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Dear Island Creek Families, 

What a week! From Kindness Week and the Kindergarten 100th Day Parade to a snow day and Valentine's Day, excitement was in the air. 

• Tuesday, February 18: Math Fact Fluency Information Session for parents/guardians of students in Grades 3-5 (6-7 PM, Library)
• If your Island Creek student is observing Ramadan, please fill out this Ramadan Participation Questionnaire so we can coordinate on both a prayer schedule and a lunch alternative for them, if needed.

We hope you enjoy the 3-day weekend and some quality reading time.

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

President's Day is February 17th

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday.

See the complete school year calendar.

Math Fact Fluency: Parents/Guardiansof students in Grades 3-5

Parents/Guardians of Grades 3-5 students are invited to join Island Creek Staff on Tuesday, February 18 from 6:00-7:00 PM to learn how to support your child with Math Fact Fluency. The information session will be held in the library. We look forward to meeting with Parents/Guardians of students in Grades 3-5 on Tuesday evening!

Welcome to our new Building Supervisor!

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Thi Lam (“Mr. T”) to Island Creek as our new Building Supervisor!

100 Days of School!

On Thursday our Kindergarten Crocs celebrated the 100th Day of School! They participated in a variety of activities involving 100 with the highlight of the annual 100th Day of School Parade!

All Croc Families are Invited to Authors and Artists Night: Feb. 27

You're invited to Island Creek's Authors & Artists Night! Join us on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM to view student writing and artwork. Two food trucks will be on site if you'd like to purchase dinner, and you're welcome to eat in the cafeteria. We hope to see you there!

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month which is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in United States history. The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.

Thanks to our Equity and Family Engagement Committee, all of our Croc Students are learning about a famous African American on our daily Morning News Show. Shown belows are two displays at Island Creek which recognize and celebrate achievements of African Americans.

Click here to learn more about Black History Month. 

Ramadan Observation

Ramadan is from sundown February 28th to sundown March 29th. If your Island Creek student is observing Ramadan, please fill out this Ramadan Participation Questionnaire so we can coordinate on both a prayer schedule and a lunch alternative for them, if needed.

Young Crocs in Motion

Thanks to the leadership of one of our outstanding PE Teachers, Ms. Barber, Young Crocs in Motion (YCIM) will have a Girls Club (Tuesdays) and Boys Club (Thursdays). Registration informatoin is linked below.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

Parents of rising kindergartners please contact Ms. Bickerstaff, Island Creek Registrar, to schedule an appointment to register your rising kindergartner for the fall of 2025!

Spread the news with neighbors and friends who may also have a kindergartener ready to begin their journey at Island Creek!

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1.    Determine eligibility: Children must be age 5 or older by September 30.

2.    Identify your local school. 

3.    Gather documents. 

4.    Fill out forms. 

5.    An in-person appointment is still necessary. Please schedule with Ms. Bickerstaff.

Read more about the registration process.

Rising Kindergarten Student Intention 2025-26 Please complete this form if you have a rising kindergartner and plan on attending Island Creek Elementary School. We are not using this data for evaluative purposes nor for placement purposes but merely to collect information for the beginning of the school year. All students come in at various levels academically and socially. We are excited for our 2025-26 kindergarten students! 

Kindergarten Orientation  Tuesday, April 1, 2025: April 2, 2024 - 2:30 - 3:30 PM 

We're excited to welcome our newest Crocs to Island Creek Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year! 

This event is intended for the rising kindergarten student and their parents/guardians. This year we are trying something new! Rising kindergarten students and their parents/guardians will be placed in tour groups and visit eight different locations at Island Creek to see our amazing school and meet our fantastic staff. At 3:30 we will have Popsicles on the Playground and the opportunity for students to board a school bus.

Due to limited space, we ask that only rising Kindergarten students and their parents/guardians attend. 

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Save the Date: Spring SOL Writing (IRW), Reading, Math, and Science Testing Dates

For your planning purposes and reference, please see the Spring 2025 Standards Of Learning (SOL) Testing Dates.  When possible, please avoid scheduling appointments and/or activities that would prevent your child from arriving at school on time on the days your child(ren) are participating in an SOL Assessment.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadline

Rising 7th Grade Parent Coffee 🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Family Resource Center

The FCPS Family Resouce Center has several webinars coming up in March.

Part 3: Violence Prevention: Responding to Threats of Harm to Others March 4, 2025 10 - 11:30 a.m.

This session will provide an overview of The Pathway to Violence, demystify the threat to others risk assessment process within the FCPS K-12 setting; and provide in-home strategies, school and community resources, and direction regarding keeping students safe when confronted with pervasive and/or significant concerning behaviors and explicit threats of violence.

Register here

Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges, & Implement  Effective Strategies at Home for Children in Upper Elementary (3-6) March 14, 2025 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Discover how to support your child’s executive function skills in our webinar series. We will present information on understanding your child’s developmental milestones, recognizing signs of executive dysfunction, and implementing effective strategies to support their learning at home and in school.

Register here

Supporting Mental Health: Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Teens March 19, 2025 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us for Part 3 of our Teen Series with Dr. Unnatti Jain, a Certified Behavior Change Expert / TEDx speaker / Author / Keynote speaker who studies behavioral patterns.  Dr. Jain will help caretakers and families identify mental health symptoms, enhance communication skills, and explore professional and self-care strategies.

