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Wildchat

The Wildchat: 12/11/2024

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 12/13: Last Day to Return “Helping Hands” Gift Cards
  • 12/23 – 1/06: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
  • 1/06: PTA Strategic Planning Survey Due
  • 1/07: PTA Work Session
  • 1/13: Registration for After School Programs Begins
  •  1/14: PTA Meeting
  • 1/17: PTA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Meeting
  • 1/20: NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
  • 1/23 – Staff Appreciation (Hosted by 3rd Grade)
  • 1/27: Winter After School Programs Begin

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

Last Day to Contribute is Friday, December 13th - Thank You for Your Support!

A Very Warren Dunes Christmas @ FREMONT ABBEY

Looking for sources of light this December?
 
Consider Ms. Julia’s band Warren Dunes and their second annual holiday show at the Fremont Abbey!
 
Friday, December 13th
7:00 – 10:00 pm
ALL AGES! Sliding scale tickets! FREE for kids 10 and under!

Featuring a bunch of local artists, this ALL AGES event is a fundraiser for the Many Hands Project Seattle, which raises money for childcare for Seattle area parent performers!
 
For tickets and more details click here! 

Get Ready for Winter After-School Programs!

Blue and yellow Whittier after-school programs banner.

Whittier PTA is excited to continue offering after-school enrichment this winter! We’ve got arts and crafts, LEGOS, parkour, dance, and more!  View the full schedule and class info here.

Save These Dates!

  • Registration opens on January 13 at 3:30 p.m. 
  • Classes are held weekly after school from January 27 – March 27

Set up your 6crickets account. We are using the 6crickets platform to make registration easier for families. Families MUST set up an account prior to registering. Set up only takes five minutes.

Scholarships are available! Please reach out to programs@whittierptaseattle.org for more info.

Volunteers needed! After-school programs at Whittier can’t happen without your help.

Volunteers commit to one hour a week for eight weeks. Volunteers help unlock classrooms, take attendance, and hang out in the school building during club time. It’s one of the easiest jobs, and you get to know so many amazing Wildcats!

Tuition discounts are available for volunteers. Please contact programs@whittierptaseattle.org for more info.

PTA Strategic Planning Survey

Whittier PTA begins budget and program planning for next the 2025-2026 school year in February.

Caregivers and PTA members drive where the PTA’s investments of money and volunteer time are spent. In addition, we would like to continue to gather information about when and how we meet for our PTA meetings, how we fundraise and your preferred mechanism for communication.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to fill out this survey and for sharing your feedback! This survey will close on January 6, 2025.

Access the survey here.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Meeting - January 17th!

Interested in learning about what the EDI Committee does?

Have some ideas, concerns, questions to share?

Want to eat snacks and talk about how to make Whittier an even more inclusive and welcoming community?

Come check out our January meeting!

When: January 17th
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Ballard 

(Please email edi@whittierptaseattle.org for meeting location.)

Here is some of what the EDI Committee works on throughout the year:

  • Researches and arranges student, parent, and/or staff education opportunities around diversity/race/inclusion
  • Maintains relationships and mutual support with EDI PTA chairs across the district
  • Shares relevant community events with the Whittier community
  • Works with school leadership to support activities in conjunction with Black Lives Matter at school week, Pride, etc.
  • Annually reviews and provides recommended updates to relevant PTA EDI guidance such as the EDI Communication Rubric, Land Acknowledgement guidance and the Anti-Harassment policy (in standing rules)

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.

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: 12/04/2024

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 12/05: Book Fair and Winter Concert
  • 12/09 – 12/12: 5th Grade Field Trip
  • 12/13: Last Day to Return “Helping Hands” Gift Cards
  • 12/23 – 1/06: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
  • 1/07: PTA Work Session
  • 1/13: Registration for After School Programs Begins!
  •  1/14: PTA Meeting
  • 1/20: NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
  • 1/27: Winter After School Programs Begin

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

Tomorrow Night! The Book Fair and Winter Concert is December 5th!

It is time again for Whittier’s annual Book Fair! This year it is combined with a Winter Concert from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Wildcats to make for a wonderful Whittier community event with books, music, and a show of support for our library and Wildcat choristers.

The Book Fair is in partnership again with the fabulous Phinney Books! There are three ways to shop:

  1. In-person at the event in our own Whittier library, December 5th from 2:30 – 7:30 pm
  2. Online at Whittier Elementary (Phinney Books) Bookshop
  3. In-person at Phinney Books (7405 Greenwood Ave N) – tell them that you are shopping for the Whittier Book Fair.

The online and Phinney Books book fair is live! You can shop in store or at Phinney Books from now until December 8th and a portion of proceeds will go directly to our Whittier Library. Use this link for shopping and additional details: 

Twenty-five percent of all proceeds from the online and in-person Book Fair go towards purchasing books for our library. This fair brings more new and engaging books to our Wildcats!

The Winter Concert will feature 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade performances while all families are invited to attend to support their fellow Wildcats, get cozy in their pajamas, and enjoy hot chocolate after the concert.

Date: December 5th
Time: Singers arrive to the Cafeteria at 5:50 pm,
Concert Starts at 6pm
Where: Whittier Cafeteria

Who: Grades 3-5 will perform. All wildcats are invited to attend!
 
Attire for All:  Pajamas! And, bring a small stuffy if you’d like! 
 
Stick around after the concert for hot cocoa and Book Fair shopping in the library!
 

