Island Creek Elementary School
Parent Teacher Association
Meeting Minutes
January 2, 2007
Attendees: Dr. Owner, Mike Macrina, Liz Dunn, Lorie Kappeler, Suzanne Herold, Amy Garrett, Ross Flint, Cherie Rogers-Mazyck, Liz Townsend, Kevin Brugman, Joanne Silbermann, Steve Wallen, Cindy Wade, Denise Bolton, Sharon Shrader, Badria Alshereif
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Liz Dunn, PTA President. Liz opened with a few reflections on the funeral of President Gerald Ford.
The November and December minutes were approved.
Principal’s Remarks
Dr. Owner extended a “Thank You’ to everyone for all the gifts and acts of kindness shown to the school and staff during the holiday season.
She introduced the 4th grade teachers: Ms. Garrett, Ms. Herold and Mr. Flint.
Dr. Owner said goodbye to 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Casne who had to leave the area due to her husband’s job. She introduced the return of Ms. Valentine who took over the 3rd grade class.
The school plan is in final draft form with a few revisions to come. Dr. Owner acknowledged the curriculum leads: Mr. Flint (Science), Mr. Vaughan (Math), Ms. Barton (Reading) and Mr. Morris (Social Studies).
President’s Remarks
Liz welcomed Lorie Kappeler to the PTA Board as the new Secretary. Most recently, Lorie chaired the Basket Bingo fundraiser event in the fall. She has twins, Dane and Chase, in Kindergarten. We also say thank you and goodbye to Marta Swanson, our previous Secretary, who left the area in December following her husband’s job transfer to Arizona with the U.S. Border Patrol. We miss you!
Liz touched on the need to review the bylaws of the PTA. A committee is being formed to help with this review. In particular, a couple of areas for review include a possible increase in membership dues and perhaps amending the handling of carryover monies for the following school year.
Liz also provided an update on the school boundary issue involving Hayfield Secondary. So far, it seems as if Lake Braddock Secondary may not be affected. According to FCPS Facilities’ recommendation, Hayfield is slated to receive students from South County Secondary beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. Public hearings are scheduled for January 8-9 at Luther Jackson. The FCPS Board should make a final decision in late February.
Before the holidays, Liz met with Dave Alewine, Century 21 New Millennium, who supported the PTA as a caller for our Basket Bingo event in the fall. He shared with Liz that both he and Bill (his brother and fellow caller) were both very impressed with our event and felt it was the best they had ever seen. They truly enjoyed seeing the students involved during the event and want to return next year!
Vice President’s Reports
Education – Steve Wallen
Denise Bolton, Reflections Chair, discussed the upcoming Reflections Ceremony which will take place following a brief PTA meeting on Tuesday, February 6. Immediately following the meeting, the ceremony will take place in the Kindergarten pod. Awards will be presented, followed by cake and punch being served. Denise is also looking for volunteers to help judge Reflections entries at other events throughout the surrounding area for Arlington, Fairfax County, City of Alexandria and City of Falls Church.
Steve reminded us that CAPS will be February 20 with Joe Romano. Flex sign language classes begin January 8. The Mad Science spring program is in need of a coordinator.
Community Outreach
Liz Townsend, Newsletter Chair, announced that the newsletter deadline for Island Breeze is Monday January 8. Kevin Brugman, Website Chair, mentioned that the PTA website is sparse and could use some material. Please submit information, updates and other appropriate material you may have to help fill in the pages.
Liz Dunn said PTA membership cards will be out soon. Dates for the Sock Hop
and Movie Night will be determined in the near future.
Ways & Means
Red Hot & Blue Restaurant Night will be January 23 for Preschool, K, 3, 4 & 6 grades and January 30 for 1, 2 & 5 grades. These dates are encouraged for the grades listed to help alleviate overcrowding; however, families are welcomed to attend on either (or both) dates.
Domino’s Pizza coupon books will be out soon for the next PTA fundraiser
New Business
Dr. Owner extended a warm welcome to Island Creek’s new Parent Liaison, Badria Alshereif. Mrs. Alshereif spoke of her desire to help bridge the gap at Island Creek between students and parents of different cultures, language barriers and other differences. Her hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mrs. Alshereif’s office is located across from the Library (PTA room).
Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorie Kappeler
Secretary