Register here

 Anxiety in the Context of Autism: What Parents Need to Know March 7, 2025 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Join Dr. Jonathan Dalton, PhD, founder and director of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change as he presents on the critical differences in the treatment of anxiety in Neurotypical (allistic) and Autistic children.  We will focus on the differences between fear and dread and why traditional anxiety treatment approaches are often insufficient when treating Autistic youth.  We will build parenting skills that families can use to help relieve the anxious suffering of their autistic children.

Register here

Upcoming Dates

❤️Monday, February 17: Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day (No school for students and staff) 

❤️Tuesday, February 18: Math Fact Fluency Information Session for Parents/Guardians of Grades 3-5 students (6-7 PM, Library)

❤️Thursday, February 27: Authors and Artist Night (5:00-6:30)

❤️Monday, March 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Wednesday, March 19:  5th Grade IRW  (Integrated Reading and Writing) SOL

❤️Friday, February 28 (Sundown)- Sunday, March 30: Ramadan (

❤️Monday, March 31: Eid al-Fitr (No school for students and staff) 

❤️Tuesday, April 1: Teacher Workday (No school for students); Kindergarten Orientation (9:30-11:00)

❤️Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18:  Spring Break (No school for students and staff)

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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All Fairfax County Public Schools and offices will close three hours early today, Tuesday, January 11.  Island Creek Elementary school-age students will be dismissed at 12:20 PM and preschool students accessing the preschool autism classes will be be at 12:40 PM.

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Dear Island Creek Families, 

Thank you for sending your students to school ready to learn. We had a wonderful first week of February!

• This morning was our annual 6th Grade VS. Staff 6th Grade Basketball Game and Staff won 3-2
• Monday, February 10 is Island Creek's next 3-Hour Early Release Day for school-age students at 12:20 pm. If you need to change your child’s plans, please call the school office at 571-642-6300.
• Next week is Kindness Week and the Animal Shelter Collection Drive!
• SCA Candy Grams are on sale through Wednesday.

We look forward to seeing many of you this evening at PTA Bingo Night!

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

Congratulations to Ms. Gonzalez!

Congratulations to our dedicated Building Supervisor, Ms. Ana Gonzalez, on her retirement! Ms. Gonzalez has been an invaluable asset to the Island Creek Custodial Team for 15 years and has served as the building supervisor for the past 2 years. We are thankful for Ms. Gonzalez's service to Island Creek Elementary and wish you all the best with her retirement.

3-Hour Early Release Monday: 2/10

Monday, February 10 is Island Creek's next 3-Hour Early Release Day for school-age students at 12:20 pm. We will follow parent/guardian repsonses from the Early Release on Monday, November 18. If you need to change your child’s plans, please call the school office at 571-642-6300.

Kindness Week is Next Week! Animal Shelter Collection Drive: February 10-14

We will collect pet items for the Lorton Animal Shelter as part of our Kindness Week. If you would like to donate, please send in unopened, unexpired dog food or treats, cat food or treats, cat litter, dog training pads, or $5-10 Amazon Gift Cards to your child's classroom. All gift cards will be given to the shelter to buy specific items. Classroom totals will be announced on the morning news the following week as a celebration of our community service efforts.

If you have any questions, please email Nikki Bohnert ([email protected]) or Dr. Trina Clinkscales ([email protected]). Digital gift cards can be sent to either of their emails and will be printed off to give to the shelter.

SCA Candy Grams are on Sale!

Get ready to send some sweet surprises! From Monday, February 3rd through Wednesday, February 12th, students can purchase candy grams to send a sweet note and treat to their friends, teachers, or anyone at Island Creek Elementary who could use a little extra cheer! 🎉

Candy grams will be sold before school from 8:10 AM to 8:35 AM in the front lobby. Each candy gram is $0.50. It’s cash only, so bring your coins, bills, and your biggest smiles! 😄🍬

Don’t miss out—spread the love this Valentine’s season! ❤️

Staff vs. 6th Grade Basketball Game Spotlight on Specials: Art

February is an exciting month for the ICES Art Department! All eyes are on our upcoming “Authors and Artists” event on February 27th. Every student will have artwork featured, highlighting the skills they've developed thus far in the year under the guidance of Mrs. Rozycki and Mr. Korrow. Plus, we’re adding a surprise new feature to the “Artists” section that you won’t want to miss! The kids have been working hard, and we can’t wait to share their amazing creations with you. We hope to see you there!

 

**We are in need of help in the art room – especially as we approach Authors and Artists night and our Hayfield pyramid art show. If you are available, please contact Mrs. Rozycki via email: [email protected] An hour of volunteering really helps!

Authors and Artists Night: Feb. 27

You're invited to Island Creek's Authors & Artists Night! Join us on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM to view student writing and artwork. Two food trucks will be on site if you'd like to purchase dinner, and you're welcome to eat in the cafeteria. We hope to see you there!

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month which is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in United States history. The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.

Thanks to our Equity and Family Engagement Committee, all of our Croc Students are learning about a famous African American on our daily Morning News Show. Shown belows are two displays at Island Creek which recognize and celebrate achievements of African Americans.

Click here to learn more about Black History Month. 

Young Crocs in Motion

Thanks to the leadership of one of our outstanding PE Teachers, Ms. Barber, Young Crocs in Motion (YCIM) will have a Girls Club (Tuesdays) and Boys Club (Thursdays). Registration informatoin is linked below.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact [name], our school registrar. 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program is open through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2025-26 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may want to attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Rising 7th Grade Parent Coffee Upcoming Dates

❤️Modnay, February 3- Wednedsay, Feburary 10:  SCA Candy Grams

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20) for school-age students

❤️February 10-14: Animal Shelter Collection Drive

❤️Monday, February 17: Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day (No school for students and staff) 

❤️Thursday, February 27: Authors and Artist Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, March 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Island Creek Families, 

Thank you for your generous donations to this morning's staff breakfast! It was greatly appreciated.

