Wildchat

The Wildchat: 10/22/2025

Catch up on what’s happening around Whittier this October — upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and our annual fall celebrations in this week’s Wildchat!

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!

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

What's Happening:

Annual Give Direct Donation Campaign
Now – 10/3: After School Programs Registration
9/25 – Curriculum Night
10/06 – After School Programs begin
10/07 – School Picture Retake Day
10/10 – No School (State In-service Day)
10/14 – PTA Meeting (with Teacher Panel!)

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🚨 Annual Give Countdown: 56% To Go! 🚨

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

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?

Recognizing and respecting diverse cultures helps all students feel seen and included
Learning about Hispanic history, art, music, science, and language builds empathy and knowledge
It’s a chance for families and children to share heritage, stories, and traditions

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:

Read books by Hispanic/Latino authors to help children see themselves or others in stories
Learn some Spanish words or phrases (if you don’t know them already) to build connection
Try arts and crafts inspired by Hispanic culture, listen to music and explore dance, or cook and sample traditional foods together for joyful ways to explore Hispanic culture
Explore Hispanic figures like civil rights leaders, artists, scientists, local heroes (Some ideas: Felicitas and Gonzalo Méndez, José-Luis Orozco, or Rafael López)

Want to learn more?

Check out these resources:

Friday Glazed Donut Disaster

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

Join us on 10/14!

Would-be Volunteers: Our School Needs You!

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:

Fall Carnival Crew (6-8 people) – Help throw the silliest, spookiest, snack-iest party we throw all year on 10/24.
STEAM Lab Setup (2-3 people) – Peel-and-stick wallpaper, magnetic chalkboard magic, and supply sorting. Think home decor meets Bill Nye.
Math & STEAM Helpers (20+ people) – Join a volunteer roster to inspire mini Einsteins during small-group math and science sessions.
Communications Chair (1 hero) – Be the info hub: collect announcements, feed them to newsletters and Konstella. Perfect for a K/1 parent who likes knowing everything first.
Spring Fling Leads (1-2) & Team (10-15) – Our only grown-ups-only bash/auction. Venue and caterer are booked; you plan the fun. First meeting 9/30.
Membership Chair (1) – Remote, low-lift, big impact. Spread the word and keep members in the loop.
Family Dance & Game Night Chair (1-2) – Organize the ultimate kids-vs-parents dance-off on 2/12.
Co-President (1) – Share the gavel, craft agendas, and run hybrid meetings. Power suit optional.
Snorkel Rejuvenation Team (3-4) – Restore our beloved front-yard creature statue to its former shiny glory—on your own schedule, with provided supplies.

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 >>

After School Program Registration Happening Now!

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:

1ON1 After School Hoops (Mondays, grades 2-5)
Kong Academy Parkour (Tuesdays, grades K-2)
Jump on Languages Spanish (Thursdays, grades 1-5)

Learn more about Whittier PTA’s After School programs and how to register here >>

From the Community...

Youth Strength and Conditioning Classes in Phinney Ridge Start October 8!

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)

Wednesdays, Oct.8-Dec.17 (no class Nov. 26)
2:30-3:05 p.m.
10-week series: $140 + tax
5-week series: $85 + tax
Single drop-in class: $20 + tax

CFPR Teens (ages 12-15)

Wednesdays, Oct.8-Dec.17 (no class Nov. 26)
3:15-4 p.m.
10-week series: $175 + tax
5-week series: $100 + tax
Single drop-in class: $25 + tax

Email info@cfpr.fitness to learn more or sign up!

Girls on the Run at the PNA

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

Thank you, Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 6/04/2025

Wednesday, June 04, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

6/04 – Spring Sing and Art Walk
6/04 – Seattle School Board Meeting
6/06 – Blacktop Celebration (5-7pm)
6/07 – Work Party to Support Staff
6/13 – Field Day
6/16 – 5th Grade Adventure Day
6/17 – 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
6/18 – Last Day of School! (1-Hour Early Dismissal)

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
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Whittier’s 2025 Spring Fling Was a Splendid Voyage!

