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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

The Wildchat: 9/25/2024

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Welcome Back, Wildcats!

 
What’s happening this month:
 

Have You Joined Your Konstella Classroom Yet?

Konstella is your go-to source for school-wide and grade-level announcements, along with information specific to your classroom. Create an account if you’re new to Whittier or haven’t joined Konstella yet. If you’ve used Konstella in the past, you’ll need to update your classrooms by going to Settings > Your Children > (Child’s Name) > (Last year’s classroom or “Not Assigned to a Classroom” > Select your student’s classroom. 

Psst – While you’re in Konstella, you can subscribe to our Konstella calendar or check out and subscribe to our Google Calendar.

Blue and yellow Whittier after-school programs banner.

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

Parkour Based Movement Games and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
by Kong Academy
Grades 1–2
Tuesdays

Brick City Engineering with LEGO Technic Bricks
by Bricks 4 Kidz Greater Seattle
Grades 1–2
Thursdays

Mr. Buck’s Gamer Group
Grades 1-2
Tuesdays

Classes will be held weekly after school from October 7 – December 9.

Families must set up an account on 6crickets prior to registration. Once you set up an account, you can learn more about each program and view schedules.

Scholarships are available! Please email programs@whittierptaseattle.org if you have any questions.

Click Here to Register Today!

Keep an eye out for Winter Programs later this year!

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/

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

Join the Whittier PTA Today!

We encourage and invite everyone in the Whittier Elementary School community to join the Whittier Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

This includes parents, teachers, staff, caregivers, and grandparents – all those who have an interest in continuing to make Whittier a place where students can achieve their potential in a safe, loving, and inspiring environment.

Learn more about the Whittier PTA here.

Ready to join the team? Sign up here!

And, Join Us for the October 1st PTA Work Session

PTA Work Sessions are different than PTA meetings.

These open-house style sessions are opportunities for community members to share ideas, ask questions, complete volunteer work, and learn more about Whittier and the PTA in an informal setting.

October 1st
Whittier Elementary Library
7:00 – 9:00 pm

All are welcome to drop-in!

Learn more here.
Questions? Contact the PTA.

Whittier’s Front Office Staff is seeking clothing donations for our Wildcats to access throughout the school year.

  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Soft pants
  • Short and long sleeved shirts
  • Whittier Spirit Gear!

Donations can be dropped off at the Front Office or with Principal Watters at drop-off.

Learn more here.

The Wildchat: 6/18/2024

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

End of the Year is Here!

  • Great job and congrats to all our 2-minute talent show participants!! Go Wildcats!
  • Thank you to our amazing community volunteers and to Mr. Pule for another amazing Field Day last week!
  • Bookmark this wonderful list of summer programs in our community for the whole family to keep everyone reading this summer!

What’s happening this week:

  • 6/18: 5th Grade Adventure Day and Yearbooks Distributed to 5th grade
  • 6/19: No School  – Juneteenth
  • 6/20: Volunteer Appreciation Coffee at Drop-off
  • 6/20: Yearbooks Distributed to all K-4 Wildcats
  • 6/20: 5th Grade Promotion
  • 6/21: Last Day of School (1-hour early dismissal), Lost & Found will be emptied after school ends

We want to hear from you! How was your experience with after-school programs this year? What clubs would your child be interested in next year? This survey is open to all families, even if your child did not participate in clubs this year. Your feedback will help us plan our program offerings for the next school year!

Returning to Whittier? Help Us Kickoff an Amazing 2024-2025 School Year!

There are so many ways to support Whittier this summer!

Save the Date for these Early Fall Events:

Want to help make this event a success? Volunteer for a day-of shift here!

Thank you, 2023-2024 Whittier PTA Board and Volunteers!

A huge thank you to this year’s amazing cohort of volunteers who supported Whittier this year. We are so grateful for your time, energy, and passion. Extra special congratulations to this year’s Golden Acorn winner, Laura Zingg, for her amazing contributions as Programs Co-Chair, on Fall Festival committee, Student Directory Chair, Classroom Art Coordinator for Spring Fling and so much more. 

