Whittier WildChat
September 27, 2017
Whittier School photo
We show respect. We make good choices. We solve our problems. It's what Wildcats do!
Upcoming Events
Curriculum Night - September 28th, 6:00-7:30
This event provides parents with an overview of their child's classroom and curriculum. Parents will meet in the lunchroom for a brief introduction from Melissa.  After that, parents go to homeroom, then visit math classroom.  Event is for adults only. Childcare is not available, parents should make arrangements for their children. 

Whittier Annual Give
The Whittier Annual Give kicks off at Curriculum Night, but you can  learn more about how you help fuel our school and make your donation early now. Did you know that your donations help fund full-time PE, Performing Arts, and Art teachers - and amazing events like our STEM Fair, Reflections art program, and the all-time, kid-favorite Field Day?

Our overall goal for the campaign is $65,000 - that's $140 per student. We know some of you can afford more and we also respect that some aren't able to contribute financially this time. But we are excited to announce that, for the first time ever, you can now get a Whittier Wildcat Zip-up Hoodie in adult sizes. And they are free for donors at the $250 level. Make your contribution now and get ready to show your Wildcat pride!

Whittier's Fall 2017 Screen-Free Week- October 2nd-6th
Congratulations! You are pledging to turn off the T.V. and limit other 
computer/screen time for one mini-week between Monday, Oct. 2nd and Friday, Oct. 6th. This might be  difficult for some, as the television and screens have become an overly  important part of our everyday lives.   This can be a terrific family event and an awesome way to create "family time." Think about involving the entire household. The more the merrier. Try at least to reduce the screen time. 

There will be a certificate and an incentive drawing for those students who complete the mini-week without T.V./screens and limited computer time.  Pledge forms can be found on Schoology (please sign up if you haven't yet!).  Complete the bottom portion on the form, with your student and return it to Mr. Pule on Thursday, Oct. 12th to qualify. Don't forget to track what you do on the back

Family Activity Night- October 5th, 6:00-7:45pm 
Badminton, beach ball volleyball, and unicycling in the gym. Board games in the  lunchroom. BYO favorite board game and healthy snacks.   Have a great screen-free week! 

RULER Family Night - October 12, 6:00-7:30
We would like to invite you to join us on Thursday, October 12, for our first RULER Family Night of the school year.

RULER is the social/emotional approach to learning that we teach at Whittier. Classrooms have been busy creating Class Charters, the first of four RULER "pillars", defining how they want to feel in their classrooms, what students can do to feel that way as a group, and what to do when problems arise.

Now it's your turn! We hope you and your family (yes, bring your children!) will join us as staff leads you through the process of creating a Family Charter that you can use at home. If you came to the RULER family Charter night last year, bring your charter and learn how to revise it. 

RULER Family Night
Thursday, October 12th
6:00pm-7:30pm
Whittier Elementary Cafeteria

The Whittier PTA (you!) has generously offered to provide pizza and water for the event.  We hope to see you there!

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.  

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.   The Wildcat 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 are of the rest or (much easier)  register on-line with our Whittier Elementary team (password: Wildcats). http://www.seattlemarathon.org/seattle-childrens-kids-marathon/ .  The fee is $25.  Deadline is Nov. 3rd for Whittier Team sign-up. 


PTA Information
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.

PTA Fundraising
The PTA Fundraising Team looks forward to meeting you on September 28 at  Curriculum Night . We'll be talking about the many ways you fuel our school, but you can preview  the full list here !

THANK YOU Playground Improvement Committee!
The Playground Improvement Committee submitted the Dept. of Neighborhood grant application on Monday, putting us one step closer to additions and a new play structure for the Whittier playground. The team secured the support of more than 10 community and professional organizations, and hundreds of volunteers hours, in support of the grant application. A TREMENDOUS THANK YOU to the following Whittier parents and community supporters:

Demian Minjarez - Project Manager, Grant Research
Mendy Minjarez - Grant Editor
Ann Ilgen - Community and Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
Emily Clark - Grant Writer
Stephen Ward - Grant Writer
Will Scales - Architectural Advisor
Tony Toppenberg - Construction Advisor
Hugh Kelso - Community Representative, Whittier Heights Community Council

Calling all Reflections Artists
A few tables will be set up on the playground, Wednesday afternoon (TODAY) following early release, for your kiddos to work on their Reflections projects. This will be a great opportunity for your kiddos to work amongst their peers on what is supposed to be an absolutely beautiful day. Limited art supplies will be provided, so please feel free to bring your own to use and share.

For more information on the PTA Reflections Arts contest, please visit  our school website If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Ariane Harris.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee (DANDI)
The Whittier PTA has launched a Diversity & Inclusion Committee
partnership with school leadership. If you are inter ested in joining this Committee, then join us for o ur first meeting,Tuesday, October 10 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Whittier Library.

Please contact co-chairs Kristin Wiggins and Donna Chavis at dandi.whittierpta@gmail.com to join (so we can ensure you're on the email list) or if you have any questions.

We have just begun our work. There are many opportunities and challenges to address and we welcome  your participation. Generally, we envision our work will be about supporting, creating, and promoting a respectful culture of inclusivity so that members of our community (e.g. students, families, and staff) feel welcome and able to engage.

We're called DANDI (pronounced "dandy"). All are welcome!
School News
Announcing the Free Book Trading Post
Located in the Whittier lobby, The Free Book Trading Post is for all students and their families. Donate appropriate K-5 books you've read to be passed along to others. This is a great way to share books you enjoyed with other people. If you are looking for a new book, grab one of these to take home.

We'll also be using the Free Book Trading Post to slowly gather books for our Spring Book Drive for Bailey Gatzert students. Drop off book donations anytime by placing them under the bookshelf and we will put them into the reading rotation. 

