Message from the PTSA

Middle school is short, only three years, but it acts as a bridge between childhood and young adulthood. Just like a bridge this infrastructure is integral to mobility and growth of our community and can often be overlooked and undervalued. That’s why today we are launching our Annual Giving Campaign (AGC). PTSA funds help support our essential infrastructure (Whitman) to the benefit of our students and their future. 

Our goal for the AGC is $125,000. 

We are asking that families consider a $350 donation per student.

Donate Here

The Whitman PTSA helps create a dynamic and engaging learning environment through direct contributions from our families and community. For some, $350 per student may not be possible, others may be able to donate more. Donations of any amount are welcome and all will be targeted directly towards our classrooms.  No amount is too small and every dollar supports our Wildcats. 

See you at Curriculum Night tonight!

Beth

Please note: When making your donation, you do NOT need to tip zeffy (the donation platform). When donating use the dropdown menu to select “other” then write in “$0”.

Classroom Speakers - THANK YOU!

Wow Wildcats, thank you so much for your generosity for our classrooms! We asked for speaker donations so our classrooms could hear announcements and videos and you responded, thank you, thank you, thank you!

PTSA Board News, September Meeting Votes

During the September General meeting our PTSA membership approved changes to our Standing Rules (the rules in which we govern ourselves), endorsed a NO vote on I-645, and granted Ms. Ward’s Focus classroom a Curriculum Enrichment Fund (CEF) grant of $1,200. Our next PTSA Board meeting is Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30pm in the Library. 

PTSA Highlight of the Week

The PTSA wants to extend a thank you to Ms. Landover and Ms. Dunlap for working to make our 1st PTSA meeting happen. Fun fact: to use the school building after hours organizations (like the PTSA!) must reserve the space through a district computer system with draconian tendencies. Various rules and red tape initially prevented the PTSA from being able to meet, but Ms. Llandover and Ms. Dunlap came to the rescue; thank you both for your commitment to our community!

PTSA Budget Highlight

The Curriculum Enrichment Fund (CEF) supports programs and materials that enhance the curriculum beyond what is funded by district resources. CEF grants fund book purchases, lab equipment, math manipulatives, assemblies, field trips and any other exciting educational addition our teachers can dream up. The Whitman PTSA (thanks to the generous support of our community) offers $12,000 for teachers to utilize during the year. CEF grants are voted on at our monthly PTSA meetings and students get to reap the rewards.

School events

Annual Curriculum Night - Sept. 29, 6-7:30pm

Curriculum Night is an opportunity for you (parents/guardians only please) to walk in your student’s shoes by following their schedule and meeting their teachers!

Agenda

• 6:00 – 6:15 p.m. Short welcome in the auditorium

• 6:20 – 7:28 p.m. Walk in your student’s shoes as you follow your student’s daily schedule Periods 1 – 6 moving from classroom to classroom.

  • Find (print) your student’s schedule on the Source.

Volunteer opportunities

8th Grade Promotion

We are seeking 3 or 4 8th grade caregivers to help plan Promotion! Promotion is an end of year celebration for students, teachers, and families. During school students celebrate on an Argosy cruise and have a student only assembly. After school families and students gather and celebrate together. There is lots of room for creativity and fun in the planning process. Reach out to volunteer!

November Activity Day - Volunteer Your Passion!

Whitman is planning an activity day in November (exact date TBD, near Veteran's Day). We are looking for adults who are willing to share their talents and passions with Whitman students!

Do you like painting, crafting, gaming, playing a sport, nature, historical reenactments, or playing table top games? This is the perfect opportunity to share your passions and talents with our Wildcats!

Reach out with your ideas and thank you for helping make activity day fun!

Guitars Still Needed

We are still in need of donated guitars! Our newly formed Guitar Club is in need of guitars for students to use during club time. Donated guitars must be in playable condition and acoustic preferred. Reach out to Ms. Gunn if you can help.