Dear Whittier Community, Thank You. From, Move a Thon

Whittier Community, Thank you for supporting this year’s Move a Thon. Almost 200 Whittier Wildcats raised nearly $28,000 through the Move a Thon. A big shout out to the volunteers who brought it together, adults who came to cheer, community sponsors, and Whittier staff who joined the event. Stay active and see you next year!

Thank you, Wildcats! Have a Great Summer!

The Wildchat: 5/28/24

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

There's 17 school days left! Here's your summary of important upcoming dates:

Thank you, Wildcats and the Spring Fling Team!

Congratulations to our Spring Fling team and community for an amazing event earlier this month! Thanks to our community’s participation and generosity, we raised over $83,500–exceeding our $60,000 fundraising goal! Great job, Wildcats!

And a HUGE thank you to our amazing community volunteers, without which this event couldn’t have happened! A special shout out to Brie Gardner, Spring Fling Chair extraordinaire, along with:

  • John Shaw
  • Laura Zingg
  • Emily Grosse
  • Sara Lukas
  • Joni Larson
  • Jess Twardzik
  • Melissa Ivancevich
  • Jess Templeton
  • Melinda Nett
  • Shannon Luoma
  • Elan Simonson
  • Andrea Pungoti
  • Angie Lundstedt
  • Mendy Minjarez
  • Rebecca Grandin
  • Sarah Okun
  • Meg Herscher
  • Kate Scher
  • Mike Nett
  • Ron Sievers
  • Renee Hartnett
  • Courtney Sievers
  • Jenn Foreman
  • Sandy Hawley
  • Sherry Lawson
  • Chris Wylcinski
  • Josette Jeffery
  • David Peabody
  • Rebecca Adamson
  • Katie Stiver
  • Megan Wildenradt
  • Leah Lansberry
  • Anna Reeve
  • Jill Muscatel
  • Courtney Miller
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch
  • Katie Kreiger
  • Ashley Sullivan
  • Erin Lancione
  • Katie Hambley
  • and of course Danny Adamson and The Late Shift

And it’s not too late to contribute to our Spring Fling fundraising goal! We have some hosted parties (fun, themed events hosted by members of our community–some for adults and some for kids!) with spaces left, including Beauty and Bubbles Workshop, 4th-5th grade Skate Party With Mr Pule, Bootcamp and Brunch, Discovery Park Adventure, Dreaming of Dragons, First Grade Moms Happy Hour, and more! Learn more about these hosted parties and buy your tickets here.

Ms. Rebecca performing in The Late Shift!
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Wildcats showed up dressed to impress!
Local cover band, The Late Shift, inspired disco dance moves.
Amazing volunteers (of all ages) helped set up!
Wildcats answered the call!
Spring Fling decor team brought it with a DISCO light up letter sign
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Seeking 5-6 Volunteers for Financial Review Committee

Seeking volunteers to complete the 2023-24 PTA Financial Review. There is a checklist to divide up and work through. First meeting via zoom and then follow-ups via email. Work on July-Sept and present brief findings at Sept PTA Meeting. To learn more or sign-up, please contact Michelle, PTA Treasurer. Thanks for considering!

After-School Program Survey

We want to hear from you! How was your experience with after-school programs this year? What clubs would your child be interested in next year? This survey is open to all families, even if your child did not participate in clubs this year. Your feedback will help us plan our program offerings for the next school year! Complete the survey >>

Learn more about this year’s Drag Queen Story Hour.

Help Shape SPS' 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

SPS is asking families to share their voice as they develop a new strategic plan to guide the district’s 2025-2030 work. We’re asking all our Whittier families to complete this SPS survey before June 7.

You can also attend special School Board meetings about this strategic plan on May 29 (6-7:30pm) at Robert Eagle Staff, June 5 (6-7:30pm) at Cleveland STEM High School, or June 12 (6-7:30pm) online. Learn more about SPS’ engagement around this strategic planning work here.

Finally, the regular School Board meeting on June 10 is slated to include an update on SPS’ “Well-Resourced Schools,” including a list of closures for the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more about how to watch, attend, or testify during a school board meeting.

Submit Nominations for Volunteer Award!

