Orca Splash 5-15-26

Posted on: June 1, 2026

Orca Splash Viewlands Community Updates - Principal Carrie Wheeler

Principal Wheeler’s Weekly Update

the Orca Splash

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Hello Viewlands Families!

It is hard to believe, but there are only 22 days of school left this school year. As we move into these last 4.5 weeks, we will continue learning together, completing end of year assessments, learning, and engage in end of year community celebrations. One of the things coming up in June is the annual Field Day. Field Day is Friday, June 12th, in the morning. We will need many volunteers for Field Day. The schedule for volunteering will be available soon. VEPTSA will share that once available through Konstella. All volunteers for Field Day need to be approved volunteers. If you are considering volunteering you need to start that process soon if you haven’t already. You can reach out to Ms. Leandra if you have questions. If you are an approved volunteer and available please save Friday, June 12th in the AM to volunteer for Field Day!

This week a few highlights from my time connecting with students and our learning spaces include: Friday dance party watching a large group of 4th and 5th graders teaching dances to kindergarteners was very joyful; on wiffle ball Wednesday, 5th grader, Stella helped pitch to a small group of kindergarteners after the game finished for the last 5 minutes of recess; learning more about the different thing being constructed by 4th and 5th graders for their community in Mr. Thorpe’s class as they explore switches and circuits that will power the community; and playing a math game with 3rd graders in teacher Valentine’s class.

Your children are bright, inquisitive, and creative thinkers. We will continue to seek ways to make every student feel known, valued, and empowered through the year.

In Partnership,

Carrie Wheeler | Viewlands Principal

Pleas reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions about other things or events that might be happening in your child’s classroom.

5th Graders:

Thursday, June 11th, End of Elementary Experience – Fieldtrip to iFly (teachers will be sharing details about permission slips and volunteers). Thank you to VEPTSA for helping support this end of elementary school experience!
Tuesday, June 16th, at 9AM – 5th Grade Promotion – Families of 5th grade students are invited to the promotion event at 9AM at school. Doors will open at 8:45AM to families. The promotion is typically 45-60 minutes. After the promotion 5th grade students will be walking to Carkeek for an end of year celebration event. They will be at Carkeek from 10:30-1:30PM. Thank you to VEPTSA for supporting and the families coordinating this event for our students!

4th and 5th Graders in Instrumental Music

Monday, June 1st, at 9AM – Elementary Instrumental Music Showcase – Families of students in instrumental music are invited to the showcase. Doors open at 8:45AM to families. The showcase is typically 30-35 minutes.

Kindergarteners

Thursday, June 11th, at 6PM – Kindergarten Celebration – The teachers will share details about this event. The event is from 6-7PM. All students and families are encouraged to attend.

All Students:

Monday, June 8th, Orca Pride Assembly led by the Orca Pride Club – if you would like to share or support this assembly, please reach out to Ms. Barry.
Monday June 8th though Thursday June 11th during the school day – Artist in Residence, Mr. Sabien Pleasant will be here working with all students on rhythm and dance. Thank you to VEPTSA for helping support this, along with our Creative Advantage arts focus funds
Friday, June 12th, in the AM – Field Day – This is an event during the school day. All students will participate. We will need approved volunteers to support this event. Only approved volunteers may attend, this is not open to families outside of approved volunteers supporting this event. Students will participate in the morning and then have popsicles at lunch!
Wednesday, June 18th – End of Year Community Celebration Assembly – all students will be part of our end of year Community Celebration assembly. This is not open to families. Highlights will be shared in our final newsletter of the year!
Wednesday, June 18th – Last Day of School – Dismissal is at 1:25PM.

Family and community volunteers are a vital part of any school. At Viewlands, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our family and community volunteers. Every year VEPTSA honors one to two individuals for their volunteer commitments in elementary school. VEPTSA would love to receive nominations for this from our community!

Message from VEPTSA:

VEPTSA is proud to sponsor the Golden Acorn Award, presented each year at the 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony to honor an outstanding parent volunteer whose youngest child is graduating from Viewlands. This award celebrates the incredible families who give their time and energy to make our school community thrive — and this year, you get to decide who receives it. Nominations are open to all Viewlands community members; submit yours using the form below!

[Golden Acorn Award Nomination Form — link here]

Attend the Spring General Viewlands PTSA Meeting!

General Meeting: Join us Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-8:00PM in the school library
Hear updates on events, budget, volunteer opportunities. Share your voice and participate in the annual vote on nominees for the 2026-27 school year VEPTSA board of directors.
Onsite childcare provided by Creative Kids the Viewlands afterschool care & preschool provider.

Save the date for Field Day, June 12, ~8am – ~2pm

This fun and joyful event needs A LOT OF VOLUNTEERS to be successful.
Please reach out to volunteer@viewlandsptsa.org to let us know if you’re able to join
More details to come soon with the schedule of the activities and volunteer needs.