Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Weekly Words
June 7, 2024
Dear Island Creek Families,
Excitement is in the air as we celebrate this year’s accomplishments! On Monday, our 5th and 6th Grade Chorus gave a beautiful concert led by one of our spectacular Music Teachers, Ms. Sarah Laird and Ms. Deb Tien. On Wednesday, our 5th Grade students had Medieval Day with their incredible Wax Museum. Wednesday was the last day for our preschool class-based students, and we already miss our youngest Crocs’ smiling faces. On Thursday, we had our 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Strings Concert led by our amazing Strings Teacher, Ms. Amber Hicks.
We are look forward to Tuesday morning as we welcome the Island Creek Crocs from the Hayfield Secondary Class of 2024! Tuesday will also be our Staff versus 6th Grade Kickball Game. On Wednesday, we look forward to congratulating our sixth graders at their Promotion Ceremony at 9:00 in the Cafeteria! Wednesday is the final day of the 2023-2024 School Year and students will dismiss two hours early at 1:20.
As we approach the final days of the 2023-2024 school year, we want to thank our wonderful Island Creek families for entrusting us with your amazing children as it’s truly a privilege to serve this community. We appreciate your support and collaboration, and are grateful for our students, staff, families, PTA, and community.
All the best,
Jen Fallert, Principal
Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal
Island Creek Staff Promotions
Ms. Christine Mehrtash, 5th Grade Teacher, has been promoted to Island Creek’s School-Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) effect July 1. Ms. Mehrtash is a beloved Island Creek educator and brings classroom experience and strong instructional pedagogy into the role of the SBTS. Ms. Mehrtash has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Special Education. Her passion for ensuring every student receives what they need to demonstrate their learning aligns directly with the role of the SBTS with supporting students and staff to incorporate technology to share their knowledge. Additionally, Ms. Mehrtash will lead STEAM at Island Creek.
Ms. Bickerstaff, Office Assistant, has been promoted to Island Creek’s Student Information Assistant (SIA) effective July 1. Ms. Bickerstaff is dependable, knowledgeable, and reliable, and coupling her experience at Island Creek with her degree in Social Work, she will be an excellent contact for new families and records.
Well Wishes to Departing Staff
Please join us in wishing these outstanding Croc staff members happiness and success in their future endeavors!
-
Jane Horowitz, Family Liaison, is retiring! We are appreciative of her work with the Island Creek families, Student Ambassadors, and Purple Star.
-
Ms. Theresa Painter, Student Information Assistant, is retiring! We are appreciative of her work with everything related to student records.
-
Ms. Steff Shelesky, Counselor, is retiring! Our students and families are appreciative of her caring support!
-
Ms. Michelle Hopler, 2nd Grade Teacher, is leaving FCPS and moving to Richmond.
-
Ms. Bobbie Kurle, ABA IA, is leaving Island Creek and moving to Florida.
-
Ms. Amy Ivey, AART, is leaving Island Creek and joining another FCPS Staff.
-
Ms. Deb Tien, Music Teacher, is leaving Island Creek to teach Marching Band part-time at Hayfield Secondary.
-
Ms. Annise Winslow, ECCB Teacher, is leaving FCPS to be closer to her family.
-
Mr. Ty Turner, IA, is leaving FCPS and moving to New Jersey.
-
Ms. Ashley Chapman, Librarian, is leaving Island Creek and joining another FCPS Staff. Ms. Maura Keaney will be returning as Island Creek’s Librarian after a leave of absence.
-
Ms. Mary Kolodne, Special Education Teacher, will be leaving Island Creek and will be a Behavior Intervention Resource Teacher with FCPS.
-
Ms. Mary Osei, PAC Teacher, will be leaving Island Creek and joining another FCPS Staff.
-
Ms. Rachel Williams, Part-Time Art Teacher, will be leaving Island Creek and joining another FCPS Staff as a full-time Art Teacher.
May Croc Stars Character Trait: Resilient!
Preschool Water Day
Spectacular 5th and 6th Grade Chorus Concert
Monday evening, we were treated to our annual Spring Chorus Concert at Island Creek! Our 5th and 6th grade chorus students sang a variety of songs for their families, led by Ms. Sarah Laird. Kudos to Ms. Laird, our chorus, and the families who supported their students' musical development throughout the year.
5th Grade Medieval Day
Amazing 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Strings Concert
Thursday evening, we were treated to our annual Spring Strings Concert at Island Creek! Our 4th, 5th and 6th grade strings students played a variety of songs for their families, conducted by Ms. Amber Hicks. Kudos to Ms. Hicks, our Croc musicians, and the families who supported their students' musical development throughout the year.