Do you know someone who has been an exceptional volunteer for the Whittier community over the past year?  If yes, please consider nominating them for the Golden Acorn Award!  This award is given out each year by the PTA  to recognize outstanding dedication to our children and youth, and we know Whittier would not be the special place it is without all the love and energy poured into it by our many volunteers.  Please email nominations to Jess by June 6th.  The recipient does not need to be a PTA member. 

PTA Positions We're looking to Fill for the 24-25 School Year

  • Co-President
  • Assistant Treasurer
  • EDI-Co Chair
  • Comms Website Editor
  • Comms Wildchat Editor
  • Back to Business Chair
  • Fall Festival Chair
  • Spring Fling Chair
  • Student Directory
  • Yearbook
Contact Jess if you’re interested in learning more about any of the roles or have additional questions. 

Great Job, Really Rosie Cast & Volunteers!

Congratulations to the Cast & Crew of this year’s Spring Musical, Really Rosie! Fans and supporters packed Ballard High School’s Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center last Thursday and Friday to catch this exciting, funny performance. This cast and crew of Whittier 4th and 5th graders could only have succeeded thanks to the stewardship of their amazing director team: Ms. Steph (Director), Ada Scales (Assistant Director), and Mr. Collin (Music Director). Click here to check out the musical’s virtual program. This year’s Really Rosie cast includes:

5th graders:
Sydney Hartnett
Reese Pecoraro
Graysen Hawley
Ben Toppenberg
Elsie Smith
Lydia Gaspard
Zoe Johnson
Denali Swearingen
Henry Neuman
Ruby Pope
Isla Herndon-Farnam
Maeve Herndon-Farnam
Henry Gudmastad
Zoe Intawong
Abby Gruber
Vivi Robertson
Myla Gardner
Felicity Foreman
Greta Leuschke
Karolina Makmatova
Margaret Robillard
Rowan Ritchie
Neko Hickey
Hailey Lawson
Michael Mayo
Shoyer Mayo
Madeline Nett
Poppy Tallarico
4th graders:
Aleita Hendricks
Arlo Marshak
Bea Poll
Brook Bahru
Charlie Rust
Claire Chertack
Claire Crockford
Colette Davis
Corrine Kostis
Emersen Rider
Emma Kirschbaum
Everly Grandin
Everly Ringler
Grace Curran
Harlow Hatter
Lauren Egging
Lulu Cook
Leo Wildenradt
Madeleine Gartin
Matilda Boysun
Riley Hammond
Ruby Medina
Ryan Mcdougal
Santi Montesinos Martos
Silas Bendickson
Simone Herten
Sophia Hartnett

And congrats and thank you to Principal Watters for her special guest performances! Finally, thank you to the amazing team of volunteers and crew who helped make this special musical happen:

Aarron Lawson
Angela Buck-Hatter
Angie Bianco
Ashley Ward Gaspard
Ben Peterson
Brie Gardner
Camille Peterson
Chuck Rust
Clark Wildenradt
Diane Clausen
Erin Lancione
Eva Wong
Isaac Hatter
Jennifer Foreman
Jerrica Kostis
Julia Massey
Julie Childers
Julie Vano
Kai Herndon-Farnam
Katherine Abraham
Katie Stiver
Kellie Pecoraro
Kelly Rider
Kendall Scales
Laura Zingg
Lindsay Fasser
Lindsay Robillard
Lisa Davis
Liz Young
Megan Wildenradt
Melinda Nett
Melissa Caviezel
Michelle Nemeth
Mike Boysun
Mike Kostis
Mike Nett
Mindy McGuane
Paul Bianco
Rebecca Grandin
Renee Hartnett
Sandy Hawley
Sarah Bendickson
Sarah Gartin
Scott Ringler
Sherry Lawson
Stacy Tischler
Steve Neuman
Sue Tallarico
Toby Ross
Trisha Kostis
Tyler Gaspard
Valerie Rust
Will Scales

Some pictures of both casts captured by Whittier parent and photographer, Kellie Pecoraro:

Thank you, Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 5/7/24

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Only 31 Get Ups Left in the 2023-2024 School Year!

