Whitman Middle School

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Whitman Middle School/Get Involved/PTSA/PTSA Information Booklet

PTSA Information Booklet

Online Information Booklet 25-26

Welcome Wildcats!

On behalf of the Whitman PTSA let me welcome you to a wonderful year Whitman! I would like to enthusiastically welcome any and all new families and students who are joining our community and send a shout out to our returning parents and students as well. The PTSA wants to ensure all new and current families feel welcome and have access to resources that will help them get off to a great start.

The PTSA board and committees are here to support the whole school community in supporting the best possible academic experience. Please consider us a resource! Should you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to reach out or find any of us around the school. I look forward to working together to create a terrific 2025-2026 school year! Jessie Hammer WMS PTSA President; whitmanptsapresident@gmail.com

Whitman MS Contacts

Whitman Middle School
9201 15th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98117
Administrative Secretary
Janice Runner
jmrunner@seattleschools.org

Main Office Phone: 206-252-1200
School Hours: 8:55 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Wed: 8:55 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Whitman MS Bell Schedule

PTSA Contact Information

President: Jessie Hammer; whitmanptsapresident@gmail.com
Treasurer: Vanessa Petersen; whitmanptsatreasurer@gmail.com
Secretary: whitmanptsasecretary@gmail.com
More information can be found on the Whitman PTSA page.

If you have any questions at all, or additional information that would be helpful for us to post do not hesitate to reach out or find any of us around the school. ~ Your Whitman MS PTSA!

WMS Start of School Forms

Start of School Forms will be handed out at the beginning of the school year to be completed and returned. More information and details are on the Start of School Forms page.

  • Grade 6: Start of School Forms will be provided on Welcome Night on Aug. 27, 2025
  • Grades 7 & 8: Start of School Forms provided during the first week of school

If you have any questions email Janice Runner WMS Administrative Secretary at jmrunner@seattleschools.org. 

PTSA Start of School Information

Additional Helpful Information

  • Paying for meals at school: Culinary Services offers a variety of convenient ways to pay for school meals including online payment (MySchoolBucks) and paying with check or cash. Learn more on the School Meals page.
  • The Source (Update Student Verification Form and access to SchoolPay, view student grades): Learn more about the Source.
  • Volunteer Application: Visit the district School Volunteers page with information on how to apply.
  • School Messenger (change notification settings): Visit the School Messenger Communication page to learn more and make updates.
  • How Whitman MS Communicates with Families. Visit the WMS How We Communicate with Families page for details on how the school and PTSA communicates information for families.

Additional Whitman Organizations

Attendance

Whitman Middle School is committed to having every student share in the full experience of learning. Thank you for helping your student attend class every day!

Please send an email to the Whitman MS Attendance Specialist; Kelli Derrig at: whitmanms.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-1204 to alert us of your student’s absence as soon as possible. Include your student’s FULL name and the reason for the absence.

  • Early Release: For an early release, come to the office to sign your student out (bring photo ID).
    • Advance notice is strongly recommended. Please call or email the attendance office with the student’s FULL name, time to be picked up, reason for early release, and who will be picking them up.  We will then issue an Early Dismissal pass for your student to be excused from class and meet you in the office.
  • Planned Absence: For a planned absence for 2+ days please complete a Planned Absence Form a minimum of 3 days before the dates in question. Use a separate form for each student.

More information and details are on the WMS Attendance page.

Volunteering

If you would like to volunteer, you must submit a background check application with Seattle Public Schools. These background checks may take up to four weeks to complete so you should submit one at the beginning of the year to make sure you’ll be eligible to volunteer for opportunities. If you have volunteered in the past you may need to update your application. Volunteer clearances are valid for two calendar years. Visit our WMS Volunteer page for more details.

If you are volunteering at the school you are required to sign in at the front office and wear a volunteer/visitor badge before entering the classrooms or hallways.

More WMS Volunteering information listed below.

PTSA Communications

Stay in touch with the Whitman PTSA!

  • Wildcat News, weekly newsletter: This weekly newsletter highlights the latest at Whitman.
    • You must sign up to receive this newsletter, it is not sent automatically. Translations are available in more than 100 languages! Sign Up Today!
  • PTSA Overview webpage: Your resource for PTSA information! Find detailed PTSA resources, connect with Board members, learn about events, fundraising, and volunteer opportunities available throughout the year.

PTSA Social Media

From school success tips to in the moment updates of PTSA events the Whitman PTSA Facebook and Instagram pages are a great way to stay in touch with what is going on in the PTSA and the school.

Other School Online Resources: Visit the SPS District Website

Communicating to the School Community

  • To make an announcement via social media, the PTSA website, or newsletter contact communications please email; whitmanptsanews@gmail.com
  • Please check with the office before posting any signs and/or distributing school wide flyers.

Become a Whitman PTSA Member Today!