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:

DJ Pool Party—for spinning the tunes that kept us moving like a ship on a smooth tide
Emcee Jesse Thomas—for steering the evening with charisma
Sound Engineer Andrew Bastian—for making sure the sound was as clear as the calmest seas.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Captains
We are deeply grateful to our leaders:

Principal Watters
PTA Presidents Allie Thomas and Kate Scher
Your steady leadership always keeps us on course!

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!

Buy a Paws of Whittier Calendar featuring SPS school dates, special events, and more between June ’25-May ’26 (and you can buy a calendar for a staff member, too!) or Limited Edition Whittier Paw Pet Bandanas
Bid on Limited Edition Screen Printed Art, College Admissions or ISEE/SSAT Prep Sessions and Class Artmade by Individual Ogle Students, Greeting Card bundle by Mr. Keener’s Class, and a Poured Painting by Mr. Collin’s class!
Snag Hosted Party tickets for:
- Pokemon Go Fest with Ms. Newcomb and Mr. Buck (6/14 at 10am)
- First Grade Backyard BBQ (6/14 at 4pm)
- 2nd Grade Moms Happy Hour (6/5 from 5-7pm)
- 3rd Grade Moms Happy Hour (8/27 from 5-7pm)
- 3rd Grade Pool Par-tay (6/7 from 11:30-1:30pm)
- 4th Grade Moms Happy Hour (6/13 from 4-8pm)
- Barre3 Ballard Studio Sign Up Party (6/25 at 7:15pm)
- David’s Smokehouse (6/12 at 4pm)
- Introvert Party (6/32 at none o’clock)
- Kinder Cat Happy Hour and Splash Pad Party (6/12 from 4-6:30pm)
- Magical Summer Solstice Soiree (6/21 at 5pm)
- Party Like It’s 1999 (7/26 from 7-10pm)
- Poker Tournament (6/13 at 6:30pm)
- Private Viewing of Lilo & Stitch at Majestic Bay (6/8 at 9:15am)
- Watercolors and Wine (7/19 from 2-5pm)
- Whittier Dads Bike Ride (8/31 from 9am-12pm)
- Whittier Euchre Tournament (7/9 from 5:30-9pm)

Share Your Thoughts on After-School Programs!

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!

Share your feedback via the survey here.

Wildcat Connections- Incoming Kindercat Family Mentor Program

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:

Connector Families will be matched with at least one Kindercat Family. This will be facilitated by the Whittier Admin team and the PTA.
Connector Families will contact Kindercat Families once a month from September to January. The first contact should be close to the beginning of the school year.
Connector Families will coordinate one in person meet up at a school event- such as Curriculum Night or Fall Festival.
Connector Families will be available to answer questions as needed

Interested??? Complete this form!!

If you have any questions, please email outreach@whittierptaseattle.org.

Click here to sign up!

Click here to learn more and sign-up!

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

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.

Rising Whitman Wildcat? Plan Ahead for the First Day of School!

Wildcats Walk to Whitman!

Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am

Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW

Hello Whittier Wildcats class of 2025 scholars and caregivers!

Corinne Kostis would like to invite you all to a “Wildcats Walk to Whitman” on the first day of school.

We are planning to walk from NW 92nd Street and 8th Ave NW. She wants to get to school a little early so we are thinking of meeting and heading out at 8:15.

We are going to walk up NW 92nd to the overpass by Dick’s, through Crown Hill Park, and directly to Whitman. They should arrive by 8:40 giving them some time to chat and get their first day jitters slightly calmed before the bell. Can’t believe they’re going to be in 6th grade!!!

We hope to see you for the walk!

-Jerrica, Mike, and Corinne Kostis (text me, Jerrica, at 206-355-1254 with any questions)

Join the Whitman Staff Appreciation Team!

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 Seeks Volunteers to Shape & Create the Program!

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 Wildchat: 5/28/2025

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

5/29 – Instrumental Music Concert
5/31 – Whittier PTA’s “Cruise for a Cause” Spring Fling
6/04 – Spring Sing and Art Walk
6/04 – Seattle School Board Meeting
6/06 – Blacktop Celebration (5-7pm)
6/07 – Work Party to Support Staff
6/13 – Field Day
6/16 – 5th Grade Adventure Day
6/17 – 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
6/18 – Last Day of School! (1-Hour Early Dismissal)

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Spring Fling This Saturday Night!

