Message from the PTSA

Hello Wildcats!

Welcome to a special back to school edition of the Wildcat News. My name is Beth Carman, PTSA President, and I am so excited to journey together through the school year. It is my hope that this year is one of collaboration, joy, and growth. The PTSA is already hard at work this summer preparing for the 2026/27 school year!

Please consider the PTSA a resource! Our goal is to make Whitman the best possible place for our students academically, physically, and emotionally. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or needs. 

Warmly,
Beth

Please share this newsletter with any new families and encourage them to sign up for our weekly updates. Translations are available in more than 100 languages!

Back to school reminders

School Supplies: Whitman student school supplies come from a combination of supplies purchased independently by each family and a donation to the school supply fund.

1. School supply fund donation - $50/student. This helps pay for classroom supplies including some of the following: replacement comp books, classroom folders, rulers, markers, erasers, copy paper, library books, testing and lab equipment, novels, calculators, art supplies, & PE equipment

2. Independently purchased school supplies - 2026/27 Suggested school supply list

ASB (Associated Student Body) fee request - $25/student. This fee helps to fund the following: supplies and materials for ASB activities, athletics program, Final Forms, rental and supply fees for afterschool and school-wide events held each quarter.

• All those who pay receive an ASB sticker on their student ID card. The sticker offers discounts on many ASB activities, including dances and yearbooks. Note: Students participating in sports are required to have an ASB sticker.

Pay your annual fees & supply donations through The Source/School Pay

Register for fall sports - complete Final Forms. If your student is interested in playing sports this school year, you must complete their registration via Final Forms, the district’s online resource for completing registration and medical release forms. More info on Whitman athletics and Final Forms.

• Whitman Fall Sports include: Girls Soccer (Varsity & JV), Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee (no-cut), and Co-Ed Cross Country Club (no cut)

PTSA tip: Communications

The middle school transition from parent-lead communication to student-lead communication can be tricky and confusing! Parents and guardians can keep track of their student’s grades, attendance, assignments, in school communications, and PTSA updates via a variety of sources:

• The Source: Seattle Public Schools’ online communication tool that allows parents, guardians and students access to schedules, attendance, assessment scores, and more! 
  Tip: Powerschool is another name for the Source (SIS). You can download the Powerschool mobile app to view grades and attendance anywhere. More information about the Source. 
  

• Schoology: The SPS system that teachers and students use for assignments, homework, communications, and more.
  Tip: Login to Schoology or download the Schoology mobile app to see in school communications to students. Check under “student activity”.
  

• Whitman website: The Whitman website is meticulously maintained and has the most up to date information for the school community. Make sure to read the school news on the homepage. 

• PTSA website (NEW & under construction)

• PTSA Facebook

• PTSA Instagram

PTSA EVENTS

Second Annual Oktoberfest Trivia Night

Saturday, October 2nd, 7pm

Ballard Elks (upstairs)

Join fellow Whitman parents for a night of fun, food, and facts! 

$50 per person includes trivia and light Oktoberfest style snacks. 

Create your own team of up to 6 adults or we can place you on a team with other individuals. 

No-host bar, 21+

Grab your tickets now!

Save the Date!

Third Annual Whitman BINGO Night

Saturday, April 24th, 2027

Join the PTSA!

The Whitman PTSA is entirely run by volunteers! We work with Principal Houston, staff, students, families, and the community to support a wide variety of programs and activities at Whitman.

Joining the PTSA is NOT agreeing to volunteer! Joining the PTSA  ensures that Whitman has a strong voice in advocating for our students to local, state, and federal leaders.

Join the PTSA today!

Wildcats, show your spirit!

The 2026/27 Whitman spirit wear store is open! Show your Wildcat pride with a new hoodie or t-shirt.

A limited time only flash sale is on now so get your Wildcat gear and save money.

All orders will be part of a Whitman group order. You will receive your items 3-4 weeks AFTER the flash sale ends (not from when you placed your order). All orders will be shipped to the school and distributed by your AMAZING parent volunteers! Shipping is free. Please check the size guide before purchasing, as all sales are final and we cannot exchange sizes. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

2026/27 Whitman Spirit Wear Store

Whitman PTA 26-27 Executive Board

President - Beth Carman
Secretary - Lauren Humphreys
Treasurer - Vanessa Petersen
Newsletter Editor - Jennie Skidmore