We also want to thank everyone who participated in and/or attended our Third Annual This is Us Multicultural Night last night. The tables, crafts, performances, and food were a wonderful way to celebrate the rich diversity within our community. A special thank you to Daphne Callender (ESOL Teacher) Christine Tragakis (Special Education Teacher), and the enitre Equity and Family Engagement Committe for organizing a fantastic event. 

As a reminder we have a 3-hour early release on Monday, February 10, at 12:20 PM for school-age students. 

Thank you for your continued partnership with the Island Creek staff. We truly value our home-school connection and appreciate your support.

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

Arrival and Dismissal reminders

As a reminder, our arrival and dismissal procedures are in place to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.

Here are some important reminders for arrival and dismissal:

• Do not use the townhouses on Tassia Drive across from the school for dropping off or picking up your child. This blocks residents' access to their homes and driveways. Parking on Tassia Drive is for residents only.
• All adults entering the building must have a valid driver’s license with them
• Doors open to students at 8:20
• After 8:35, students must report to the office for a Tardy Pass
• No parking in the Bus Lane during morning arrival or starting at 3:00 for dismissal
• No animals on FCPS property unless the pet is an identified service animal
• Kiss and Ride: please do not use your cell phone while in the line to maintain efficiency and safety
• Kiss and Ride: Load and unload students from the passenger side of the vehicle; children should NOT cross in front or between vehicle.

We love our Croc Counselors!

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success. Our counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. At Island Creek we would like to thank Ms. Bohnert and Dr. Clinkscales, our counselors, for all that they do as they are the best of the best!

Please encourage your child(ren) to make them a card, write a thank you note, or just take a moment to let our school counselors know how much you appreciate them!

Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Island Creek's 3rd Annual This is Multicultural Night was a success!

Thank you to our students, families, and staff as last night's This is Us Multicultural Night was amazing!

Animal Shelter Collection Drive: February 10-14

We will collect pet items for the Lorton Animal Shelter as part of our Kindness Week. If you would like to donate, please send in unopened, unexpired dog food or treats, cat food or treats, cat litter, dog training pads, or $5-10 Amazon Gift Cards to your child's classroom. All gift cards will be given to the shelter to buy specific items. Classroom totals will be announced on the morning news the following week as a celebration of our community service efforts.

If you have any questions, please email Nikki Bohnert ([email protected]) or Dr. Trina Clinkscales ([email protected]). Digital gift cards can be sent to either of their emails and will be printed off to give to the shelter.

SCA Candy Gram Sales Start Monday! 

Get ready to send some sweet surprises! Starting Monday, February 3rd through Wednesday, February 12th, students can purchase candy grams to send a sweet note and treat to their friends, teachers, or anyone at Island Creek Elementary who could use a little extra cheer! 🎉

Candy grams will be sold before school from 8:10 AM to 8:35 AM in the front lobby. Each candy gram is $0.50. It’s cash only, so bring your coins, bills, and your biggest smiles! 😄🍬

Don’t miss out—spread the love this Valentine’s season! ❤️

News from our Counselors Book Buddies: 3rd & 6th Grade 3-Hour Early Release Monday: 2/10

Monday, February 10 is Island Creek's next 3-Hour Early Release Day for school-age students at 12:20 pm. We will follow parent/guardian repsonses from the Early Release on Monday, November 18. If you need to change your child’s plans, please call the school office at 571-642-6300 as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, February 6.

Upcoming Events for Croc Families Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year 2025—the year of the snake—began this Wednesday, January 29th. For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.

The number of celebration days with different names varies depending on the country. China’s Lunar New Year is known as the Spring Festival, or Chūnjié in Mandarin, while Koreans call the holiday Seollal and Vietnamese call it Tết.

You can learn more about Lunar New Year at the links below.

• Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
• The Kennedy Center
• Lunar New Year 2025 (History.com/History Channel)

Fairfax County will host its own Lunar New Year celebration Saturday, February 8th at the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Clifton from 6 to 8 p.m. See the flyer below or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lunar-new-year for more information.

We wish good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year!

새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng Năm Mới!

.

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month which is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in United States history. The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.

Thanks to our Equity and Family Engagement Committee, all of our Croc Students are learning about a famous African American on our daily Morning News Show. 

Click here to learn more about Black History Month. 

Young Crocs in Motion

Thanks to the leadership of one of our outstanding PE Teachers, Ms. Barber, Young Crocs in Motion (YCIM) will have a Girls Club (Tuesdays) and Boys Club (Thursdays). Registration informatoin is linked below.

VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings are scheduled and will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact [name], our school registrar. 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

Upcoming Dates

❤️Modnay, February 3- Wednedsay, Feburary 10:  SCA Candy Grams

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️February 10-14: Animal Shelter Collection Drive

❤️Monday, February 17: Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day (No school for students and staff) 

❤️Monday, March 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Reminders: Arrival and Dismissal

As a reminder, our arrival and dismissal procedures are in place to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.

Here are some important reminders for arrival and dismissal:

• Do not use the townhouses on Tassia Drive across from the school for dropping off or picking up your child. This blocks residents' access to their homes and driveways. Parking on Tassia Drive is for residents only.
• All adults entering the building must have a valid driver’s license with them
• Doors open to students at 8:20
• After 8:35, students must report to the office for a Tardy Pass
• No parking in the Bus Lane during morning arrival or starting at 3:00 for dismissal
• No animals on FCPS property unless the pet is an identified service animal
• Kiss and Ride: please do not use your cell phone while in the line to maintain efficiency and safety
• Kiss and Ride: Load and unload students from the passenger side of the vehicle; children should NOT cross in front or between vehicle.

