Island Creek's Weekly Words: June 5, 2026

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Dear Island Creek Families, 

Thank you to our P.E. teachers, Ms. Barber and Mr. Magagnoli, for leading today's Field Day! It is truly a core elementary school memory for our students. We also want to thank the parents and guardians who adjusted their schedules to come out and support our Crocs. Even though it was a warm day, a wonderful time was had by all!

🥰 A huge, heartfelt thank you to all the parents and guardians who stepped up to volunteer for next year's Island Creek PTA Board! We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive community. We can't wait for next week's PTA meeting to start planning all the exciting things ahead! 

Congratulations to the Hayfield Class of 2026 Graduates! We invite the graduating Class of 2026 to join us on Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 AM for our traditional Senior Walk through the halls of Island Creek Elementary. Since their time at Island Creek was cut short on March 12, 2020, this reunion is extra special. Our staff and students are thrilled to celebrate them and welcome the graduates back home!

Have a fantastic weekend, and we look forward to the next 8 days of school with our Crocs!

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Warmly,

Jen Fallert, Principal    🐊

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal    🐊 


Every Day Counts at Island Creek!

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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  informedabout our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

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Senior Grad Walk: June 9

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We are excited to invite our graduating Class of 2026 back to where it all began. Please join us on Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 AM to walk the halls of Island Creek Elementary School one last time.

March 12, 2020, was the last time this group was all together at Island Creek, making this return extra special! This senior walk is one of our favorite traditions, and our staff and current students can’t wait to cheer you on.


Chorus and Strings Concerts

Congratulations to our 5th and 6th Grade Chorus and Strings students on their phenomenal concerts this week! We have incredibly talented singers and instrumentalists under the guidance of Ms. Arslan, Ms. Laird, and Ms. Hicks. We are so proud of everyone's hard work! Additionally, thank you to the Island Creek Families and Guests who attended the concerts!

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Summer Device Sign-out

Students may check out an FCPS laptop if one is not available at home. If you would like your child to participate, please complete the Summer Device Form.

Please review the following important guidelines:

  1. Educational Use Only: All laptops are FCPS-issued devices and must be used in accordance with the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) at all times. Devices are intended solely for educational purposes.
  2. Student Use Only: Devices should not be used by other members of the household for non-educational activities.
  3. Parent/Guardian Supervision: Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that student laptops are used to support learning. We strongly encourage families to sign up for Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides information about websites your child visits and allows you to manage access to sites such as YouTube. Registration information is included in the weekly Lightspeed emails that families receive.
  4. Device Return and Replacement Costs: All laptops checked out for summer learning must be returned at the conclusion of the program. Lost or damaged devices may result in replacement fees of $432 for the laptop and $30 for a missing charger.
  5. Travel Restriction: FCPS-issued devices may not be taken outside of the United States.
  6. Return Date:    Friday, August 7th

Thank you for partnering with us to support a safe, productive, and responsible summer learning experience.


BAND, STRINGS, and CHORUS are NOW REGISTERING FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

 Attention all rising fourth, fifth and sixth grade Island Creek students and families!  Now is the time to complete Electives Enrollment Forms for school year 2026-2027. 

Current 4th Grade and 5th Grade students are now registering for Band, Strings, and Chorus for next school year!  In the next weeks, students will have an opportunity to see and hear instruments at the Spring Concert performances for all groups. We hope that your child will sign up now to participate in at least one of these exciting musical groups!  Students may choose between Band or Strings, but all students may participate in Chorus.

Current 3rd Grade students are eligible to participate in Strings next year and learn how to play an instrument for the first time!  Each year, many 4th graders participate in the Strings program, and it’s a great way to help your child build skills such as teamwork, resiliency, and leadership! 

 

Register online at the link below or scan the QR code on forms given to students.

 

Please contact our Band, Strings, and Chorus teachers with any questions you might have.

Strings Teacher:  Ms. Hicks: Anhicks@fcps.edu

Band Teacher:  Mx. Hamilton:  lhamilton@fcps.edu  

Chorus Teachers: Ms. Arslan (sbarslan@fcps.edu) and Ms. Laird (salaird@fcps.edu)

  • 4th Grade electives (for this year’s 3rd Grade students):  Sign up for STRINGS
  • 5th Grade electives (for this year’s 4th Grade students):  Sign up for BAND/STRINGS and CHORUS.
  • 6th Grade electives (for this year’s 5th Grade students):  Sign up for BAND/STRINGS and CHORUS.

💊Medication Pick Up from the Health Room

Pick up your child’s medication from the Health Room by:

🚨Wednesday, June 17 by 2 pm

The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 2:00 p.m. on the last day of school, June 17. Medication left in the health room after that time will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student.

Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school.

If you have any questions, please contact the school health room at 703-642-6310


📙Benchmark Magazines

Before the end of the school year, your child will be bringing home two Benchmark magazines, Units 9 and 10.  As time does not allow us to reach these final two units in our curriculum, the county is encouraging students to enjoy them at home this summer.  The Take Home Activity Calendar located in the back of each magazine has some suggested activities - enjoy!


Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony

Families of Sixth Grade students are invited to celebrate the accomplishments of our sixth-grade students and reflect on their time at Island Creek on Wednesday, June 17th at 9:00 a.m.  Doors will open at 8:20 a.m.

Please note all adult family members must have a valid photo ID.

Students should "dress their best" in appropriate attire for this special day.