Become a Whitman PTSA Member ->

The Whitman PTSA is a 501c3 nonprofit that works with the school administration, teachers, staff, and parents to support and enrich our students’ learning experience. Through fundraising and parent volunteers, the PTSA provides critical staffing and classroom support, organizes Special events, plans and coordinates teacher appreciation activities, and supports enrichment opportunities for all students. We also work with the PTA council in Seattle, the Seattle school board, the state legislature, and state and national PTAs to advocate for all students.

Be a Strong Voice for Students. PTSA membership is a concrete indicator of parent support and is useful in interactions with the Seattle School District and advocacy on a state and national level. PTSA can be a way for you to more effectively suggest change in our school, district, state, and country.

Support Your Child. Becoming an active member of the Whitman PTSA is a great way to support your child in gaining a lifetime love for education.

Support Our School. The PTSA was created to support Whitman students and staff, and our entire school community.

Witness Improvement. By getting involved at Whitman, you’ll be part of the solution, helping make positive changes. PTSAs play an important role in fundraising to provide building improvements, curriculum based programs, and social events.

Get Connected. There is no better way to know what’s happening at Whitman.

Tap into a Network. PTSA functions are opportunities to meet other caregivers, teachers, and staff, and build rapport discussing issues that are on your mind. These are wonderful opportunities to share ideas, concerns, and experiences.

Watch Yourself Grow. Volunteering with the PTSA is an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to use for a good cause- your student and the Whitman community.

Be a Role Model. Becoming a PTSA member demonstrates to your child the importance of education and activism.

Enjoy Sustainable Benefits. Individuals can take advantage of a host of benefits from their PTSA membership including discounts and offers on food, car rentals, Great Wolf Lodge, the Washington State Fair, and more. Your PTSA membership cards will have information on how to access these and other benefits. State and national PTSA also offer access to parenting resources, podcasts, and scholarships that benefit children nationwide.

Whitman PTSA memberships are a great value. Individual memberships are $16 and dual memberships are $26. Confidential scholarships are available for families so please join today! Join the PTSA today!

Events and Happenings

At Whitman, the goal is to help every student develop pride in self and community: Whitman pride! Our community is our pride and the school, ASB, and PTSA host a variety of events to continue to foster community pride.

PTSA Meetings

These informative meetings discuss items that impact our entire school community: standing rules, budgets, elections, and provide the opportunity to ask questions to school leaders. Meetings are generally held the first Tuesday of the month at 6:35 p.m.; either in-person in the library or online.

Adults Only Community Night

Last year the Whitman PTSA hosted its inaugural adults only community night to rave reviews! The Beach Party BINGO was a smashing success with drinks, BINGO, and grown up shenanigans.

Curriculum Night

This informational evening is hosted by the teachers and staff at Whitman Middle School. It is for parents and caregivers to learn from their student’s teachers what will happen during the year in the classroom and information on how to best support the classroom.

Fall Carnival, ASB Events, and Dances

Evening dances and student events are fun for students and provide a variety of activities from busting a move on the dance floor to crafting, to playing video games with friends. Parents are always needed to volunteer for this fun event.

PAWS (Performing Arts Whitman)

Whether your student wants to be a rising star, a techie mastermind, or enjoy an afternoon of theatre, PAWS has something for everyone. Celebrating the joy of theatre, PAWS feature unique works performed by our talented pool of students. All are invited to be involved!

Whitman Appreciation Week and Other Appreciation Events

Our Whitman teachers and staff members are dedicated professionals who give our students their all. We show our appreciation through celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week and various events throughout the year.

Eighth Grade Promotion

They grow up so fast don’t they! Eighth grade families gather to celebrate the promotion and successes of their students.

Multicultural Night and other specialty nights

The Whitman PTSA enthusiastically teams up with our educator teams for a variety of themed evenings. Through financing and volunteerism our community thrives with these cooperative and educational events.

Reflections

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12. Students create original works of art in response to a theme. The 2025-2026 Reflections theme is “I Belong!”

Whitman PTSA, putting the fun in fundraising!

The Whitman PTSA hosts a single fundraiser annually to raise money that directly supports our classrooms, teachers, students, and school. The PTA allocates approximately $250 per student in academic support, critical staffing, and community engagement. This fundraising is critical to the PTSA and the wellbeing of the school socially and academically.

Annual Giving Campaign (AGC)

The AGC is Whitman’s direct giving fundraiser. During the two week campaign students and families are invited to participate in a variety of games and donation challenges. The fundraising goal for the AGC is $65,000.

Corporate Matching

As a registered 501c3, the Whitman PTSA qualifies for corporate matching programs. These matches provide significant financial support for the school. Be sure to check with your employer their matching program. If your employer doesn’t offer donation matching, ask them to, our students will thank you.

Volunteer Opportunities

Whitman Middle School is fortunate to have a wonderful parent community that is united behind the goal of creating lifetime learners. Parent volunteers are a huge part of what makes Whitman a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow.

Volunteering at Whitman provides a great opportunity to provide 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. Below is a listing of various ways you can volunteer your talents. We welcome your involvement as a volunteer!

If you have a consistent time year round to volunteer

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!