Thank you for your continued support of Island Creek Elementary!

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Dear Island Creek Families, 

Despite the frigid temperatures and 2-hour delays this week, Island Creek was warm and full of exceptional learners! Students are engaged in their learning and there is a strong focus on Academic Discourse which strengthens students' content knowledge while developing strong oral language. 

It's hard to believe that Tuesday is the last day of the 2nd Quarter of the school year. Students will be at school for the full day.

Students do not have school on Wednesday as it is a Teacher Work Day and Lunar New Year.

We are thrilled to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday from 5:30-7:00 and encourage all families to attend.Additionally, if you would like to host a table, create a display, and/or have a performance of any type (ie., singing, dancing, reading) please register online.

Thank you in advance to everyone who is able to contribute items to the Island Creek Staff Breakfast on Friday. If you can bake something yummy or bring a food item, please access this link to sign up or the QR code below.  

Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us and sending them to school ready to learn!

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Congratulations Principal Fallert!

Congratulations to Mrs. Fallert for being named the Region 6 Outstanding New Principal! Principal Fallert is in her third year serving the amazing students, staff, and families of Island Creek! 

Multicultural Dolls for Every Student to Decorate for Multicultural Night Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

Thursday Evening: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night this coming Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity or have performance,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

End of 2nd Quarter/Lunar New Year/Teacher Workday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.

FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. 

Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

Breakfast for Island Creek Staff

Help us kick off the second school semester with our Croc Staff and Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, January 31.

If you can bake something yummy or bring a food item, please access this link to sign up or the QR code below.  Please bring your delicious items to the front office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, OR between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 31. 

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

Spotlight on Specials: Art

New year and new and exciting things are happening in the art rooms! In Mrs. Rozycki’s classes, kindergarteners have been exploring the use of watercolors and cool colors in creating snowmen. Second and third graders have begun studying 3D art and learning about the process of using kiln-fired clay. Second graders are creating big-mouth monsters or fish, and third graders are learning about what a “vessel” is and are creating animal vessels.

Fourth graders have been finishing watercolor paintings depicting the human form in action. They have learned much about the importance of “proportion” in making something look “realistic.” Sixth graders have two projects underway: working with kiln-fired clay to create mini versions of themselves and brainstorming “under the sea” creatures for a special florescent painting they will create.

**We need help in the art room – especially as we approach Authors and Artists Night and our Hayfield pyramid art show. If you are available, please contact Mrs. Rozycki via email: [email protected]  An hour of volunteering really helps!

In Mr. Korrow’s classes: before break, 1st grade fused art and science, creating magical watercolor snow scenes with salt and paint to mimic the Aurora Borealis. Up next: mixed media 3D with 2D designs, followed by printmaking. 

4th grade crafted stunning winter scenes of cardinals in snowy trees on toned paper while working to develop their skills in drawing the human figure in motion. This skill will lead us to our next project - wire sculpture. 

5th graders are excited for the Authors and Artists event on February 27th, where they’ll craft glowing abstract sculptures that react to UV black light, exploring both 3D design and architectural forms. We are anticipating stunning results.

Chinese New Year Festival: Saturday, January 25

Since 2008, the Asian Community Service Center (ACSC) has endeavored to spread the spirit of traditional Chinese culture and values to our diverse community in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland by holding an annual Festival right before the Chinese New Year.

The program includes traditional dragon and lion dance,classical and ethnic folk dances, dances, musical instruments and vocals, arts and crafts, children’s games, as well as ethnic cuisines. Children learn a little Chinese and how to play Chinese games. At past events, some lucky children even learned how to do the dragon dance! Please visit the following link to view past Chinese New Year celebration events: www.ChineseNewYearFestival.org. Along with entertainment, our festival provides educational opportunities. The mission of our event is: Return to Tradition. We promote a specific, traditional Chinese value each year so everyone can learn some ancient Chinese wisdom. The value of 2025 we have selected is Harmony (和 in Chinese). We hope that our event can help improve family and social Harmony.

EDUCATIONAL TOUR China's 5,000 year history leaves us some of the most amazing stories and wisdom to learn from. Chinese culture is full of inner meaning. Through stories and presentations designed for school-age children and their parents, as well as teachers and school administrators, participants will get a feel for the true essence of Chinese culture. Group reservations are appreciated although we will try our best to accommodate everyone on a first-come, first serve basis. We sincerely invite all the Island Creek Elementary School students to join our 16th Annal Chinese New Year Festival on Jan. 25 from 10am to 5:30pm at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

SCHEDULES Performances- 1:15pm-2pm; 3:45pm-4:30pm. Dragon Parade -2:45 p.m. Educational Tours-11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., Start from Information Desk All activities are free but children may wish to purchase their favorite Asian dish (all affordably priced) or buy a beautiful Chinese craft. They are encouraged to wear Chinese or Asian dress during the event. We hope you can make it.

Smart Phone and Watch Reminders

Just a reminder that students may not use their cell phones / smart watches during school hours.  Devices should either be in "airplane" mode or turned off during the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students should not be texting their parents and/or friends during the school day.  We ask that parents also not text or call their child during the school day.

In case of illness, students need to be seen in the health room and the health room aide or public health nurse will call you if your child needs to be taken home. 

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the main office at 571-642-6300who will send your message to your child. 

Review FCPS policy by grade level here. 