Parents, please help your students recognize the difference between the Free Book Trading Post and our Whittier Library. Library books are checked out, studiously cared for and returned by the due date. Trading Post books can be kept or passed along for the next person to read. 

Thank you to Kate Avneri for the great signage and to Femeke Britschgi Cabernard and Jessica Carr for the idea to share books all year long.

Wildcat Running Club (before school and during recess)
All Wildcats are welcome to jog/walk every day before school as part of the Wildcat Running Club. It is free and open to all. Students record their own distance (it's an honor system, be pono!) and earn a foot token for every 1 mile completed (8 laps around the playground = 1 mile). Other incentives earned upon completion of each marathon distance throughout the year. This is a great way to start a school day, so come on out and start a Running Club card. Walk and talk! Jog with friends! Set your goal! Strive for success!

Spanish Language Program
Hola! Whittier Parents!!  Did you know that we are working on getting an after school enrichment Spanish Language program at Whittier? 
It is offered by Language Links, a program that was at Whittier a few years ago and was very well received. The proposed schedule will be for 3rd-5th graders on M/F and Spanish K-2nd graders on T/Th. The class will be right after school from 2:30 to 3:30pm. If you are interested please email Jessica Pierard
Volunteer Information
Classroom Art Coordinator Needed for the 2018 Auction!
Do you have a love of art? Are you organized? Then we need YOU on the 2018 Auction Team!  We are looking for someone that can take the lead on coordinating amazing classroom art projects to be auctioned off during the live event.

The Classroom Art Coordinator responsibilities include finding a parent (or two) from each classroom to design and create an art project with students that will be auctioned off during the live event. The coordinator will also keep track of what every classroom is making, giving ideas and guidelines where necessary. The coordinator will need to establish deadlines and make sure all projects are on time and delivered to the merchandising team.

If you think you are perfect for this role or would like a little more information, please email Karen Gustafson. Thank you for your consideration!
District News
Community Meeting with Whittier's School Board Representative THIS Saturday
SPS School Board Director Rick Burke, District II representative (including Whittier), is holding a Community Meeting this Saturday, 1:30pm - 3:00pm, at the Greenwood Public Library (8016 Greenwood Ave N). If you are affected by the scheduled 2018-19 Boundary Changes and would like to communicate any questions or concerns, this is a great opportunity to do so. In general, district community meetings provide a venue for engaging with school board directors about our schools. If you have any questions, contact PTA Legislative Representative  Amy Bryan

2017-18 District Calendar 
Community News & Events
6th Annual QAQS Fall Girls Lacrosse Clinic - October 1
Discover Girls Lacrosse with Queen Anne Quick Styx! Join QAQS Girls Lacrosse Club on  October 1 for a first-hand look at the sport at our 6th Annual Fall Girls Lacrosse Clinic!

When:  Sunday, October 1, 2017 9:30am-11:00am
Where: Queen Anne Bowl -  2806 3rd Ave. W.
Who: All girls grades 2-8
Cost: $5 (payable at the clinic)

A fun opportunity to experience the fastest growing sport in the Northwest!
Registration will be limited to the first 60 players.

RSVP/Register/Direct Questions to Brett Carolan, Club Director at brett.carolan@brightonjones.com

**Ballard High School Girls Lacrosse Team Members and Coach are anticipated to be in attendance as instructors

For information about the Queen Anne Quick Styx Lacrosse Club visit:  www.queenannequickstyx.usl.la

Queen Anne Quick Styx Lacrosse Club is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization and is associated with the Washington Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association and is a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Association

Whittier Kids Preschool - T/TH openings
Whittier Kids Preschool is located onsite at Whittier Elementary and offers a play-based program for 3-5 year olds. Our program focuses on dynamic curriculum, building social emotional skills and instilling a love of learning. We currently have Tuesday/Thursday openings and our program runs from 8am-2pm during the school year. More info online. Or e mail  whittierkids@phinneycenter.org  for more information about our program or to schedule a tour.

CHEER LIKE A BHS BEAVER!
The Ballard High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad invites all students K-6 to attend their Lil' Beavs Cheerleading Camp on Sunday, October 8, 9:30 to noon, at Ballard High School.

Participants will learn cheers, jumps, and a dance! Each camper will receive a t-shirt, bow, set of pom poms, a temporary tattoo, a picture with the squad, and admission to the Ballard High varsity football game on Friday, October 13, at Memorial Stadium (Seattle Center).
Participants will also be invited to perform during halftime at the game! Kickoff is currently scheduled for 7:00 p.m.; game admission is included for participant only.

The registration fee for Lil' Beavs Cheerleading Camp is $45, and $40 for an additional sibling. Register hereMore information about the camp and Ballard High Cheerleading is available online .
Thank you!

Lunch Menu
View the September and October lunch menus  here.

Calendar
Thurs., Sept. 28
Curriculum Night
6:00-7:30

Sat., Sept 30
Community Meeting w/ Whittier's School Board Rep.
1:30-3:00
Greenwood Public Library

Mon., Oct. 2-Fri., Oct. 6
Whittier's Screen-Free Week

Tues., Oct. 3
Individual school photos

Thurs., Oct. 5
Family Activity Night
6:00-7:45
Whittier Gym and Cafeteria

Tues., Oct 10
Diversity and Inclusion Committee meeting
6:30-8:00
Whittier Library

Thurs., Oct 12
RULER Family Night
6:00-7:30
Whittier Cafeteria

Fri., Oct. 13 
State in-service day; No School

Fri., Oct. 27
Fall Carnival

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

Email us with upcoming event details.

Contact Us
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