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The Viking Voice

April - May 2025 Edition

For past editions, see Newsletters.

Whittier's Cultural Celebration Ensures all feel welcome

Our second annual Cultural Celebration was a vibrant, joyful evening that honored the many cultures that make Whittier such a special place. With more than 750 attendees, the event featured over 10 cultural booths and delicious dishes shared by more than 25 families—each one offering a taste of their heritage and a warm invitation to learn and connect.

We are endlessly proud of the rich diversity within our school community. Culture isn’t just something we acknowledge—it’s something we celebrate. Events like these remind us that inclusion is essential. We’re especially grateful to the families who generously shared their stories, traditions, and food with us. Whittier is stronger, kinder, and more connected because of you.

Entertainment for the evening included performances by Whittier Ballet Folklórico México Lindo, Oinkari Basque Dancers, MUNGO, Danza Azteca Tonatiuh, and Oyamel Folkloric Dancers—each one a celebration of heritage and joy.

This incredible event was made possible by Community Schools Coordinator Maricela Rios, with support from Whittier staff, the Viking Village PTO, and dedicated volunteers from Boise State University and local businesses.

Thank you to everyone who showed up—not just to enjoy, but to be seen and to see others. You belong here. Always.

Kibrom's, Highlands Hollow push restaurant FUNdraisers to $2k

We’d like to send a big thanks to the following businesses for their participation in our restaurant FUNdraisers!

March: Kibrom's Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine donated $275
April: Highlands Hollow Brewhouse donated $455

When you ordered from a participating restaurant on the day and time of the fundraiser, the restaurant donated a portion of their sales to Whittier. This school year, restaurants have donated nearly $2,000 from these restaurant FUNdraisers!

Next school year, we will continue to have one FUNdraiser every month, 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!).

Staff appreciation week Set for May 5-9

Every year, the Viking Village PTO sponsors a weeklong staff appreciation event where we shower our school staff with coffee, snacks, prizes, and other fun things! It's a small way we can ensure that everyone who works at Whittier knows they are both seen and deeply appreciated.

This year's theme is mountains/camping because, as we all know, our staff moves mountains—every day!

Please join us as we decorate the school on Friday, May 2, from 4-5:30pm.

And thank you for your time and monetary donations. This event would not be possible without you!

Viking Village issues $1,400 in staff grants, $7k remains

We started this year with $9,000 of grant money for the 24/25 school year, and still have over $7,600 waiting to be used! Grants awarded this year have helped purchase snacks, craft supplies, a Rockalingua subscription, books, and other things needed around the classroom!

Recently, we were able to fund Miss Stegingraf's class book, Violet the Viking's Journey.

If you know a Whittier teacher or staff member who is in need of financial support for a project, supplies, or even a field trip, please pass along this link to the brief application: Whittier PTO Grant Request Form.

If you’re interested in contributing funds so we can continue to support the Whittier staff in this way, there are several ways to donate (and your donations are tax deductible!). See Viking Village: Donate for more information.

A warm welcomE to incoming kindergarteners

In March, we had the pleasure of welcoming new families to Whittier during our Kindergarten Orientation. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with parents and caregivers, introduce the PTO, and share the many ways we support students, staff, and our school community.

We’re excited to have your children join the Whittier Vikings! Every incoming kindergartener will receive a free Viking T-shirt during the first few weeks of school—a small token of welcome from all of us.

Viking Village board ELECTIONS, SUPPORT NEEDED

Have you been wondering how you can help make a difference for students and staff at Whittier? Look no further! We would love any support you can provide, or if you’re interested in either the Secretary, Translator, or Vice President position, let us know, or join us at our May 21 PTO meeting at 4 pm in the library!

Parenting resources

Take a look at this list of resources we've carefully curated for parents and families of Whittier. Click the pictures to learn more about safe smartphone usage, mental health, and Whittier's gifting page!

Upcoming Events

May

Viking Village PTO meeting
- Location: Whittier Library
- Date: May 21
- Time: 4pm
Early release
- Date: May 16 @ 1:45 pm
Last day of school & early release
- May 22 @ 1:45 pm

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

We always need more volunteers!

Get started by filling out the Viking Village Volunteer Form.
Text WhittPTO to 81010 to be added to our Whittier PTO on Remind.
Attend a Viking Village meeting! Our meetings are the third Wednesday of every month at 4 pm in the school library (October’s meeting will be held October 30).
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Donate! If you have the means, please consider making a monetary donation to help support our initiatives for 2024-2025 and beyond.
Bookmark these resources:

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 help 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.

Last but not least, thanks to our amazing volunteers!

We’d like to send out a huge thank you to all the volunteers who have dedicated time and energy to making Whittier an even more magical place.

Trula Timpane for coordinating restaurant nights
Jessica Olson and Layne Watkins for updating the reader board
Evelyn Bonilla for translating our meeting minutes
Regina, Myrna, Elva, and Mona for the continuous support and partnership with the PTO

We absolutely could not do this without each and every one of you!

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