 |
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
|
Annual Whittier Food Drive Ends THIS Friday, N
ov. 18!
The annual Whittier Food Drive concludes
THIS Friday
! Please consider how your family can help us fill those donation boxes in the lobby and in classrooms to benefit the Ballard Food Bank.
Non-perishable food items and Safeway scrip gift cards would be greatly appreciated. Safeway scrip gift cards can be purchased from our Scrip Coordinators in the lobby after school on Friday.
Visit the
Ballard Food Bank
website for a list of much needed items.
Thank you for helping those in need in our wonderful community!
Whittier Ice Skating Party,
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Are you wondering what to do with your kiddos during Thanksgiving break? Bring your family and join your friends for the annual Whittier Ice Skating Party at Highland Ice Arena (18005 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline) on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 10:00am-12:00pm. Spend a few hours having some good old-fashioned fun.
Bring your own skates or rent them for $4. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Warm layers and long socks are advised. We hope to see you there!
It's time for Helping Hands!
Our annual Helping Hands Gift Drive will begin after Thanksgiving. This event is an opportunity to assist Whittier and Bailey-Gatzert Elementary
families
in need this holiday season and extend a "Helping Hand" by providing gifts and scrip gift cards.
Beginning the Monday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, there will be a display of requests in the school lobby. Each "mitten tag" will list a gift that you can donate, such as books, or a toy for an age-specific child, or a scrip gift card for a family (e.g. Safeway, Fred Meyer/QFC).
Choose a tag and then
return a new, unwrapped gift or gift card by Friday, Dec.
Safeway and Fred Meyer/QFC scrip gift cards will be sold in the lobby before and after school starting Monday afternoon, Nov. 28. Remember that purchasing a scrip gift card for a Helping Hands recipient helps someone in need and benefits the PTA.
For more information or if you can help with this project, contact
Katie Dahlen.
If your family is in need of support this holiday season, please contact Head Teacher, Sara Dowsing (206.252.1650). All requests will be kept confidential.
Whittier Book Fair - Thursday, Dec. 1
Mark your calendars for Whittier's annual Book Fair on Thursday, Dec. 1, located in the Whittier library from 2:00pm - 7:00pm. Once again, Phinney Books has graciously offered to host the Book Fair and 25% of purchase proceeds will come right back to the Whittier Library Fund for purchase of books/supplies.
This is a great opportunity to do some gift shopping (teacher wish lists will be posted!) and catch up with friends. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. What a fun way to support literacy and your school!
There will be a kids corner with activities (hosted by Ms. Nygard and Mr. Buck) from 2:30pm-3:30pm. Baked goods and cider will be available for purchase in the lobby to benefit the 5th Grade NatureBridge field trip. There is truly something for everyone!
We hope to see you there, but if you are unable to make it, stop by Phinney Books December 1-8 and 25% of your purchase will still go to the Whittier Library Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
PTA Information
|
|
|
PTA Community Meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16
Please join us for the next Whittier PTA Community Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in the Whittier Library. Social time will begin at 6:30pm; the meeting will begin at 7:00pm.
- Meeting Called to Order; Approval of May Minutes
- 2016-17 PTA Board Introductions
- PTA Impact and Goals
- Treasurer Report
- Annual Give Recap
- Putting your PTA $ to Work - Presentation and Vote
- Principal Update
- BLT Update
- Discussion of No Homework Policy
- Approval of Nominating Committee
- Approval of Standing Rules
- 2015-16 Financial Review
- Q&A, Looking Ahead
Shop for Whittier
Don't forget these simple ways to support Whittier with your everyday shopping, at no additional cost to you!
Scrip Gift Cards On Sale Before, After School Nov. 28 - Dec. 9
Scrip gift cards will be available for purchase every day before and after school
Monday, Nov. 28 - Friday, Dec. 9
, in support of Helping Hands and holiday gift purchases. Need a teacher gift? Something for your co-workers or in-laws? Consider a gift card! Questions? Contact
Cara.
|
|
|
|
|
School & District News
|
|
|
NW Region "Jazzcats" Jazz Band Enrollment Now Open
Are you a 4th or 5th grade musician who is inspired by Miles
Davis? Do you want to learn how to do a jazzy groove? Then the NW Region "Jazzcats" Jazz Band is calling you! Whether you are a beginner or advanced musician, we hope you will join us. Interested or need more information? Contact
Heidi Wachter
or click
here
for the flyer.
