Whittier WildChat
October 25, 2017
Whittier School photo
We show respect. We make good choices. We solve our problems. It's what Wildcats do!
Upcoming Events

IT'S HERE...the biggest community event of the year!
  
F A L L CARNIVAL

Friday, October 27, 6:00pm - 9:00pm 
(food trucks begin serving at 5:00pm)

Food trucks, games, prizes, Light Up Store, popcorn & candy, and
the inaugural "Hogwarts Experience: Snape's Potions Class"...
 we look forward to seeing you there!
  • Tickets on sale in the lobby before and after school, and special ticket pre-sales 5:00pm - 5:45pm Friday on the playground (cash or check only).
  • Food trucks begin food service on the playground at 5:00pm - Dante's Inferno Dogs, Veraci and Rancho Bravo
  • School doors, carnival games open at 6:00pm
  • Dippin' Dots serving ice cream in the cafeteria (cash only)
We are so thankful for the volunteer support we are receiving from families and middle school/high school students - it's a blast to see so many alumni names.

JUST OVER 60 VOLUNTEER POSITIONS REMAIN Don't forget that  high school students receive  S ervice Learning hours  for their effort!

On Carnival day (Oct. 27):
  • 6 to help set up games and decor, 2pm - 6pm
  • 10 game runners and floaters, 5:45pm - 7:00pm
  • 17 game runners and floaters, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
  • 26 game runners and floaters, 7:45pm - 9:00pm
  • 6 to help clean up, 9pm - 11pm
Sign up here!

For more information:

Seattle Kids Marathon 2017
Wildcats! Put your sneakers on. It's  marathon time! The Seattle Kids Marathon is a great way to get you on your way to being physically fit. W ildcat runners will have to run/walk most days and keep track of their miles as they work towards their goal of 25 miles before Nov. 25th. Wildcat Running Club miles at school count towards marathon miles. Along the way, runners earn incentives in the form of foot tokens and certificates. When they cross the finish line November 25th and finish their last 1.2 miles at the Seattle Center, they will be   given a shirt   and a goodie bag. Of course, Mr. Pule will be there to run that final 1.2 miles with you. 

Whittier has had 40-60 participants each year. Let's keep in up! 
Registration forms are now available outside gym. Return your form to Mr. Pule and he will take care of the rest or register on-line with our Whittier Elementary team (password: Wildcats).  The fee is $25. Deadline is Nov. 3rd for Whittier Team sign-up. 
PTA Information
PTA Nominating Committee is looking to fill a spot!
We have one more spot to fill on the PTA Nominating Committee. We are looking for a PTA member who is  NOT currently a board member to join us! The committee meets near the end of the year and then again in the late winter/early spring, ending with the Board Officers being voted on at our Spring Community meeting in May. 

This committee helps find PTA Board Members for the following school year (2018-2019). The primary duty of a committee member is to attend 3 or 4 meetings to find out which PTA officers and board members will be returning, figure out what positions are left to fill, and who is best to fill those spots. Then the committee contacts potential candidates to gauge their interest and willingness to join the board. 

If you are interested in the committee, please send Kellie Pecoraro an email by midnight, Wednesday, November 1st at  vp.whittierpta@gmail.com. Please include why you are interested in participating and any previous volunteer involvement you have had with Whittier (both school and PTA). 

If you are looking to get more involved and have an impact on our school, this opportunity is for you!

2017-2018 PTA Community Meeting Schedule
The Whittier PTA has released a 3-meeting schedule for this school year:
  • Thursday, November 9, 2017
    • Goals for the 17-18 school year and discussion with Representative Noel Frame and SPS Board Member Rick Burke.
  • Thursday, March 8, 2018
    • Budget information and votes regarding staffing allocations for 2018-19; date subject to change.
  • Thursday, May 10, 2018
    • Review of 17-18 year, budget vote.
Meetings will be held in the Whittier Library and will begin with social half hour at 6:30, and business starting at 7:00pm. Look for first meeting details in the WildChat in late October.

