The Viking Voice Whittier Elementary

Español

First ever Whittier CommUNITY Benefit Event raises $120k

From left: Mrs. Elva, 6th grade student Pedro, and Principal Flock pose at the Whittier CommUNITY benefit.

In February, we had our first Whittier CommUNITY benefit event. It was a huge success thanks to generous donors who have already pledged $95,000 over a three year period, with additional pledges still coming in! Whittier will use these funds for enrichment programs, enhanced academic opportunities, and supplemental support to both teachers and staff.

The Viking Village Volunteers (Whittier’s PTO), in partnership with Caitlin Copple came together to put on this amazing benefit, and the Viking Village did not disappoint with the pledges received. If you are interested in donating, it’s not too late! Make a pledge at Donate Now - Whittier Elementary.

Photo caption: Whittier PTO volunteers pose after the Whittier CommUNITY benefit. From left: President Nicolle Gleason, parent Dr. Magni Hamso, Media Expert Melissa Martin, Vice President Whitney Hutchison, Treasurer Lori Watsen, Treasurer Sharene Watsen, and Secretary Martee Ortiz-Rojas.

We want to give a huge thanks to the 150 attendees along with our amazing business sponsors: Willie Alderson Real Estate, ARC Document Solutions, BoDo Chiropractic, CasaAlura, Full Swing Public Relations, JC Drywall & Construction, Mike’s Drywall, OMG Studios Boise, and The Riverside Hotel.

We look forward to next year’s second annual Whittier CommUNITY event and would love your support and involvement! We’ll send out more details as soon as they’re available.

Documentary screening encourages all to reflect on social media use

On Thursday, February 15, more than 70 families poured into the Whittier gym for pizza and a screening of the film Like, followed by an engaging panel discussion.

In Like, kids, teens, and adults talk about their experiences with social media, and experts in psychology and media weigh in on the pros, cons, and risks associated with social media use.

Before the film, representatives from community organizations including The Speedy Foundation, Warm Springs Counseling Center, Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, and Women’s and Children’s Alliance were available to answer questions and provide information about their services.

Following the film, community experts and students alike encouraged everyone to reflect on their social media use, make intentional choices to use it positively, and to set limits to minimize its negative impacts.

Like is part of The Impactful Film Trilogy, which also includes The Upstanders (a documentary about cyberbullying) and Angst (a documentary about anxiety awareness). You can find additional resources and view all three films for free, thanks to The Speedy Foundation, at The Impactful Film Trilogy.

If you enjoyed the in-person screening of Like, consider registering for Boise High School’s screening of Angst on March 27 at 5:30 pm. The film and following discussion will provide information about anxiety, especially in younger people, discuss strategies for managing symptoms, and encourage those struggling with anxiety to reach out for help. This event is for families and suitable for children 10 years and older. There will be childcare for younger siblings. See Angst Community Film Screening for more information, or register for the event at Angst Film Showing and Panel.

Thanks to Boise School District’s Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, Sarah Nord, Principal Flock, and Community School Coordinator L’Tanya Self for all the work that went into planning and coordinating this important event, to Lilly Flock, Boise High School senior who facilitated the event, and to the community partners who provided financial support to help make this and other family engagement programs available to Whittier families and beyond.

New mascot spreads cheer at school events

Earlier this school year, our Bee The Change event raised more than $1,100 to bring life to our Viking Values in the form of a new mascot. We are proud to announce that the wait is finally over, and Victorious Viking is now part of the Whittier family.

Building community and togetherness within our Whittier walls is important, and our new awesome mascot is helping make that happen!

Be on the lookout for Victorious Viking roaming the halls or bee-bopping around at the next school event!

Grants money still available for teachers and staff

So far this school year, the Viking Village Volunteers (PTO) have funded 21 grants to support Whittier’s staff and teachers totaling $4,368! We’ve helped fund a wide variety of requests including costumes for an upcoming musical performance, a field trip for the 4th graders, and a calming corner for the STEAM room.

The STEAM Calming Corner is open, and it is all thanks to you! The students are excited, and I am very grateful for the generous grant to provide this soft, calm place. With great appreciation, Rachel Worthington, STEAM

We hope to sponsor even more teacher and staff needs with remaining grant funds. If you know of any teacher or staff member who is in need of financial support for a project or supplies, encourage them to apply via this link: PTO Grant Request Form.

Winter Wonderland provides warm clothes to 100 families

Community Schools Coordinator L’Tanya Self wears many hats here at Whittier, and her connections within the community reach far and wide. It’s her partnership with the church Vineyard Boise that brings the Winter Wonderland event to life at our school. Over 100 families came for hot cocoa, cookie decorating, face painting, games, and family photos! Parents were also able to pick up some much needed winter basics to keep everyone safe and warm during the winter months. Thank you L’Tanya and Vineyard Boise for bringing this incredible event to Whittier!

Restaurant FUNdraisers garner $500

We’d like to send a big thanks to Gyro Shack on State Street for their donation of $400 and Boise Fry Company on State Street for their donation of $105 for our restaurant FUNdraisers in December.

When you order from a participating restaurant on the day and time of the fundraiser, the restaurant donates a portion of their sale to Whittier. We have several more restaurant FUNdraisers scheduled this school year, so be sure to check out the upcoming events (and when you order during the event, let the cashier know you’re there for the Whittier FUNdraiser!).

First grader, Oxford Thomas, gives a big thumbs up for restaurant nights!

.

Upcoming events

Download or print our events calendar:

MARCH

  • Restaurant FUNdraiser: March 12 (3 pm to close) at Chuck E. Cheese
  • Shake It Up! Performance: March 14 (6 pm)
  • EARLY RELEASE: March 15 (1:45 pm)
  • Spring break: March 18-22
  • Restaurant FUNdraiser: March 26 (4-8 pm) at Chipotle (702 E. Boise Ave.)
  • Viking Village Volunteers meeting: March 27 at 4 pm in the library

APRIL

  • Pirate musical performance: April 4 (3rd and 4th grades): 2:30 pm
  • Viking Village Volunteers meeting: April 17 at 4 pm in the library
  • Carnival of Cultures: April 18 (5-7:30 pm)
  • Restaurant FUNdraiser: April 24 (4-9 pm) at Boise R&R BBQ
  • Drum performance (5th and 6th grades): April 25 at 2:30 pm

MAY

  • Staff appreciation: May 6-10
  • Viking Village Volunteers meeting: May 15 at 4 pm in the library
  • Kindergarten graduation: May 17
  • Field day: May 20
  • 6th grade graduation: May 23

Looking for a way to personally thank your student’s teacher (and other school staff)? We made it easy!

If you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer to your student’s teacher, look no further!

Head on over to Staff & Teacher Wish Lists for grade-level wish lists along with wish lists from other support staff and everyone’s favorite drinks and snacks!

We’re going to keep these lists up through the year, so feel free to come back at a later date and see what things our teachers and staff might need.

This is amazing! How can I get involved and stay in the know?