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Well-Resourced Schools Update 10/9/24

Update following 10/9 SPS School Board Meeting

  • All Directors (except Sarah Clark) voted to approve SPS creating a proposal for the ’25-26 school year that would address budget concerns and include closing up to five schools
  • Superintendent Brent Jones said school communities would be consolidating (not splitting apart); the list of impacted schools is expected to be shared on October 21st
  • Directors expect to vote on the proposal during their January general board meeting
  • The language of the vote strongly suggested that future school closures remain on the table for future school years

Well-Resourced Schools Updates: 10/9/24

The Wildchat: 10/09/2024

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

What's Happening This Month:

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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 hereIf 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.orgFor physical entries, please contact this email address to coordinate a drop off.

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

PTA Meeting Agenda (10/8/2024)

AGENDA

7:00pm

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Belonging Practice

7:15pm – “The More You Know” Panel + Q&A with Principal Watters, Ms. Lauren, Mr. Collin, and More

Learn tips and best practices for communicating with school staff in support of students. To include everything from who to include, what to expect for response time, what’s appropriate to share with a teacher and how best to advocate for the needs of your student. We will also touch on smart devices (watches, phones, drones, etc).

7:40pm – President Updates

  • Dashboard Review
  • Standing Rules
  • Math Agency update
  • Well-Resourced Schools Update & Advocacy Opportunities
  • Book Fair update
  • Annual Give party check-in/opportunity
  • 10/1 Work Session results + 11/5 poll

7:50pm – Principal Watters Updates 

8:00pm – Team and Chair Updates

  • Fundraising
    • Progress so-far
    • Campaign extended to 10/14
    • Class-specific messaging planned next
  • EDI
    • Launched EDI and B survey to PTA volunteers
    • ‘24-25 family education and engagement opportunities in development
  • Programs
    • Programs started this week (M, T, Th)
    • Strong 3rd-5th grade enrollment
    • Low K-2nd enrollment (added K to boost enrollment)
    • Volunteer needed – Th 2:15 – 3:30pm
  • Fall Carnival (10/25 from 5-7pm)
    • Return to “Carnival” name
    • Sign-up to Volunteer and to donate a dessert
    • Pre-purchasing tickets
    • PTA Membership table volunteers
  • Advocacy
    • Lots of good information on the Advocacy webpage of our PTA website on Well Resourced Schools (thanks, Kate!)
    • Jon will be attending the WSTPA Legislative Assembly at the end of October. At the 10/8 meeting he’ll update the PTA on the state PTA’s legislative agenda
  • Communications
    • Weekly Wildchats are in effect! Quick, easy to digest information allowing us to proactively communicate and rely less on constant Konstella blasts.
    • Weekly format allows content to run multiple times and can be updated with more relevant info as we get closer.
    • Please submit publish-ready content and images using the Submission Form 10 days in advance.
    • Content Submission hints:
      • Links for graphics please!
      • Scannable format is better than text heavy (brief or bulleted): Quick, engaging intro, bulleted details, fun graphic!
      • Want to change your graphic? Send me an updated link in the submission form. Easy!
      • Want to update your verbiage? Send me a quick update in the submission Form. No problem!
  • Secretary
    • Insurance Policy Renewal
    • September meeting minutes
  • Yearbook – send photos of events and activities to yearbook@whittierptaseattle.org!
  • Volunteer
    • Visit “Volunteers” on the PTA website for open positions
    • Volunteer database has been built for direct solicitation
    • Volunteer retention and attraction strategy in-progress
  • Treasurer
  • Room Reps – communication
  • VP/Reflections Art Contest Chair
  • Spring Fling
    • Seeking Committee members
    • Seeking nautical-themed event name ideas for Spring Fling 2025! Please Email your ideas!