Weekly practice sessions take place on Monday afternoons from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the Salmon Bay School music room.
NOTE: Jazz Band started Monday, Nov. 7, but there is still room for more Jazzcats!
Family Activity Night THIS Thursday, Nov. 17
Conclude Screen-Free Mini-Week with friends at Family Activity Night
on Thursday from
6:30pm-8:00pm. Badminton, beach ball volleyball, and unicycling will be available in the gym. Board games can be played in the lunchroom. BYO favorite board game and healthy snacks.
Spirit Day: "Crazy Hat Day" THIS Friday!
Plan ahead for Whittier's second Spirit Day, "Crazy Hat Day" on
Friday, Nov. 18
! Thank you 4th graders for your creative idea!
Conference Week Bike Practice / Unicycle Sessions (Drop-in)
Our Bike Unit is way off in April, but it is never too early to learn or get a little practice for rusty riders. Mr. Pule will offer learner classes next week in the gym and on the playground for those Wildcats who want to tackle two wheels or get in more practice. Bring your own bike or use a school bike - no training wheels please - bring your helmet.
In addition, there will be a couple of sessions to practice and/or get an introduction to unicycling. Whittier has a strong unicycle tradition and, with 142 riders, is now ahead of last year's record pace (178). Helmets required.
Schedule:
Monday, 11/21
- Bike, 9:00am-11:00 am
- Unicycle, 11:30am-12:30pm
- Bike/Unicycle, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Tuesday, 11/22
- PTA Ice Skating (Highland Ice Arena in Shoreline), 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Bike/Unicycle, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Wednesday, 11/23
- Bike/Unicycle, 9:00am-11:00am
Times don't work? Contact
Mr. Pule and something might be worked out to get Learners/Rusty Riders riding.
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Information
|
|
|
Lunch Recess Needs Your Help!
We need your help! We are l
ooking for lunchroom and recess volunteers every day to ensure the safety of all our kids.
It is also a great way to get to know your child's
friends and classmates!
Sign up here; scroll down and sign up for whatever day works for your schedule (volunteer regularly or just once in a
while). Every volunteer slot filled helps. We particularly need help on Fridays during the 2
nd
and 3
rd
grade lunch/recess, from 10:35-11:15.
Videographer Needed
Cal
ling on our talented Whittier community...we are looking for someone with experience creating videos. We often have need for creating short vignettes, and currently have a short-term project in mind. If you might be able to lend a hand and want to learn more, please contact PTA Communications Chair
Amy Bryan
.
Open 2016-2017 Volunteer Positions
Team up with a friend and contribute your own flavor to the Whittier community. Volunteers are needed ASAP to fill several event and PTA positions. A few urgent positions include:
- Movie Nights (Fall, Winter and Spring)
Seeking Co-Chair to shadow in 2016-17, lead in 2017-18
- 2016-17 School Yearbook (year-long position)
Seeking an Editor(s)
Required Volunteer Paperwork
To volunteer at Whittier during the 2016-2017 school year, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork. Printed volunteer packets are available in the office, or you can find the information and documents you need
here.
|
|
|
|
|
Thank You!
|
|
|
Whittier Staff would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful
5th Grade Families
for providing a delicious lunch last week, and a special thank you to
Karen Gustafson
for coordinating the effort! The food was so yummy and the decorations took our breath away. The quotes from students really made it a special experience.
THANK YOU to all families and students who contributed to our
Veterans Day Wall of Honor
. We love having a chance to honor those who have served our country.
Thank you to the Wildcat families who made it out to Hec Ed Pavilion on Sunday to cheer on the Husky Women's Volleyball team, and thank you to James Goldsmith for organizing the outing! Go Dawgs!