3-Hour Early Release Monday: 2/10

Monday, February 10 is Island Creek's next 3-Hour Early Release Day for school-age students at 12:20 pm. We will follow parent/guardian repsonses from the Early Release on Monday, November 18. If you need to change your child’s plans, please call the school office at 571-642-6300 as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, February 6.

6th Grade Middle School Transition Activities Now Underway

Our 6th Grade Crocs are preparing for their transition to Hayfield Secondary School. The following opportunities are available for rising 7th Grade families.

• Tuesday, February 4th, 6 – 8 p.m., Middle School Lecture Hall (snow date: Wednesday, February 12th)
• Friday, March 14th, 9 – 11 a.m., Middle School Lecture Hall (snow date to be determined)

You can find more information, including the 7th grade course catalog and a Virtual Curriculum Fair on the Hayfield website. 

Family Resource Center Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings are scheduled and will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m.
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

Upcoming Dates

❤️Tuesday, January 28:  End of 2nd Quarter

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Lunar New Year and Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Monday, February 17: Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day (No school for students and staff) 

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Island Creek Families,

The Island Creek Elementary Staff is excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night next Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Contact Daphne Callender at 571-642-6300 or email [email protected] with any questions.

The following are activity options for families who wish to contribute to This is Us Multicultural Night. You may prepare as many activities as you want.  

Host a Table Display in the Cafeteria (with or without food): Provide bite-sized food samples, offer a craft representing your culture or country to do at the event or take away to do at home, or prepare a language lesson or handout of commonly used words in your native language. An adult must oversee the table during the entire event or until you no longer have any food samples, crafts, or hand-outs left. 

• Plan to have enough food, crafts, or hand-outs for at least 50 attendees.
• For food submissions, include a note listing all ingredients, making sure to note allergens such as milk eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans. Bring tools needed to serve the food, and paper plates/napkins to hand out the food.
• For take-home crafts, include instructions on how to complete the craft.
• Come to the school between 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (entering Door 7) on the day of the event, to receive your table assignment and allow time to set up your table.
• Pack up your items and clean up as needed from 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm to help prepare for the next school day.
• An adult must oversee the table during the entire event or until you run out of food samples, crafts, or handouts.

Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation for the Cultural Performance showcasing your culture, country, or traditions. 

• Song
• Musical performance
• Story
• Dance
• Other

*Dinner will NOT be served. Please plan to eat before coming to the event.*

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Dear Island Creek Families, 

What a fantastic full week of school with our Crocs! We are so fortunate to have the best families and students in FCPS! 

We are excited about our 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 (5:30-7:00)! Your child will receive (or may have already received) a multicultural cardboard doll to decorate with an international culture they associate with or know about. Please send the decorated multicultural dolls back to school as soon as possible so we can display them in the cafeteria for our multicultural event.

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.

We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful weekend and spends time with a good book! We look forward to seeing our Crocs on Tuesday, January 21.

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Multicultural Dolls for Every Student to Decorate for Multicultural Night ❤️Questions? ❤️Suggestions? ❤️Concerns?

Should you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher. Additionally, the following staff are here to support and may be reached via email or by calling the front office at 571-642-6300.

Jen Fallert, Principal ([email protected])

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal ([email protected])

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal ([email protected])

Nikki Bohnert, School Counselor ([email protected])

Trina Clinkscales, School Counselor ([email protected])

Jermaine Perkins, School Psychologist ([email protected])

Allison DeGregorio, Social Worker ([email protected])

Corine Washington, Public Health Nurse ([email protected])

Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

Croc Stars: Open and Honest

Congratulations to our Croc Stars who demonstrated the Crocs Creed character traits of being Open and Honest!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day/ Inauguration Day- School closed on Monday, January 20

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.

FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. 

Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Day of Service

On the third Monday of January, people throughout the United States join in honoring the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we witness nations around the world continue to struggle under the weight of violence, hate, and poverty, today’s social, political, and economic landscape reveals the urgent necessity of Dr. King’s philosophy and methodology of Nonviolence (Nonviolence365™). This history is a foundational part of American history. 

Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Dr. King year-round, and the celebration of a Day of Service is an opportunity to honor his work and legacy by actively participating in making our communities cleaner, safer, and more welcoming.

VOKE Chorus Festival

Congratulations to Mrs. Arslan and Mrs. Laird for leading some of our extraordinary Island Creek students at the VOKE Choral Festival last weekend! The students rehearsed all-day Saturday and had a Sunday evening concert. They have been rehearsing after school and at home since October!  

Croc Students:  Amira, Jaelyn, Malala, Ramona, Hailey, and Zoe (who could not attend because of illness).

Save the Date: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Spotlight on Specials: P.E.

During the second quarter in PE students practiced gymnastics skills, worked to create a gymnastics routine, and practiced their basketball skills. We are looking forward to starting our mid-year fitness, dance, and striking units in quarter three! Students in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade will be able to spin our Wheel of FITNESS for their warmup and go grocery shopping on scooters with our nutrition cards! Students in grades 4th through 6th will complete their mid-year VA wellness fitness tests and submit their scores into Welnet. We are excited for a fun 3rd quarter of PE classes with all students! 

Even on snowy or rainy days please make sure your child is prepared with the correct tennis shoes for their PE classes.

End of 2nd Quarter/Lunar New Year/Teacher Workday

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

Chinese New Year Festival: Saturday, January 25

Since 2008, the Asian Community Service Center (ACSC) has endeavored to spread the spirit of traditional Chinese culture and values to our diverse community in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland by holding an annual Festival right before the Chinese New Year.