Auction News
Hey all you fillies and geldings don't miss out on the opportunity for great auction outfits at your local thrift shops during this Halloween season. Big hats, fascinators, pretty dresses for the ladies; Straw hats, bow ties, fun suites for the gents. Who are among you will be the winning jockey?
 
School News
October is Whittier's Walk and Wheel Commute Challenge
How do you get to and from school? October is our traditional Walk and Wheel Commute Challenge. Walk, bike, unicycle, skate, take the school bus, or after school program vans... try not to be simply dropped off at the school by private vehicle. You can even park 2-3 blocks away and walk the rest of the distance.   

You can find your personal commute calendar on Schoology. Print it out and tally up your alternative commutes to earn incentives. Then, continue to stay out of the car throughout the year.  

Arts Notice For 5th Grade Families
As part of the yearly Cornerstone Arts assessment required for all 5th graders, students are asked to bring in 3-5 items that represent their interests for a self-portrait still life. Please remind your students to bring items no larger than a fist if they wish to have something personal to draw. They are able to store their items in my classroom but please avoid bringing things of huge sentimental or physical value or things that could be considered inappropriate/distracting for a school setting.

Thanks for your help in reminding our young artists,
Mr. Buck
District News
SPS Annual LGBT Families Dinner - Nov. 2nd
The annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Families Dinner will be held Thursday, November 2nd from 6-8pm at Meany Middle School. Members of the school board will be there to welcome LGBT families and their friends.  All SPS students, families and staff are welcome to attend! This donation-funded event is brought to you by the Health Education Office. Dinner and entertainment will be provided. To reserve space at this popular event, please RSVP with the number of people in your party to Lisa Love in the Health Education Office at 252-0982 or  llove@seattleschools.org

2017-18 District Calendar 

Community News & Events
Join Cub Scouts NOW!
Ballard Elks Lodge 
6411 Seaview Ave.  

Do you have a son or daughter in the first through fifth grades, or 7-10 years of age or friends with kids? Get the adventure started. Whittier's First Grade Parent, Alex Osenar, is our Tiger (1st Grade Level) parent leader.  

Contact Alex at: 
206-313-6948 or  email:  alexosenar@gmail.com  for more information. 

Monthly Pack meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the Month.
Visit the BSA Website for more information:  https://beascout.scouting.org

Northwest Boychoir  
Saturday, November 4 or at a time convenient for you. 

The Northwest Boychoir is holding auditions for boys who love to sing. Classes for new members begin in January 2018. Boys who are currently in 1st - 4th grade are invited to sign up to audition and no previous music training is needed. The Northwest Boychoir offers the perfect blend music training and Serious Fun! For more than 40 years, the Northwest Boychoir has trained young singers to be fully skilled musicians and perform in professional settings with confidence. 
 
Auditions and rehearsals take place at the University Heights Center in Seattle. The Northwest Boychoir is proud to be an inclusive and equitable organization and is firmly committed to assisting families with financial aid. 

To schedule an audition appointment or for more information:
206-524-3234 or  nwboychoir.org
Whittier Families Are the Best!
We've reached our goal for the Whittier Annual Give, thanks to you! We are so overwhelmed by your support. You truly do make Whittier an awesome school and an awesome community. 

Stay tuned for a special WildChat this week with a recap of the initiative and info on how to claim your Wildcat hoodies, as soon as we restock all of the sizes. (By the way, it's never too late to  make a contribution !)

THANK YOU!
Lunch Menu
View the October lunch menus  here.

Calendar
Fri., Oct. 27
Fall Carnival

Fri., Nov. 3rd
Deadline for Whittier team sign-up for the Seattle Kids Marathon

Thurs., Nov. 9
Student Picture Retake Day

Thurs., Nov. 9
PTA Community Meeting
6:30-8:30
Whittier Library

Fri., Nov. 10
Veterans' Day NO SCHOOL

Email us with upcoming event details.
 
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