You pick which day of the week works best for you and whether you volunteer one time a month
or every other week. The schedule is set for the entire year – you will work the same day with
the same team for the school year! The time commitment is 10:55 a.m. – 12:36 p.m. Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday volunteers are at the school from 10:35 a.m. –
12:00 p.m. We need 80 volunteers with the Hall Crew to help it run smoothly and allow for volunteers to easily miss a shift. Email WhitmanPTSAHallCrew@gmail.com to be added to our list of volunteers. There will be in-person training for all Hall Crew volunteers the end of September.

If you only have time to volunteer every once in a while

If you only have time to volunteer every once in a while: Volunteer for school events. During the school year, the PTSA needs parent volunteers to run their events such as the Fall Carnival, dances, and more. These events happen during and after school and offer a variety of time options.

If you have time to volunteer after work or in the evenings

If you have time to volunteer after work or in the evenings: Join a Committee or be part of the 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 can be done online. Committee commitments vary depending on the event and can vary from one month (Nominating Committee) to the entire school year (Teacher and Staff Appreciation Committee)

One to Two Months Commitment

  • Whitman Appreciation Week: Whitman LOVEs our educators and staff is a giving community and we love to give within our school and the surrounding community. This committee usually meets for about a month, including implementing the programs. Teams work collaboratively with community members within Whitman and the surrounding area to spread kindness and goodwill. Meetings are usually held online and are flexible to the needs of the committee.
  • Single Day Activities: these fun committees usually meet for about two months weekly. Meetings times vary depending on the availability of the committee and usually last no more than an hour. The day of the event, the committee and other day of volunteers work together to host these exciting school wide events.
  • The Annual Giving Campaign: The PTSA’s direct giving fundraiser has about a 2 month commitment and usually meets in the evening, every two weeks and then weekly as the event nears. This committee has opportunities for everyone: from the lover of excel files to writing copy to raising awareness of the campaign.
  • Nominating Committee: easily one of the most important committees at Whitman is the Nominating Committee. This committee actively seeks the future leaders of the PTSA. This committee’s meetings are flexible and depend on the availability of its members.

3 Month Commitment

  • 8th Grade Promotion: 8th grade is a special time for our students. The 8th grade promotion committee ensures that all 8th grade students have a welcoming and fun departure from Whitman. Committee meetings are flexible to the needs of the committee.

PTSA Suggestions for Middle School Success

Middle School is a time for students to begin taking on responsibilities for themselves. Here are a few Willie the Wildcat approved tips that can be helpful to foster healthy communication:

Let your student lead

The first line of communication with a teacher is through your student. Students should always email or speak to their teacher in person with classroom questions and issues.

Assignments and Grades

Students and caregivers can access the Source, Schoology App, and Powerschool App. Students and caregivers should always check these resources out for assignment help and to know what assignments were missed during an absence. The Source: access student attendance, grades, assessments, and sign up for classes. Schoology: access course materials and assignments.
Powerschool: shows up to date information on your child’s grades and assignments.

Set your student up for organizational success.

Juggling multiple classes, assignments, and tests can be a challenge. Set up an organizational system with your child whether it be a paper planner (given to all 6th grade students) or utilizing the online calendar in student laptops. Helping your student create and maintain organizational systems that work for them is crucial to success in middle school and beyond.

School Communications

There is a lot going on at Whitman and staying abreast as a caregiver can be daunting. If you have a question about an event, policy, date etc the first place to look is the Whitman Middle School webpage. The website is constantly updated and features information about academics, sports, clubs, ASB, and PTSA activity. Whitman also has a lot of informational posters around for the students; have your student keep an eye out for ASB events and more.

Fall Conferences

January 15 and 16, 2026: Conferences can be over in a flash, it is helpful to be prepared. Last year, Whitman experimented with student led conferences. These conferences give students the opportunity to lead discussions about their learning and progress. Students created presentations of what they were learning, projects they were working on, strengths, and opportunities for growth. Families then filled out a simple questionnaire with their feedback. Whitman is committed to making the learning environment great for our students and will continue to grow these conferences this year. There will be no school on Friday, January 16 to allow teachers time to wrap up conferences and schedules.

Clubs and Sports

From ultimate frisbee to choir Whitman Middle School Clubs provide opportunities for students to try new things, make new friends, and learn life long skills. Example clubs: Black and Brown Student Union, Robotics and STEM, Tri-M (band honor club), Performing Arts Whitman (PAW), and Drum Line.

Sports

Sports are held at their own schedules determined by the organizing teacher or staff member Whitman Athletics page.

Students participating in school sports and club sports at Whitman need to register with FinalForms. FinalForms information and registration.

Students participating in sports are required to have and ASB sticker. Learn more about the required ASB fee. Pay for ASB fee on the Source/School Pay.

Physicals: All students need a doctor-signed physical uploaded to FinalForms before they can participate in sports. Physical Exam formSubmit physical form via FinalForms (page 3).

Example sports: Cross country, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Basketball.

Have a great year WMS Families From your Whitman Middle School PTSA!

As of August 26, 2025