Principals’ Student Advisory Council
Ms. Fallert and Ms. Baxter have enjoyed working with our student advisory council as each of these students is amazing with great ideas!
📈 SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE
Families can find Standards of Learning (SOL) reports for spring testing in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section on or before the last day of school. Log in to your ParentVUE account to access the following:
- For all students – the official SOL Score Report with overall and reporting category performance for all spring tests.
- For grade 3-8 students – the SOL Growth Parent Report shows performance over time for state reading and math tests completed this school year.
Visit the FCPS website for additional information about spring assessment reporting practices and timelines.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs
Inova Cares Clinic (ICC) will provide children ages 5 and older with free school entrance physicals and immunizations at summer health fairs for children on Medicaid or who are uninsured. The clinics will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates:
- Saturday, June 29, at ICC for Children - Manassas
- Saturday, July 20, at ICC for Children - Herndon
- Saturday, August 17, at ICC for Children - Falls Church
Appointments are required; no walk-ins will be allowed. Call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.
Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations
This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 2. Any FCPS parent or secondary student will have an opportunity to schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference.
Parents of students in any grade level can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at 703-503-2520.
Family Literacy Newsletter
Literacy tips for families.
Student Laptop Collection
All ICES student laptops and chargers should be returned on Monday, June 10. The only exceptions are for students enrolled in a summer school program who need their laptop to participate. Our ICES plan is to ensure we are in compliance with FCPS while respecting the last week of academic instruction. Please read the information below carefully and work with your teachers to help us make this process as efficient as possible.
Students returned their laptops and chargers to the classroom on Monday, June 3. They may continue to use their laptops at school for the rest of the week at the teacher’s discretion, but they are not to go home after Friday, June 7.
Any students using their FCPS laptop for a summer program must return it to Island Creek on the last day of the program.
Please direct any questions you have about the laptop return process to your child’s classroom teacher, including inquiries about financial replacement for missing laptops or chargers.
Sixth Grade Promotion Information
The Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 12 at 9:00 in the cafeteria. Attendees may gain access to the school cafeteria starting at 8:40 am. At the conclusion of the ceremony, 6th Grade students will process out of the gymnasium, and report directly to their respective homeroom classrooms. FCPS Progress Reports will be handed out, along with any remaining student belongings. Parents/Guardians may take their son/daughter home immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony. Any remaining students will be asked to participate in the remainder of the school day ending at 1:20 pm. Parents/Guardians must sign-out all students with their homeroom teachers, not the front office.
Students should "dress their best" in appropriate attire for this special day.
Health Room Medication Pick Up by Wednesday, June 12th
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up by a parent or guardian no later than student dismissal time on the last day of school (1:20). Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed per policy. Mediation cannot be sent home with your student. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by FCPS, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick-up the medication before student dismissal time on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. If you have any questions, please contact the Health Room at 571-642-6310.
🥳 Looking Ahead: Early Dismissal June 12, Last Day of School
As a reminder, the last day of the 2023-24 school year is Wednesday, June 12. Students will be dismissed 2 hours early at 1:20pm.
The first day of school for 2024-25 will be Monday, August 19. See the complete school year calendar for 2023-24 or 2024-25.
Save the Dates: Summer Happenings at Island Creek
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
June is Caribbean American Heritage Month
FCPS celebrates the rich diversity and honors the many contributions of immigrants of Caribbean heritage to our nation during the month of June. Caribbean individuals are some of the most ethnically diverse in the world. There are more than 8.5 million individuals in the United States born in the Caribbean or of Caribbean ancestry. Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Fairfax County Government Parenting Education Programs
The Parenting Education Program is enrolling for virtual and in-person classes for the summer. Check online for the full schedule which includes classes in English, Spanish, and an African American culturally-focused class beginning on June 26. Email for more information.
Fairfax County Government Parenting Information - Is Your Child Ready to Be Home Alone?
For many parents, deciding how their children should spend their time when schools are closed can be a challenge. A big part of this decision is considering if a child is ready and responsible enough to be left at home alone. Check out this article to help assess their readiness using our Child Supervision Guidelines. In addition, there are some steps Fairfax County suggests to prepare your child to be left at home.
Click to view the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
-
Monday, June 10: Kindergarten Farewell Performance (2:00, Cafeteria)
-
Wednesday, June 12: Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony (9:00, Cafeteria); Last day of the 2023-2024 School Year (2-hour early dismissal, 1:20)
-
Thursday, August 15: Open House (4:00-5:30)
-
Monday, August 19: First Day of the 2024-2025 School Year!
7855 Morning View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 571-642-6300
Attendance: 571-642-6363 or Submit Absence Online
Web | Twitter
