the opportunity to donate their planned food-truck-bucks to help fund the food during Spring Fling.
Childcare Reminder! 🧸
Don’t forget—this is an adults-only evening, but Illumination Learning Studios is offering a childcare option exclusively for Whittier families. Make your plans and enjoy a well-deserved night out for a great cause!
Whittier PTA is hosting their last work session of the year on Tuesday, May 6 from 7-9pm in the Whittier Library. During this work session, we need HANDS-ON help to support our staff! We’ll help move tables and deep clean upstairs rooms in advance of some big classroom changes for next year. If moving furniture isn’t your bag, you can also help us inventory the PTA closet to support events and potential STEAM projects next year. Questions? Please contact us.
A Golden Acorn Award is presented by a local PTA to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her or his dedication and service to children and youth. Since the beginning of this program in the 1930s, more than 54,000 Golden Acorn Awards have been presented to volunteers throughout Washington state.
Can you think of someone in the Whittier community who has gone above and beyond in their service to our school? If so, please send in a nomination including that individual’s name, along with why you are nominating them.
Send nominations to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. All nominations due by April 30th.
As part of the national Golden Acorn program, Whittier PTA budgets to engrave our Golden Acorn winners name on an award each year. Do you have free or low-cost access to a laser engraver that could help us accomplish this task? If so, please reach out to president@whittierptaseattle.org. Thank you!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the Whittier community?
The PTA is seeking passionate individuals like you to get involved and support our school. Your contributions can have a lasting impact on the educational experience of our children.
Join us in shaping the future — the PTA needs your support!
These positions are a great way to get to know other caregivers and help influence the activities our PTA focuses on.
The majority of our volunteers are working full-time and each role is truly what you can make of it, in the constraints of your time. PTA meetings are typically one evening per month.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, there are a number of open volunteer roles on the PTA.
Please see the following list and feel free to message vp@whittierptaseattle.org with any questions or if you are interested in taking on a particular role.
Co-President – Oversee and manage the Whittier PTA
Communications Chair – Oversee PTA communications
Events Chair – Facilitate PTA presence at school events, support individual event chairs, plan grade level happy hours
Membership Chair – Manage PTA membership, mainly consists of data entry and one big Fall membership drive
Volunteer Coordinator – Organize volunteer data and engage volunteers as needed
Programs Co-Chair – Coordinate after school programs at Whittier
Tech Co-Chair – Maintain and help with PTA software applications
Wildchat Editor – Compile weekly care-giver communication about the happenings at Whittier
Yearbook Editor – Work with students and office staff to create yearbook
Student Directory Editor – Consists of compiling caregiver contact information per classroom and putting that into a directory format
We are also looking for leads for the following events next year.
Back to Business (typically held the week school starts)
Fall Festival (held around Halloween)
Book Fair (held around Thanksgiving)
Move-a-Thon (held in April)
Spring Fling (held in May)
Thank you in advance for considering taking on one of these important roles. Your school community thanks you!
Come check out your middle school and join us for a night of songs, skits, dancing and comedy!
Whitman Middle School Auditorium
Thursday May 8 and Friday May 9
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children, $20 for entire family including Aunts, Uncles.
Show is appropriate for ages 6 + and is 60 minutes with no intermission.
Songs include: Look for the Silver Lining, traditional English and Irish Folk songs, Rockin Robin, Itty Bitty Pretty One, Let Me Sing and I’m Happy
Ticket Link here. Please keep confirmation email to show at the door.
Dates: July 21–25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Hazel Wolf K-8
Learn more / register: invent.org/camp
What Is Camp Invention?
Camp Invention® is a nationally acclaimed K–6 summer enrichment program that has brought hands-on invention education to children for over 30 years. Each year, a brand-new curriculum is developed to give students high-energy, engaging experiences that:
This year’s curriculum features four exciting themed modules, packed with projects where students become confident creators and solution-seekers. The experience is designed to inspire kids to think like real inventors—and have a blast doing it!
Licensed onsite child care for Whittier students K-5th
For more info and to register see https://www.phinneycenter.org/kids/wk/wk-afterschool/
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!
Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar
Complete this form to include your pet >>
Have a 2025-2026 event you’d like to see included in this calendar? Contact us!
Are you ready to cruise for a cause? Remember to buy your tickets to Whittier’s Spring Fling Block Party and Fundraiser! Our final fundraiser of the year, this annual tradition includes Class Art and Bucket auctions, tickets for staff and community hosted parties, and more to raise $75,000 to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.
Date: Saturday, May 31 – 5:00-9:00pm
Theme: Cruise for a Cause!
Dress: Come as you are (and feel free to wear your favorite boating hat/shoes/whatever!)
What to expect: alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, food, music, dancing, community and fun!
Reminder: This is a kid-free event, so get your babysitter booked! Psst–Illumination Learning Studios is offering childcare for Whittier families during this event! Learn more and register >>
Check out the Spring Fling website to buy tickets and for more information about the event and how you can help: https://whittierptaseattle.org/spring-fling-2025/
A Golden Acorn Award is presented by a local PTA to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her or his dedication and service to children and youth. Since the beginning of this program in the 1930s, more than 54,000 Golden Acorn Awards have been presented to volunteers throughout Washington state.
Can you think of someone in the Whittier community who has gone above and beyond in their service to our school? If so, please send in a nomination including that individual’s name, along with why you are nominating them.
Send nominations to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. All nominations due by April 30th.
