Island Creek Staff Promotions

Ms. Christine Mehrtash, 5^th 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.

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, 2^nd 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.

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.

Health Room Medication Pick Up by Wednesday, June 12^th

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.

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.