Here are all the key events remaining this year:

SPRING FLING is 11 days away! Are you ready to follow the call of the disco ball?

It’s already MAY and Spring Fling is less than 3 weeks away! If you haven’t purchased a ticket, you can here! When you purchase your ticket, you will have the option to buy one for a staff member, too.

Remember, this is kid-free event, so get your babysitter booked!  

Some highlights to look forward to at the event include:

  • Food trucks from Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza (vegetarian options) and Bai Tong on Wheels (vegetarian and gluten free options)
  • Drinks tent with featured cocktail
  • Live music from the Late Shift, a youth cover band from Ballard (returning for its second year)
  • Art gallery with your kiddos’ art
  • Golden ticket- chance to win $$!
  • “Raise the Paddle” opportunity to learn more about why we fundraise and to donate
  • Silent Auction including:
    • A magical evening of dragons with the 1st grade teachers (6/7)
    • A culinary trip through France with dinner and wine pairings (9/21)
    • 2 tickets to the UW Huskies
    • Tickets to Seattle Storm
    • Backyard Pizza party classroom bucket … and more!

We hope to see you there!

Volunteers Needed!

Join our day-of team! We’re seeking volunteers in a variety of shifts and roles. Sign up here!

Spring Fling Art Preview!

Join us on the blacktop after school on Friday, May 10 to preview classroom art for this year’s Spring Fling auction. Art will be displayed from 2:30 – 3:15. Many thanks to our volunteers and Wildcat artists for their amazing work!

We Love our Wildcat Staff!

Thanks to our Wildcat families for bringing flowers and to our Room Reps for providing vases and crafting arrangements for our staff! We continue our Staff Appreciation Week celebration with:

  • Tuesday: Staff Lunch from Barking Dog
  • Wednesday: Custom Smoothie Bar
  • Thursday: Morning Coffee and Donuts
  • Friday: Don’t forget to help your Wildcat dress like a staff member!

THANK YOU, Wildcats! Move-a-thon Raised Over $29,000!

Our Wildcats showed their incredible spirit to our community as they helped raise $ during Move–a-thon on April 26th. We surpassed our $15,000 goal, inching us even closer to this year’s total fundraising goal of $155,000. 

This amazing community accomplishment couldn’t have happened without the participation and support of our Whittier community and volunteers. Huge kudos and shout-outs to the amazing David Peabody, who chaired this event (and made incredible hype videos!), along with a team of volunteers who helped before and during the event: Bonnie Smith, Emily Robertson, Angie Lundstedt, Lauren Zerbey, Silvana Moncayo, Lana Sturmer, Glenda Elley, Michelle Nemeth, Kimberly Gilsdorf, Megan Herscher, Katie Hambley, Sara Lukas, Jon Reckers, Renee Hartnett, Kate Scher, Jess Tuardzik, Kristin Laughlin, Kathleen Donahoe, Megan Wildenradt, Jerrica Kostis, Jessica Milman, Anjean Vanden Bosch, Courtney Miller, April Soliman, Sara Elmore, Natalie Gromoff-Hiatt, Kara Stone, Tricia Schalekamp!

Learn more about this year’s Drag Queen Story Hour.

Click here to join the virtual meeting.

Last Whittier PTA Meeting of the School Year is TONIGHT!

Join the last Whittier PTA Meeting of the school year is TONIGHT (Tuesday, May 7th) only on Zoom! Password: wildcats

PTA Members will vote on next year’s board volunteers and budget, which reflects how the Whittier PTA will raise and invest donated funds for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Updates from the PTA's Advocacy Team

  • We have a new school board director for our district, Sarah Clark, who lives near Whittier and is the Director of Policy at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.  You can read Sarah’s statement of interest here.  
  • There is an important SPS board meeting on May 8th! They will be talking about the plans for “Well Resourced Schools” with potential implications for the 25/26 school year (changes to bell times, transportation, and school consolidation). You can find out more about the meeting here.
    • For a refresher on the district’s budgetary issues, we recommend listening to the Seattle Hall Pass podcast episode 32.  Funding will be a big topic next year so stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved in advocacy.  
  • SPS will be updating their Strategic Plan this year and will be holding community engagement meetings over the next two months. We will let you know when we hear of opportunities to engage!