If you have someone you want to thank or give a virtual high-five, please email us.
|
|
|
|
|
Community News & Information
|
|
|
"Find It, Fix It" Community Walk, Saturday, Nov. 19
You are an expert on our growing neighborhood, and the city is asking for your opinion! The City is hosting a
Find It, Fix It Community Walk
with Mayor Ed Murray and City Officials, and this is our opportunity to highlight important issues like flooding, pedestrian safety, and school capacity that must be addressed for successful growth.
Saturday, Nov. 19
10:30am-12:30pm
Upcoming Whitman Music Performances
Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:00pm
Features: Jazz, Combined Beg/Int, Concert & Symphonic Bands
Bands conducted by Joel Orsen
Winter Orchestra and Choir Concert
Thursday, Nov. 30, 7:00pm
Featuring: 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Orchestras and 6th Grade Choir
Orchestra conducted by Lauren Hepburn
All concerts are FREE OF CHARGE
Location: Whitman Middle School Auditorium (9201 15th Ave NW)
Ballard High School Lil' Beavs Cheerleading Camp - December 4
The 2016-17 Ballard High School Lil' Beavs Cheerleading Camp is back by popular demand!
When:
Sunday, Dec. 4, 9:30am - Noon
Where: Ballard High School
For Who: All K-6 students
Spend the morning with the BHS Varsity Cheerleading Squad learning cheers, chants and dances. Each camper will receive a t-shirt, set of poms, a picture with the squad, and an invitation to perform at halftime during the Ballard Girl's Basketball game on
Wednesday, Dec. 7!
Seattle Celtic Soccer Club Spring Season Registration Now Open
Seattle Celtic will be holding Spring season tryouts the week of January 9. Celtic have teams at all levels for players born between 2002 and 2010 and a coaching staff with the perfect mix of energy, passion and expertise to help players develop and excel in a fun environment.
Tryouts are free to attend and details can be found at
www.seattleceltic.com.
Questions? Contact us at
info@seattleceltic.com for further information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar
|
|
|
Wed., Nov. 16
2-hr Early Dismissal (12:05pm)
PTA Community Meeting
6:30pm Social Time
7:00pm - 8:30pm Meeting
Thur., Nov. 17
Family Activity Night
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Gym and Lunchroom
Fri., Nov. 18
Spirit Day: Crazy Hat Day
Kinder/1st Gr. Thanksgiving & V
eteran's Day Assembly
1:15pm - 1:45pm
Sat., Nov. 19
Find It, Fix It Comm. Walk 10:30am - 12:30pm
Begins at Baker Park
Mon., Nov. 21 - Wed., Nov. 23
NO SCHOOL
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Tues., Nov 22
Whittier Ice Skating
10:00am-12:00pm
Highland Ice Arena
Thur., Nov. 24 - Fri., Nov. 25
NO SCHOOL
Thanksgiving Holiday
Mon., Nov 28 - Fri., Dec 9
Helping Hands Campaign
Thur., Dec 1
Whittier Book Fair
Thur., Dec. 8
Staff Luncheon
Hosted by 4th Grade Families
Mon., Dec. 12
BLT Meeting
2:25pm-4:25pm
Library
Fri., Dec. 16
Spirit Day: Ugly Sweater Day
1-hr Early Dismissal (1:05pm)
PCP Schedule
Weds, Nov 16
A = Perf Arts, B = PE, C = Art
Thurs, Nov 17 / Fri, Nov 18
A = Art, B = Perf Arts, C = PE
Mon, Nov 28 / Tues, Nov 29
A = PE, B = Art, C = Perf Arts
Weds, Nov 30
A = Perf Arts, B = PE, C = Art
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
|
|
|
Contact the WildChat Editor with questions about or submissions to this newsletter.
WildChat content should be submitted via email no later than Mondays at noon for Wednesday publication.
Please use the SafeUnsubscribe link at the bottom of this message if you do not wish to receive further issues of the WildChat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