Here is a link to the songs 3-5 are singing:
https://tinyurl.com/muhn6xuy

We need a few helpers to volunteer to set up the book fair, chaperone performing students, prepare and hand out hot chocolate, and clean up at the end of the night. Please sign up here.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Newcomb or Ms. Steph.

Thank you so much for supporting the Whittier Library and our student performers!

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.

A Very Warren Dunes Christmas @ FREMONT ABBEY

Looking for sources of light this December?
 
Consider Ms. Julia’s band Warren Dunes and their second annual holiday show at the Fremont Abbey!
 
Friday, December 13th
7:00 – 10:00 pm
ALL AGES! Sliding scale tickets! FREE for kids 10 and under!

Featuring a bunch of local artists, this ALL AGES event is a fundraiser for the Many Hands Project Seattle, which raises money for childcare for Seattle area parent performers!
 
For tickets and more details click here! 

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: 11/20/2024

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 11/20: Helping Hands Drive Begins!
  • 11/20: November Staff Appreciation (4th Grade)
  • 11/22: All School Party (During the School Day)
  • 11/25 – 11/29: NO SCHOOL
  • 11/26: Wildcats Ice Skate at Kraken Community Iceplex
  • 12/05: Book Fair and Winter Concert
  • 12/09 – 12/12: 5th Grade Field Trip
  • 12/13: Last Day to Return “Helping Hands” Gift Cards
  • 12/23 – 1/06: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)

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

LAST CALL! Reflections Art Contest Entries Due November 22nd

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.”
To learn more, watch this short video.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Access the entry form here.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

Wildcats Ice Skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex

Join us for fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break!

Date: November 26th, 2024
2:00 to 3:00 pm

To reserve your spot, please pay through the PayPal link. Make sure you arrive ~30 minutes early to get your bracelet and skates before hitting the ice! The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental.

Payment: Visit paypal.me/WhittierPTASeattle.
Please add a message and indicate payment is for the ice skating event. Include your name and number of skaters.

 

Waivers: Download here. One waiver is required per skater each year. 

What to bring: Waiver and helmet.

We are looking for volunteers to sign in skaters at the beginning of the event. Please sign up here if you are interested.

Can’t wait to see you on the ice!

 

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.

Mrs. Mayo's Second Grade Class is Collecting Blankets

Mrs. Mayo’s second grade class is collecting blankets for the Ballard Food Bank over the month of November!

New or gently used clean blankets are greatly appreciated. We collected over two hundred blankets last year. Can we match or better that this November?!

Bins will be outside the office and by room 212.

Thank you for helping to keep others warm this winter. 

Book Fair and Winter Concert is December 5th!

It is time again for Whittier’s annual Book Fair! This year it is combined with a Winter Concert from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Wildcats to make for a wonderful Whittier community event with books, music, and a show of support for our library and Wildcat choristers.

Book Fair
December 5th
2:30 – 7:30 pm
Whittier Library, online, and at Phinney Books

Winter Concert
Also December 5th
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Whittier Cafeteria

The Book Fair is in partnership again with the fabulous Phinney Books and will run from 2:30pm – 7:30pm. There are three ways to shop:

  1. In-person at the event in our own Whittier library
  2. Online at Whittier Elementary (Phinney Books) Bookshop
  3. In-person at Phinney Books (7405 Greenwood Ave N) – tell them that you are shopping for the Whittier Book Fair.

Twenty-five percent of all proceeds from the online and in-person Book Fair go towards purchasing books for our library. This fair brings more new and engaging books to our Wildcats!

The Winter Concert will be at 6pm in the Whittier cafeteria and will feature 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade performances. All families are invited to attend to support their fellow Wildcats, get cozy in their pajamas, and enjoy hot chocolate after the concert. 

We need a few helpers to volunteer to set up the book fair, chaperone performing students, prepare and hand out hot chocolate, and clean up at the end of the night. Please sign up here.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Newcomb or Ms. Steph.

Thank you so much for supporting the Whittier Library and our student performers!

A Very Warren Dunes Christmas @ FREMONT ABBEY

Looking for sources of light this December?
 
Consider Ms. Julia’s band Warren Dunes and their second annual holiday show at the Fremont Abbey!
 
Friday, December 13th
7:00 – 10:00 pm
ALL AGES! Sliding scale tickets! FREE for kids 10 and under!

Featuring a bunch of local artists, this ALL AGES event is a fundraiser for the Many Hands Project Seattle, which raises money for childcare for Seattle area parent performers!
 
For tickets and more details click here! 

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: 11/13/2024

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

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

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer to Sign In Skaters at Ice Skating Event
November 26, arrive by 1:25 pm
Kraken Community Iceplex
Sign up here!

Helping Hands Assistant
November through December, especially 12/16 – 12/20
Primarily remote, self-paced
Learn more and sign up here!

Spring Fling Committee
Many roles from procurement to decor to logistics!
Work kicks off in January
Learn more and sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

PTA Nominating Committee Needs You!

The Whittier PTA needs one more volunteer who is interested in helping the PTA Nominating Committee fill open PTA positions for the 2025-26 school year.

The Nominating Committee will kick off in the January/February timeframe and consist of a couple meetings (potential for in-person or virtual, based on group availability.) Much of the work is done independently.

Please email Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested in helping out with this committee.

Mrs. Mayo's Second Grade Class is Collecting Blankets

Mrs. Mayo’s second grade class is collecting blankets for the Ballard Food Bank over the month of November!

