Whittier Elementary

4th Grade “Hug-A-Tree and Survive” Program 🌲💚

Our 4th graders had the opportunity to participate in the “Hug-A-Tree and Survive” program, a valuable wilderness safety lesson taught across Montana through local Search and Rescue teams and partner organizations like AdventureSmart.

Through engaging, hands-on instruction from regional SAR volunteers—including 15/90 Search and Rescue and nearby county teams—students learned what to do if they ever become separated while outdoors.

Key safety takeaways included:

Hug a tree and stay put so rescuers can find you more quickly
Make yourself visible by staying in one place and using bright clothing
Answer when called and don’t hide from searchers
Use simple tools like a whistle or trash bag for warmth and signaling

We are grateful for these community partners who help equip our students with life-saving skills and confidence in the outdoors! 🌲🏆

Our 4th–6th grade Wildcats showed what it truly means to be CHAMPIONS this week! 💪🌎💚

Through the CUBS (Clean Up Butte with Students) event and the Stormwater Festival, our students stepped up in a big way—rolling up their sleeves to help make our community cleaner, healthier, and stronger. Focusing on the area around Whittier, they worked together to clean up and make our neighborhood shine—showing pride in the place we call home! 💚

But the learning didn’t stop there! At the Stormwater Festival, students celebrated their hard work by diving into hands-on experiences—exploring watershed science, testing water quality, and engaging with interactive wildlife activities. It was the perfect combination of service, learning, and fun!

These experiences, made possible by Ripple: The Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies, Butte-Silver Bow Parks & Recreation, Water Environmental Technologies, and many dedicated volunteers, show our students that their actions matter.

At Whittier, we believe champions don’t just shine in the classroom—they make a difference in the world around them. And this week, our Wildcats did exactly that. 🐾💚

At Whittier, we celebrate our everyday Champions 💚🏆

Share a shout-out, kind word, or success story about our amazing staff and community. Your message helps us recognize the Champions who make Whittier shine every day! ✨

forms.cloud.microsoft