Whitman Cares

Whitman Family in need of support
Last fall, Whitman student Kiara H. was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma and has been undergoing treatment since then. We’d like to come together as a community to support them during this difficult time.If you are able, please consider contributing to the family’s support fund or helping in another way. Every gesture—big or small—can make a meaningful difference and remind Kiara’s family that they are surrounded by a caring community. Thank you for keeping Kiara in your thoughts and for helping support her family during this challenging time.

Reminders: Attendance Office 

Sick Student?  Arriving Late or Leaving Early?

Please contact the Attendance Office at whitmanms.attendance@seattleschools.org or 206-252-1204.  If there’s no answer, leave us a voicemail.

Absent or Late Arrival:  Please provide their FULL, first & last, name, the reason they are out or arriving late, and your name and phone number in case we have any questions. When arriving late, your student must check in at the office and get a pass to class.

Leaving Early:  Please provide their full name, the pick-up/departure time, reason for leaving early, and your name and phone number.  We will then get a pass to your student to be excused from class to meet you in the office at the noted time. 

For more info, check out the Whitman Attendance page here: https://whitmanms.seattleschools.org/resources/attendance/

Student Updates & Events

Chess Club

When: Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until the bell rings starting 9/25/2026.

Where: Room B01 (OT room)

All students are welcome, from beginners to experienced players. Learn new strategies, play with friends, and enjoy chess in a fun, supportive environment. No experience needed.

Chess Club is led by Jason, Occupational Therapist at Whitman. While the club is scheduled regularly, some sessions may be canceled due to district or school meetings. Any schedule changes will be communicated in advance.

Music Clubs - last call

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!

Sign up ends 9/30.

8th Grade News

Apple Student Tours 8th grade DC & NYC trip* info meeting**

When: 10/2 @ 6:30pm, Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87675307637 

*Please note that this is an independently sponsored event by Apple Student Tours.  This trip is not affiliated with or sponsored by Seattle Public Schools, Whitman Middle School or the Whitman Middle School PTSA.

**If you have already registered, you do not need to attend

Save the Date - Whitman Fall Play

The 10 Best/Worst Things about Middle School

• Performance: Friday Oct 23rd from 6:30-7p, doors open at 6p

• Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for non-WMS students, WMS students and staff are free

• Ticket link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/paw-presents-the-ten-bestworst-things-about-middle-sch

Advocacy News

NO endorsement on I-645

In alignment with the WA State PTA the Whitman PTSA voted unanimously to endorse a NO vote on I-645. I-645 wants to repeal the 9.9% tax on income over $1,000,000 leaving an estimated $11.4 billion hole in the budget. In a state with a regressive tax system and an education system seeking $1.2 billion to fund basic education we encourage our community to vote NO on 1-645 the repeal of the “millionaires tax”.

More information.

Listen to the episode “Sound Politics LIVE” for information about the November Ballot. 

Whitman Sports

Girls Soccer

Come support the JV and varsity teams!

Sat 10/3

• Varsity vs. Eagle Staff, 1pm @ Jane Adams Middle School.

• JV vs. Mercer, 2:30pm @ Madison Middle School

Support your Ultimate Wildcats!

• Sat 9/26 - Whitaman (6) L, TOPS (7) Win

• Sat 10/3 - Whitman vs. Eckstein, 12pm @ Ingraham High School

• Sat 10/10 - Whitman vs. Hamilton Hawks, 12:30pm @ Robert Eagle Staff

Ski Bus - spots available

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. Have questions? Check out this Ski Bus FAQ at the bottom of the Community Events page.

• Fridays Jan 8 - Feb 12 (4pm-10:30pm) 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.

• Check out SkiMohan website for details.

• Want to see what it’s all about? Sign up to be a chaperone.

Registration opens Monday, September 21st!

We are looking for at least 10 more skiers/boarders to join the fun!

Spirit Wear

Wildcats, show your spirit!!

Show your Wildcat pride with a new hoodie or t-shirt. Order your favorite Whitman Wildcats gear!

2026/27 Whitman Spirit Wear Store

Community Resources

Find events, clubs, camps, parent education opportunities and more on our Community Resource page. We keep this updated each week so check it out often!

Thank you to our sponsoring organizations!

Whitman PTA 26-27 Executive Board

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