New or gently used clean blankets are greatly appreciated. We collected over two hundred blankets last year. Can we match or better that this November?!

Bins will be outside the office and by room 212.

Thank you for helping to keep others warm this winter. 

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.

Reflections Art Contest: Entries Due November 22nd

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.”
To learn more, watch this short video.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Access the entry form here.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

Wildcats Ice Skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex

Join us for fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break!

Date: November 26th, 2024
2:00 to 3:00 pm

To reserve your spot, please pay through the PayPal link. Make sure you arrive ~30 minutes early to get your bracelet and skates before hitting the ice! The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental.

Payment: Visit paypal.me/WhittierPTASeattle.
Please add a message and indicate payment is for the ice skating event. Include your name and number of skaters.

 

Waivers: Download here. One waiver is required per skater each year. 

What to bring: Waiver and helmet.

We are looking for volunteers to sign in skaters at the beginning of the event. Please sign up here if you are interested.

Can’t wait to see you on the ice!

 

Book Fair and Winter Concert is December 5th!

It is time again for Whittier’s annual Book Fair! This year it is combined with a Winter Concert from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Wildcats to make for a wonderful Whittier community event with books, music, and a show of support for our library and Wildcat choristers.

Book Fair
December 5th
2:30 – 7:30 pm
Whittier Library, online, and at Phinney Books

Winter Concert
Also December 5th
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Whittier Cafeteria

The Book Fair is in partnership again with the fabulous Phinney Books and will run from 2:30pm – 7:30pm. There are three ways to shop:

  1. In-person at the event in our own Whittier library
  2. Online at Whittier Elementary (Phinney Books) Bookshop
  3. In-person at Phinney Books (7405 Greenwood Ave N) – tell them that you are shopping for the Whittier Book Fair.

Twenty-five percent of all proceeds from the online and in-person Book Fair go towards purchasing books for our library. This fair brings more new and engaging books to our Wildcats!

The Winter Concert will be at 6pm in the Whittier cafeteria and will feature 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade performances. All families are invited to attend to support their fellow Wildcats, get cozy in their pajamas, and enjoy hot chocolate after the concert. 

We need a few helpers to volunteer to set up the book fair, chaperone performing students, prepare and hand out hot chocolate, and clean up at the end of the night. Please sign up here.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Newcomb or Ms. Steph.

Thank you so much for supporting the Whittier Library and our student performers!

A Very Warren Dunes Christmas @ FREMONT ABBEY

Looking for sources of light this December?
 
Consider Ms. Julia’s band Warren Dunes and their second annual holiday show at the Fremont Abbey!
 
Friday, December 13th
7:00 – 10:00 pm
ALL AGES! Sliding scale tickets! FREE for kids 10 and under!

Featuring a bunch of local artists, this ALL AGES event is a fundraiser for the Many Hands Project Seattle, which raises money for childcare for Seattle area parent performers!
 
For tickets and more details click here! 

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: 11/06/2024

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 11/05 – 11/08: In-School Hearing & Vision Screening
  • 11/12: Community Meeting with Sarah Clark, District 2 School Board Director
  • 11/12: PTA Meeting
  • 11/20: Helping Hands Drive Begins!
  • 11/20: November Staff Appreciation (4th Grade)
  • 11/22: All School Party (During the School Day)
  • 11/25 – 11/29: NO SCHOOL
  • 11/26: Wildcats Ice Skate
  • 12/05: Literacy Night and Book Fair
  • 12/09 – 12/12: 5th Grade Field Trip

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

Volunteer Opportunities

Helping Hands Assistant
November through December, especially 12/16 – 12/20
Primarily remote, self-paced
Learn more and sign up here!

School Board Meeting Attendee
Monthly, Remote suggested
Learn more and sign up here!

Seattle Council PTSA Meeting Attendee
Monthly, In-person or Remote
Learn more and sign up here!

Spring Fling Committee
Many roles from procurement to decor to logistics!
Work kicks off in January
Learn more and sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

PTA Nominating Committee Needs You!

The Whittier PTA is currently looking for 4-5 individuals who are interested in helping the PTA Nominating Committee fill open PTA positions for the 2025-26 school year.

The Nominating Committee will kick off in the January/February timeframe and consist of a couple meetings (potential for in-person or virtual, based on group availability.) Much of the work is done independently.

Please email Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested in helping out with this committee.

Whittier Community Meeting with School Board Director, Sarah Clark

Whittier PTA is hosting a meeting with SPS District 2 School Board Director, Sarah Clark.

Director Sarah Clark is our voice and vote on key decisions for our school and district, including school closures, bell times, boundary changes, and more.
 
When: November 12 from 6-7pm
Where: Whittier Library and over Zoom
 
All Whittier Elementary community members are invited to attend.
 
To best facilitate this meeting, we are asking community members submit questions and RSVP.
 
Whittier PTA’s monthly meeting will immediately follow. Zoom details for these meetings can be found on the Whittier PTA website here.
 
Learn more about the current school closure plan and advocacy opportunities on Whittier PTA’s Advocacy hub here.

Join Us for the November PTA Meeting - Immediately Following Director Clarke's Community Meeting

Zoom details for these meetings can be found on the Whittier PTA website here.

Reflections Art Contest 2024-2025: "Accepting Imperfection"

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.” 

To learn more, watch this short video.