"1000% Me" Screening = 1000% Success!

Thank you to our EDI team, facilitators, Whitter Kids childcare team, and families who participated in last month’s viewing of the film “1000% Me: Growing up Mixed.”

Looking for Ideas to Support Our Wildcat Staff?

We’ve been updating our Teacher and Staff Wish Lists to guide families interested to support Whittier, especially specialists, the front office, Nurse Marissa, and other staff. As always, families are encouraged to look at Wish Lists for inspiration and purchase items outside of the Amazon site should they choose. Know of a staff wish list that’s not included or needs updating? Please contact us!

Click here to purchase tickets!

From Our Ballard Community

Fundraiser for Take 5 Urban Market after Natural Gas Explosion Damages Building

Take 5 Urban Market, local beloved deli and Whittier Elementary community partner, was damaged after a natural gas explosion occurred Thursday morning. Luckily, there were no injuries. 

From the Seattle Times: Around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, the Seattle Fire Department responded to a blaze at Take 5 Urban Market in Ballard. The fire, which only damaged the Take 5 building, was the result of an accidental natural gas explosion, the Fire Department confirmed Thursday afternoon. The building was empty at the time of the explosion and subsequent fire, and nobody was injured. In addition to the building being vacant, “nobody was outside when the windows blew out from the gas leak,” said Take 5 co-owner Rebecca Rouleau. “We’re grateful nobody was hurt at all,” she said, and “right now we’re just trying to process.” 

If you would like to support Take 5 and their rebuilding effort, a fundraiser has been set up here. 

Learn more about this event!

SPS Healthly Schools Seminar at Whitman MS: Fentanyl Awareness Seminar

Please join us on the evening of May 9th for a special seminar on Fentanyl Awareness, provided by SPS Healthy Schools Coordinator, Lynnet Mitchell at Whitman Middle School. This event aims to provide crucial information and insights into the dangers of Fentanyl, an opioid that impacts all Seattle communities. This seminar is geared toward adults. Whitman students will attend a separate seminar during school. 

  • Date: May 9th
  • Time: 6-7:30pm
  • Location: Whitman Cafeteria
  • Some food and snacks will be provided.
  • Ms Mitchell will bring Narcan for participating families.

We would appreciate a head count for this event so we can be prepared. Thank you in advance for emailing your RSVP to Jan Johnson (PTSA President Whitman Middle School).

Thank you, Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 4/16/24

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Events!

Tonight's PTA Meeting: Vote on the Math Agency Program (2024-2025)

All are welcome and encouraged to attend tonight’s monthly PTA meeting at the Whittier Library (or join us virtually). Tonight’s meeting agenda includes voting on the PTA Executive Board’s recommendation to allocate $60,000 towards the Math Agency program at Whittier for the 2024-2025 school year. All PTA Members can vote on this recommendation during the meeting. For general questions, please contact president@whittierptaseattle.org. For membership questions, please contact membership@whittierptaseattle.org.

PTA Members can vote during the meeting. Learn more about becoming a PTA member and PTA membership benefits. Click here for virtual attendance information.

Whittier's Community Needs Your Help!

It’s a great time to get involved! The PTA has opportunities at all commitment levels for both this and next year!

  • Check out Move-a-thon volunteer sign-ups and stay tuned for Spring Fling sign-up sheet!
  • 2024-2025 PTA Board: EDI Co-Chair
  • 2024-2025 PTA Board: Treasurer (this vital role is required; if left unfilled, our PTA will have to increase its administrative budget to cover this mandated role!)

Move-a-thon is NEXT WEEK! Are You Ready??

We’re getting HYPED for this year’s Move-a-thon! On Friday, April 26th, all wildcat scholar-athletes will have 30 minutes to shake and groove their way around the course on 13th Ave NW. This fundraiser asks our Wildcat community to seek donations from family, friends, and community to support their Wildcat as they run, walk, jog, dance, or move around Whittier! We’re over HALFWAY to our $15,000 fundraising goal with 10 days to go! Here’s how to participate:

Learn more about Move-a-thon, including this year’s run map (we’re headed outside the playground this year!), here.

