2026 - 2027 School Year

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

• 7:55 - 2:25 p.m.

Wednesday

• 7:55 - 1:10 p.m. (except Wednesday, September 2)

The Whittier Main Office is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Grades 1 - 5

• Wednesday, September 2, 2026
• 7:55 - 2:25 p.m.

Kindergarten

• September 2, 3, & 4 - Family Connections Meetings with Teachers
• September 8 - KinderCat First Day of School!

Date: Tuesday, September 1

Time: 2–5 p.m.

Location: Whittier Cafeteria

Pick up and return your first day packet, meet our PTA, and get ready for the school year.

To avoid long lines for school photos, there are suggested times below.

Don't worry if these times do not work for your family, please come when you can.

• Last Name A - G: 2 -3 p.m.
• Last Name H - R: 3-4 p.m.
• Last Name S - Z: 4-5 p.m.

Yuen Lui Studio will photograph individual portraits at Whittier Elementary on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

• Preorder portraits here: 2026-27 Whittier Elementary Picture Day 9/1.
• Print orders will be shipped to the school 3–4 weeks after picture day; digital orders will be sent via email from no-reply@imagequix.com.
• Contact Yuen Lui Studio with any questions.

If your family cannot attend Back to Business Day, your student will have their photo taken during the school day on October 6, 2026.

All classrooms use shared supplies - you do not need to purchase individual supplies.

• Backpack - big enough to hold 9" x 12" school folder, lunchbox, water bottle.
• Lunchbox - if bringing lunch from home.
• Refillable water bottle.
• Wired over-ear headphones to stay at school. (Example 1 or Example 2)
• Bike helmet - if your student unicycles regularly, it's helpful to have a bike helmet that stays at school for recess use.
• Extra Change of Clothes - just in case for grades K-2 in a Ziploc bag to store in their classroom cubby.

We Can Help! If you need assistance - Please reach out to Ms. Lauren: lamolloyjohn@seattleschools.org.

Morning Drop-off - Let's Start the Day Right!

Where and When

• All our K-5 Wildcats enter through 13th Avenue NW - this is our main entrance for everyone!
• Only school buses are permitted on 13th Avenue NW before and after school. If you drive, please plan to park before dropping your student off. Make sure we continue to be good neighbors and don't block driveways or intersections.
• The playground opens at 7:35 a.m. and you'll find Principal Watters right there at the 13th Avenue gate with a warm welcome for you, your Wildcat, your dog - everyone gets a "Good Morning!"
• Once on campus, students head to their classroom lines.
• No parents or caregivers are permitted on the playground before school. If you need assistance, please go to the main building entrance on 75th Street.

Running a Little Late? No Worries!

• If you arrive after 7:55 a.m., simply head to the main doors off 75th Street and go to the main office to check in

A Few Helpful Notes

• We ask that parents and caregivers stay off the playground area to keep things safe and organized for students.
• Need to visit the main office or have a scheduled appointment? Just drop off your Wildcat first, then walk around to the main doors off 75th Street - we'll be happy to help you.

Afternoon Pick-up - Time to Head Home!

Where to Find Your Wildcat

KinderCats

• Look for them coming out the front of the school
• You can meet your KinderCat on the sidewalk right outside the front steps

Grades 1 & 2 Plus Our Bus Riders and After-School Program Friends

• This includes students heading to Whittier Kids, Ballard Boys & Girls Club, and other great programs
• These Wildcats will come out through the East gate on 13th Avenue NW
• Caregivers can meet them right there at the gate.
• No cars are permitted on 13th Avenue NW or 14th Avenue NW after school.

Our Big Kids - Grades 3, 4 & 5

• These independent Wildcats exit through the west gate onto 14th Avenue NW.
• No cars are permitted on 13th Avenue NW or 14th Avenue NW after school.

Let's Keep Everyone Safe - After School Plans

Please share your Wildcat's after school plans with their classroom teacher - even if those plans might change sometimes! This simple step helps us make sure every single student gets home safely and knows exactly where they're supposed to go. We're all in this together!