Access the entry form here.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

Seeking Judges for Reflections Art Contest

Do you have a passion for the arts? If so, we would love for you to put it to use and help the Reflections Art Committee as they judge submissions and decide which to send on to the SCPTSA.

If the committee receives ample submissions, we will meet as a group in the end of November at Whittier. Email vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested or if you have questions.

Wildcats Ice Skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex!

Join us for fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break!

Date: November 26th, 2024
2:00 to 3:00 pm

We are looking for volunteers to sign in skaters at the beginning of the event. Please sign up here if you are interested.

 

To reserve your spot, please pay through the PayPal link. Make sure you arrive ~30 minutes early to get your bracelet and skates before hitting the ice! The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental.

Payment: Visit paypal.me/WhittierPTASeattle. 
Please add a message and indicate payment is for the ice skating event. Include your name and number of skaters. 

Waivers: Download here. One waiver is required per skater each year. 

What to bring: Waiver and helmet.

Can’t wait to see you on the ice!

 

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: 10/30/2024

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 11/05 – 11/08: In-School Hearing & Vision Screening
  • 11/12: Community Meeting with Sarah Clark, District 2 School Board Director
  • 11/12: PTA Meeting
  • 11/20: Helping Hands Drive Begins!
  • 11/21: November Staff Appreciation (4th Grade)
  • 11/22: All School Party (During the School Day)
  • 11/25 – 11/29: NO SCHOOL
  • 11/26: Wildcats Ice Skate
  • 12/05: Literacy Night and Book Fair
  • 12/09 – 12/12: 5th Grade Field Trip

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

Volunteer Opportunities

Helping Hands Assistant
November through December, especially 12/16 – 12/20
Primarily remote, self-paced
Learn more and sign up here!

School Board Meeting Attendee
Monthly, Remote suggested
Learn more and sign up here!

Seattle Council PTSA Meeting Attendee
Monthly, In-person or Remote
Learn more and sign up here!

Spring Fling Committee
Many roles from procurement to decor to logistics!
Work kicks off in January
Learn more and sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

PTA Nominating Committee Needs You!

The Whittier PTA is currently looking for 4-5 individuals who are interested in helping the PTA Nominating Committee fill open PTA positions for the 2025-26 school year.

The Nominating Committee will kick off in the January/February timeframe and consist of a couple meetings (potential for in-person or virtual, based on group availability.) Much of the work is done independently.

Please email Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested in helping out with this committee.

Did You Capture Amazing Photos at Fall Carnival?

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.

It's the LAST WEEK of Socktober!

Room 210 is collecting socks to be donated to The Bridge Care Center in Ballard. All Sizes! All Colors!

We collected 458 pairs last year… this year, we hope to collect at least 500 pairs of socks! Spread the word to family and friends and start collecting as many socks as you can! 

Send your collected socks in with your Wildcat or drop off in the Front Office.

Let’s help everyone in our community get a warm pair of socks (or two) this year! Thank you for helping us make this a successful Socktober!

 

One Seattle Comprehensive Plan and Whittier Neighborhood

Learn How Seattle’s Zoning Updates Could Affect the Two Streets Adjacent to Whittier

The City of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan (One Seattle) is out for public comment.

The One Seattle Plan is the city’s long-range plan to guide future development and proposes zoning changes that could impact the Whittier school community.

You can review the proposed changes here.

Provide Your Feedback. Community members can provide comments on the plan (either general or specific comments on the map) as well as attend a public meeting to find out more. Visit the engagement hub for more information here.

You can sign up for virtual office hours, provide general or specific comments, and find out more information on the engagement hub: engagement | One Seattle Plan Zoning Update

Whittier Community Meeting with School Board Director, Sarah Clark

Whittier PTA is hosting a meeting with SPS District 2 School Board Director, Sarah Clark.

Director Sarah Clark is our voice and vote on key decisions for our school and district, including school closures, bell times, boundary changes, and more.
 
When: November 12 from 6-7pm
Where: Whittier Library and over Zoom
 
All Whittier Elementary community members are invited to attend.
 
To best facilitate this meeting, we are asking community members submit questions and RSVP.
 
Whittier PTA’s monthly meeting will immediately follow. Zoom details for these meetings can be found on the Whittier PTA website here.
 
Learn more about the current school closure plan and advocacy opportunities on Whittier PTA’s Advocacy hub here.

Join Us for the November PTA Meeting - Immediately Following Director Clarke's Community Meeting

Zoom details for these meetings can be found on the Whittier PTA website here.

Reflections Art Contest 2024-2025: "Accepting Imperfection"

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.” 

To learn more, watch this short video.

Access the entry form here.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

Seeking Judges for Reflections Art Contest

Do you have a passion for the arts? If so, we would love for you to put it to use and help the Reflections Art Committee as they judge submissions and decide which to send on to the SCPTSA.

If the committee receives ample submissions, we will meet as a group in the end of November at Whittier. Email vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested or if you have questions.

Wildcats Ice Skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex!

Join us for fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break!

Date: November 26th, 2024
2:00 to 3:00 pm

We are looking for volunteers to sign in skaters at the beginning of the event. Please sign up here if you are interested.

 

To reserve your spot, please pay through the PayPal link. Make sure you arrive ~30 minutes early to get your bracelet and skates before hitting the ice! The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental.

Payment: Visit paypal.me/WhittierPTASeattle. 
Please add a message and indicate payment is for the ice skating event. Include your name and number of skaters. 

Waivers: Download here. One waiver is required per skater each year. 

What to bring: Waiver and helmet.