As part of the national Golden Acorn program, Whittier PTA budgets to engrave our Golden Acorn winners name on an award each year. Do you have free or low-cost access to a laser engraver that could help us accomplish this task? If so, please reach out to president@whittierptaseattle.org. Thank you!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the Whittier community?
The PTA is seeking passionate individuals like you to get involved and support our school. Your contributions can have a lasting impact on the educational experience of our children.
Join us in shaping the future — the PTA needs your support!
These positions are a great way to get to know other caregivers and help influence the activities our PTA focuses on.
The majority of our volunteers are working full-time and each role is truly what you can make of it, in the constraints of your time. PTA meetings are typically one evening per month.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, there are a number of open volunteer roles on the PTA.
Please see the following list and feel free to message vp@whittierptaseattle.org with any questions or if you are interested in taking on a particular role.
Co-President – Oversee and manage the Whittier PTA
Communications Chair – Oversee PTA communications
Events Chair – Facilitate PTA presence at school events, support individual event chairs, plan grade level happy hours
Membership Chair – Manage PTA membership, mainly consists of data entry and one big Fall membership drive
Volunteer Coordinator – Organize volunteer data and engage volunteers as needed
Programs Co-Chair – Coordinate after school programs at Whittier
Tech Co-Chair – Maintain and help with PTA software applications
Wildchat Editor – Compile weekly care-giver communication about the happenings at Whittier
Yearbook Editor – Work with students and office staff to create yearbook
Student Directory Editor – Consists of compiling caregiver contact information per classroom and putting that into a directory format
We are also looking for leads for the following events next year.
Back to Business (typically held the week school starts)
Fall Festival (held around Halloween)
Book Fair (held around Thanksgiving)
Move-a-Thon (held in April)
Spring Fling (held in May)
Thank you in advance for considering taking on one of these important roles. Your school community thanks you!
Come check out your middle school and join us for a night of songs, skits, dancing and comedy!
Whitman Middle School Auditorium
Thursday May 8 and Friday May 9
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children, $20 for entire family including Aunts, Uncles.
Show is appropriate for ages 6 + and is 60 minutes with no intermission.
Songs include: Look for the Silver Lining, traditional English and Irish Folk songs, Rockin Robin, Itty Bitty Pretty One, Let Me Sing and I’m Happy
Ticket Link here. Please keep confirmation email to show at the door.
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!
Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.
Wednesday, April 09, 2025
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar
Are you ready to cruise for a cause? Remember to buy your tickets to Whittier’s Spring Fling Block Party and Fundraiser! Our final fundraiser of the year, this annual tradition includes Class Art and Bucket auctions, tickets for staff and community hosted parties, and more to raise $75,000 to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.
Details:
Date: Saturday, May 31 – 5:00-9:00pm
Location: Whittier Elementary Block Party (13th Ave NW)
Theme: Cruise for a Cause!
Dress: Come as you are (and feel free to wear your favorite boating hat/shoes/whatever!)
What to expect: alcohol and alcohol free beverages, food trucks, music, dancing, community and fun!
Reminder: This is a kid-free event, so get your babysitter booked!
Check out the Spring Fling website to buy tickets and for more information about the event and how you can help: https://whittierptaseattle.org/spring-fling-2025/
Complete this form to include your pet (and order a pet bandana) >>
Have a 2025-2026 event you’d like to see included in this calendar? Contact us!
A Golden Acorn Award is presented by a local PTA to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her or his dedication and service to children and youth. Since the beginning of this program in the 1930s, more than 54,000 Golden Acorn Awards have been presented to volunteers throughout Washington state.
Can you think of someone in the Whittier community who has gone above and beyond in their service to our school? If so, please send in a nomination including that individual’s name, along with why you are nominating them.
Send nominations to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. All nominations due by April 30th.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the Whittier community?
The PTA is seeking passionate individuals like you to get involved and support our school. Your contributions can have a lasting impact on the educational experience of our children.
Join us in shaping the future — the PTA needs your support!
These positions are a great way to get to know other caregivers and help influence the activities our PTA focuses on.
The majority of our volunteers are working full-time and each role is truly what you can make of it, in the constraints of your time. PTA meetings are typically one evening per month.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, there are a number of open volunteer roles on the PTA.
Please see the following list and feel free to message vp@whittierptaseattle.org with any questions or if you are interested in taking on a particular role.
Co-President – Oversee and manage the Whittier PTA
Communications Chair – Oversee PTA communications
Events Chair – Facilitate PTA presence at school events, support individual event chairs, plan grade level happy hours
Membership Chair – Manage PTA membership, mainly consists of data entry and one big Fall membership drive
Volunteer Coordinator – Organize volunteer data and engage volunteers as needed
Programs Co-Chair – Coordinate after school programs at Whittier
Tech Co-Chair – Maintain and help with PTA software applications
Wildchat Editor – Compile weekly care-giver communication about the happenings at Whittier
Yearbook Editor – Work with students and office staff to create yearbook
Student Directory Editor – Consists of compiling caregiver contact information per classroom and putting that into a directory format
We are also looking for leads for the following events next year.
Back to Business (typically held the week school starts)
Fall Festival (held around Halloween)
Book Fair (held around Thanksgiving)
Move-a-Thon (held in April)
Spring Fling (held in May)
Thank you in advance for considering taking on one of these important roles. Your school community thanks you!
The 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to plan playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide.
If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.
We’re looking for high-resolution photos that capture our community learning and having fun together!
Submit photos for Whittier’s 2024-2025 yearbook to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org.