News from Principal Watters

Dear Whittier Community,

It was so fun to see families at Back to School Night last week! Students were proud and excited to show their grown-ups around their classrooms, the specialist rooms, and the library. I hope you caught the gleam in their eyes as they showed you how to navigate their school.

When we intentionally create opportunities for students to have voice and agency in their classrooms and school, they become more engaged members of every community they're part of. Valuing their expertise shows students that all voices, even those of our youngest learners, matter in building a safe and welcoming community.

We're always working to get better at being that kind of school, and we also want to better understand the joys and challenges students and families experience outside of Whittier. That's why we've created a short, five-minute survey. It's a chance to give us feedback, to share as much or as little as you'd like about how the start of the school year has gone for your family, and to give a shout-out to anyone on our team who has made a difference for you.

I hope you'll take five minutes to fill it out. Your voice in our community matters, too.

Take the survey: Whittier Community Check-In

Go Wildcats!

Cindy

We know after school plans will sometimes change on short notice. If plans for your student ever change during the school day (or even close to the start) please call the Whittier Main Office.

Teachers don't have time during the day to check emails or TalkingPoints messages. We want to make sure your Wildcat gets where they need to be without confusion.

The Office is always happy to help ensure your student and the adults get the message. (206) 252-1650

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!

Annual Give is a great way to support Whittier Elementary’s funding gaps. To ensure we can have many of our programs, specialists, and fun we need YOUR help. This year, we’re asking every Wildcat family to complete the Annual Give form online by 10/2. By filling out the form your student (s) will be entered into the weekly raffle for a squishmallow!

So, fill it out early to get the most opportunities to win.

To fill out your form (with any donation amount), please visit:
https://wildcats.schoolauction.net/annualgive2026/

More information is also located in your packet from Back to Business or visit the link above to learn more about why we need fundraise!

If you have any questions, please email fundraising@whittierptaseattle.org.

Whittier now has both of our crosswalks staffed.

Ms. Mary is a familiar face who's moved to a new intersection. This year she is supporting the crosswalk at 13th Ave and NW 80th St.

Ms. Diane is new to Whittier, but brings lots of experience, as she also works at West Woodland Elementary. You can find Ms. Diane at 8th Ave and NW 75th St.

• 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!