8:20pm – Kudos & Thank Yous

  • Kathleen & Jess – September Staff Appreciation
  • Laura – Student Directory data entry!
  • Sara – All Room Rep positions filled, Room Rep welcome and training
  • Laura and Jenn – Programs Coordination
  • Meg H. – Weekly Wildchats (amazing!), Comms planning, Comms execution
  • Meg P. – Caregiver Happy Hour planning!
  • Anjean – Membership gains!
  • Jared & the Fall Carnival Committee – Excellent planning and comms!
  • Emily – Successful morning coffee!
  • Ashley & Jess – 72% to goal! Great feedback on incentives!! Great work on the extension!
  • Angie – Fall Carnival Logo
  • Kristin – Volunteer sign-ups, database, and attraction/retention strategy
  • Megan – Website updates!
  • Michelle – Reimbursement form, signer on-boarding, invoice processing, and more!
  • Financial Review committee’s hard review and work!
  • Renee – Reflections Art Contest planning and comms

8:25pm – Voting

8:30pm – Adjourn

(POST-MEETING GATHERING AT PHINNEY STATION)

RESOURCES

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!

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 hereIf 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

PTA Meeting Minutes: 6/11/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 6/11/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President 
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President 
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest) 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (attended vida Zoom) 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 
  • Meg Herscher (New communications chair) 
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat) 
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair 
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair 
  • Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair 
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair 
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 
  • Laura Zingg-Wadsack – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large 
  • John Shaw – Tech Support 
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon 
  • Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg)
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 
  • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kristin Laughlin 
  • Kellie Pecoraro 
  • Anika Anand 
  • Allie Thomas
  • Leah Lansberry Austin 
  • Jared Cortese Elan Wang Simonson

Meeting Called to Order at 7:29 PM 

SIGNERS NAMES AND ROLES 

Check signers for this year (2023-2024): 

  • Renee Hartnett, Co-President 
  • Michelle Nemeth, Treasurer 
  • Courtney Siever, Co-President 
  • Jess Templeton, Vice President 

Check signers for next year (2024-25): 

  • Kate Scher, President 
  • Emily Robertson, Co-Secretary 
  • Renee Hartnett, Vice President 
  • Michelle Nemeth, Treasurer 

PRESIDENT UPDATES 

  • May minutes to be approved in August 
  • Highlighted the year’s successes 
  • Anjean volunteered to organize the book fair in 2024-25 
  • David Peabody will do Move-a-Thon next year 
  • Anika will do yearbook next year 

Meeting Adjourned 8:40 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 5/7/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 5/7/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President 
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President 
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Stacy Rose – Assistant Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 
  • Meg Herscher – Communications chair (zoom) 
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat) 
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair 
  • Glenda Elley – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair (zoom) Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair 
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) 
  • Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary) 
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large 
  • John Shaw – Tech Support 
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon 
  • Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear 
  • Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg) Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 
  • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling (zoom) 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Melinda Nett 
  • Lana Sturmer
  • Kellie Pecoraro 
  • Katie 
  • Yifat 
  • Amaya 
  • Dre
  • Emily

Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 PM (recorded) 

WELCOME

  • Core Values 
  • Approval of April PTA Meeting minutes 
  • Jess Templeton motioned to approve the minutes, Courtney seconded the motion
  • Approved, no objections or abstentions

APPRECIATIONS

  • Move-a-thon – huge thanks for a big draw, hype videos 29K (shout out to communications, Anjean, Ashley helping with volunteer sign ups, Ms. Monica and Rebecca for helping with logistics) 
  • Budget Committee (Renee, Ashley, Kate, Annika, Michelle) 
  • EDI Committee Staff Appreciation Week (Emily and Kathleen)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE 

2024-45 Slate of Executive Officers 

  • Kate Scher will be co-president (need co-president) – Kate does a lot of lifting with comm
  • Renee VP 
  • Secretaries – Melissa and Emily 
  • Treasurer – Michelle will be assistant 
  • Communications – Meg will continue 
  • EDI co-chair needed

Vote: Motion to approve the executive officers (I missed who this was), Courtney seconded the motion 

Results: Approved, no objections or abstentions 

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH) 

Financials 

  • 262K bank Balance end of april 
  • Main income annual 3700 
  • Main expenses about 1200 finishing gaga ball and party for annual give 

Committee – 5 people, 4 hours, line items on budget 

  • Prior to meeting, Michelle asked line item owners about this and next year
  • Majority of line items stayed about the same 
  • Some went up, some went down 