Film Screening & Discussion - 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed (for mixed-race children in grades 3-5 with their families)

Questions? Please contact edi@whittierptaseattle.org

1000% Me: Growing up Mixed: Film Screening & Discussion

This event is for mixed-race children (in grades 3 and above) and their families.

  • Tuesday, April 30th 6pm-7:45pm
  • Whittier Elementary School

Join mixed-race children and their families for a screening of the film 1000% Me: Growing up Mixed followed by a child-centered facilitated discussion. In the film, W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families. Bell explores how young people navigate issues of identity in a world that can ask them to pick a side and reveals the many joys and complexities of what it means to raise multiracial children.

Attention KinderCat Families!

WILDCATS STICK TOGETHER! 

Each month a different grade provides goodies for Staff Appreciation. Kindergarten families are up for April. This month, we are helping the staff by purchasing all of the GLUE STICKS the school needs for next year! It might not seem like a lot, but your donations will go a long way! In addition to collecting glue sticks, let’s thank the staff for STICKING around by providing a few themed goodies! Some snacks skewered on sticks, sticks of gum, lollipops, honey sticks, and all things STICK-Y! 

Sign Up Here! Please label all items “Staff Appreciation 4/18” and drop off at the main office by 8am on Thursday the 18th. Email hospitality@whittierptaseattle.org if you have any questions. Thank you!

Get ready to Follow the Call of the Disco Ball at Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling Block Party and Fundraiser on Saturday, May 18th.

We’re hard at work planning class art and buckets, decorations, food, and more for our final fundraiser of the 2023-2024 school year. We’re aiming to raise $60,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.

Date: Saturday, May 18 from 5:00-9:00pm
Location: Whittier Elementary Block Party (13th Ave NW)
Theme: Follow the Call of the Disco Ball!
Come dressed to shine in sequins and silver, or disco glitz and glam to get you in the groove! No sparkles? No problem! Come join the party as you are.
Auction: All bidding will be done online again this year.
More Fun: Once again you can expect to see live music, food trucks, drinks, and new this year-a dance floor!

Want to help make this year’s event a success?

  • Buy Tickets Here! 
  • Sign Up to Host a Party Here!
  • Donate a pair of season tickets or a weekend at your vacation home! Email us!
  • Or, Donate Here!

To learn more about the event or ways to contribute, please contact us.

Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark: 5/31

Order tickets here. To receive your tickets, please include contact name, email address, and number of tickets purchased. Tickets will be emailed in May to the email address provided. All orders due by April 19th!

Please contact Katie with questions!

Start Planning Now: Staff Appreciation Week (May 6-10)

We love our Whittier teachers and staff! In addition to our on-going appreciation activities, we participate in a full week of appreciation hosted by the Whittier PTA. 

Whittier PTA hosts most of these appreciation events, but students are invited to participate for two activities during this week:

  • Monday (5/6): Bring flowers to morning drop-off! A Room Rep or PTA volunteer will collect flowers to make arrangements for staff.
  • Friday (5/10): Dress like a staff member day! Don glasses, specialty shoes, a lanyard–whatever reminds your student of a Whittier staff member!
We’ll send reminders as Staff Appreciation draws closer. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact the Hospitality team. Go Wildcats!

Thank You, Wildcats!

The Wildchat: 3/26/24

March 26, 2024

Community Input Needed: Math Intervention and Extension Opportunities for 2024-2025 School Year

Seattle Public Schools does not provide funding or a systematic structure for math intervention. This school year, Whittier has been working with the Math Agency to support scholars in becoming strong, confident and independent math learners. Since the Fall, the Math Agency has been supporting 35 Whittier learners aligned with the Math Agency’s mission to close educational gaps in math in public schools. In January, Whittier began piloting a program in partnership with the Math Agency to support 12 Extension learners as well (students identified as performing above grade level), as the District mandates but does not fund advanced learning support.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Whittier was not charged for Math Agency support. The service has been offered for free to provide the Math Agency with performance data. Going forward, the Whittier PTA is being asked to fund the Math Agency at Whittier.