Anchors Away THIS Saturday!

Hello Wildcat Families! We are very excited for our Spring Fling fundraiser THIS Saturday!

Below are the Top 10 things you need to know about Saturday’s event! Get ready to set sail for a night of fun – 6pm at Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street).

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!

8. Preview the auction catalog online and mark your favorite items! This will make it easy to bid when the auction opens on Thursday at 5pm.

7. Make note of dates for hosted parties and check your calendar in advance. This way you can jump on sign-ups as soon as they open at 6pm on Saturday.

6. Save your credit card information to expedite check-in and check-out! Please enter your credit card information into the Spring Fling auction site software ahead of time.

5. For those coming to the party, charge your mobile device! All bidding, buying of drink tickets, donations towards the food, and sign-ups will happen online through your mobile device. Make sure to also add your mobile number (and opt-in to receive text notifications) to receive key event and bidding updates!

4. We all know how tight parking can be in Ballard. Consider using ride share, carpooling, riding public transportation or bike/walk/unicycle to the event. Make Mr. Pule proud! 🚲

3. Stop By the check-in table on the lower level when you arrive at 6pm to pick up your drink tickets (or to purchase more). Food, auction items, and a Thirst Aid Station bar are all on the lower level. Then you’ll find music, dancing, hosted party sign-ups and another Thirst Aid Station on the upper floor.

2. Golden Ticket drawing! Don’t miss out on a chance to win $500. Volunteers will be circulating throughout the evening selling fun decorative compass necklaces and Golden Tickets. Buy your ticket early in the evening – the winner will be drawn at 7:30pm.

1. Lastly, enjoy the evening, whether in person at Sunset Hill Community Hall or from the comfort of your home while we raise money for our kids! 💰

For more info check out the PTA Spring Fling website. And it’s not too late to sign up for a volunteer shift the day of the event! 😉

Questions? Contact the Spring Fling Team: springfling@whittierptaseattle.org

Share Your Thoughts on After-School Programs!

The PTA is planning next year’s after-school programs, and we’d love your input!

Share your feedback via the survey here.

Wildcat Connections- Incoming Kindercat Family Mentor Program

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.

Duties of Connector Families:

Connector Families will be matched with at least one Kindercat Family. This will be facilitated by the Whittier Admin team and the PTA.
Connector Families will contact Kindercat Families once a month from September to January. The first contact should be close to the beginning of the school year.
Connector Families will coordinate one in person meet up at a school event- such as Curriculum Night or Fall Festival.
Connector Families will be available to answer questions as needed

Interested??? Complete this form!!

If you have any questions, please email outreach@whittierptaseattle.org.

Click here to sign up!

Click here to learn more and sign-up!

Youth & Teen Art Camps at Seattle Artist League

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Rising Whitman Wildcat? Plan Ahead for the First Day of School!

Wildcats Walk to Whitman!

Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am

Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW

Hello Whittier Wildcats class of 2025 scholars and caregivers!

Corinne Kostis would like to invite you all to a “Wildcats Walk to Whitman” on the first day of school.

We are planning to walk from NW 92nd Street and 8th Ave NW. She wants to get to school a little early so we are thinking of meeting and heading out at 8:15.

We hope to see you for the walk!

-Jerrica, Mike, and Corinne Kostis (text me, Jerrica, at 206-355-1254 with any questions)

Whittier STEAM Lab Seeks Volunteers to Shape & Create the Program!

Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?

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?

No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!

To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.

The Wildchat: 5/21/2025

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

5/22 – Seattle One Rezone Plan Community Meeting
5/26 – NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
5/31 – Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling
6/04 – Spring Sing and Art Walk
6/04 – Seattle School Board Meeting
6/13 – Field Day
6/16 – 5th Grade Adventure
6/17 – 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
6/18 – Last Day of School! (1-Hour Early Dismissal)

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Spring Fling Countdown - Anchors Away in 1 Week!

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!

Bartenders
Golden Ticket Sales
Registration
Set-up
Clean-up
Food set-up
And more!

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.