Highlights 

  • Income – biggest numbers were what do we expect for the fundraisers (annual give, spring fling and move-a-thon)? 
    • Spring fling 75K 
    • Move-a-thon 20K 
    • Annual Give a bit of a question mark, but we know we have to go up a bit more to support staffing grant and math agency – around 130K 
    • New line item for programs (a bit extra) 
  • Expenses – 
    • Next year we’re planning to pay for an accountant 4650 for accountant and quickbooks $1100 
    • Line item 4800 Taxes 
    • Line item 7750 Wild Cats Read increased for “Book Break” – has a different author come online every month. Plus some $500 to $1800 
    • Whittier support grant, similar to last year (includes 4th quarter from this year) 
    • Math Agency 
    • Fragile families, item 7150 
    • Massive Monkeys 
    • Author Visits 
    • There’s a number of items that are zeroed out 

Bottom Line – assuming we follow this budget, our net income puts us at around -22K. Last year we thought we’d be at -24K and we were positive 70K. End of year bank should be at around 230K, so we may have to dip into this a bit. 

Budget Proposal 

Vote: Ashley motioned to approve the proposed budget, Jess seconded the motion 

Results: Approved, no objections or abstentions 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES

 Spring Fling 

  • 195 tickets sold so far 
  • Friday, catalog will be available 
  • Art preview Friday 
  • Next week huge communications push – thank you, Meg and Sarah for reaching out
  • Volunteers needed, gaps for clean-up etc. 
  • Push for tickets 
  • People need a bid number 

EDI Committee 

Drag Queen Story Time

Hospitality 

  • Showering staff with love and attention – flowers, barking dog lunch, smoothie bar, custom tumblers, donuts, dress like your teacher 
  • Celebrating 5th graders 
  • Microwave broke, Michell helped coordinate replacing it 

Membership 

  • No membership updates, end of school year 
  • Memberplanet platform changing to Giftbags Jun 30, 2024 migrated over. More user friendly, similar to Konstella. Lots of capabilities for coordinating volunteers, spirit gear sales, etc. 
  • Look out for renewal notification in July or August 

Outreach (Emily Schweiger) 

  • New kindercat June 12, 5-6p – going to have a question table 
  • Popsicles 
  • Pizza party 

Jess – Golden Acorn 

  • If anyone has nominations email Jess 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES

  • Transitions 
  • Job Descriptions – will share out document 
  • Trainings

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Spring Fling day/night of help 
  • Kinder welcome event

Meeting Adjourned 8:04 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 4/16/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE 

Renee Hartnett – Co-President 

Courtney Sievers – Co-President 

Jess Templeton – Vice President 

Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 

Stacy Rose – Assistant Treasurer 

Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (zoom) 

Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 

Meg Herscher – Communications chair (zoom) 

Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat) 

Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair 

Glenda Elley – Fundraising Co-Chair 

Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair 

Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair (zoom)

Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair 

Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair

Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 

Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 

Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) 

Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary) 

Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 

Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 

Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large 

John Shaw – Tech Support 

David Peabody – Move-a-thon 

Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear 

Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg) Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 

Brie Gardner – Spring Fling (zoom) 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE 

● Sarah Hartsfield 

● Katie Stiver

● Kellie Pecoraro 

● Rachel Sidles 

● Melissa Caviezel (zoom) 

● Todd Simonson (zoom) 

● Rachel & Brian Wold, PTA members (zoom) 

● Elan Wang Simonson (zoom) 

● Jamie Dunckley, PTA member (zoom) 

● Megan Wildenradt, PTA member (zoom) 

● D Curran, PTA member (zoom 

Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 PM 

WELCOME 

● Core Values 

● Ice Breaker 

● Approval of March PTA Meeting minutes 

○ Jess motioned, Meg P. seconded 

■ Approved, no objections or abstentions 

APPRECIATIONS 

● Morning coffee – Emily Schweiger 

● Spring Fling Committee 

● Exec Committee 

● Programs – Laura & Jennifer 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES 

Spring Fling 

○ 101 tickets sold 

○ Cool items 

○ SignUp Genius coming out 

○ Looking for good donations, vacation home stays, etc. 

Move-a-thon (David Peabody) 

○ 10 days away!! 

○ Need some cleanup volunteers, water, snack 

○ Need chalk stick 

○ $9,899 raised so far 

○ Transportation permit obtained 

EDI Committee 

○ Events 

■ 1000% Me Growing Up Mixed film screening 

■ Drag Queen Storytime 

■ 4/18 Racing to Equity Workshop (at Loyal Heights Elementary)

Hospitality 

○ Lots of events and staff appreciation underway 

○ Supplies, events, hosting graduation (solidifying going forward) 

Other Events 

○ 209 Mariners tix sold so far 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES 

● Math Agency recap/discussion if desired 

○ Had a special session April 1st, sent recording 

■ Question from Sarah L: What happens if we don’t meet our fundraising goals? ■ Kate Sher: did we share the treasurer bookkeeper role? Should be about 3K ● Budget committee still needs to come together to establish goals (in the coming weeks) 

○ The following question was put to vote (by paper ballot and online via google forms): Do you approve the Whittier PTA Executive Committee recommendation to fund the Math Agency in the amount of $60,000 for the 2024-2025 school year? 

■ Kathleen motioned, Jennifer seconded 

● Results: Approved (31 yes, 2 no, including votes from Google Forms poll 

sent out through Zoom) 

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH) 

● March 2024 Financial Report 

○ Money Spent 

■ $2500 EDI 

■ $1500 School Celebration 

■ $6200 Massive Monkeys 

○ $259K balance currently 

PRINCIPAL WATTERS 

● Thank you to Ashley and Glenda for the School Celebration – received very positive feedback

● Massive Monkeys – success, working on layout/viewing for next year (maybe in the round?)

● Bike Week starts next week 

● 2 minute talent show coming up in June, no parents: 

○ K/1 

○ 2/3 

○ 4/5 

○ Live or video 

● Wildcats Wonder (in place of a Career Day) – probably a day in June 

○ Ask the kids what problems they want to work on, sort in topics, then source from community/connections people that are working on those problems to come in and talk about it 

○ Needs some co-conspirators

○ Cindy needs another week or so to put thoughts together 

● First Enrollment numbers are in: 340 kids on rolls – missing 8 kinders of incoming families. Will probably land around 350. May 8 school board meeting, they’ll announce plans for closures and consolidations for 2025-26 school year. Cindy’s hope would be that there would be boundary shifting to increase enrollment to around 375. Won’t be getting teachers back no matter what the numbers will be. 

● 5th Grade overnight trip (next year) 

○ Probably going to Islandwood on Bainbridge, in December 

○ It’s closer and they have more purpose-built facilities 

○ 3 nights instead of 2 

○ Need to “accrue points” to get in with them, maybe get a better spot 

○ Accommodates neurodiversity, kids can come out for the day 

● Reimbursement for 5th grade families from this year’s trip 

● 5th Grade Adventure Day 

○ Private movie screening @ Majestic Bay (walk from Whittier) 

○ Popcorn, Soda 

○ Salmon Bay Park 

○ Pizza 

○ Year Book 

○ Specialists come for the last hour 

● Math Agency – thank you for support, we’ll have some great opportunities next year, and likely some extension (advanced learning). 

Meeting Adjourned 7:59 pm

Well-Resourced Schools Update: 9/26/24

Here’s a round-up of what’s been happening with the Well-Resourced Schools proposals since last week:

Plan "Cs" or Alternate Plans to Close the Gap

Two plans have been circulated around how to close the gap outside of savings from school closures. 

  • Note 1: Original Proposal B explicitly included references to staffing cuts, but they were largely unspecified
  • Note 2: When presenting Proposals A and B, SPS included information about how the remaining 70% of the budget deficit would be closed, which included some cuts

Plan C1

  • Published 8/28/24
  • Not included in SPS’ presentation at the September School Board meeting
  • Addresses how a 30% budget gap could be closed via cuts (left side) compared to school closures (right side)
  • This doesn’t address the remaining 70% of the deficit
  • This plan explicitly increases class sizes and reduces Librarian assignments
  • At Whittier, this would likely mean losing at least one homeroom teacher and a reduction in library access. Library access could potentially be recovered using PTA funds, but funding a homeroom teacher would be both cost-prohibitive and likely exceed the maximum dollar amount we can contribute to school staffing
  • Have opinions on this plan? Email Director Sarah Clark and use SPS’ Let’s Talk link to let them know you’re against bigger class sizes and Librarian staff reductions!

