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The Wildchat: 9/24/2025

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

What's Happening:

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🚨 Annual Give Countdown: 56% To Go! 🚨

We’re 44% of the way to our $130,000 goal—math whizzes will note that means we need a big finish. Your suggested $395 per student fuels 58% of Whittier PTA’s total fundraising for the year, keeping the good stuff rolling:

🎨 Daily specialists (including, regular art class)
📚 Math & reading support and challenge
🎉 Community events that turn strangers into friends
🍎 Curriculum & instructional support for our teachers
…and so much more.

If we don’t hit the goal, those programs wobble. If we do? Our kids keep thriving, and you’re officially a hero with bonus raffle bragging rights—every student whose family submits their form (regardless of donation amount) is entered to win cool prizes.

Right now, we’ve had about 38% of our Wildcat families participate in Annual Give–let’s get that participation number to 100%!

Donate today and remeber amplify the impact with your employer’s matching program if you can! Let’s finish strong so every Wildcat can keep pouncing on art, music, math, and memories. 🐾

👉 Give Now 👈

National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It starts on September 15 (because that day marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries) and runs through October 15. 

The theme for 2025 is Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. It’s all about celebrating and learning from the past while also looking forward to the contributions and promise of future generations. 

Why is it important for schools and families to know about Hispanic Heritage Month?

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

What can you do to celebrate?

There are lots of fun ways children and families can observe Hispanic Heritage Month together or in school! Here are a few:

Want to learn more?

Check out these resources:

Friday Glazed Donut Disaster

SPS nutrition services has introduced a curious new Friday tradition in Whittier’s lunchroom: every student who buys lunch now receives a six-pack of mini doughnuts.

Kids cheer; teachers cringe. Six doughnuts take time, leaving apple slices and carrot sticks untouched. Staff worry the sugar rush—and the lack of anything green—won’t help students stay focused through the afternoon.

Parents with thoughts can share them with Seattle Public Schools’ Nutrition Services here: https://www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/Dialogue.aspx?k=WF7G2YLT@DY9Z5RXLT

Join us on 10/14!

Would-be Volunteers: Our School Needs You!

Think PTA work is all late-night meetings and endless emails? Think again. Here’s a lightning-round of ways to jump in, meet fun people, and maybe even power-wash a giant sea creature:

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

Want to help Whittier grow? Email the PTA today and snag your spot! Psst–you can always find a complete listing of volunteer opportunities at Whittier here >>

After School Program Registration Happening Now!

Whittier PTA coordinates After School enrichment programs for Whittier families across Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Registration for Fall session is open now through October 3rd with spots still available for:

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

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

From the Community...

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

CFPR Functional Fitness teaches youth physical fitness with a focus on form and fun! Our classes can help athletic kids become stronger, faster, and more agile, and build confidence and body awareness in children who just want to have a good time and move their bodies.

From bodyweight movements like squats, planks, and burpees, to cardio with rowers or scooters, every exercise is scaled to each child’s ability. And we’ll play fitness-oriented games that make exercise fun!

We’ll also introduce older children to weighted movements—starting with extremely light dumbbells and barbells, then increasing weight as they develop good form. 

Interested? Details are below.

CFPR Kids (ages 7-11) 

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

CFPR Teens (ages 12-15)

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

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

Girls on the Run at the PNA

Attention 3rd-5th grade families! Girls on the Run at the PNA is seeking needs two more participants to join other Whittier and community members for their Fall session in order for the session to happen! They’re also seeking adult volunteers to coach. If you’d like to learn more information, please visit www.gotrpugetsound.org

Thank you, Wildcats!