The program includes traditional dragon and lion dance,classical and ethnic folk dances, dances, musical instruments and vocals, arts and crafts, children’s games, as well as ethnic cuisines. Children learn a little Chinese and how to play Chinese games. At past events, some lucky children even learned how to do the dragon dance! Please visit the following link to view past Chinese New Year celebration events: www.ChineseNewYearFestival.org. Along with entertainment, our festival provides educational opportunities. The mission of our event is: Return to Tradition. We promote a specific, traditional Chinese value each year so everyone can learn some ancient Chinese wisdom. The value of 2025 we have selected is Harmony (和 in Chinese). We hope that our event can help improve family and social Harmony.

EDUCATIONAL TOUR China's 5,000 year history leaves us some of the most amazing stories and wisdom to learn from. Chinese culture is full of inner meaning. Through stories and presentations designed for school-age children and their parents, as well as teachers and school administrators, participants will get a feel for the true essence of Chinese culture. Group reservations are appreciated although we will try our best to accommodate everyone on a first-come, first serve basis. We sincerely invite all the Island Creek Elementary School students to join our 16th Annal Chinese New Year Festival on Jan. 25 from 10am to 5:30pm at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

SCHEDULES Performances- 1:15pm-2pm; 3:45pm-4:30pm. Dragon Parade -2:45 p.m. Educational Tours-11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., Start from Information Desk All activities are free but children may wish to purchase their favorite Asian dish (all affordably priced) or buy a beautiful Chinese craft. They are encouraged to wear Chinese or Asian dress during the event. We hope you can make it.

Breakfast for Island Creek Staff

Help us kick off the second school semester with our Croc Staff and Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, January 31.

If you can bake something yummy or bring a food item, please access this link to sign up or the QR code below.  Please bring your delicious items to the front office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, OR between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 31. 

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

Assessment Dates at Island Creek Coffee and Conversations 3-Hour Early Release Monday: 2/10

Monday, February 10 is Island Creek's next 3-Hour Early Release Day for school-age students at 12:20 pm. We will follow parent/guardian repsonses from the Early Release on Monday, November 18. If you need to change your child’s plans, please call the school office at 571-642-6300 as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, February 6.

Hayfield Secondary: Little Hawks Upcoming Dates

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Friday, January 24:  Coffee and Conversations: Supports for Multilingual Learners (8:45)

❤️Tuesday, January 28:  End of 2nd Quarter

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Lunar New Year and Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Island Creek Families,

The Island Creek Elementary Staff is excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Contact Daphne Callender at 571-642-6300 or email [email protected] with any questions.

The following are activity options for families who wish to contribute to This is Us Multicultural Night. You may prepare as many activities as you want.  

Host a Table Display in the Cafeteria (with or without food): Provide bite-sized food samples, offer a craft representing your culture or country to do at the event or take away to do at home, or prepare a language lesson or handout of commonly used words in your native language. An adult must oversee the table during the entire event or until you no longer have any food samples, crafts, or hand-outs left. 

• Plan to have enough food, crafts, or hand-outs for at least 50 attendees.
• For food submissions, include a note listing all ingredients, making sure to note allergens such as milk eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans. Bring tools needed to serve the food, and paper plates/napkins to hand out the food.
• For take-home crafts, include instructions on how to complete the craft.
• Come to the school between 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (entering Door 7) on the day of the event, to receive your table assignment and allow time to set up your table.
• Pack up your items and clean up as needed from 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm to help prepare for the next school day.
• An adult must oversee the table during the entire event or until you run out of food samples, crafts, or handouts.

Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation for the Cultural Performance showcasing your culture, country, or traditions. 

• Song
• Musical performance
• Story
• Dance
• Other

*Dinner will NOT be served. Please plan to eat before coming to the event.*

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Dear Island Creek Families, 

There was a lot of excitement in the air as we loved having our Crocs return to school today!

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Island Creek's School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP) Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

Save the Date: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Breakfast for Island Creek Staff (new date: January 31)

Due to school cancellations, the staff appreciation breakfast has been rescheduled to Friday, January 31.

Help us kick off the second school semester with our Croc Staff and Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, January 31 (new date).

If you can bake something yummy or bring a food item, please access this link to sign up or the QR code below.  Please bring your delicious items to the front office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, OR between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 31. 

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

Assessment Dates at Island Creek Upcoming Events for Croc Families

Mark your calendars for upcoming events at Island Creek! We hope you can attend!

January Observances

January 6th - Three Kings Day/Epiphany. FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.

January 7th - Orthodox Christmas.  FCPS has designated Orthodox Christmas as a religious and cultural observance day. .

January 19th - Orthodox  Epiphany.  FCPS has designated Orthodox Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. 

January 20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday.

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

January 29th - Lunar New Year. FCPS has designated Lunar New Year as a religious and cultural observance day. This year, Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. 

ST Math Family Math Week

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish. 

To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community. 

Information will be available through the Elementary Schoology groups for teachers to easily copy over materials and links for students to participate with their families during math week in the New Year.

Coffee and Conversations 3-Hour Early Release Monday: 2/10

Monday, February 10 is Island Creek's next 3-Hour Early Release Day for school-age students at 12:20 pm. We will follow parent/guardian repsonses from the Early Release on Monday, November 18. If you need to change your child’s plans, please call the school office at 571-642-6300 as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, February 6.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Family Resource Center Webinars and FCPS Family Academy

Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Dates

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Friday, January 24:  Coffee and Conversations: Supports for Multilingual Learners (8:45)

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Friday, January 10: 2-Hour Delay and No Morning Preschool

Dear Island Creek Families,

We are excited to welcome our Croc students and staff back to school tomorrow! 

