Thank you again for the incredible year at Whittier. Our PTA was able to pull off a ton of grand plans--from Mr. Pule's party to an amazing slate of After School Programs to kicking off planning for our new STEAM lab (and so much more). We also exceeded this year's fundraising goals, which put us in a great place to fund more new programs next year, like the Enrichment Coordinator position and our unified snack pantry.
As our year winds down, here are a few reminders and updates:
- Did you order a "Paws of Whittier" calendar but haven't picked it up? Grab yours in the front office. (And if you'd like to order one, you still can!)
- Missed the boat ordering your Pule celebration t-shirts? We've relaunched the t-shirt campaign! You can order yours here before 7/10!
- Have you checked the Lost & Found yet? The Front Office team will be donating all items to the Blue Bins on the last day of school, so be sure to check it out in the Main Hallway before Wednesday!
- For returning Wildcats, classroom assignments will be emailed to families on 8/28 (in the afternoon). During that time, everyone will be removed from their current Konstella classrooms so new ones can be created. You'll then need to add your students to their new classrooms. If you have any questions about adding your child to their Konstella classroom, please contact us.
- The Whittier Elementary blacktop and playground will be closed for the summer. We'll be hosting our summer Popsicle Playdates (events for new families) at local area playgrounds instead. Want to join the team to welcome families during Popsicle Playdates? Please reach out to outreach@whittierptaseattle.org.
- Be sure to check your Konstella announcements over the summer! We'll have a work party to clean-up the playground at the end of August; the date will be confirmed later this summer when we have more specific information from the construction team.
- We're seeking 3-4 volunteers to help us rejuvenate Snorkel in the front of the school over the summer! Learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities here.
- We're still seeking support for a key roles for next year's PTA board! Reach out if you'd like more information about available roles (there's no obligation to take a role!). Openings include:
- Communications Chair - essential Exec Board member whose role can be tailored to your availability!
- Wildchat Editor - without it, we won't have any Wildchat newsletters next year! Frequency and structure is flexible!
- Fall Festival Chair(s) - without 1-2 volunteers to coordinate, we won't have a Fall Festival celebration next year!
- Spring Fling Chair - we can't hit our annual fundraising goal without someone to help organize the volunteer team!
- Save the Date for next year's Back to Business event on 9/2! We'll take school photos and you'll pick up that folder of critical information for school start. We'll be kicking off our Annual Give Direct Giving fundraiser, too!
- Are you a 1st or 2nd grade family? We're seeking volunteers to participate in our new Mentorship program! "Wildcat Connections" matches new Kindergarten families with seasoned Whittier families with a goal of increasing a sense of belonging. Connector Family Responsibilities:
- Match with one Kindercat family (September-January)
- Contact them monthly
- Coordinate one in-person meetup at a school event
- Be available for questions
Emily Schweiger will provide monthly check-ins and support. The goal is building community without extra burden! Interested? Complete this form! Questions? Email outreach@whittierptaseattle.org
Finally, for our 5th grade families and Wildcats enjoying their Adventure Day and Promotion Ceremony next week, congratulations. We're so excited for you to continue your educational journey and can't wait to welcome you back during family events in the future (once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!).
Thank you again for your energy and support this year. We can't wait to make next year even better!
Best,
Your Whittier PTA Team