Date: Saturday, May 31 – 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)
Theme: Cruise for a Cause!
Dress: Come as you are (and feel free to wear your favorite boating hat/shoes/whatever!)
Music: Enjoy an all-vinyl yacht rock set by Whittier parent DJ Pool Party
Food: Curated selection of heavy apps (donate to fund the food at the event!)
Auction: Goods and services from community businesses, class-made art, and themed bucket auctions; tickets for community-hosted events
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 >>

Exciting Changes for Spring Fling!

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!

Share Your Thoughts on After-School Programs!

The PTA is planning next year’s after-school programs, and we’d love your input!

Share your feedback via the survey here.

Whittier STEAM Lab Seeks Volunteers to Shape & Create the Program!

Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?

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?

No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!

To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

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.

Rising Whitman Wildcat? Plan Ahead for the First Day of School!

Wildcats Walk to Whitman!

Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am

Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW

Hello Whittier Wildcats class of 2025 scholars and caregivers!

Corinne Kostis would like to invite you all to a “Wildcats Walk to Whitman” on the first day of school.

We are planning to walk from NW 92nd Street and 8th Ave NW. She wants to get to school a little early so we are thinking of meeting and heading out at 8:15.

We hope to see you for the walk!

-Jerrica, Mike, and Corinne Kostis (text me, Jerrica, at 206-355-1254 with any questions)

The Wildchat: 5/14/2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

5/14 – Seattle School Board Meeting
5/15 – 16: Whittier Wildcat Players Presents Finding Nemo Jr.
5/20 – Math Night
5/22 – Seattle One Rezone Plan Community Meeting
5/26 – NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
5/31 – Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling
6/04 – Spring Sing and Art Walk
6/04 – Seattle School Board Meeting
6/13 – Field Day
6/16 – 5th Grade Adventure
6/17 – 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
6/18 – Last Day of School! (1-Hour Early Dismissal)

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Spring Fling 2 Week Countdown!

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.

Date: Saturday, May 31 – 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)
Theme: Cruise for a Cause!
Dress: Come as you are (and feel free to wear your favorite boating hat/shoes/whatever!)
Music: Enjoy an all-vinyl yacht rock set by Whittier parent DJ Pool Party
Food: Curated selection of heavy apps (donate to fund the food at the event!)
Auction: Goods and services from community businesses, class-made art, and themed bucket auctions; tickets for community-hosted events
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 >>

Exciting Changes for Spring Fling!

New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉

Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶

Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️

Childcare Reminder! 🧸

Seattle One Rezone Plan Community Meeting on 5/22

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.

Embroidery Volunteer Needed for Special Project!

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.

Volunteers Needed for M.P.S.C End-of-Year Blacktop Party
(6/6 from 5-7pm)

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.

Let's Help Teachers Prepare Their New Classrooms for Next School Year!

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 Seeks Volunteers to Shape & Create the Program!

Whittier STEAM Lab Program Team: Are you excited about shaping a brand-new educational space?

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?

No teaching or science background is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way!

To learn more, contact: president@whittierptaseattle.org.

Camp Invention at Hazel Wolf K-8

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:

Spark creativity through open-ended, hands-on STEM challenges
Encourage problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and persistence
Get kids moving and exploring through interactive activities
Are aligned with state standards, Common Core, and NGSS

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!

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

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.

Rising Whitman Wildcat? Plan Ahead for the First Day of School!

Wildcats Walk to Whitman!

Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am

Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW

Hello Whittier Wildcats class of 2025 scholars and caregivers!

Corinne Kostis would like to invite you all to a “Wildcats Walk to Whitman” on the first day of school.

We are planning to walk from NW 92nd Street and 8th Ave NW. She wants to get to school a little early so we are thinking of meeting and heading out at 8:15.

We hope to see you for the walk!

-Jerrica, Mike, and Corinne Kostis (text me, Jerrica, at 206-355-1254 with any questions)

The Wildchat: 5/07/2025

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

5/05 – 5/09: Staff Appreciation Week 2025
5/08 – 09: Performing Arts of Whitman 3rd Annual Musical Variety Show
5/13 – PTA Annual Meeting: Budget & Board Vote
5/14 – Seattle School Board Meeting
5/15 – 16: Whittier Wildcat Players Presents Finding Nemo Jr.
5/20 – Math Night
5/26 – NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
5/31 – Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Help Out with Finding Nemo!

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.

Next week (May 6-10) is Staff Appreciation Week at Whittier!