Doors will open at 10:20 for school-age students. Please ensure your child is dressed warmly. 

Morning Preschool is canceled tomorrow.

 

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

More Snow Day Photos!

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Thank you to the Island Creek Custodial Team!

Thank you to our amazing Island Creek Custodial Team for their work with clearing the sidewalks to ensure student and staff safety! We truly appreciate their relentless efforts working in the inclimate (and freezing) weather. 

Breakfast for Island Creek Staff (new date: January 31)

Due to school cancellations, the staff appreciation breakfast has been rescheduled to Friday, January 31.

Help us kick off the second school semester with our Croc Staff and Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, January 31 (new date).

If you can bake something yummy or bring a food item, please access this link to sign up or the QR code below.  Please bring your delicious items to the front office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, OR between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 31. 

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

Save the Date: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Upcoming Dates

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Friday, January 24:  Coffee and Conversations: Supports for Multilingual Learners (8:45)

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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School Closed: Wednesday, January 8

Dear Island Creek Families,

I hope our Croc students, staff, and families enjoyed the second snow day today, especially with the sun shining! Tomorrow our Crocs will have another snow day! ❄️

Thank you to the families and staff who shared their Snow Day photos with me. Addtional photos are shown below!

Thank you to our Island Creek Custodians for their work today and tomorrow with ensuring snow and ice are cleared from the school grounds. 

Enjoy snow day number 3 tomorrow and stay safe and warm!

All my best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

More Crocs' Snow Day Photos! Upcoming Dates

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Friday, January 24:  Coffee and Conversations: Supports for Multilingual Learners (8:45)

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

School Closed: Tuesday, January 7

Dear Island Creek Families,

I hope our Croc students, staff, and families enjoyed today's beautiful snow and have another fun snow day tomorrow! ❄️

Thank you to the families and staff who shared their Snow Day photos with me. Photos are shown below!

Enjoy the snow day tomorrow and stay safe and warm!

All my best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Crocs' Snow Day Photos  Upcoming Dates

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Friday, January 24:  Coffee and Conversations: Supports for Multilingual Learners (8:45)

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

School Closed: Monday, January 6

Dear Island Creek Families,

Enjoy the snow day tomorrow! ❄️

To make it even more memorable, I'd love to create a photo collage of our Croc students and staff having Snow Day Fun. Please feel free to email a photo of your child enjoying the snow to Principal Fallert at [email protected] or tag us on our Facebook link.

If your child needs a break from the snow, we encourage them to read, write, draw, create with their imagination, and/or practice math. You can find some helpful math resources below.

Have a wonderful and safe snow day!

All my best,

Jen Fallert, Principal

Practicing Math Skills at Home

The FCPS Quarterly Overviews for grade level math curriculum may be accessed here. (click: grade level, curriculum, standards by quarter, math).

The following is a list of sites in which you and your child might enjoy exploring to practice math skills. 

• 28 Math Card Games for Students to Ace (online directions, need 1 deck of cards)
• Khan Academy Math (choose grade level and/or skill; optional to make an account)
• Math is Fun (choose grade level and/or skill)
• IXL(students may try up to 20 free pratice questions per day)
• Varisty Tutors:  A Plus Math (interactive math games and flashcards for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts)
• Funbrain (choose grade level and playing piece)
• Math Game Time (online math games for PreK-7th Grade)

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

We are excited to welcome our Crocs back to school in 2 days on Monday, January 6, 2025! Given the forecast for Monday, information has been included regarding school delays/closings.

We hope our Croc students, staff, and families are enjoying the last weekend of a healthy, happy, and memory-filled Winter Break. We look forward to welcoming our students and staff on Monday morning.

Happy New Year to all Croc students, staff, and families! May 2025 be filled with good health, happiness, and joy!

All our best,

Jen Fallert, Karen Baxter, and Denise Cash-Pinckney

Sign-up for Island Creek's Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Help us kick off 2025 with our Croc Staff and Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, January 10.

If you are able to bake something yummy or bring a food item, please acess this link to sign up or the QR code below. You may bring your delicious items to the front office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 9 OR between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 10. 

All contributions are sincerely appreciated and we look forward to an amazing 2025 with our Crocs!

Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

Save the Date: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Save the Date: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Practicing Math Skills at Home

The FCPS Quarterly Overviews for grade level math curriculum may be accessed here. (click: grade level, curriculum, standards by quarter, math).

The following is a list of sites in which you and your child might enjoy exploring to practice math skills. 

• 28 Math Card Games for Students to Ace (online directions, need 1 deck of cards)
• Khan Academy Math (choose grade level and/or skill; optional to make an account)
• Math is Fun (choose grade level and/or skill)
• IXL(students may try up to 20 free pratice questions per day)
• Varisty Tutors:  A Plus Math (interactive math games and flashcards for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts)
• Funbrain (choose grade level and playing piece)
• Math Game Time (online math games for PreK-7th Grade)

Upcoming Dates

❤️December 23-January 3:  Winter Break

❤️Monday, January 6, 2025:  Welcome Back to School, Crocs!

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Island Creek Families, 

What a special week we had with our Crocs as excitement was in the air for Winter Break!  As we approach the winter break, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our families for entrusting your children with our dedicated Croc Staff. 

We wish you a safe, healthy, and wonderful winter break filed with joy and relaxation. We encourage our Crocs to read, play outside, and spend time with family. Optional math and reading work was sent home yesterday for those who wish to continue learning.

We look forward to welcoming our Crocs back to school on Monday, January 6, 2025!

Happy Holidays!

