Whittier WildChat
Back to School Edition #1
Whittier School photo
We show respect. We make good choices. We solve our problems. It's what Wildcats do!
Upcoming Events
Summer Playground Play Dates
Whittier Elementary Playground

New families are invited to join veteran Whittier parents and students to learn more about Whittier. Restrooms will not  be available; please plan ac cordingly.

Saturdays - 10:30am to 12:00pm, August 12, 19, & 26 
Wednesdays - 6:00pm to 7:30pm, August 16, 23, & 30 

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Fill Us In
Wednesday, August 30, 2:30pm - 6:30pm
Whittier Elementary Gym

2:30pm - 3:30pm NEW FAMILIES ONLY
3:30pm - 6:30pm All families encouraged to attend
  • Submit required school and district paperwork
  • Receive your child's teacher assignment (paperwork must be complete)
  • Learn about PTA events and opportunities
  • Learn about after school enrichment and childcare options
  • Drop off donations for the Bailey Gatzert School Supply Drive
Pick up your paperwork packet in advance, weekdays only, Aug. 23rd - Aug 25th and Aug. 28th - Aug. 30th, 7am - 7pm, at Whittier's entrance. If you are not able to attend Fill Us In, your child's teacher assignment card will be in the mail to you immediately following the event.

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Whittier Wildcat Welcome
Tuesday, September 5, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Whittier Elementary Lunchroom
NEW FAMILIES ONLY

  • Enjoy light refreshments, meet Principal Melissa Schweitzer
  • Kindergarten students meet their teachers, visit classrooms
  • Older students have Q&A, school tour w/ Principal Schweitzer & staff

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First Day Jitters
Monday, September 11, 8:00am - 8:45am
Whittier Elementary Lunchroom


Whittier parents are invited for coffee and treats (provided) after drop off.

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Back to School Potluck / Fall Family Movie Night
Friday, September 15, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Whittier Elementary Playground / Gym & Lunchroom


Bring the whole family and a dish to share. The movie will start at 7:30pm and will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

PTA Information
Bailey Gatzert School Supply Drive

Bailey Gatzert Elementary is Whittier's sister school. Each year we run a school supplies drive, holiday gift drive and book drive to support their school. Even though you won't need to pick up school supplies for your Whittier students, please consider picking up some supplies (list below) and drop them in the labeled boxes at Fill Us In on Aug. 30th or by the Whittier office once school begins. The drive ends Friday, September 15th.
  • Binders (1 inch)
  • Colored Markers
  • Colored Pencils
  • Composition Books
  • Expo Markers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Plastic Homework Folders
  • Kleenex
  • Pencils
  • Pencil Boxes
  • Scissors

School & District News
Whittier Bell Times
REMINDER: Whittier's school day will begin at 7:55am and end at 2:25pm.

New this year, every Wednesday students will be dismissed 75 minutes early, at 1:10pm, to support teacher collaboration and instructional planning.

Delayed Kindergarten Start
Seattle Public Schools is offering one-on-one teacher visits to every kindergarten family districtwide. To make time for these one-on-one teacher visits, the first day of school for every kindergartner will be Monday, Sept. 11.

Kindergarten teachers will meet with each family on Sept. 6, 7  or 8. Teachers will contact families in late August to schedule their 30- to 40-minute visit.

Students in grades 1-5 will start on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

School Supply Lists
New this year, families will not have to go shopping for school supplies; instead, parents will pay $40 per student and Whittier will order bulk supplies based on teacher needs. Checks should be made out to Whittier Elementary School.

It is still recommended that you send your student with a backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, etc.  A flier with all details will be included in Fill Us In packets. 

Whittier Website
Out school website is currently under construction but is expected to be back online by this Friday, August 11.  

2017-18 District Calendar 

Community News & Events
After School Enrichment Classes

After school enrichment classes will be offered  at  Whittier during the 2017-18 school year, facilitated by staff from Loyal Heights Community Center / Seattle Parks and Recreation.

Programs will cover a wide variety of interests and activities.  Please stay tuned on start date and registration date.

More details will be available in coming weeks and information will be available at Fill Us In (see event details under Upcoming Events above).

Thank You!
A tremendous THANK YOU to those PTA board and committee members who completed their terms at the end of June:

Laura Bertin (Co-Secretary)
Tony Toppenberg (Treasurer)
Ann Ilgen (Events Co-Chair)
Sharon Beaudoin (Legislative Representative)
Becky Dobbins (Website Editor)
Misha Zadeh Graham (Spirit Gear Sales)
Katy Palmer (Chinook Book Sales)

These behind-the-scenes jobs help keep Wildcat families engaged in our community and provide invaluable support to staff and students. We appreciate the time and effort you have shared with us!

In addition, we would like to extend our deep appreciation to Chantelle Moran, Whittier's yearbook guru, and Judy Lee, creator of the end-of-year slideshow. You helped capture another memorable year at Whittier and reminded us of the many reasons it's special to be a Wildcat.

I f you have someone you wish to thank, or to whom you'd like to give a virtual high-five, please  email us .

Calendar
Saturdays - Aug. 12, 19, 26
10:30am - 12:00pm
Summer Playground Play Dates

Wednesdays - Aug. 16, 23, 30
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Summer Playground Play Dates


Weds, Aug. 23 - Fri, Aug. 25 and Mon, Aug. 28 - Weds, Aug. 30
7am - 7pm @ Whittier's entrance
Fill Us In Packet Pick-up

Wednesday, Aug. 30
2:30pm - 6:30pm, Gym
Fill Us In

Tuesday, Sept. 5
2:00pm - 3:00pm, Lunchroom
Whittier Wildcat Welcome

Wednesday, Sept. 6
First day of school for grades 
1-5

Monday, Sept. 11
First day of school for kindergarten

Monday, Sept. 11
8am - 8:45am, Lunchroom
First Day Jitters

Friday, Sept. 15
6pm - 9pm, Playground & Gym
Back to School Potluck & Fall Family Movie Night

Bailey Gatzert School Supply Drive ends


Email us with upcoming event details.

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 Tuesday publication.

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