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.

Tickets for Spring Fling Are On Sale Now!

Spring Fling Tickets on Sale Now! There are about 50 tickets left, so grab yours today—$35 each or $60 for a pair! You can also sponsor a Whittier staff member and pre-purchase discounted drink tickets to skip the line. Don’t miss out!

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

Date: Saturday, May 31 – 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)
Theme: Cruise for a Cause!
Dress: Come as you are (and feel free to wear your favorite boating hat/shoes/whatever!)
Music: Enjoy an all-vinyl yacht rock set by Whittier parent DJ Pool Party
Food: Curated selection of heavy apps (donate to fund the food at the event!)
Auction: Goods and services from community businesses, class-made art, and themed bucket auctions; tickets for community-hosted events
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 >>

Exciting Changes for Spring Fling!

New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉

Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶

Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️

Childcare Reminder! 🧸

PTA Annual Meeting, May 13th

Join the Whittier PTA: Make a Lasting Impact on Our Children's Education

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!

Performing Arts of Whitman Presents:

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.

Rising Whitman Wildcat? Plan Ahead for the First Day of School!

Wildcats Walk to Whitman!

Date: September 3rd
Time: 8:15 am

Meet at the corner of NW 92nd St & 8th Ave NW

Hello Whittier Wildcats class of 2025 scholars and caregivers!

Corinne Kostis would like to invite you all to a “Wildcats Walk to Whitman” on the first day of school.

We are planning to walk from NW 92nd Street and 8th Ave NW. She wants to get to school a little early so we are thinking of meeting and heading out at 8:15.

We hope to see you for the walk!

-Jerrica, Mike, and Corinne Kostis (text me, Jerrica, at 206-355-1254 with any questions)

Camp Invention at Hazel Wolf K-8

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?

Spark creativity through open-ended, hands-on STEM challenges
Encourage problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and persistence
Get kids moving and exploring through interactive activities
Are aligned with state standards, Common Core, and NGSS

PNA Whittier Kids Afterschool Camp Enrollment Open for Fall 2025!

Licensed onsite child care for Whittier students K-5^th

For more info and to register see https://www.phinneycenter.org/kids/wk/wk-afterschool/

Download the 2024-25 Whittier Student Directory

To protect families’ privacy, we will only share the directory through internal channels (i.e. Konstella).

If you need to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late! Please contact elzingg@gmail.com.

Submit Your Photos to Whittier's Yearbook Committee

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.

The Wildchat: 4/30/2025

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

What's Happening This Month:

5/05 – 5/09: Staff Appreciation Week 2025
5/06 – PTA Work Session
5/08 – 09: Performing Arts of Whitman 3rd Annual Musical Variety Show
5/13 – PTA Annual Meeting: Budget & Board Vote
5/14 – Seattle School Board Meeting
5/15 – 16: Whittier Wildcat Players Presents Finding Nemo Jr.
5/20 – Math Night
5/26 – NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
5/31 – Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling

No More Manual Entry of Events!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar

Help Out with Finding Nemo!

If you are interested in helping out, please email rbishman@gmail.com.

Next week (May 6-10) is Staff Appreciation Week at Whittier!

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.

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.

Tickets for Spring Fling Are On Sale Now!

Details

Date: Saturday, May 31 – 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Sunset Hill Community Hall (3003 NW 66th Street)
Theme: Cruise for a Cause!
Dress: Come as you are (and feel free to wear your favorite boating hat/shoes/whatever!)
Music: Enjoy an all-vinyl yacht rock set by Whittier parent DJ Pool Party
Food: Curated selection of heavy apps (donate to fund the food at the event!)
Auction: Goods and services from community businesses, class-made art, and themed bucket auctions; tickets for community-hosted events
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 >>

Exciting Changes for Spring Fling!

New Location, Same Great Vibes 🎉

Two Floors of Fun from 6-9pm 🍾🎶

Same Great Drinks, Updated Food Options 🍽️

Childcare Reminder! 🧸

Help Staff Prepare for New Classrooms Next Year at Next Week's PTA Work Session!

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.

Seeking Golden Acorn Nominees!

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.

PTA Annual Meeting, May 13th

Do you have access to a laser engraver?

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!