Island Creek Elementary School

Parent Teacher Association

Meeting Minutes

December 5, 2006

 

 

Attendees: Dr. Owner, Liz Dunn, Lorie Kappeler, Janette Pai Kim, Dan Twomey, Marsha Porter Houghton, Toni Shipe, Angela Turnbull, Steve Wallen, Susan Brock, Liz Townsend, Terry Wilson, Cherie Rogers Macyzk, Suneetha Gajjala, Meredith Leech, Kim Krentz, Emanuel Smith, Carol Valent, Lindsey Mersinger, Nicole Grenwis, Elaine Coburn, Mike Macrina and Jeanne Igo.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Liz Dunn, PTA President.  The October minutes were approved; the November minutes will be reviewed at the January 2007 PTA meeting. 

 

Principal’s Remarks

Dr. Owner introduced the 1st and 2nd grade teachers in attendance:  Meredith Leech, Nicole Grenwis, Carol Valent, Elaine Coburn, Kim Krentz and Lindsey Mersinger (substituting for Mrs. Pikul during her maternity leave).  These classrooms were recently outfitted with audio enhancement systems; teachers and reading specialists agree that the systems create a more consistent learning environment in each classroom, as well as throughout the school.  Feedback from all teachers has been great, and the additions fit extremely well with the L.I.F.E. (Literacy is for Everyone) focus for the 2006-2007 school year. 

 

President’s Remarks

Liz Dunn shared the fact that other schools in our Cluster have inquired about the audio enhancement systems and how the PTA has assisted in this process. 

 

Liz also provided the latest boundary update for Hayfield, South County and Lake Braddock Secondary Schools. 

 

Vice President Reports

Community Outreach

Angela Turnbull reported that she attended the Cluster V meeting for Fairfax County Public Schools.  She learned that there are many services offered by the school system – Island Creek may want to take advance of some of these educational services at some point in the future. 

 

Liz Townsend, Newsletter, reported that the Island Breeze deadline is December 8 – earlier due to the holiday break. 

 


 

Education

Steve Wallen reported that we have had 73 students enrolled in the Mad Science program, coordinated by Dr. Joe Tischler.  Yin Mei Hueskes found a Sign Language teacher for Flex; classes will be offered starting in January 2007.  Denise Bolton will host the Reflections Awards at the PTA meeting in February. 

 

Susan Brock, CAPS, shared with us that the next program will be with Joe Romano on February 20 for all Island Creek students.  Mr. Macrina also shared that Fairfax County Public Schools is hosting the Virginia Opera Assembly in March. 

 

Ways & Means

Marsha Porter Houghton reported for Janette Pai Kim that our 2nd Annual Craft & Gift Fair was a rousing success!  Food, silent auction and spirit wear brought in more than $1,500 alone.  Thanks to Sherri Dawson, our chairperson, for doing a great job!  Thanks to Jeff Coburn for making the fantastic signs, to Ms. Kraft and Mr. Pettis for the choral and band groups, and to all the volunteers, crafters and shoppers who made it happen!!! 

 

Red Hot and Blue Nights coming up on two nights in January 2007 – January 23 for Preschool – Grade 2; January 30 for Grades 3-6.  Watch for the flyer early next year.  Dan Twomey is our chairperson for this event. 

 

Domino’s Pizza fundraiser also coming up in January 2007.  Coleen Murray is our chairperson for this event.  Watch for more details. 

 

Treasurer

Steve Wallen will provide Marsha with paperwork for considering Island Creek PTA as recipient in the United Way Combined Federal Campaign.  From experience Steve said it’s a long process but might be worth it for the school.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Lorie Kappeler

Standing in as PTA Secretary