Can’t wait to see you on the ice!

 

The Wildchat: 10/23/2024

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 10/25: Whittier PTA Fall Carnival
  • 11/05 – 11/08: In-School Hearing & Vision Screening
  • 11/12: PTA Meeting
  • 11/20: Helping Hands Drive Begins!
  • 11/21: November Staff Appreciation (4th Grade)
  • 11/22: All School Party (During the School Day)
  • 11/26: Wildcats Ice Skate
  • 12/05: Literacy Night and Book Fair

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

Volunteer Opportunities!

Helping Hands Assistant
November through December, especially 12/16 – 12/20
Primarily remote, self-paced
Learn more and sign up here!

School Board Meeting Attendee
Monthly, Remote suggested
Learn more and sign up here!

Seattle Council PTSA Meeting Attendee
Monthly, In-person or Remote
Learn more and sign up here!

Spring Fling Committee
Many roles from procurement to decor to logistics!
Work kicks off in January
Learn more and sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

Final Push - We Need YOU!

We are getting closer! Last week we brought in over $8500! Thank you Wildcats!

We have $28,806 to finish out to meet our goal.  

Unfortunately, given the current state of public school funding, if we do not meet our fundraising goal THIS YEAR, we could lose some of our school enrichment programs.

We need YOU to support enrichment programs like Massive Monkees, WildCats Read, and in-house field trips such as author visits, African drumming, and plays. We need YOU to support art, PE, performing arts, math assistance, a nurse, and social worker.

Learn more and donate here!

Fall Carnival is on Friday, October 25th from 5-7pm on the Whittier Blacktop!
Costumes are welcome but completely optional. 

Get ready for amazing activities, food, and fun, including: 

  • Raffle!
  • Popcorn!
  • Food trucks!
  • Dessert Dash!
  • Pumpkin Patch!
  • Apple Toss!
  • Photo Booth!
  • Face Painting!
  • Candy Corn Toss!
  • Glow in the Dark
    Tattoo Parlor!
  • Pumpkin Decoration!
  • Black Light Art Gallery!
  • Guess What’s Gross?!

Concession Sales are Now Open!
Skip the concession ticket line and pre-purchase your cotton candy and popcorn tickets! Tickets can be purchased here.

As always, this is a completely volunteer run event, so any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Sign up to volunteer here!

Older family members, Whittier Alumni, and high school students looking to fulfill their volunteer requirements are also invited to volunteer!

Donate baked goods for the Dessert Dash here!

 

All Wildcat alumni and friends are welcome. Our neighborhood is our community! We can’t wait to celebrate this wonderful Whittier tradition with you all

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.

Parekh's Pack is collecting SOCKS for SOCKTOBER!

Room 210 is collecting socks to be donated to The Bridge Care Center in Ballard. All Sizes! All Colors!

We collected 458 pairs last year… this year, we hope to collect at least 500 pairs of socks! Spread the word to family and friends and start collecting as many socks as you can! 

Send your collected socks in with your Wildcat or drop off in the Front Office.

Let’s help everyone in our community get a warm pair of socks (or two) this year! Thank you for helping us make this a successful Socktober!

 

PTA Nominating Committee Needs You!

The Whittier PTA is currently looking for 4-5 individuals who are interested in helping the PTA Nominating Committee fill open PTA positions for the 2025-26 school year.

The Nominating Committee will kick off in the January/February timeframe and consist of a couple meetings (potential for in-person or virtual, based on group availability.) Much of the work is done independently.

Please email Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested in helping out with this committee.

Reflections Art Contest 2024-2025: "Accepting Imperfection"

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.” 

To learn more, watch this short video.

Access the entry form here.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

Seeking Judges for Reflections Art Contest

Do you have a passion for the arts? If so, we would love for you to put it to use and help the Reflections Art Committee as they judge submissions and decide which to send on to the SCPTSA.

If the committee receives ample submissions, we will meet as a group in the end of November at Whittier. Email vp@whittierptaseattle.org if interested or if you have questions.

Ballard High School Performing Arts Presents "Charlotte's Web"

Step into the barnyard for Ballard High School’s production of Charlotte’s Web!

This stage adaptation by Joseph Robinette brings the beloved children’s book by EB White to life. Featuring beloved characters like Wilbur, Fern, and Templeton, music composed by Ballard High School students, and hilarious and heartbreaking performances.

This 90-minute production acts as a reminder of all the good things in life. An ode to all things small and wonderous, join us on the adventure of a lifetime as we follow a little pig’s journey to fame and friendship.

Purchase tickets to the show here!

Performing Arts of Whitman Proudly Presents Their Festive Fall Comedy!

Come check out your future middle school in this hilarious spoof of a Charles Dicken’s classic where a slacker student is visited by ghosts from Quizzes past, present and future!

When: Thursday, 10/24 and Friday, 10/25

Time: 6:00 – 6:45 pm. Doors open at 5:30.

Location: Whitman Middle School Auditorium

Appropriate Age: Recommended for 7+

Tickets: $10 per adult, $5 per student, $20 per family (including Grandparents, aunts, etc), sold via QR code at the door.

Community Spooky Season Events

Saturday, October 26th
Noon – 3 pm

Dress up and visit businesses on Phinney Ave and Greenwood Ave N for tricks and treats.

This annual Halloween event is also a food drive for FamilyWorks Seattle. Learn more about the event and collection stations on the Trick-or-Treat route here.

