News from Principal Watters

Dear Whittier Community,

Shana Tova! to those who observed Rosh Hashanah this past weekend — I wish you a good and sweet year ahead. I love when Rosh Hashanah lines up so closely with the start of the school year; a good and sweet year ahead is the perfect wish for our students, classroom communities, and families.

I don't know about your Wildcat, but I felt the first 8 days of school hit me this weekend. I was in bed early Friday night after pizza and a movie (no cooking required). I even leaned into a nap on Saturday afternoon. I've realized I'm really out of "school shape" — I'm working on building my stamina for early mornings, longer days, and so much talking... and listening... and working. This is our first five-day week, and I encourage you to give your Wildcat some time to just rest as we all build up that school-year stamina this month.

Have you ever wondered what the Whittier staff would look like with real team photo shoots? Thanks to Whittier parent — and professional photographer — Leah Murphy, now we know! Leah took time during our start-of-school days to coax out the best (and most awesome) from our staff. You can see her work below — it was a sweet start to the school year, for sure!

Rock on 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

Curriculum Night — September 24, 5–7 p.m. Your student will be your guide for the evening as you meet their classroom teacher, chat with our specialists, and connect with the PTA.

Join Principal Watters to learn more about Whittier:

• Session 1: 5:15-5:45 p.m.
• Session 2: 6-6:30 p.m.
• Both sessions will be the same presentation and will take place in the Cafeteria.

You'll also have the chance to meet Nurse Marissa, Ms. Lauren (our social worker), and other important members of our school community. We look forward to seeing you there!

• Please join us for the first PTA meeting of the 26-27 school year on September 15th from 7-8:30pm in the Whittier Library and over Zoom!

  It’s a great way to learn about all the awesome things our PTA does, and connect with our wonderful community.

  We will be voting at this meeting, so be sure to join or renew your membership (you have to do this every year!) to participate in the vote. Meeting Agenda.

  
  

  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!

  
  

  Back by popular demand—it’s Whittier Evening at the Ballpark! Let’s ring in the school year, build community, and welcome our new Kindercat families to Whittier as we cheer on the M’s, eat all the snacks, and dance our way onto the Jumbotron. The fun begins Friday, September 25th at 7:10 p.m. as the Mariners take on the Angels. Stay after the game for an extra bonus—fireworks night! Use this link to purchase your discounted Mariners Hope to see you there ⚾️

  
  

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.

Back by popular demand—it’s Whittier Evening at the Ballpark! Let’s ring in the school year, build community, and welcome our new Kindercat families to Whittier as we cheer on the M’s, eat all the snacks, and dance our way onto the Jumbotron. The fun begins Friday, September 25th at 7:10pm as the Mariners take on the Angels. Stay after the game for an extra bonus—fireworks night! Use this link to purchase your discounted tickets: www.gofevo.com/event/WhittierSept2026. Hope to see you there ⚾️

SNACKS! No hangry Wildcats!

We know when students are hungry, it's harder to learn, every classroom has at least one snack break during the school day. Families are encouraged to send snacks every day for their student - or pack a week's worth of snacks for their cubby. This is especially important if your Wildcat is a picky eater.

Thanks to our generous PTA the office has a - limited choice snack pantry that supports students and classrooms. We have goldfish crackers, chocolate chip granola bars, and fruit snacks.

RAINY DAYS: As fall descends and more rainy weather is in the forecast, here's what you need to know about outdoor recess at Whittier.

We have outdoor recess every day unless the district directs us to stay inside for safety).

How to prepare your student:

• Dress appropriately: jackets with hoods, waterproof boots, long pants, etc.
• Pack spare clothes: Include a dry t-shirt, socks, shoes, or sweatpants in their backpack. Kids love splashing in puddles and exploring muddy areas!
• Storage tip: Students can keep a set of dry clothes in a zip-lock bag (great for storing wet clothes too) in their classroom cubby.

Don't worry if you or something happens- we have extra clothes available for students who need them.

Help us get all our students safely on and off campus.

Help us keep every student safe on their way to and from campus:

• Look before crossing — check for cars, bikes, and buses.
• Keep 13th Ave clear — buses need to get through before/after school. Move chats and goodbyes to the sidewalk.
• Cyclists: walk bikes onto the playground before parking at the racks.
• Don't block driveways — even briefly. Let's be kind neighbors!

Walking, biking, or rolling to school cuts traffic, supports cleaner air, and helps kids arrive alert and ready to learn — about 30% of SPS students already do it! Consider parking a few blocks out and walking the rest of the way.

📍 Want to start a walking school bus or bike bus? Visit Safe Routes to School.

🚗 Driver Reminders

• 20 mph school zone limit — slow down, skip the phone, follow crossing guards.
• No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
• Using pick-up/drop-off? Stay with your car. No load zones or bus areas.

Dear SPS Families and Staff,

As we begin the 2026–27 school year, every Seattle Public Schools student now has access to free breakfast and lunch, every school day, at every school — regardless of family income.

This expands last year's coverage under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), now extended district-wide through a new partnership with the City of Seattle. Meals are free when they meet USDA requirements; extra items like snacks or second entrées may still carry a charge.

Every SPS student can now receive, each school day:

• One free breakfast
• One free lunch

What to know:

• Students still need to scan their barcode or enter their student ID at checkout — this keeps meal-program records and funding accurate.
• We still encourage all families to complete the CNEEB application (Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit). It helps schools secure funding and may unlock additional educational benefits. Prefer not to share income info? Select "Decline Benefits."

Learn more or complete the application on the SPS Culinary Services webpage.

Thank you for partnering with us to support student success.