The Wildcat Word

Whitney Families,

State Testing is here! Smarter Balanced state testing season is upon us for our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students (please see schedule below). We have been preparing at school to ensure that materials are ready, that students know how to navigate the system and that schedules and support staff are available and ready to help support both teachers and students.

Testing Dates
Our elementary students will participate in state testing on the following dates:

• Science (Grade 5 only): April 21-23

• Reading: May 5-8

• Math: May 19-22

Testing will take place during the school day. Please try to avoid scheduling appointments during these dates if possible.

How Families Can Help Students Prepare

A few simple routines can make a big difference in helping students do their best:

✅ Get plenty of sleep. A good night’s rest helps students focus and think clearly.
🍎 Eat a healthy breakfast. A nutritious meal in the morning provides energy for the day.
⏰ Arrive at school on time. Being present and relaxed at the start of the testing session helps students feel confident.
💬 Offer encouragement. Remind your child to take their time, read carefully, and simply do their best.

Helpful Test-Taking Tips for Students

• Read each question carefully.

• Take your time and check your work if time allows.

• Skip a question and come back to it if you feel stuck.

• Stay calm and do your best effort on every question.

Attendance Matters

Make-up testing opportunities are limited, so we encourage all students to be present and on time during the testing window.

Our goal is for every student to feel supported and confident. State testing is just one way we measure learning, and we are proud of the growth our students show each year.

If you have any questions about testing, please feel free to contact the school office.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students to thrive in school.

Mr. Hunt

Principal

April 29th - Noon Release - Teacher Professional Development

May 4th - 8th - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 25th - Memorial Day NO SCHOOL

May 29th - No School - Teacher Professional Development Day

June 5th - Treaty Day - No School

June 8th - Kinder Graduation

June 9th - Field Day

June 10th - Last day of School - Noon Release

Please check out the Events section of ParentSquare to see the most updated information.

State Testing Schedule:

3rd / 4th / 5th Grade

State ELA Testing - May 5 - 8

State Math Testing - May 19 - 22

We currently have $20,305.27 in our booster club accounts.

We earned $5,538.50 from the fundraiser.

Recent Expenditures:

Para Appreciation Week Coffee - $230.66

Upcoming Expenditures:

Pacific Science Center

Teacher Appreciation Week Coffee

Remaining PBIS fund allocation

Please consider and vote on the following proposals which will close on April 29th:

SBA (State Testing) Raffle

State testing is upon us. Our 5th grade students have already taken their science test this week. In two weeks (May 5-8) we have ELA testing and in four weeks (May 19-22) we have math testing. We had an idea to add an incentive to those who pass by entering their name into a raffle to win an electric scooter and helmet. If approved we would allocate $560 toward 3 electric scooters and 3 helmets (1 per grade level).

Each year we celebrate our kindergarteners moving on to 1st grade with a kindergarten graduation. Our kinder team is asking for up to $300 for caps, popsicles, and balloons for the ceremony celebration. If approved we would allocate $300 toward caps, popsicles, and balloons for our kinder graduation.

Each year we celebrate the end of the year with a field day full of fun and activities. We are asking for $600 to purchase an additional Soak "N" Wet (Kids Dunk Tank), water balloons, water for volunteers, and additional supplies. If approved we would allocate $600 toward the field day items and supplies.

School Store Items for PBIS Rewards (26-27 School Year)

One of the ways we acknowledge positive student behavior at Whitney is by rewarding students with PBIS Rewards Points. Students are able to redeem the points they earn with experiences and items in the school store. We are wanting to get jumpstart to restock the school store for next school year. While the store does take donations, we are asking for $1,000 to restock the school store. If approved we would order additional items for the School Store.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Hyundai of Yakima to support and encourage strong student attendance. For the remainder of the school year, Hyundai of Yakima will generously donate one bicycle each month. All students who earn perfect attendance during a given month will be entered into that month’s raffle for a chance to win the bike. Perfect attendance means coming to school every day, on time, and not checking out early!

Kindergarten enrollment opens on March 2, 2026. Please enroll your kindergartner in their neighborhood boundary school.

Four Steps To Registration

1. Complete the enrollment packet in print or register online.
The print packet can be picked up at any school (when schools are open/in session) or at the central administration building, 104 N 4th Avenue.

2. Submit proof of address
A utility bill within one month (cable, internet, water/sewer/garbage, lease agreement, gas, power).

3. Provide age documentation
Birth certificate or hospital/physician certificate.

4. Submit immunization records
A doctor's office prints a medically verified immunization record.

On November 18, 2025, the Yakima School District Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 04.25.26, placing a bond measure on the April 28, 2026 Special Election ballot.

Click here for more factual information contained in the Board-adopted resolution and supporting financial documents.

Proposition No. 1 – Yakima School District No. 7
General Obligation Bonds – $200,000,000

The Board of Directors of Yakima School District No. 7 adopted Resolution No. 04.25.26 approving a proposition for bonds. This proposition would authorize the District to rebuild and refurnish Hoover and Garfield Elementary Schools; modernize buildings, upgrade District facilities for energy efficiency and replace roofs and, make improvements and additions to athletic facilities and playgrounds throughout the District, and make other capital improvements; to issue $200,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum of 20 years, and to collect excess property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in Resolution No. 04.25.26.

Be Here, Win Big!

Whitney is celebrating families of students who show up and shine with raffle prizes the whole family can enjoy - gift cards to your favorite restaurants and shops, board games/family activities, and other cool surprises.

Why:

• Every day that a student is in class means more learning more friends, and more fun!

• Win cool prizes for the whole family.

How to enter:

• Come to school on time everyday

• Miss no more than 1 school day per month

When is the raffle drawing?

• Winners will be drawn on the last school day of every month.

Parents and families:

Help your child get to school on time every day - attendance adds up to success!

Good attendance = better grades + strong habits + more opportunities + more smiles + prizes!

As a PBIS school, we honor our students' great behaviors with PBIS points which they can then cash in for prizes from our Wildcat Store. Students have reported that the store is a big motivator. We would love your support to keep our store stocked with items our students are excited to earn. Please review our Amazon wishlist if you would like to make a donation.

Our Attendance Goal this year is that 85% of Whitney students have less than 18 abscences. Please help us make this goal a reality by bringing your child to school every day! Below is a report of our current attendance data which shows that we are not trending towards our goal of 85%. Please help us make attendance a priority by bringing your students to school every day unless they have a fever of over 100 degrees, vomiting, or diarrhea. Last year we had 69% of our students had less than 18 absences.

• Click HERE for English

• Click HERE for Spanish

Click here to check out Whitney Wildcat custom tees, hoodies, and accessories. Don’t forget to use the discount code at checkout. New discount codes are displayed across the top of our apparel page.

Visitors

Please check in at the office if you would like to join your child for lunch.

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer in your child's class you must have an application on file with the Yakima School District. The application requires a background check. You can pick up a Volunteer applications from the office or attached below.