Island Creek's Summer Updates: July 31, 2026

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It's Almost Back to School Time!

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Next Friday (August 7): Popsicles on the Playground for All Families

All Students and Families are invited to join Island Creek Staff next Friday from 9:00-10:00 on the Playground!


Sixth Grade Chat and Chew

Rising 6th Grade Students are invited to join Mrs. Fallert and Dr. Cash-Pinckney for "Chat and Chew" on Thursday, August 13 from 12:00-1:00 in the library. Please RSVP here.

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Kindergarten Registration

Online Registration is now open for the 2026-27 school year!

Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives.

New-to-FCPS families create a ParentVUE account for online access. 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)

Please call the main office at 571-642-6300 to schedule an appointment.

Early registration puts you on the list for school communications, so don’t wait.


Updated Cellphone Policy: No Phones OR Devices

Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law, which means high school students are no longer able to use cellphones, cellphone accessories, or smart devices (like smart glasses, earbuds, headsets, and other items connected to the phone) during lunchtime.

Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.

This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.

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School Supply Lists

Get ready for the new school year by reviewing the school supply list for your child’s grade level. Lists for all grade levels are available on the Island Creek website. Families are encouraged to review the list early and purchase supplies before the first day of school.


Tax-Free Weekend

Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, is a sales tax holiday in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage for details on eligible items, including school supplies and clothing.


Online Annual Forms (Action Needed)

The Online Verification/Update (OVU) packet is now open and available for parents to complete.

Please note that this year's packet includes:

As we prepare for the new school year, we are working toward 100% completion of student re-enrollment forms for every family before school begins. 

Families may complete their forms electronically through ParentVUE, or by downloading the paper forms from the county website and returning them to the school office. All re-enrollment forms must be completed before the start of school.


Island Creek's Early Release Wednesdays for 2026-27

FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. The number of days has been reduced from eight to four. 

Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with their peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students. 

The dates for Island Creek Elementary's four early release Wednesdays (dismissal at 1:20) are as follows:

  • October 21
  • December 2
  • February 10
  • May 5

Visit the FCPS website for more information about early release Wednesdays.


Immunizations

Back-to-School Immunization Requirements

Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:

  1. Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
  2. If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
  3. Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.

Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date. 

Where to Receive Immunizations

If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s healthcare provider or one of the following immunization events. 

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations or need a booster. 

Summer back-to-school immunization clinics are also available. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.

Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.

Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.


Island Creek's Community Peers Program

Children who are ages 3-4 by September 30th may be eligible to attend preschool classes at an Island Creek Elementary as Community Peers.

The Community Peer program provides an opportunity for preschoolers with all abilities to work and play on a regular basis.  Selected community peers attend as peer models in an early childhood special education classroom to promote social, academic, and language development. 

Community Peers must be fully potty trained and not currently receiving FCPS special education services.  Parents/Guardians are responsible for providing transportation and meals for their child. 

Our early childhood special education program uses a child-centered approach with predictable routines that include morning meeting, circle time, work time, small-group activities, music, art, and outdoor play. Each class is led by a certified early childhood special education teacher and a full-time instructional assistant.

Families interested in having their preschool student attend Island Creek as a community peer should fill out this form.

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Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals. 

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. 

The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance


New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall 

This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school. 

Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.

All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.

Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.


Upcoming Events at Island Creek

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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❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

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Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary