News from Principal Watters

Dear Whittier Community,

I have exciting news. After two requests for feedback on our Community Check-In survey, we've received 61 responses from a community of more than 850 caregivers.

The only logical conclusion is that Whittier has become a flawless school. Drop-off and dismissal runs like a Swiss watch. Every lunchbox and water bottle comes home empty daily, and every sweatshirt, jacket and headband come home at all. In fact our Lost & Found is so empty, we no longer need it! No one has ever wondered what "Specialist Rotation B" means or what specialist your student has on Tuesday.

Our staff is thrilled, of course... and... a little suspicious.

Before I was a principal, I was a government teacher. I spent years telling teenagers that a democracy only works when everyone's voice is heard, and that low turnout doesn't mean people are satisfied. It usually means we haven't made it easy enough, or important enough, for them to speak up. A 7% turnout would keep any civics teacher up at night. It's keeping this former one up, too.

Because here's the thing: we know there's more to the story. We're always working to get better at being the kind of school every child deserves, and we also want to better understand the joys and challenges your family experiences outside of Whittier. We can't do that well with only 61 voices. Your answers help us target our resources, advocate for what our students need, and shape our school improvement plan this year.

So please, cast your ballot. The survey takes about five minutes. Share as much or as little as you'd like about how the start of the year has gone for your family. Tell us what's working, what isn't, and what you wish we knew. And if someone on our team has made a difference for you or your child, give them a shout-out. They'll be glad to hear it, and it'll make up for the mediocre coffee in the staff room.

Take the survey: Whittier Community Check-In

No registration required, no lines at the polls, and no "I Voted" sticker (though I'm not opposed to 1the idea). Your voice matters in our community, even if it's only to tell us we aren't quite perfect yet.

With gratitude,

Cindy

Community Budget Meeting: Wednesday, October 7th (7-8:30pm) @ the Whittier Library & over Zoom

We as a PTA invite you to join us at a community budget meeting and CANSSPA information session. The first half of the meeting will cover our proposed budget to be voted on at our next PTA meeting on October 13th. The second half of the meeting will be an information session with representatives from The Central and North Seattle Schools PTA Alliance (CANSSPA). This is an opportunity to learn more about this PTA Equity opportunity, and have your questions answered.

October PTA Meeting: Tuesday, October 13th (7-8:30pm) @ the Whittier Library & over Zoom

Please join us for this month's PTA meeting! It’s a great way to learn about all the awesome things our PTA does, and connect with our wonderful community. And there will be snacks! In addition to hosting a panel of our amazing Teachers, we will be voting on our budget for this year as well as membership in The Central & North Seattle Schools PTA Alliance (CANSSPA). Read more about CANSSPA here https://www.cansspa.org. Make sure to join or renew your PTA membership for this year so you can vote! https://whittierptaseattle.org/membership/ Haven't made it to a meeting in a while due to childcare troubles? We got you! Sign up to send your kid/kids (for free) to Whittier Kids, our onsite childcare partners, for pizza and play! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A8A729A0FAC61-65571575-whittier

We're still WILD about keeping up Whittier's culture of giving, so the Annual Give drive has been extended through 10/9!

We've raised $54,000 of our $130,000 goal (42%), and we're about $20,000 behind where we were at this point last year. Since we typically raise about $45,000 through employer matching, we'll end the campaign roughly $31,000 under goal without more participation. Annual Give funds what state and district dollars don't cover, like our 5-day specialist schedule (Art, Performing Arts, PE), extra nurse time, and reading support, and if giving stays at this level year after year, those programs are at risk. Please donate today at wildcats.schoolauction.net/annualgive2026/, and if your employer matches, submit that match as soon as you can.

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Save the date for this year's Fall Festival, hosted by the Whittier PTA! This year's festival will include a costume parade, games, food trucks, cake walk, monster mash dance party, treats and more! This year's Whittier PTA provided snacks will be free (as is admission).

Volunteer to help out! https://forms.gle/aLB1KrxtbitF5cbh6

Please note:

• For this event, please no dogs (leave your furry friends at home).
• Caregivers are expected to accompany and supervise their Wildcats during Fall Festival.

Join us for some fun on the ice with our family ice skating event at the Kraken Community Iceplex during Thanksgiving break! To reserve your spot, payment will be available 3 weeks before the event. Please plan to arrive about 30 minutes early to check in, receive your bracelet, and get your skates before hitting the ice. The Iceplex will provide some skate aids for our group.

Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Time: 2:45–3:45 p.m.
Cost: $12 per skater, which includes skate rental
Payment: Payment instructions and the PayPal link will be added 3 weeks before the event.
What to bring: Helmet

We are also looking for volunteers to help sign in skaters at the beginning of the event.
Can’t wait to see everyone on the ice! If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Smith at bonnie1pang@gmail.com.

Families received a flier at Curriculum Night about field trips.

This year, every grade level will take at least two off-campus field trips and enjoy in-school enrichment activities as well.

To keep costs down and make things simpler for families, we're asking for a single payment for the whole year instead of separate payments for each trip. This also reduces the transaction fees SPS now charges for SchoolPay.

We're asking Kindergarten through Grade 4 families to contribute $50 for the year. This covers all entrance fees, transportation, and in-school assemblies. Every student will participate in field trips, whether or not their family is able to contribute.

Payment Information

You're welcome to pay:

• Online through SchoolPay - https://bit.ly/4ADj9xa
• By check or cash at the main office

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

• Makeup Portraits: Students who missed picture day should plan on getting a portrait. Families can preorder portraits here: 2026-27 Whittier Elementary Make-up/ Retake Pre-payments 10/6. Print orders will be shipped to the school in 3-4 weeks after makeup/retake day; digital orders will be sent via email from no-reply@imagequix.com.
• Retake Portraits: Anyone is welcome to get a retake. Students who return portrait packages to the photographer on 10/6 will receive a complimentary package of the retake portrait. Please note that retake portraits replace the original portrait in PowerSchool and the yearbook. If your student had a photo taken on September 1, you can view it here (the online code is the student's SPS ID number): 2026-27 Whittier Elementary - Online Code = SPS Student ID #
• Contact Yuen Lui Studio with any questions. Thank you!