Visit ILS Greenwood as both a collection point as well as your Treat Exchange location!
7720 Greenwood Ave N

Wildcats Ice Skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex!

Join us for fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break!

Date: November 26th, 2024
2:00 to 3:00 pm

We are looking for volunteers to sign in skaters at the beginning of the event. Please sign up here if you are interested.

 

To reserve your spot, please pay through the PayPal link. Make sure you arrive ~30 minutes early to get your bracelet and skates before hitting the ice! The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental.

Payment: Visit paypal.me/WhittierPTASeattle. 
Please add a message and indicate payment is for the ice skating event. Include your name and number of skaters. 

Waivers: Download here. One waiver is required per skater each year. 

What to bring: Waiver and helmet.

Can’t wait to see you on the ice!

 

The Wildchat: 10/16/2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

  • 10/17: October Staff Appreciation (5th Grade)
  • 10/22: Kinder – 1st Grade Caregiver Happy Hour
  • 10/25: Whittier PTA Fall Carnival
  • 11/05: PTA Work Session (Election Night Edition)
  • 11/05 – 11/08: In-School Hearing & Vision Screening
  • 11/12: PTA Meeting
  • 11/20: Helping Hands Drive Begins!
  • 11/21: November Staff Appreciation (4th Grade)
  • 11/26: Wildcats Ice Skate

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

Volunteer Opportunities!

Fall Carnival
October 25th
3:30 – 8:00 pm
One hour shifts shifts
Sign up here!

Fall Carnival Dessert Donations
October 25th
Sign up here!

Helping Hands Assistant
November through December, especially 12/16 – 12/20
Primarily remote, self-paced
Learn more and sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

We Need YOU!

Where are we in fundraising for our school?

We have accomplished an amazing feat, raising $100,880! Our goal is $138,000 so we need to come together to raise $37,370 by October 25th!

Unfortunately, given the current state of public school funding, if we do not meet our fundraising goal THIS YEAR, we could lose some of our school enrichment programs.

We need YOU to support enrichment programs like Massive Monkees, WildCats Read, and in-house field trips such as author visits, African drumming, and plays. We need YOU to support art, PE, performing arts, math assistance, a nurse, and social worker.

Learn more and donate here!

We need a two-prong approach:

  • Fundraise right now for our children’s education
  • Advocate loudly for funding reform

Here are some stats from this year’s Annual Give:

  • 56% of students have turned in their forms! That means, we still need 151 forms returned.
  • We are 67% to goal to keep these amazing programs running. We can do this!
  • We need to raise $37,370 by October 25th!

If you have not donated, WE NEED YOU. We really do need your donation to run programs and fund staffing grants. Come on WildCats, let’s shoot for 100% participation!

Fall Carnival is on Friday, October 25th from 5-7pm on the Whittier Blacktop!
Costumes are welcome but completely optional. 

Get ready for amazing activities, food, and fun, including: 

  • Raffle!
  • Popcorn!
  • Food trucks!
  • Dessert Dash!
  • Pumpkin Patch!
  • Apple Toss!
  • Photo Booth!
  • Face Painting!
  • Candy Corn Toss!
  • Glow in the Dark
    Tattoo Parlor!
  • Pumpkin Decoration!
  • Black Light Art Gallery!
  • Guess What’s Gross?!

This year, skip the concession ticket line and pre-purchase your cotton candy and popcorn tickets! Tickets can be purchased here.

As always, this is a completely volunteer run event, so any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Sign up to volunteer here!

Older family members, Whittier Alumni, and high school students looking to fulfill their volunteer requirements are also invited to volunteer!

Donate baked goods for the Dessert Dash here!

All Wildcat alumni and friends are welcome. Our neighborhood is our community! We can’t wait to celebrate this wonderful Whittier tradition with you all

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.

Performing Arts of Whitman Proudly Presents Their Festive Fall Comedy!

Come check out your future middle school in this hilarious spoof of a Charles Dicken’s classic where a slacker student is visited by ghosts from Quizzes past, present and future!

When: Thursday, 10/24 and Friday, 10/25

Time: 6:00 – 6:45 pm. Doors open at 5:30.

Location: Whitman Middle School Auditorium

Appropriate Age: Recommended for 7+

Tickets: $10 per adult, $5 per student, $20 per family (including Grandparents, aunts, etc), sold via QR code at the door.

Parekh's Pack is collecting SOCKS for SOCKTOBER!

Room 210 is collecting socks to be donated to The Bridge Care Center in Ballard. All Sizes! All Colors!

We collected 458 pairs last year… this year, we hope to collect at least 500 pairs of socks! Spread the word to family and friends and start collecting as many socks as you can! 

Send your collected socks in with your Wildcat or drop off in the Front Office.

Let’s help everyone in our community get a warm pair of socks (or two) this year! Thank you for helping us make this a successful Socktober!

 

Reflections Art Contest 2024-2025: "Accepting Imperfection"

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.” 

To learn more, watch this short video.

Access the entry form here.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

PNW Parent Education 2024-2025 Speaker Lineup

Save the date for the three FREE speaker events we have planned! These are provided at no cost to you thanks to donors. You can register now for all events, and we will send more details as each event gets closer.

REGISTER FOR EVENTS HERE!

Wildcats Ice Skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex!

Join us for fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break!

Date: November 26th, 2024
2:00 to 3:00 pm

We are looking for volunteers to sign in skaters at the beginning of the event. Please sign up here if you are interested.

