Weekly Words - January 19

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 01/19/2024 09:55 AM EST

Weekly Words

January 19, 2024 

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Dear Island Creek Families,

How fun that we had the first measurable snowfall in 2 years! The children were excited to share their stories about snowmen, sledding, forts, and hot chocolate.

Due to the snow days this week, Authors and Artists Night has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 1 from 4:30-6:00. We hope our Croc families can stop by to see the students' creative writing and artwork.

Thursday is the last day of the 2nd Quarter of school and dismissal will be 2 hours early at 1:20. Additionally, Friday is a student holiday as it's a Work Day for teachers.

We look forward to welcoming our Crocs back to school on Monday!

Warmly,

Jen Fallert

jrfallert@fcps.edu

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New Date for Authors and Artists: Thursday, February 1

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Band and Strings Winter Concert

Congratulations to our Advanced Band and Strings Students for their amazing performance Thursday evening. Thank you to Ms. Hicks, Strings Teacher, and Ms. Creque, Band Teacher, for leading our talented musicians.

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Supporting Beginning Readers Information Session: January 31

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Island Creek Celebrates Diversity

We want to empower our Island Creek students to have a strong voice, share their experiences, and learn from, and celebrate, each other! We would love to hear from our Crocs about the various traditions, holidays, observances, and cultural experiences families celebrate or recognize.

During January we would like our students to learn about the following observances:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Three Kings Day/Epiphany
  • Kwanzaa
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Additional January observances or celebrations that your child would like to share

If your child is interested in recording a 1-2 minute segment for our Morning News Show please use this link: https://flip.com/95550918 as we would love to learn from our Crocs! Alternatively, if your child would prefer to make a poster to display in the hallways at Island Creek, please have them bring their poster to the front office to be displayed.

Candy Grams on sale January 29-February 9

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Kindness Week at Island Creek (February 12-16)

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Save the Date: This is Us Multicultural Night!!  (2nd annual)

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Fairfax County Park Authority Spring and Summer Camp Registration Opens January 23

Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) registration for spring and summer camps opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Explore the 2024 Camp Guide to see the complete listings (and all the details) for upcoming camps. The publication outlines key background information, including key dates, extended care information and all the 2024 camp locations. It also provides all the details you need for each camp listing organized by season and then camp type. Log on to use the Camp Search to register in Parktakes.  If you have any questions, please contact the FCPA camps team at camps@fairfaxcounty.gov.

February Webinars at the FCPS Family Resource Center

  • Meet the Author Series: Mind in The Making with Ellen Galinsky - February 2, 2024, from 10-11 a.m.

Looking for research-based advice for families on how to raise their children to be well-rounded and achieve their full potential, helping them learn to take on life's challenges, communicate well with others, and remain committed to learning? These are the "essential life skills" that Ellen Galinsky has spent her career pursuing. Register for Meet the Author Series: Mind in The Making with Ellen Galinsky.

  • Behavior Solution Series for Elementary and Secondary Families – dates in February through May, from 10-11:30 a.m.

Join staff from the FCPS Behavior Intervention Services Department to help families encourage positive communication and behavior at home. Register for all or part of the following Behavior Solution Series webinars.

Elementary Webinars

  • 2/16 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication - Embark on a collaborative parenting journey while we guide you through practical tips that can be used in your home.
  • 3/15 Taming Tantrums and More - Learn how to turn meltdowns into moments that make you go 'ta-da!'

Secondary Webinars

  • 4/19 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication - Uncover the secrets to fostering open communication, building trust, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
  • 5/31 Taming the Teenaged Brain - We will provide practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.
  • How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help - February 23, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Register to hear Ann Dolin, educator, author, and Educational Connections Founder, discuss the following topics: 

  • What to do if your child comes home with bad grades (and how to prevent over-reacting)
  • How to talk to your child about their school performance, including some easy conversation starters
  • Ways to investigate why it’s happening and the two most common reasons for poor grades
  • What to do about it moving forward, including strategies to help your child study more effectively and stay organized
  • Whether you should set consequences for your child’s bad grades (or reward them for good grades)
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Click to view the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

  • Thursday, January 25: Last day of 2nd Quarter, 2-hour early release for students (1:20)
  • Friday, January 26:  Teacher Work Day (no school for students)
  • Monday, January 29:  3rd Quarter begins
  • Wednesday, January 31: Supporting Beginning Readers Information Session (9:15, Island Creek Theatre) (session will be recorded)
  • Thursday, February 1: Authors and Artists (4:30-6:00)
  • Monday, February 19:  Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (school holiday)