News from Principal Watters

Dear Whittier Community,

Today was a special day, and it reminded me why I love being a Whittier Wildcat. As we welcomed our new KinderCats to Whittier this morning, our 5th graders were lined up and ready to take their hands and walk them to their line. They took the job seriously — arriving early, wearing name tags, learning their KinderCat's name, and making sure each one got to the exact right line. It was wonderful to see our oldest scholars step into a leadership role, welcoming our newest students to the community.

This tradition is one of my favorites at Whittier, and it was particularly poignant for me this year — these 5th grade Wildcats were my very first group of KinderCats when I started at Whittier. I can't believe how much they've grown. It's also why I think so often about the importance of belonging. I often return to Dr. Susie Wise's Design for Belonging (Stanford d.school), which describes belonging as an invitation to show up as your full self — and the chance, for anyone, to learn and grow both as an individual and as part of a group that recognizes and celebrates who you are. Watching our 5th graders welcome our newest Wildcats this morning was belonging in action.

Whittier is a special place because of how our caregivers wrap around KinderCat families. Whether it was our PTA handing out "tears and cheers" packets, snapping a first-day-of-school photo, or simply comforting a worried parent — our Wildcats show up every day full of joy because they see that same warmth modeled by the adults around them.

A special thank you to our Whittier PTA! From the Staff Lounge restock to providing top notch meals for our staff during TRI days to showing up for "tears and cheers" today - our PTA is our most important partner for making things happen at Whittier! Thank you for your time and financial investment - we couldn't do it without you!

Go Wildcats!
Cindy

Curriculum Night — September 24, 5:00–7:00 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. 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!

⚾ Whittier goes to the Mariners!

Back by popular demand! Join us to kick off the school year, build community, and welcome our new Kindercat families. Cheer on the M's, snack it up, and try to spot yourselves on the Jumbotron.

📅 Friday, Sept 25 at 7:10pm — Mariners vs. Angels, stick around after for fireworks night!
🎟️ Get your discounted tickets

⚽Seattle Reign FC tickets for students and families.

Educator Appreciation Night + Youth Match — Sat, Sept 12

Seattle Reign vs. Bay FC, 5:00 PM at Lumen Field. Fun for staff and families:

• Purchase tickets using this link and get a free Reign FC tumbler

Kids go free : Bring up to 5 kids (12 & under) free with one adult ticket — Kids Free offer.

• Saturday, Sept. 12 (vs. Bay FC)
• Sunday, Nov 1 (vs. Orlando Pride).

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.

Welcome back, Wildcats!

Now that you've received your teacher assignment, please add your child to their new classroom! Here's how:

• Go to the Gear icon (on the app) or your name (on a browser)
• Click on "Your Children"
• Click on your child's name and select their classroom

As a reminder, we can't add your child to your class for you. Konstella classrooms are used for class- and grade-specific messages, so be sure to join!

If you haven's joined Konstella yet use this invite link to get started: https://www.konstella.com/?action=request-to-join&schoolId=5d4339cee4b01aeb06e39472

Paws up!

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.

Parents can update household, health, emergency, and contact info online through The Source. Just log in and select Student Data Verification from the menu.

Before you set up your account, make sure:

• You're on record as the student's parent/guardian
• Your email is on file at each student's school
• You use the same email for all your SPS students

Setting up your account:

1. Visit The Source and click Sign Up!
2. Enter your email (lowercase) and hit Enter
3. Check your inbox for an email from sourcesupport@seattleschools.org — check Spam/Trash if it's missing, or confirm your email is correctly on file
4. Click the link in the email
5. Enter your Username (email) and create a password (no apostrophes!)
6. Click Enter and start exploring!

❓ Questions? Email sourcesupport@seattleschools.org.

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.