 

To reserve your spot, please pay through the PayPal link. Make sure you arrive ~30 minutes early to get your bracelet and skates before hitting the ice! The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental.

Payment: Visit paypal.me/WhittierPTASeattle. 
Please add a message and indicate payment is for the ice skating event. Include your name and number of skaters. 

Waivers: Download here. One waiver is required per skater each year. 

What to bring: Waiver and helmet.

Can’t wait to see you on the ice!

 

The Wildchat: 10/09/2024

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

Subscribe to Our Calendar!

No more manual entry of events! 

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

Volunteer Opportunities!

Fall After School Programs Helper*
10/07 – 12/09
2:15 – 3:15
30 minute shifts
Learn more and sign up here!

Vaccine Clinic * – Seeking 4 More Volunteers!
October 10th
October 17 *NEW DATE!*
11:30 am – 5:00 pm
90 minute shifts
Sign up here!

Fall Carnival – Seeking 23 Volunteers!
October 25th
3:30 – 8:00 pm
One hour shifts
Sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

Final Week for Whittier's Largest Fundraiser of the Year!

We have raised 72% of our $138,250 goal for this Fall which is nearly $100,000 (AMAZING!!). THANK YOU, WILDCATS!

In this final week, we encourage everyone who hasn’t donated yet to participate at whatever level you’re able. Every dollar truly counts.

The Annual Give Fundraiser supports education and enrichment for this 2024-2025 school year for our amazing Whittier scholars:

  • Specialist, Nurse, Library, and Reading Intervention Staffing
  • The Math Agency
  • Field Trips
  • The Massive Monkees Residency
  • Curriculum Supports and School Supplies
  • Community Events Such As Fall Festival
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Events Such As Drag Queen Story Time
  • And More!

NEW DATE! The Vaccine Clinic has Been Rescheduled to 10/17

Due to a lack of vaccine supply caused by high demand and shipping delays, the vaccine clinic has been rescheduled to 10/17.

If you have already registered your child, there is nothing else you need to do. They will receive the vaccines as planned on the 17th.

If you would still like to register, Nurse Marissa will re-open the registration form until Monday 10/14 so that additional students can register.

If you need to change your child’s registration, please send Nurse Marissa a Talking Points message or e-mail no later than Tuesday 10/15.

Pre-Registration is required in order for students to receive vaccines without a parent or guardian present. Please register here.

Vaccines Available for Children Aged 0-18. Students and siblings are welcome!

October 17, 2024
Time: 12 pm – 5 pm

Whittier Elementary School
1320 NW 75th St., Seattle, WA 98117

Nurse Marissa is looking for volunteers! To sign up for a shift, please visit the Sign Up Genius.

Questions?
Contact Nurse Marissa
mrfitzpatric@seattleschools.org

Caregiver Happy Hours are Back!

For questions about Caregiver Happy Hours, contact Meg Pietz at events@whittierptaseattle.org

School Portrait Make-Up Day

Yuen Lui Studio will photograph makeup and retake portraits at Whittier on Tuesday, 10/15

  • Families can preorder makeup portraits here
  • For retake portraits, students who preordered picture day packets for the September picture day can return their package to the photographer in exchange for a retake
  • Families can view and order portraits from the September 3rd picture day here
  • October 15 images will be available via the same link about one week after retake day
  • Images are password protected by an online code. The online code is your student’s school ID number
  • Orders can be placed anytime throughout the year and are individually processed, packaged, and shipped directly to families’ homes

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.

Mark your calendars for the biggest Whittier Party of the year!

  • Raffle!
  • Popcorn!
  • Food trucks!
  • Dessert Dash!
  • Pumpkin Patch!
  • Apple Toss!
  • Photo Booth!
  • Face Painting!
  • Candy Corn Toss!
  • Glow in the Dark
    Tattoo Parlor!
  • Pumpkin Decoration!
  • Black Light Art Gallery!
  • Guess What’s Gross?!

Costumes are welcomed but completely optional.

As always, this is a completely volunteer run event, so any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Sign up to volunteer here!

Older family members, Whittier Alumni, and high school students looking to fulfill their volunteer requirements are also invited to volunteer!

Donate baked goods for the Dessert Dash here!

All Wildcat alumni and friends are welcome. Our neighborhood is our community! We can’t wait to celebrate this wonderful Whittier tradition with you all!

Welcome to SOCKTOBER!

Parekh’s Pack is collecting SOCKS for SOCKTOBER!

Room 210 is collecting socks to be donated to The Bridge Care Center in Ballard. All Sizes! All Colors!

We collected 458 pairs last year… this year, we hope to collect at least 500 pairs of socks! Spread the word to family and friends and start collecting as many socks as you can! 

Send your collected socks in with your Wildcat or drop off in the Front Office.

Let’s help everyone in our community get a warm pair of socks (or two) this year! Thank you for helping us make this a successful Socktober!

 

Reflections Art Contest is Coming!

Whittier is excited to be taking part in the Reflections Art program this year! Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12:

  • Explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
  • Develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
  • Increase confidence
  • Find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life

Students create original works of art in response to a theme. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories (literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, film/video, choreography/dance).

The theme for 2024-2025 is “Accepting Imperfection.” 

To learn more, watch this short video.

Access the entry form here.

All entries will be due by Friday, November 22nd (end of day) to vp@whittierptaseattle.org. For physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

Questions? Contact Renee Hartnett at vp@whittierptaseattle.org.

