Message from the PTSA

Hey Wildcats!

As we get back into the saddle I hope people begin to settle into the rhythm of school. Students know where classes are, lunches are being made, and the stamina of the school day returns to us all! This week I want to highlight some important ways you can get involved in the PTSA. The PTSA is a completely parent-run volunteer organization whose impact on Whitman can be felt in almost every corner of the school. This impact cannot and does not happen without caregiver support. That support will look different for every family and we thank you for whatever way you can and choose to participate. 

-Join the PTSA: Anyone and EVERYONE can join the PTSA. Joining the Whitman PTSA is a signal that our community is strong and ready to advocate for our students. Joining the PTSA does NOT mean you want to volunteer. 

-PTSA Board News, come to our 1st PTSA meeting!

Tuesday, September 22nd, 6:30pm Whitman Library

The Whitman PTSA is kicking off the school year with our first meeting Tuesday, 9/22. This General membership meeting will allow attendees time to renew PTSA memberships or newly join the Whitman PTSA, review and vote on our Standing Rules, discuss new and exciting happenings with the PTSA, and hear the latest Whitman news from Principal Houston. Come join the fun!

-PTSA Highlight of the Week

Welcome to our highlight of the week, where we illuminate people and actions that make the Whitman community the wonderful place it is. This week I want to give a huge shoutout to Alfredo and our wonderful custodial crew at Whitman! The floors are SO shiny, the classrooms are clean, and I saw a custodian dusting the inside of every locker at school in preparation for the year. Our custodial crew works the entire summer to refresh our schools in addition to the work they do during the school year. Thank you so much for your work!

-PTSA Budget Highlight

Budgets can feel nebulous at times, but we at the PTSA want to show you where our funds are being allocated! This week I want to highlight a back to school basic, Classroom Allocations. These funds are for our educators and staff to use to make their space the best possible place for students. All our teachers receive $250 a year for their classrooms with specialists and electives (art, PE, music, STEM, etc) receiving $1,000 yearly for their needs. 

Volunteer

Volunteering at Whitman provides the opportunity to offer invaluable assistance to teachers and staff, get to know other families at school, make great friends, have lots of fun, and help us grow as a school community. Whether you help from school or from home we all have something to contribute. We welcome your involvement as a volunteer!

If you only have time to volunteer every once in a while, join our Volunteer Pool: 

Help with PTSA projects big and small! Some roles are done from home only a few hours a year. Want to stay involved and support our students throughout the school year? We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from school events to special projects. Sign up here

If you have time to volunteer in the evenings, join a Committee or PTSA Board: 

The Whitman PTSA sponsors a wide variety of family and student programs and activities throughout the year. Committee meetings are held mostly in the evenings and many may be done online. Learn more here. 

If you have consistent time, year round to volunteer, sign up to be part of
Hall Crew: 

Hall Crew volunteers are a friendly adult presence in the hallways at lunchtime; they encourage our Wildcat students to Be Safe, Be Respectful, and to Be Responsible. It is an easy way to get involved and has a huge impact! Learn more and sign up here. 

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!

Student Updates & Events

PAW Fall Play: The Best/Worst Things About Middle School

Informational meeting/auditions: Wednesday, Sept 9th and Thursday, Sept 10th 

Actors meet after school Wednesdays from Sept 16th - Oct 28th

Stage Crew meet Mondays

Performance: Oct 23rd, 6:30pm

More information

Whitman Music News from Friends of Whitman Music (FOWM)

It’s time to get your student registered for music! Please fill out the registration form to provide us with additional information about your student. The form also gives you the opportunity to make a donation to the Whitman Music Department. The music program is only partially funded by the Seattle School District, so these donations help provide additional music coaches, instrument maintenance, supplies, and many other essentials. This year, Friends of Whitman Music is suggesting $130 per student.

If you are unable to donate at this time, please still use this form to register your student. Simply select “other", add zero, then continue with the form.

Note: when using zeffy the platform asks for a tip (under donation), make sure you zero this out. 100% of donations from zeffy goes directly to FOWM. 

Register your student here

Sign up for the monthly Friends of Whitman Music Newsletter here

Music Clubs

Whitman Music offers both Choir and Drumline as afterschool clubs:

• Choir meets after school on Mondays from 3:50-4:50.

• Drumline meets after school on Thursdays from 3:50-4:40. 

Both clubs are open to the whole school, and students do not need prior drumming or choir experience to join. While members are free to quit if desired or if consistent conflicts arise (such as sports), we ask that students who remain in a club attend consistently; those who frequently skip meetings or do not follow the behavior policy will not be able to continue with the group. Club fees are $25 per club per semester

Sign up for after school clubs here!

6th Grade WEB Picnic

We’re going on a picnic! Wednesday, September 16, 2026 get ready to have lunch with your WEB Leaders and the rest of the 6th grade class during both lunches and all of 3rd period. We will bring our lunch to Soundview Field for a picnic and then we’ll play some games and check in on how the year is going so far. Be sure to dress for possible weather and wear something you can move in! Can’t wait to see you there!

Parents, no permission slip is needed, however if you would like to opt your child out of the picnic, you can return the “Picnic Form” to the office or your student’s 3rd period teacher. Forms can be found on our website or in an email that will be sent after the first day of school. 

Whitman Sports

Girls Soccer is looking for coaches!

Fall Girl’s Soccer is looking for Coaches for the C-Team.
Whitman is working on finalizing practice times for all sports, but soccer practices will most likely be Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn more here.

It’s almost Ski Bus time!

What is ski bus? Ski Bus is a fun opportunity for middle school students to ski or board at The Summit on Friday nights this winter.

• Fridays Jan 8 - Feb 12 (4pm-11pm) Pick up/Drop off @Whitman.

• Bus transportation to and from The Summit with optional ski/board lessons.

• Transportation + lessons or transportation only packages.

• Don’t know how to ski or board? No problem, lessons for all abilities.

• Lessons provided by Mohan Skiing & Boarding.

• No lift tickets or equipment included.

• More info coming soon.

• Check out SkiMohan website for details.

Registration opens Monday, September 21st!

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