As we create the 2024-2025 PTA budget, we as a community need to determine if we will continue to fund the Math Agency. The level of funding could be the largest line item in our budget, surpassing the flexible staffing grant Principal Watters uses to close the gap in district funding for Nurse Marissa; our literacy specialist, Ms. Trilby; our Specialists, Mr. Buck, Ms. Steph, and Mr. Pule; and our librarian, Ms. Newcomb.

We are hosting a special community meeting with the Math Agency on April 1st. The purpose of this meeting is to inform the community of the Math Agency’s mission, student support structure, and to-date results at Whittier. Discussion will also include qualitative impressions from the teachers, families, and students that the Math Agency has served. Then, on April 16th, the PTA community at large will vote on Math Agency funding.

Key Dates:

Mark Your Calendars for These Events & Happenings!

Psst–All these dates are included on our Konstella/Google calendars. Click on “Sync my Calendar” on Konstella‘s Calendar page or click the +Google Calendar button on the bottom of our Calendar page. 

School Budget Conversation with Principal Watters

If you missed last month’s budget conversations with Principal Watters, we encourage all members of our community to watch this virtual version to better understand how Whittier’s budget works and the PTA’s role. As SPS’ budget woes continue, we’ll need to be more transparent and proactive in understanding the important role our PTA plays to close funding gaps within SPS’ funding model. If you have any questions, please reach out to Principal Watters and check out the resources we’ve gathered for you here.

Move-a-thon is 4 weeks away!

We’re getting HYPED for this year’s Move-a-thon! On Friday, April 26th, all wildcat scholar-athletes will have 30 minutes to shake and groove their way around the course on 13th Ave NW. This fundraiser asks our Wildcat community to seek donations from family, friends, and community to support their Wildcat as they run, walk, jog, dance, or move around Whittier! Here’s how to participate:

Learn more about Move-a-thon, including this year’s run map (we’re headed outside the playground this year!), here.

Volunteer Opportunities!

It’s a great time to get involved! Support our amazing community (and meet some great people while you’re at it). We have lots of opportunities at all commitment levels for both this and next year!

  • We’re looking for 1-2 volunteers to help our Yearbook Chair to put together this year’s all-school yearbook. If you’re interested, please email us.
  • Look out for future Move-a-thon and Spring Fling volunteer sign-up links!

We need two rockstar volunteers to fill Board Positions for next year – EDI Co Chair and Treasurer – and you could be the perfect fit! 

  • EDI co-chair: Co-leads the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee which helps support, create, and promote a respectful culture of inclusivity so that members of our community feel welcome and able to engage. Examples of task roles include arranging community education and annual reviews and guidance for the PTA standing rules. 
  • Treasurer: This essential position requires someone with accounting or bookkeeping experience who can manage the financial books and records, track the budget, prepare reports, and prepare necessary tax forms. Without volunteer support, Whittier PTA will have to pay an outside bookkeeper, which means less funds going towards staff, services, and programs for our Wildcats.

If these skills and interests match yours, please consider volunteering for our wonderful community. Email us for more information. Thank you!

Get ready to Follow the Call of the Disco Ball at Whittier PTA’s Spring Fling Block Party and Fundraiser on Saturday, May 18th.

We’re hard at work planning class art and buckets, decorations, food, and more for our final fundraiser of the 2023-2024 school year. We’re aiming to raise $60,000 at this year’s event to support essential staff and services at Whittier Elementary.

Details
Date: Saturday, May 18 from 5:00-9:00pm
Location: Whittier Elementary Block Party (13th Ave NW)
Theme: Follow the Call of the Disco Ball!
Come dressed to shine in sequins and silver, or disco glitz and glam to get you in the groove! No sparkles? No problem! Come join the party as you are.
Auction: All bidding will be done online again this year.
More Fun: Once again you can expect to see live music, food trucks, drinks, and new this year-a dance floor!

Want to help make this year’s event a success?

  • Buy Tickets Here! 
  • Sign Up to Host a Party Here!
  • Donate a pair of season tickets or a weekend at your vacation home! Email us!
  • Or, Donate Here!

