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Dear Island Creek Families,
It has been a wonderful week for our Crocs as we celebrated Read Across America! Our hallways are looking bright with classroom doors decorated to honor favorite books, and it was fun seeing everyone's creativity during this morning’s Vocabulary Parade.
A few reminders of upcoming dates:
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Tuesday, March 10: Our 5th grade students will take their Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) SOL. We know they’ll do a great job!
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Friday, March 13: We look forward to seeing our 5th and 6th Grade families at the Family Friday Breakfast Bash!
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Monday, March 16: Spring Picture Day! (individual students and whole class)
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Thursday, March 19: Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day!
Thank you for everything you do to support our students and staff. We truly value your partnership in making Island Creek a welcoming place to learn.
Warmly,
Jen Fallert, Principal 🐊
Karen Baxter, Assistant Principal 🐊
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Every Day Counts at Island Creek!
Help us reach our goal of 4% or less this year!
Attendance is a vital life skill that will benefit your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career.
By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance
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☀️ Daylight Saving Time Begins (Spring Forward)
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
Vocabulary Parade!
This morning students participated in Vocabulary Parade as a culmination to a fun Read Across America Week!
   
Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment.
- Communication.
- Student success.
- Advocacy.
- Family and school partnerships.
- Community partnerships.
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.
SPRING PICTURE DAY
Monday, March 16
Victor O'Neill Studios will be on site to take the following pictures:
- student individual (full-length)
- class group
All orders will be placed AFTER picture day.
You will be able to view and order your child’s photos in their online gallery approximately ten days after picture day.
Victor O’Neill Studios - Underclass@vosphoto.com
World Down Syndrome Day!
Thursday, March 19
We celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome.
This year’s theme is #TogetherAgainstLoneliness. It’s a reminder that true inclusion isn’t just about "being there"—it’s about belonging, friendship, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.
All are encourged to "rock their socks" to advocate for a world where everyone is connected. 💙💛
Island Creek students and staff will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 19 since school is closed on Friday, March 20 in recognition of Eid-al-Fitr.
Authors and Artists Night and the Spring Book Fair!
Thursday, March 26 (5:30-7:00)
All are invited to Island Creek on Thursday, March 26 (5:30-7:00) for Authors and Artists Night and the Spring Book Fair! Back by popular demand...the Glow Room!
Body Safety Program
The Body Safety Program is scheduled to take place at Island Creek Elementary the week of April 20-24 for students in Kindergarten-6th Grade.
If you would like to opt your child out of this program, please make sure to send in a signed opt-out form (English/Spanish) no later than Tuesday, April 7. Please note that Rylynn, a Department of Family Services Facility Dog, will be on-site Friday.
We will have a virtual family info session via Google Meet on Tuesday, March 10th at 5:30PM via this link: https://meet.google.com/xze-kydf-itn.
Island Creek's Fourth Annual This is Us Multicultural Night!
Sign-up for a table or a time to perform!
Island Creek Elementary's This Is Us Multicultural Night is an opportunity for the Island Creek school community to connect and learn more about classmates and families through their cultures, travels, food, and traditions.
Sign-up here or scan the QR Code below to reserve a table or performance time.
Registration is only needed for tables and performances
Spotlight on Specials: Band & Strings
What’s new in BAND and STRINGS?
BAND:
5th and 6th Grade: Students should be practicing at home 3-5 times a week. Students are working on their concert music: Echo Lake, Midnight Mission, and Stronghold. Students should also review their concert B flat scale.
6th Grade: Area Band has begun at Hayfield Secondary for students who have signed up. Rehearsals are on Mondays, 5pm-6:15pm , and the concert is Tuesday March 24th.
Students who are participating in Solo and Ensemble Festival have received music and should be practicing at home. Students will have the opportunity to sign up for a BEFORE SCHOOL rehearsal with me to take place this month so I can check on their progress. Another sign up will happen in a few weeks for the month of April so students can fulfill their two rehearsal requirements.
STRINGS:
4th Grade: Students continue to practice reading notes in the music and have begun Note Reading Challenges that will be part of their 3rd quarter grade. Please encourage your students to study their flash cards so they can show progress from week to week. They will be receiving concert music soon!
5th and 6th Grade: Students continue to work on concert music! Area Orchestra at Hayfield has begun on Mondays from 5:00-6:15 for those students who chose to participate. Students who are participating in Solo Festival have received their music and should be practicing at home. I need to hear all solos before Spring break so I can make sure they’re on the right track in their learning.
**Mark your Calendars: The Strings Concert is on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 pm!****
New-to-FCPS families create a ParentVUE account for online registration. Details are available here: Welcome to Fairfax County Public Schools' (FCPS) Online Registration | Fairfax County Public Schools
Current families can register their new student through their existing ParentVUE account. (No need to register students returning to Island Creek)
Our Registrar, Ms. Bickerstaff, is happy to process registrations directly as well. Please complete this New Student Intake Form and she will respond with registration details and documents necessary to start the process.
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten you can learn more here.
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment
Island Creek will have a PreK Class for School Year 2026-2027!
This is a high-quality Early Childhood Program for eligible families. PreK (which stands for Pre-Kindergarten) is a full-day program, and spaces are limited. The PreK program prioritizes children who will be 4 years old by September 30 but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30.
For more information or to apply, visit the FCPS PreK website, email fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu, or call the PreK Office at 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
2025-2026 Yearbooks on Sale! Order Now and Save!
School yearbooks are on sale! The basic book is just $22 now, but the price will go up to $25 on March 20th.
Ordering is simple: Just go http://www.buytheyearbook.com, put in Island Creek School ID 732461, and pay with your credit card. All orders are online only.
PLEASE NOTE: There will not be any additional books for sale in June. If you want your child to have a yearbook, please order one now.
Students in Grades 3-6 participate in the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests. Students are administered the assessment in the morning and need to get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast at home or school. Please refrain from scheduling appointments when your child has an SOL Test.
Elementary Institute for the Arts
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) — a dynamic summer enrichment program serving students currently in Grades K–5. Students currently in grade 6 are eligible for our secondary program, Institute for the Arts (IFTA).
Our programs offer students daily experiences in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance in a fun, supportive environment designed to nurture creativity and confidence. To ensure access for all families, we provide:
- Tuition assistance
- Transportation
- After care options
Spring Break Basketball Camp at Hayfield Secondary!
 Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians
The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in March:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
- The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
- Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
- Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
- Mind in the Making: Making Connection and Critical Thinking
There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including reducing parent stress and anxiety, parenting neurodivergent kids, why smart kids struggle, and a countdown to kindergarten.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.
Month of the Military Child T-Shirts Available for Purchase
FCPS will be celebrating the Month of the Military Child in April, and Purple Up! Day on April 15th. Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Monday, March 9, 2026, in our Custom Ink online store. These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS! Items will be delivered to your child’s school, expected delivery date March 23. For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
Special Education Family Conference!
Saturday, April 18 (new date!), from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event.
Military Families Field Day!
Saturday, April 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA 22003) To RSVP, please complete this Google form by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Free Books for All!
Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair, Saturday, March 14, 10:00am-2:00pm, at the Lorton Community Center (9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079) Caregivers are welcome to choose up to 10 free books per child. Fun family activities including DJ and free arts and crafts. For more information, please contact Jack Delaney at jdelaney@fcft.org
Lorton Community Action Center’s Community Health Fair
Sunday, March 15, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Lorton Community Center -Gym (9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079) Free Health Screenings and Information: Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Behavioral Health & Women’s Health. Questions? Contact Elizabeth@lortonaction.org, 571-667-6320
Summer Camps 2026
Values in Prevention Camp Registration opens Tues, March 17
Values in Prevention (VIP) Camp for rising 7th and 8th grade students will be held at Whitman MS from July 1-30, Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:00pm, (no camp July 3). The camp focuses on building positive relationships with peers and caring adults while introducing students to new hobbies and activities in a safe and supervised environment. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided at no cost, students are also welcome to bring their own lunch. Transportation is provided from local elementary schools. The cost for camp is $100, students who receive Free or Reduced Fee lunch pay half. There are four field trips with additional fees. Additional financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis; financial burden will not be a barrier for students to attend. Payments are collected at the end of April, and are made through MySchoolBucks, cash, check, or money order. Registration opens on March 17 at 6 p.m. https://www.fcps.edu/get-involved/activities/middle-school-student-activities/vip-summer-camp
Camp Fairfax Registration Opens Tues, March 17 Camp Fairfax (summer SACC) registration opens March 17. A staggered enrollment process will be available alphabetically by the Camp Fairfax elementary school (ES) and/or community center name. Find summer 2026 dates, locations, and registration information at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/camp-fairfax/summer Many camp locations fill up quickly, if you are new to the program you will need to create an account at SACC Registration Online. Please note it may take up to five days for your account to become active.
Therapeutic Recreation Services Camps Registration Opens March 11
Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services’ Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) provides supports and programming for people with special needs and offers summer camps for preschool, elementary aged and teens. Registration opens Wednesday, March 11. For more information visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/therapeutic-recreation-camp
Tech Adventure Camp and Elementary Institute for the Arts Registration Open
Registration for the FCPS summer programs—Tech Adventure Camp, Career and Technical Education Summer Academy, Elementary Institute for the Arts, Institute for the Arts, and Production Camp—is now open. The summer 2026 location for these programs is Robinson Secondary School. New this year, students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
The FCPS Family Resource Center also has a summer camp guide on its website, including adaptive camps for students with disabilities. These guides are updated regularly to provide the most up-to-date information for families.
❤️Tuesday, March 10: 5th Grade Writing SOL; Body Safety Program Family Session (virtual, 5:30)
❤️Friday, March 13: Breakfast Bash with 5th and 6th Grade Families (7:45-8:20, Cafeteria)
❤️Monday, March 16: Spring Photos (class and individual)
❤️Thursday, March 19: Rock Your Socks in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day!
❤️Friday, March 20: Eid-al-Fitr (No School)
❤️SPRING BOOK FAIR: March 23-27
❤️Wednesday, March 25: 3-Hour Early Release at 12:20 for school-age students
❤️Thursday, March 26: Authors and Artists Night and Book Fair Evening Hours (5:30-7:00)
❤️Friday, March 27: Quarter 3 ends; 2-Hour Early Relase for all students at 1:20
❤️March 30 - April 6: Student Holiday: Spring Break and Teacher Workday
❤️Friday, April 10: Kindergarten Orientation (1:30-3:00); No School for students
️❤️Thursday, April 23: This is Us Multicultural Night (5:30-7:00)
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