Weekly Words
March 8, 2024
Dear Island Creek Families,
What a fantastic week for our Crocs with Read Across the World Week and last night’s This is Us Multicultural Night. As I drove home Thursday night, I reflected upon the amazingly supportive Island Creek families and how wonderful it is to see so many of you at schoolwide events we have held this year such as SEL and Literacy Information Sessions, Military-Connected Coffee, This is Us Multicultural Night, Math Night, Thanksgiving Lunch, Book Fairs, and Authors & Artists. A heartfelt Thank You to those of you who hosted a table, showcased a display, and/or held a performance as it was a perfect evening to celebrate the diversity within our community. Last night exemplified one of my favorite quotes (author unknown)….The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.
The first full day of Ramadan is on Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. Our library will be available during all lunches if students would prefer to go to the library instead of the cafeteria, as many will be fasting. Please remember that throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, we encourage you to reach out directly to your child's teacher and/or Jen Fallert (jrfallert@fcps.edu) regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour as Daylight saving time begins this Sunday at 0200.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Warmly,
Jen Fallert
jrfallert@fcps.edu
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Daylight Saving Time Begins
Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., when daylight saving time begins!
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Spring Picture Day
Tuesday, March 12
Use this access code: KPYSHSYH82 to order your Spring photos from the Barksdale Storefront.
- Online orders will generate a 'camera pass' that is sent to the parent's email. This pass should be printed at home and sent in with the student on picture day to be given to the photographer.
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Students should bring their camera pass or order form (sent home in Thursday folders March 7) with them to give to the photographer
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Pictures can be ordered online until 10:00 PM, March 14. After that, access to online ordering will be temporarily closed so that production can begin on submitted orders.
Picture packages will be delivered to the school and sent home in Thursday folders. For those who did not pre-order, a proof will be sent with information on how to place an order online.
There are no retakes for Spring photos.
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February Croc Stars are Collaborative and Creative!
Read Across the World Week!
 
This is Us Multicultural Night!
  
Ramadan (March 10-April 9)
This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. This artwork was created by Westfield High School student Naba F.
Ramadan is marked by personal and community prayer as well as fasting from dawn to sunset. If your child will be fasting, please let your child's teacher of Jen Fallert (jrfallert@fcps.edu) know. We will be offering a space for students to go instead of the cafeteria if they plan to fast and want to be prepared. Thank you!
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Thursday, March 21: Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day!
Island Creek students and staff will be recognizing World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21 with “Rock Your Socks” where students may wear their favorite, wackiest, silliest, most colorful, fun socks! At Island Creek we want ALL students to be seen, valued, heard, and appreciated for their uniqueness. Did you know according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 772 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition?
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Responsive Classroom: Redirecting Language
The power of our words (and tone) can make a difference in our day and with relationships, especially when speaking to children. Effective language conveys that we believe in children and their ability to succeed. Responsive Classroom’s redirecting language helps support both children’s growth and behavior.
Redirecting language…..
- is clear, direct and specific
- names the desired behavior
- is a “do” statement
It is important to keep statements brief to allow children the space to be successful, even when self-control and/or emotional regulation can be a challenge in the moment.
Here are some clear, specific redirecting language statements you may considering trying at home:
- Stop and clean up your space.
- Walk.
- Close your computer, eyes on me.
- We use kind words.
- We take turns on the swings.
- Quiet voices.
- Push your chair in and go brush your teeth.
- Stop. Look. Listen.
Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form
On Monday, March 18, Island Creek Elementary parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Save the Dates: Spring SOL Testing for Grades 3-6
Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.
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 Kindergarten Orientation
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.
2024-2025 School Year
We will begin accepting registrations for the 2024-25 school year at the beginning of April 2024. Do you have a child that will turn 5 by September 30, 2024? Virginia law states that parents/guardians must ensure a child attends school if he or she will be five years old on or before September 30.
You may begin the process by completing the registration intake on our website: https://islandcreekes.fcps.edu/resources/new-student-registration.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our registrar Theresa Painter at tepainter@fcps.edu
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Follow us on Instagram and see snapshots of what goes on in our amazing classroom!
@islandcreekelementary
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Join our Facebook Group for information, pictures, and more!
Island Creek Elementary School
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 Click to view the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
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Sunday, March 10: Daylight Savings Time begins (move clocks forward one hour)
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Sunday evening, March 10-Tuesday, April 9: Ramadan
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Tuesday, March 12: Spring Pictures with Barksdale
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Thursday, March 21: Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day
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Friday, March 22: Last day of 3rd Quarter of School
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Spring Break for students: March 25-April 2
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Sunday, March 31: Easter
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Tuesday, April 2: Orientation for Rising Kindergarten students (2:30-3:30)
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Wednesday, April 3: 4th Quarter begins
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Wednesday, April 10: Eid Al Fitr (School closed for students and staff)
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Wednesday, April 17: Purple Up! Day
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