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A Message from your Legislative Rep Jordan Singer

Whittier PTA Supports School Levies

 

The Whittier PTA Board and General Membership voted in January to support the upcoming Seattle Schools levies. By now most Whittier families have received their mail-in ballots for the February 9 election, which includes the two levy renewals:

The Operations Levy (Prop. 2) funds "instructional programs, full-day kindergarten, sixth period at high school, student activities such as drama, music and athletics, textbooks, classroom supplies, and security and student transportation" This levy represents nearly one-quarter of Seattle Schools' annual general fund operating budget.

The Capital Levy (BTA III, Prop. 1) funds "projects that benefit every school in the district including many small renovations, major maintenance and improvement projects, technology, and academic projects." (from SPS).

These two levies do not raise tax rates. They are renewals of expiring levies passed three and six years ago, respectively. Together these levies represent a large and essential portion of Seattle Schools' budget. With other education funding sources declining because of the recession, it is extremely important that these levies pass. Both the Whittier PTA and the Seattle Council PTSA have endorsed passage of the levies. If you support these levies, here's what you can do:

  • VOTE: When you receive your ballot *do not* add it to the pile with all the kid mail (we all have them). Place it in a hallowed spot where it will inconvenience you every single day until you send it in. Better yet, fill it out and send it immediately, since the levies are the only ballot measures for voters in this area. (Of course, vote "yes" on both levies). Note that there will be no local ballot drop-box for this election. Make sure your ballot is postmarked by February 9.
  • DO MORE: See Schools First's website for opportunities to make a donation or take other action to support the levies.



For questions or further information, contact Jordan Singer (PTA Legislative Rep.) at: jpsinger@jpsinger.com

Congratulations Reflections Participants!

We would like to thank all of the students who participated in the PTA REFLECTIONS art program this year with the theme "Beauty Is...".We had lots of entries from all grades.

We are excited to announce that of the twelve finalists from Whittier sent on to compete at city level, we had two winners who will go on to compete at the state level, as well as one artist recognized with an honorable mention (see names and details below).

The variety of artwork and creativity by Whittier students was wonderful. The artwork is hanging in the school lobby-with photocopies of the finalists' work. REFLECTIONS Finalist and Honorable Mention art entries from throughout the city are on public view at the Seattle Center, Main House (above the Food Court) through Dec. 31 Again, hats off to all who entered and a big thank you to all the parents, teachers and staff who helped make the contest a success.--Linda Oakley and Diane Sandoval-Onikubo, co-chairs


Whittier FINALISTS (advanced to city wide judging):

Visual Arts Kaysa Engdahl "I Spy Page"
  Mia Gesinger "A Beautiful House"
  Jessica Gislason "Unexpected Beauty"  *HONORABLE MENTION
  Lucy Harvey-Smith "Beauty is Fall Leaves"
  Yuto Onikubo "Beauty is a Touchdown"
Photography  Allison Carmel  "Trees"
Literature     Emily Hofbauer "Beauty is a Spider" *FINALIST
  Myele Johnson "Beauty Is the Sun, Moon, and Earth"
  Natasha Tennyson "Beauty is Soccer"
  Brennan Thompson "Beauty Is..."
Dance         Maya Rice  "Dance of the Cat"  *FINALIST
Music          Nathan Davis "Untitled #41"

             

Announcements
Students Help Haiti

In the wake of the Haiti earthquakes, many Whittier students may be
wondering how they can help the earthquake victims. Starting Tuesday,
January 26th students will have the opportunity to donate their small
change, even just a nickel or dime, to support the relief efforts of the
Red Cross in Haiti.

There will be a donation jar located by the Scrip table in the main
hallway every morning before school for two weeks. By donating just a
few coins from their piggy banks, the students can feel that they are a
part of the global effort to help the earthquake victims, and that their
small change can make a big difference. The PTA will match student's
donations up to $500!


This effort is being coordinated by parent Lenny Rennalls. Thanks to all
for their support and participation.

 

Neigborhood open house and daytime school tours announced

Evening neighborhood open house Feb 9 at 6:30. Daytime tours: Feb 25, Mar 9, Mar 24 at 9:45am

 

NW Boychoir accepting members

Signup now before Feb 6. Details.

 

Please help create our 2009-2010 Whittier Yearbook!

To make this yearbook really special, we need you to start collecting photos of our Wildcats in action:

 

  • Kids at school
  • Kids at Whittier events such as the Halloween Carnival, Choir Performances, Field Trips, Chess, After School Art or Drama ... we are looking for VARIETY!
  • Kids with Whittier Teachers & Staff

  • Contact Trina Blake at millerb1@pacifier.com for more information

     

    Elementary Special Education RISERS – Parent Information Event

    Please attend one of the two meetings being held to obtain information regarding your child rising into Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, or 4th grade. Details

     

    Whitman School Tour dates announced

    The only available tour dates this year will be 2/4,2/9 and 2/11. Details.

     

    Want to join a group to support instrumental music?

    Contact Jordan Singer to learn about supporting, improving, and expanding Whittier's instrumental music program.

     

    Join the Wildcat Running Club

     Fridays before school on the playground.

     

    Eat Pizza in Support of Whittier Elementary

    Snoose Junction has designated the 1st Tuesday of each month as "Whittier's Social Night." Portions of what you spend will go to Whittier!. Click here for more details.

     

    Important Upcoming Dates
    January 29, Friday

    No School - Day Between Semesters

     

    February 3, Wednesday

    Early Dismissal, 1:30pm

     

    February 10, Wednesday

    Whittier All-School Winter Concert 3rd-5th Grade. Details

     

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