Jen Fallert, Principal

Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal

Island Creek's School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP) Every Day Counts at Island Creek! Help us reach our goal of 5% or less this year!

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:

• Chronic absenteeism  (missing 10% of the school year) correlates to low academic achievement;
• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates;
• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data and updates in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

The Main Office will be closed during Winter Break

The main office will be closed during Winter Break, December 21- January 3.  The office will open on January 6, 2025.  Staff will also not be available via email and will return your message when they come back in the new year. If there is an immediate need during this timeframe, please email Jen Fallert, Principal, at [email protected]. Shee will be monitoring email periodically over the FCPS winter break and will respond in a timely manner.

We love our Croc Students & Staff! Chorus Winter Concert

Congratulations to our 5th and 6th Grade Chorus Students for their beautiful concert Tuesday evening! Kudos to our passionate, dedicated, and talented Music Teachers and Choral Directors, Mrs. Laird and Mrs. Arslan. Additionally, thank you to FCPS School Board Member Ilryong Moon for attending the concert as it was a pleasure welcoming him to Island Creek! 

Spotlight on Specials: STEAM

STEAM Students Animate Their Way to Creativity!

This quarter, inspired by the enchanting tale of Balloons Over Broadway, our STEAM students delved into the art of stop-motion animation. Before Thanksgiving break, many students created their own digital Thanksgiving Day parades in Schoology. Our youngest learners, our Kindergarteners, got creative by making their own balloons and using a green screen to bring their parade to life. Now, all classes are crafting original stop-motion projects, combining science, language arts, and technology to tell their unique stories.

Grade level stop-motion animation themes:

Kindergarten – characters: The Three Little Pigs

1st Grade – types of motion

2nd Grade – types of precipitation

3rd Grade – the water cycle

4th Grade – cloud formations

5th Grade – rock formations

6th Grade – weather systems

Inspiring Innovation: PTA's 3D Printer Donation

The STEAM Lab was fortunate to receive 3D Printers from the PTA’s Croc Rock-n-Run. The 3D printer will empower students to bring their innovative ideas to life, providing hands-on learning experiences in design, engineering, and technology. The 3D printer is sure to inspire creativity, foster problem-solving skills, and prepare students for the future of technology. We created a Chubby Croc with our first test run.  Thank you to the Island Creek community and PTA!

Save the Date: Island Creek's 3rd annual This is Us Multicultural Night

The Island Creek Elementary Staff are excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

News from our Counselors Assessment Dates at Island Creek ST Math Family Math Week

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish. 

To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community. 

Information will be available through the Elementary Schoology groups for teachers to easily copy over materials and links for students to participate with their families during math week in the New Year.

School Year 2025-2026 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program Information

All rising kindergarten and first grade students who live in Fairfax County may enter a lottery to participate in Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. In DLI programs, students are learning elementary content in two languages with students spending half of the day learning in either language. English Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English. Math, Science, Health, and Target Language Arts are taught in another language.

FCPS offers DLI programs in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Online lottery application begins on January 13 (8:30 a.m.). For additional registration information, please visit here. For general program information: click here.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center. 

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Upcoming Dates

❤️December 23-January 3:  Winter Break

❤️Monday, January 6, 2025:  Welcome Back to School, Crocs!

❤️Monday, January 20:  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day (No school for students and staff)

❤️Wednesday, January 29:  Teacher Workday (No school for students)

❤️Thursday, January 30: Spirit Day and This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)

❤️Monday, February 10:  3-Hour Early Release (12:20)

❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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Lost and Found

Please stop by Island Creek this evening or Friday to see if missing treasures are in our Lost and Found. All items are located near Door 1. 

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Island Creek Families,

The Island Creek Elementary Staff is excited to host our third annual This is Us Multicultural Night on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The This Is Us event will be a celebration where our students and families can come together to learn about the various cultures, countries, and traditions at Island Creek. 

Island Creek Elementary is fortunate to have numerous countries and cultures reflected in our students, as well as families who have traveled or been stationed abroad and throughout the United States. We plan activities for the This Is Us event to enable the Island Creek Elementary School community to connect and learn more about their classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions. 

We’d love for you to contribute something from your culture, country of heritage, or from a country or culture you know well. If you wish to prepare an activity,  please register online by Friday, January 24. Registration is only needed for tables and performances.  

Contact Daphne Callender at 571-642-6300 or email [email protected] with any questions.

The following are activity options for families who wish to contribute to This is Us Multicultural Night. You may prepare as many activities as you want.  

Host a Table Display in the Cafeteria (with or without food): Provide bite-sized food samples, offer a craft representing your culture or country to do at the event or take away to do at home, or prepare a language lesson or handout of commonly used words in your native language. An adult must oversee the table during the entire event or until you no longer have any food samples, crafts, or hand-outs left. 

• Plan to have enough food, crafts, or hand-outs for at least 50 attendees.
• For food submissions, include a note listing all ingredients, making sure to note allergens such as milk eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans. Bring tools needed to serve the food, and paper plates/napkins to hand out the food.
• For take-home crafts, include instructions on how to complete the craft.
• Come to the school between 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (entering Door 7) on the day of the event, to receive your table assignment and allow time to set up your table.
• Pack up your items and clean up as needed from 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm to help prepare for the next school day.
• An adult must oversee the table during the entire event or until you run out of food samples, crafts, or handouts.

Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation for the Cultural Performance showcasing your culture, country, or traditions. 

• Song
• Musical performance
• Story
• Dance
• Other

*Dinner will NOT be served. Please plan to eat before coming to the event.*

7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300

Attendance 571-642-6363

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