Whittier WildChat
October 4, 2017
Whittier School photo
We show respect. We make good choices. We solve our problems. It's what Wildcats do!
Upcoming Events
Whittier Annual Give
The Whittier Annual Give campaign is off to a great start, thanks to the support of our Wildcat families. If you haven't made your contribution yet, you can do it online right now or you can send a check along with your response card that you received on Curriculum Night. (Those cards should be dropped off in the Annual Give box inside the school office.) 

Our goal is to raise $140 per student this year, but we have a special reward for parents who donate $250 or more... a Whittier Wildcat Zip-up Hoodie (in adult sizes for the first time at last!) Make your contribution now and rock that Wildcat hoodie!

Your support helps fund programs, services, and staff positions that your kids love and rely upon. Your help brings more books to our library and funds more days with our librarian. (As well as funding for assemblies, safety initiatives, and... well, here's the list of the 27 biggest ways you fuel our school.)

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. 

If you are able to join us, please  RSVP by Monday Oct. 9th, with the number of adults and children who will be attending the event. We want to be sure to have enough food! We hope to see you there!

Great Washington ShakeOut Happening on October 19th
On October 19 at 10:19am, Whittier will be participating in The Great Washington ShakeOut for the second year in a row. 

This is an annual statewide earthquake drill and everyone is encouraged to participate! Click here for more information.

F AL L CARNIVAL
Only 3-1/2 Weeks Away!
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" - join us for Whittier's biggest community event of the year!
  • Tickets will be on sale in the lobby before and after school the week of Monday, Oct. 23rd.
  • Food trucks will begin food service on the playground at 5:00pm and include Dante's Inferno Dogs, Veraci and Rancho Bravo.
  • School doors and carnival games open at 6:00pm.
  • Dippin' Dots will be serving ice cream in the cafeteria!
Volunteers are the linchpin to Fall Carnival success - please  sign up to help where you can! There's so much to choose from and shifts are only 75 minutes long.

For more information:
We look forward to seeing you there!


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.

Take the Washington State PTA Survey! Closes Oct. 9th
The Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is holding its annual Legislative Assembly in late October. During that event, local PTA delegates have the opportunity to debate, amend, and vote on the addition of  four long-term Resolutions and seven short-term Issues to the WSPTA Platform.

We need your input to help guide our voting decisions - please take this short  survey to share your priorities. The survey deadline is Monday, Oct. 9 at midnight.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meeting - Oct. 10th
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
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.  

Performing Arts Update from Ms. Steph
Our Wildcats are off to a roaring start in the performing arts room. I am so excited about the curriculum this year. Mr. Buck and I are teaming up again to take our Wildcats on a sonic, visual and groovy journey through genres of music and art. Rooted in 21st century skills, this year's curriculum will spotlight everything from reggae to rock / classical to jazz. Each unit with have at least one "Artist In Focus". Currently we are jammin' to the genius that was Bob Marley in our reggae unit. 

All arts teachers in Seattle Public Schools are rolling out the brand new Washington State Arts standards. We expect to be district aligned by the beginning of next school year. I will have a link to the new standards on my schoology page as well as extension resources for each unit. Although Schoology will be my main source of communication, please know I am always open to email or a chat. 

In keeping with tradition, every grade level will have a performance and a chance to shine. We will kick off with a Thanksgiving and Veteran's Day assembly starring kindergarten and first grade classes on November 17 at 1:15. 

I am really looking forward to a great year with your amazing performers. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. 

Artfully yours, Ms. Steph 

PS. Stay tuned for more information and dates regarding the Wildcat Dance off, WWP musical, Second Grade Showcase and Spring Sing. 

Art Update from Mr. Buck
The Fall always brings some constants to our classroom. While we get situated into our school selves, we always take this time to create a sketchbook. As I tell students, the sketchbook is the writing journal of Art. You have assignments in your sketchbook and that is where we practice for our final projects. Creating artwork is a process and not to be jumped into head first, so it is important to take creative time to ruminate. 

The other project we always look forward to is the self-portrait. Students look closely at themselves and try to draw what they see. As they progress through their years at Whittier they should have a collection of portraits that show them how much they have grown as people and as artists. This year our self-portraits will be done in the style of various art movements. 

Teaming with Performing Arts again this year, you can expect your students to go on a ride through many of the more famous movements throughout art history. Stay Tuned. 

Colorfully Yours, Mr. Buck 
BCBuck@seattleschools.org 

*Find me on Schoology and follow your student(s) classroom!

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
The FALL CARNIVAL team is looking for...
  • Paper towel rolls
  • Toilet paper rolls
Drop your rolls in the "FALL CARNIVAL" box outside the office. Thank you!

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
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
Whittier Heights Community Council - 8th Ave NW Clean-up Walk on October 7th
Please join us on October 7th at 10 am at Kirke Park to clean up 8th Ave NW! We are partnering with Seattle Clean Street Collective for the clean-up - they have everything we need to have a safe and educational walk. Route is 75th to 85th on 8th Ave NW (both sides).  Neighbors of any age and ability welcome - great for kids, so families, please join us!

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!
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed school supplies to our friends at Bailey-Gatzert Elementary School. Everything was very gratefully received. Special thanks to Whittier parent and Bailey-Gatzert teacher Amanda Guyler for helping receive and distribute.
Lunch Menu
View the October lunch menus  here.

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

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

Thurs., Oct., 19
Earthquake Drill

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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