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Upcoming Events
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RSVP for TOMORROW'S Family RULER Night
Whittier is hosting its second Family
RULER Night on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
in the Whittier Library. Attendance at November's workshop is NOT required.
Parents are invited to this interactive workshop to learn about the
Mood Meter
, a RULER anchor tool that can help children and adults strengthen their emotional intelligence. Emotions impact attention, memory, learning, decision-making, relationships, health and well-being. Learn to recognize your feelings and the feelings of those in your family, and together we can create a positive emotional climate at home and school.
NOTE: Due to the nature of activities in this workshop, it is recommended as an parents-only event.
Whittier PTA will be providing light snacks and beverages. In order to ensure we have enough for everyone, please RSVP. Be sure to note any dietary restrictions in the "personal message" field and we will do our best to accommodate those needs.
Whittier Budget Town Hall, Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30
Please save the date for a "town hall" presentation on Whittier's budget process. The event will be Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 in the Whittier Library. Principal Schweitzer will share information with families regarding the priorities and values that guide the building's decision-making process; the how and why of the current staff structure; the expected cuts to Whittier's budget for the 2017-18 school year; and explain current thinking on how to maintain our current structure in the face of these potential cuts.
The PTA will present background information on their own budget process, and will explain how the two efforts work independently while relying on strong communication between the school and the parent community to best meet the needs of all Wildcats.
This discussion does not require previous knowledge of the budget or budget process - this information impacts all Whittier's students; please join if you can to benefit from a deeper understanding of this information.
STEM Fair News
Mark your calendars for this year's STEM fair Thursday, Mar. 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The STEM fair is an opportunity for students to explore scientific phenomena and engineering design. This year, individual participation is on a voluntary basis and some teachers may choose to do a whole class project (look for communication from your teacher).
New this year, we will provide "office hours" during the school day by teacher-directed parent volunteers for students who wish to do their own project and need support. Assistance can include: help with generating an idea, getting supplies, organizing/outlining the project steps, and feedback on overall project implementation.
If you would like to volunteer for "office hours", please sign up
here. View the event
flyer and visit the dedicated
STEM website for project ideas.
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PTA Information
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Shop for Whittier - Scrip Cards
Gift cards (also known as scrip) from nearly 30 popular retailers including QFC/Fred Meyer, Safeway, Amazon, iTunes, Starbucks and more, are available for purchase at Whittier and benefit the PTA. MANY more options are available online. Please consider turning your routine or special purchases (e.g., gifts, furniture, technology, etc.) into funds for Whittier:
- Purchase gift cards in the Whittier lobby before and after school on Fridays (selection limited to cards on hand).
- Print a Scrip Order Form and submit your order via KidMail (anytime!).
- Order gift cards online; find instructions here.
Questions? Email Cara.
Other Ways to Shop for Whittier!
Don't forget these other simple ways to support Whittier with your everyday shopping, at no additional cost to you!
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School News
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Middle School Open House/Tour Dates for 5th Grade Parents
Whitman Middle School Open House
9201 15th Ave NW, 98117
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7:00pm
Join us in the Whitman auditorium for a presentation by staff. If you are unable to attend this event, the materials presented can be picked up
Mondaythrough
Friday,
8:00am - 4:30pm in Whitman's main office starting
Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Sal
mon Bay School Tour
1810 NW 65th St, 98117
Thursday, Feb. 9, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Friday, Feb. 24, 9:20am -10:50am (walking/classroom tour
10:00-10:30)
Lunch & Recess Volunteers Needed in February!
We are out on the playground and lunchroom with your children every day, but we need your help as well! We could really use 1-2 parents every day to ensure the safety of your children on the playground at lunch recess and to help create a calm environment in the lunchroom. This is also a great way to get to know your child's friends and classmates!
Please volunteer using this
SignUp Genius. 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!
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Volunteer Information
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Volunteer for Lunch and/or Recess duty here
Seeking Guest Scientists!
Are you in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering or Math? Do you have skills to demonstrate to aspiring Wildcat minds?
There are spots remaining for guest scientists to demonstrate their craft at this year's STEM Fair on Thursday, Mar. 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Interactive demonstrations, allowing students to see and touch real applications of science, have been popular in the past and we welcome and encourage you to be creative with your expertise.
So, just for a moment put down your circuit, set aside that lab equipment, stop writing that code, and email
Gina Alvino or
Julie Kennedy to sign up and inspire young Wildcat scientists today!
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 the following PTA positions:
- Movie Nights - Seeking Co-Chair(s) to shadow in 2016-17, lead in 2017-18
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.
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District News
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Nutrition Services Survey
Seattle Public Schools Nutrition Services Department is working to improve the quality of school-provided meals. Please take roughly 5-10 minutes to
share your feedback.
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Community News & Information
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Whittier's Ultimate Frisbee!
Whittier's Ultimate Frisbee (WUF Gang) co-ed team starts in February.
Spots are still open for
4th grade girls and all 3rd graders
. Practices are each
Wednesday,
3:30pm - 5:00pm at Loyal Heights Community Center. Season runs
Feb. 15 to mid-May. Registration ends when all spots are full so sign up soon! Email Coach
Kristen Dailey for more info.
Girls on the Run - Spring 2017
5th Grade Teacher and Whittier parent Julie Childers coaches Girls on the Run, an after-school program that uses the power of running to give girls the tools to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, recognize their gifts and activate their power! Girls on the Run is for 3rd - 5th grade girls of ALL fitness and ability levels. The only requirement is to believe in GIRL POWER!
Dates: March 6 - May 23
Days & Time: Tuesdays / Thursdays, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Cost: Fees based on a sliding scale; scholarships available
Contact
Julie Childers
for more information or visit
Girls on the Run
to register. Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 17.
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Lunch Menu
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View the February lunch menu
here.
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Calendar
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Weds., Feb. 1
Day Between Semesters
NO SCHOOL
Thurs., Feb. 2
Family RULER Night
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Whittier Library
Mon., Feb. 6
School Choice forms
available online
Weds., Feb. 8
Staff Luncheon
Hosted by 2nd Grade Families
Thurs., Feb. 9
Prospective Family School Tour
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Mon., Feb. 13
School Choice Open Enrollment begins
BLT Meeting
2:25pm - 4:45pm
Whittier Library
Thurs. Feb 16
Whittier Budget Town Hall
6:30 - 7:30pm
Fri., Feb. 17
Spirit Day: "Crazy T-Shirts"
Mon., Feb. 20
Presidents Day
NO SCHOOL
Tues., Feb. 21 - Fri., Feb. 24
Mid-Winter Break
NO SCHOOL
Fri., Feb. 24
School Choice Open Enrollment ends
PCP Schedule
Thurs, Feb 2
A = Art, B = Perf Arts, C = PE
Fri, Feb 3 / Mon, Feb 6
A = PE, B = Art, C = Perf Arts
Tues, Feb 7 / Weds, Weds Feb 8
A = Perf Arts, B = PE, C = Art
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Contact Us
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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.
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