The Wildchat: 10/02/2024

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

Subscribe to Our Calendar!

Select “Sync to My Calendar” to subscribe to our Konstella calendar. Or, subscribe to our Google Calendar – no more manual entry of events! 

Extended Through October 14th!

Annual Give is cruising, but we have not quite hit our goal – We need your participation to keep our awesome programs and services at Whittier!

We are hoping that 100% of our families make a personally significant contribution that will directly impact your child’s education. Donations average from $50 to $2,500 from families.

The Annual Give Fundraiser supports education and enrichment for this 2024-2025 school year for our amazing Whittier scholars:

  • Specialist, Nurse, Library, and Reading Intervention Staffing
  • The Math Agency
  • Field Trips
  • The Massive Monkees Residency
  • Curriculum Supports and School Supplies
  • Community Events Such As Fall Festival
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Events Such As Drag Queen Story Time
  • And More!

It’s easy to participate! Simply donate online here, then return your donation form and yellow envelope to your child’s classroom. Or, include a check in your yellow envelope.

For more information on why we fundraise and what we support, please visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/annual-give-2024/

Space is Still Available in 1st and 2nd Grade Programs -

Now Expanded to Include Our Kindergarten Wildcats!

Register by 10/04 Here!

Does your kiddo love parkour, board games, and building moving contraptions with LEGOs? There are spaces available in these Whittier after-school programs, which have been expanded to include students in K-2.
 

Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:30

Gamer Group with Mr. Buck
Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:00

Brick City Engineers with Bricks 4 Kidz
Thursdays 2:30 – 3:30

Classes are held after school at Whittier, starting on October 7 and running through early December. Open to all kindergarten through 2nd-grade families, including students who participate in Whittier Kids.
 
We need a few more families to enroll to meet the minimum for these classes to run. Learn more and sign up here.
 
Scholarships are available! Please contact programs@whittierptaseattle.org for more info.

Welcome to SOCKTOBER!

Parekh’s Pack is collecting SOCKS for SOCKTOBER!

Room 210 is collecting socks to be donated to The Bridge Care Center in Ballard. All Sizes! All Colors!

We collected 458 pairs last year… this year, we hope to collect at least 500 pairs of socks! Spread the word to family and friends and start collecting as many socks as you can! 

Send your collected socks in with your Wildcat or drop off in the Front Office.

Let’s help everyone in our community get a warm pair of socks (or two) this year! Thank you for helping us make this a successful Socktober!

 

Volunteer Opportunities!

Vaccine Clinic*
October 10th
11:30 am – 5:00 pm
90 minute shifts
Sign up here!

Fall Festival
October 25th
3:30 – 8:00 pm
One hour shifts
Sign up here!

Visit https://whittierptaseattle.org/volunteer/ for more ways to get involved!

*ALL volunteers for classroom or on-campus events during the school day MUST be cleared by Seattle Public Schools prior to volunteering. Your volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more here. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact Ms. Monica at maganyard@seattleschools.org 

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 Whittier PTA is excited to announce that our annual 2024 Fall Carnival is right around the corner!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Friday, October 25th from 5-7pm for the biggest Whittier Party of the year!

There will be games, activities, food trucks and plenty of fun for everyone in the family. Halloween Gaga Ball anyone??? Costumes are welcomed but completely optional, and all Wildcat alumni and friends are welcome as well. Our neighborhood is our community!

We can’t wait to celebrate this wonderful Whittier tradition with you all!

As always, this is a completely volunteer run event, so any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Sign up to volunteer here!

We need a variety of helpers for set up, clean up, and all of the fun activities we have planned. Shifts are short so you can help and still enjoy the party!

 We also welcome older family members, Whittier Alumni, and any high school students looking to fulfill their volunteer requirements!

"Well-Resourced Schools" Updates & Advocacy

With Superintendent Brent Jones’ email rescheduling community meetings, there have been important updates around the Well-Resourced Schools proposals, including:

  • Possible cuts in a closure-less plan
  • “Three Bells” and how it could affect your family
  • Opportunities to advocate more specifically for yourself and your community
Read the latest update here.

And don’t forget to check out our new Advocacy page on the Whittier PTA website that rounds up these updates and advocacy opportunities.

Nurse Marissa is hosting a Free Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinic at Whitter Elementary

Students and siblings are welcome!

Pre-Registration is required in order for students to receive vaccines without a parent or guardian present. Please register here.

Nurse Marissa is looking for volunteers! To sign up for a shift, please visit the Sign Up Genius.

Vaccines Available for Children Aged 0-18

October 10, 2024
Time: 12 pm – 5 pm

Whittier Elementary School
1320 NW 75th St., Seattle, WA 98117

Questions?
Contact Nurse Marissa
mrfitzpatric@seattleschools.org

Caregiver Happy Hours at Chuck's are Back!

Calling all Whittier Caregivers! Celebrate the start of the school year with other Whittier Elementary caregivers in your child’s grade over happy hour at Chuck’s.

Time: 6-8pm

Where: Chuck’s Hop Shop
656 NW 85th St, Seattle

When:
Thurs Oct 10: 4th-5th grade
Tues Oct 15: 2nd-3rd grade
Tues Oct 22: K-1st grade

This event is primarily for caregivers of Whittier Elementary scholars. However, if you need to bring your kiddo to make it, no problem. We can all celebrate the school year at Chuck’s over beer & ice cream!

For questions, contact Meg Pietz at events@whittierptaseattle.org