Weekly Words
April 26, 2024
Dear Island Creek Families,
What a wonderful week at Island Creek celebrating our amazing Administrative Professionals!
- Kathleen Black
- Sorenda Bickerstaff
- Tawnie Jewett
- Theresa Painter
We are so fortunate to have THE BEST students, families, and staff!
Take good care,
Jen Fallert, Principal
jrfallert@fcps.edu
Spirit Day: Monday, April 29
Class Placement: Parent/Guardian Input (optional) due Friday, May 17
Our staff will be starting to create tentative class groupings this spring, with classroom assignments finalized in mid-August. As we make these placements, we consider many factors including individual student information, teacher input, and social relationships. Every class will have a blend of children with diverse needs, personalities, and learning interests. Due to the many factors we consider in creating classroom placements, including the staffing of our teachers, requests for a specific teacher cannot be honored.
If you have information that you believe is pertinent to your child’s placement for next year, please complete this form by Friday, May 17. There is no need to complete the form if you do not have any information you would like us to consider.
Reading Buddies
Sixth Grade reading with Second Grade
Spotlight on Specials: Library
The library continues to be a busy place! Students have been practicing being a Communicator by:
- Making connections to what I read or hear.
- Speaking clearly so others can understand me.
- Listening and asking questions so I can understand.
Students learned about the Solar Eclipse and how to use databases and non-fiction books to find more information. Earth Day was on Monday, April 22nd and classes listened to stories about how we can help our Earth. Ask your child about different ways they can help the Earth at home. Students in grades K-2 have been listening to Virginia Readers’ Choice books. Beginning this week, students have a chance to vote for their favorite. We can’t wait to find out which book our students like the most! The Spring Book Fair was a huge success, and we could not have done it without the support of our amazing families. Students were excited to once again, independently make their wish lists and purchase their items. As we head into May, please help your child start returning books they have finished reading and look for any overdue/lost books. The last day for checking out books will be May 24, 2024. Happy Reading! - Mrs. Chapman
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SEL Screener Results
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) Screener during the month of March, providing updated information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions.
The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.
Bike and Roll to School Day: Wednesday, May 8
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We are celebrating and encouraging students to include a safe route to school as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. Students who ride their bikes can park their bikes during the school day in the gym. Please bring your bike to the back of the school and into the gym, at Door #6. Students who are in SACC, childcare or not within walking distance are welcome to participate with parent approval/ supervision. We will have a small prize and stickers for all!
If you ride your bike to school:
- All students must wear a helmet. Fairfax County law requires any-one under 15 to wear a helmet.
- Check their equipment: Air, Brakes and Chain
- Obey all traffic laws, a bicycle is a vehicle
- See and be seen
- Go with the flow of traffic, ride on the right.
- Be predictable, stay alert
- If riding on a sidewalk, yield to pedestrians and walk your bike if the sidewalk is crowded with walkers
- Beware of cars coming out of driveways if you ride on the sidewalk
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Save the Dates: Spring SOL Testing for Grades 3-6
Island Creek’s 2nd Annual Read-A-Thon!
May 22-31
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony
 STEM Kits for Third - Fifth Grade Students
Looking for fun and engaging STEM activities to engage learners? The FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) is offering STEM kits that include hands-on materials and curriculum with step-by-step instructions for children to build six exciting projects and complete 15 challenges and activities. Intended for third through fifth-grade students, the STEM Explorer Pack features activities across science, technology, engineering, and math that also incorporate reading, art, and more! All activities are completely hands-on and will have your learners engaged for hours as they create, explore, invent, and, most importantly, have fun! Instruction booklets come in both English and Spanish. Order a kit using this link.
Free Upcoming Virtual Webinars from the FCPS Family Resource Center
- April 30 - Counseling Services in Virginia for Mental Health and Substance Abuse: How to Get the Help You Desire
Join a private practice therapist and FCPS’s Senior Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist to help attendees understand how to locate and become involved with mental health treatment services in VA.
Register for this event scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 10 - 11:30 am.
- May 10 - Apego: Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido. (presentado en español)
Como ayudar a mi hijo a sentirse seguro en la relación que tiene con nosotros como padres. Cuatro de los retos más comunes que puede presentar mi hijo durante su desarrollo emocional. Estrategias para responder a estos retos sin afectar el desarrollo de un apego seguro.
Regístrate para este evento programado para el 10 de mayo de 2024, hora: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
- May 14 and 15 - Covid-19 (C19) Compensatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors
Join an information session about a new partnership between Fairfax County Schools (FCPS) and Varsity Tutors. This partnership will provide students with disabilities an additional opportunity to receive compensatory education as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with their IEP.
Register for this event scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 10-11 a.m.. A
- May 17 - Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years by Ellen Galinsky
Join best-selling author, Ellen Galinksy, as she shares her latest research on raising thriving teens.
Register for this event scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
- May 31 - Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families: Taming the Teenaged Brain
Navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions with our training on behavior strategies, tailored to support you at home during those challenging adolescent years. Learn about practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.
Register for this event scheduled for Friday, May 31, 2024 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s important for students to stay engaged, attend school, and finish strong! Visit our website for attendance resources.
 Click to view the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
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Monday, April 29: Croc Spirit Day!
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Friday, May 3: Orthodox Good Friday (School closed for students; Teacher Workday)
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Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 10: Staff Appreciation Week
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Wednesday, May 8: Bike and Roll to School Day
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Wednesday, May 22 – Friday, May 31: Island Creek Read-A-Thon
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Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (School closed for students and staff)
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Wednesday, May 29: Spring Band Concert
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Friday, May 31: Field Day (Rain date: Friday, June 7)
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Thursday, June 6: Spring Strings Concert
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Wednesday, June 12: Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony (9:00, Gymnasium); Last day of the 2023-2024 School Year (2-hour early dismissal, 1:20)
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