Spotlight on Specials:  Band and Strings

BAND

  • Upcoming 5th and 6th grade combined rehearsals: June 9th, 10th  and 11th at 9:05-10:05am. Please ensure your child has their instrument and music for every rehearsal!
  • Our Spring Concert is on Thursday June 11that 2pm and 6:30pm!
    • The in-school performance is at 2pm.
    • The after-school performance is at 6:30pm. Students should arrive at 5:50pm for set up. Families and friends are invited to come see our amazing Croc musicians.
    • Dress code: Island Creek Music t-shirt, black or dark long pants/skirt.

We are looking forward to showcasing all the growth we’ve had this year!

 

STRINGS

The Strings students performed a wonderful concert on June 2nd and I am so proud of their hard work!  Strings students do not need instruments at school for the rest of the year. 

Don’t forget to sign up for Strings next year! 


Family Information Line Available in Nine 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.


Summer Events at Island Creek

Kindergarten Playdate for Rising KDG Students and Families

  • Friday, July 24 (3:00-4:00) and Friday, July 31 (9:00-10:00); Playground

Popsicles on the Playground for All Students and Families

  • Friday, August 7 (9:00-10:00); Playground

6th Grade Chat and Chew with the Principals (Rising 6th Grade students)

  • Thursday, August 13 (12:00-1:00); Library

Welcome Tours for Families New to Island Creek

  • Friday, August 14 (9:00-9:30 and 3:00-3:30); Door 1

Open House and Meet the Teacher for Students and Families

  • Wednesday, August 19
    • Optional early time (4:00-4:30) for Preschool, Kindergarten, and Students with IEPs
    • All Students (4:30-6:00)

First Day of School!

  • Monday, August 24:  Parents of kindergarten students and students who are new to Island Creek may walk their child to their classroom on the first day of school only.

Back to School Night for Parents/Guardians

  • Tuesday, September 1
    • Session 1:  5:45-6:20
    • Session 2:  6:40-7:15 (Repeat of Session 1)
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School Supplies for 2026-2027

Island Creek is offering the convenience of pre-purchasing a school supply kit from Campus Survival Kits. All of the ordering information including what the kit includes and how much it costs can be found online here.  There is also a flyer that went home in your child's backpack this week.

The school supply kits will be delivered to the school in August and will be available in your classroom at Open House (or the first day of school, if you are unable to make it to Open House).

The due date to order a kit is July 15th. 

If you would prefer to buy your school supplies separately and not order a kit, the list will be available on the Island Creek website next week.


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FCPS Summer Extravaganza, Saturday, June 6, 10:00am-2:30pm 

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School. Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

 

Community Assistance - Summer 2026

 

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services

Fairfax County Public Schools will provide free summer meals to all children through the Summer Food Service Program. Meals are available at select schools on a first-come, first-served basis, and children must remain onsite while eating. No meals June 18-19 and July 3. For more information, school locations and hours please visit: https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/food-and-nutrition/summer-meal-service-program

 

Sunbucks

Virginia SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit to help families with the cost of groceries during the summer when children are not in school. Some families will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks based on participation in SNAP, TANF, income-based Medical Assistance, or free or reduced-price meals at school. Whether you're applying for SUN Bucks or automatically qualify, make sure your child's school and/or Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) have your correct address.  Learn more about SUN Bucks and how to apply.

 

Fairfax County - Coordinated Services Planning

Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., if your family needs food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, employment or other essential needs. Bilingual staff and/or interpreters available.

 

Koinonia and Lorton Community Action Center

Local non-profit organizations that can help with emergency food, clothing, housewares and school supplies. Appointment and registration required. Koinonia (703-971-1991) Serves families living in 22315, 22310, 22150 (east of I-95), 22303, 22312 zip codes. www.koinoniacares.org Lorton Community Action Center (703-339-5161) Serves families living in 22060 and 22079 zip codes. lortonaction.org

 

Bridge to Resources - Virginia

Database from the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Search for local and state programs including childcare, healthcare, school supplies and family services. bridge2resourcesva.org

 

Food for Others distributes food weekly at neighborhood sites. No registration required. Bring your own grocery bags. For a list of additional neighborhood sites visit https://foodforothers.org/ or call (703-207-9173).

Springfield Gardens: Fridays, 6:00pm; Community Center behind Springfield Plaza at 7224 Commerce Street, Springfield, 22150.

Springfield – Chelsea Square: Tuesdays, 6:00pm, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, 22150, in the basement of Fellowship Hall.

 

Capital Area Food Bank Free Monthly Mobile Market at the Journey Church (6427 Franconia Rd), Second Saturday of each month, 11:00am-1:00pm. Free fresh produce for local community members in need. Arrive early for the most variety. Bring your own bags. No pre-registration required. Questions? Email mobilemarket@thejourneynova.org

 

School Immunizations

Fairfax County Health Department

Call 703-246-7100 to make an immunization appointment at our local public health center.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics

Inova Cares for Families (serves Medicaid, FAMIS, Inova’s financial assistance program & uninsured patients) call 703-531-3100 or visit inova.org/CaresforFamilies


🗓️ Island Creek Calendar

️Thursday, June 11:  Band Concert

️Tuesday, June 16: Last Day of School for Preschool Students

️Wednesday, June 17:  Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony (9:00, doors open at 8:30); Last Day of School for School-age Students (1:20 dismissal)


❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

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Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary