The Wildchat: 1/9/2024
January 9, 2024
WELCOME TO 2024, WILDCATS!
Have you Signed Up for After School Programs?
Sign-ups for After School Programs, coordinated by Whittier PTA, launched yesterday afternoon. Learn more about After School programs, including the schedule and how to register. Programs begin January 22nd, so sign-up today!
Upcoming Events
Still getting back into the swing of things? Be sure to note these upcoming events:
- 1/9 (TONIGHT): PTA Meeting from 7-8pm over Zoom. All are welcome!
- 1/12: MLK Assembly during school hours
- 1/15: No School – MLK Day
- 1/18: Third Thursday Staff Appreciation hosted by 2nd grade families
- 2/13: New Family Info Night from 6-7pm at Whittier open to all prospective and incoming families
- 2/13: PTA Meeting from 7-8pm. All are welcome!
Calling All Second Grade Families!
Each month a different grade provides goodies for Staff Appreciation. 2nd Grade families are up for January – and we are setting up a hearty winter lunch, to power the staff though these dark days.
Sign up HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A8A729A0FAC61-47018552-january
Please drop off items to the office by 10am on Thursday, Jan 18th. Let the office know if your items need to be refrigerated. Please clearly label all items “Staff Appreciation 1/18.”
Email Hospitality if you have any questions.
THANK YOU!
Download the 2023-2024 Whittier Family Directory!
The 2023-24 Whittier student directory is now available for download! Many thanks to all the families and Wildcat artists who participated. Look for the link in the Announcements section of Konstella. We recommend bookmarking this link to access the most current version, as the PTA makes updates throughout the year.
The PTA compiles the student directory each school year in coordination with families who wish to opt in. Families can use the directory to arrange playdates, birthdays, and other fun! Opting in is voluntary. We only share the information you provide. If you would like to add or update your student’s contact info, it’s not too late!
Please email us with any questions!
From SPS
Join the Equity and Race Advisory Committee
Are you interested in furthering racial equity within Seattle Public Schools? We are looking for diverse, equity centered community members to join ERAC.
ERAC meets virtually once a month on the second Monday from 5-6:30 p.m.. Members discuss current issues within SPS, review data, and make recommendations to the Superintendent.
Online Parent Education Course to Help Support Student Learning
Empower yourself to support your child’s education by enrolling in Family Connectors University. The 10-week class offers parents and caregivers effective strategies to support student learning and growth in Seattle Public Schools (SPS). This family-friendly class, hosted by SPS and North Seattle College, has been running successfully for more than 10 years.
New Student Enrollment
Are you a family with an incoming Wildcat or know someone who’s considering Whittier? Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opened on January 2nd. Enrolling students early helps SPS have more accurate headcounts, impacting financial planning for next year. Learn more about enrolling new SPS students here. Prospective and incoming families are also encouraged to attend Whittier’s upcoming new student info session on 2/13.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From reading with your child, finding a volunteer opportunity, taking time for a conversation or attending an event, here are a few ideas to honor the life, legacy and sacrifice of Dr. King, Jr. on January 15th and throughout the year.
The Seattle Martin Luther King Organizing Coalition is planning a celebration with workshops, a rally, and march in Seattle. Learn more here. This is a great reading list if you’re looking for some children’s books on Dr. King Jr’s life and legacy. NAAM will be hosting a full day of activities from 10-5. Consider checking out the A Kids Book About Series – there are dozens of titles to explore around race, inclusion and to help kids see how they can make an impact in their communities. A kids Book about Philanthropy is a new favorite. Many nonprofits in the area offer special volunteer projects to celebrate – you can explore more here.
Thanks for the Hospitality!
Thanks to families and our amazing Whittier PTA Hospitality team for supporting our teachers during Third Thursday Staff Appreciation!
Membership News: The Great PTA Sign Up Day!
On January 31st, Washington State PTA will hold its Great PTA Sign Up Day. They have a goal of signing up 5,000 members (new or renewals) across the state’s many PTAs. Click here to sign up.
We encourage you to join for the first time or renew your membership from years past. Joining the PTA is a way to show your support for Whittier and the hard work of our students, teachers, and parents. Your dues go to Whittier, Washington, and the National PTA to advocate for children in our community, state, and country. Every membership contributes toward this advocacy. Please feel free to reach out if you want to check your membership status; there are many lapsed members from last year who still have yet to renew. Remember, membership lasts for one school year, and you can renew your membership at any time during the school year.
Thank you to all of you who have signed up for membership so far this school year! Please email us with member status questions or any general comments or questions about PTA membership.
Save the Date for our annual Spring Fling, May 18!
We are excited to announce the return of our block party fundraiser this year. This parents only event is a great opportunity to meet other Whittier parents while raising funds for the school.
We are seeking additional volunteers to help with the planning of the event. If you are interested in joining the planning committee, please email Brie. Our first meeting will be this Thursday, January 11th at 7:00pm via ZOOM. New volunteers are welcome and encouraged! Please email with any questions.
Gaga Ball Pit Update
The Gaga Ball Pit structure has been ordered! This 20′ wide octagon should be able to accommodate 20+ Wildcats for fast rounds of Gaga Ball includes a weather-ready mat to keep the play surface clean and protected, along with an ADA-door ensuring accessibility whenever it’s needed.
We’ve heard from several caregivers willing to help with the pre- and during installation tasks. Thank you! When we have our delivery timeline confirmed, we’ll reach out with next steps.
In the meantime, please keep an eye out for a future fundraiser led by some 5th graders to help fund accessories. Thank you for your support! Contact us with any questions.
It is Legislative Season in Olympia!
Washington State’s Legislature is starting their 2024 session (a 60-day “short session”) on January 8th. We will keep you in the loop about how to advocate for our Wildcats!
Joni the WA State PTA for an in-person Focus on Advocacy Day on January 15th in Olympia. This day is a chance to meet with other parents, PTA members from other districts, and hopefully meet with elected officials (or their staff) and learn about how to advocate for our students. Find out more here. If you plan to attend, reach out to our legislators ASAP for a meeting (but we have heard the day is fun even if you do not get a pre-scheduled meeting). Their offices can be reached at:
- Senator Noel Frame:(360) 786-7670
- Representative Julia Reed: (360) 786-7814
- Representative Liz Berry: (360) 786-7860
Over the next two months we will send more information about how to advocate for our students in Olympia. The WA State PTA will support the priorities they focused on last year. We do not anticipate there will be a big emphasis on new K-12 education funding during this session, but it provides an excellent opportunity to lay the groundwork for next year’s longer budget session.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact advocacy@whittierptaseattle.org.