To learn more about the event or ways to contribute, please contact us.

Whittier Winner in the National PTA Reflections Art Contest

Whittier Wildcat, Vivienne Robertson, was selected as a city winner in the National PTA Reflections are contest for her film production “Bob and the Awards.” This year’s theme was “I am hopeful because…” and you can learn more about this annual contest here. Congratulations and amazing work, Vivienne!

Thank you, Whittier PTA and Volunteers, for making the Gaga Ball Pit Happen!

Our Wildcats have been loving the new Gaga Ball Pit! Thank you to the Whittier PTA for co-funding this equipment in partnership with Whittier. Special shout-out to our 5th grade crew that saw this project through from initial proposal to unloading the truck to installing the mats. And a huge thank you to our caregiver volunteers: James Grandin, Sasha Wadsack, Erin Lancione, Jess Twardzik, Melissa Ivancevich, JP Herscher, David Curran, and Pete Austin for helping with the build and install!

Thank You, Families, For Our March Staff Appreciation!

Thank you to our 1st grade families for helping the PTA Hospitality team celebrate our staff this month! And thanks to Kathleen and Emily, our Hospitality team, for coordinating these appreciation opportunities each month!

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Thank you, Whittier Kids!

A huge thank you to our amazing partner, Whittier Kids, for providing free childcare for our Workshop (Supporting and Raising Mixed-Race Children) earlier this month. We appreciate you facilitating this important event!

Whittier Wildcat Evening at the Ballpark: 5/31

Order tickets here. To receive your tickets, please include contact name, email address, and number of tickets purchased. Tickets will be emailed in May to the email address provided. All orders due by April 19th!

Please contact Katie with questions!

Great Job Wildcats! Let's Keep Up Those Donations!

Paws Up for Wildcats!

Thank you to our Whittier families who have already donated clothes to our Big Blue Bin.

With spring starting to bloom, if you have any clothing donations, please bag them, and place them in the bin.

They also accept small toys and books. Your old clothes go a long way for children with disabilities.

Save the Date: Staff Appreciation Week (May 6-10)

We love our Whittier teachers and staff! In addition to our on-going appreciation activities, we participate in a full week of appreciation hosted by the Whittier PTA. 

Whittier PTA hosts most of these appreciation events, but students are invited to participate for two activities during this week:

  • Monday (5/6): Bring flowers to morning drop-off! A Room Rep or PTA volunteer will collect flowers to make arrangements for staff.
  • Friday (5/10): Dress like a staff member day! Don glasses, specialty shoes, a lanyard–whatever reminds your student of a Whittier staff member!
We’ll send reminders as Staff Appreciation draws closer. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact the Hospitality team. Go Wildcats!

From Our Community

Summer Camp Opportunities

  • Camp Read-a-rama: Singing, dancing, hands-on activities (that can be a bit messy) and more encourage a love for reading and curiosity. And at the end of each Read-a-Rama, every child chooses a free book for building their very own at-home library. These are literacy-immersion programs for children ages 4 – 11. Learn more and register >>
  • UW is offering 10 different youth programs for 4-5th graders, including block programming, photography, writing workshops, musical theater, engineering, and 3D design. A few are offered remote and the rest on-campus. Learn more and register >>

Age-appropriate strength and conditioning classes at CrossFit Phinney Ridge

CFPR’s Youth classes teach kids fundamental CrossFit movements, but with a focus on form and fun! Our age-appropriate strength and conditioning classes can help your already sporty child be stronger, faster and more agile. And it can help build confidence and body awareness in children who just want to have fun moving their bodies. Every movement will be scaled to each person’s ability, and we’ll play games that will be fun but also fitness-oriented! Ongoing classes every Wednesday (SPS early-dismissal day): 

  • Ages 7-11
    • 2:30-3:05 p.m.
    • $170+tax for a 10-class punch card
  • Ages 11-15
    • 3:15-4 p.m. 
    • $215+tax for a 10-class punch card

For more information or to purchase a 10-class punch card, email info@crossfitphinneyridge.com.

Thank you, Wildcats!