Plan C2

  • Presented by SPS during the September Board meeting
  •  This is aimed to address the remaining 70% of the budget deficit, but could be a framework for increasing these cuts to resolve the 30% intended to be closed via school closures
  • Transportation changes refers to a shift to “Three Bells” (learn more below)
  • “School Staffing reductions (est. $0-31.6 million)” likely refers to the cuts detailed in plan C1 but could be different
  • Here’s more info from Save Seattle Schools blog about this slide

What Are "Three Bells"?

“Bell Times” are what SPS refers to as the start/end times for each school in the district. SPS currently uses two bell times (school start times) for all schools in the district: 7:55am (for elementary schools) and 8:55am (for middle and high schools).

In 2022, SPS announced they would be shifting to three bell times starting in the 2023-2024 school year in an effort to save money on transportation. Here’s an article from 2022 that provides an overview of the proposal and the outcome of community pushback that prevented the change from happening. In the 2022 proposal, a shift to three bells would move schools to 7:25am, 8:25am, and 9:25am school starts. Some elementary schools would start at 7:25am (like Whittier) and other nearby schools would start at 9:25am. 

Families pushed back as they were concerned about young children walking to school in the dark, the ability for middle and high school students to participate in after school activities and sports, concern about bus stop schedules shifting far too early for appropriate sleep, and the challenge of providing transportation for families with children at multiple schools. 

Most seriously, the proposal would create a significant childcare challenge for elementary school families. In order for the system to work, nearby schools would have to be at different start times (7:25am and 9:25am). This means some families at 9:25am schools would need before care, but families at nearby schools wouldn’t. If there wasn’t a high enough population needing before care or school buildings weren’t set-up to offer before care in the building, childcare providers couldn’t offer it, leaving families without access to childcare when they need it. In addition, childcare providers would be unlikely to be able to provide both before and after care as workers would have to come for an early morning shift, then have a break, and then return at the end of the school day. In short, it seemed like before care would be too challenging for childcare providers to offer unless all elementary schools participated.

Similarly, schools shifted to an early start (and an earlier pick-up) would likely find a need for more after school care. But neighborhood childcare providers were already at capacity, which was often restricted due to building size. How would they absorb more families to provide this necessary childcare? And how could we ensure all this additional childcare would be affordable for families throughout the district?

Because of these issues, SPS tabled the shift in 2022 (although a few schools–including West Woodland–were informed in May 2022 that their school would still shift to an 8:55am bell time anyway). Then, at the September 18th School Board meeting, part of SPS’ presentation included the reference (see the pie charts above) to shifting to three bell times for the 2025-2026 school year. If school closures are pursued, there will be fewer buildings to host before and after school childcare and longer bus rides for students with transportation, meaning the challenges identified in 2022 would be even worse in 2025.

If you have an opinion about a bell time change, be sure to email Sarah Clark asking her to vote “no” on disruptive district proposals that have boundary line changes dividing established communities, bell time changes that can only provide worse outcomes for students and families, and that don’t preserve continuing assignments through middle school that families count on.

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.

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.

Well-Resourced Schools Updates: 9/18/24

Well-Resourced Schools Update: 9/18/24

There’s been some updates since last week’s Well-Resourced Schools announcement last week. Here’s a summary:

“While acknowledging that this plan only fixes a piece of the budget gap, he said “There is a deeper menu of cuts if we do not consolidate.” And alluded to more closures as this would be more of a first phase of the plan to close the gap. He agreed that is was a “fair question” when asked about WHY families should believe that SPS will start offering these special education and other services in the new schools, he said: “Isn’t it great to think all these services will be available in every neighborhood school?” And acknowledged that historically, this is not was has happened. Even going so far as to say “That would be a lot for even the most competent districts.” Then added: “I’m sensing skepticism in the room, I share that skepticism. The district needs to show their work.” Ultimately, he conceded that “The immediate impact (of these closures) is not a well resourced school.”

You can learn more about this funding request during Chris Reykdal’s news conference on Monday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. (streamed live on TVW).

Want to share your voice?