Island Creek Elementary School
Parent Teacher Association
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2006
Attendees: Dr. Owner, Liz Dunn, Marta Swanson, Toni Shipe, Liz Townsend, Sandy England, Lorie Kappeler, Joanne Silbermann, Dennis Kappeler, Badria Alshereif, Mike Macrina, Steve Wallen, Marsha Porter Houghton, Jeanne Igo, Cherie Rogers Macyzk, Denise Bolton, Jerry Franck and Preschool Teachers.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Liz Dunn, PTA President.
Principal’s Remarks
Dr. Owner introduced the preschool teachers in attendance and explained what a terrific job this team of instructors does for the special population at our school. She also passed along some instructional updates.
In addition, Dr. Owner reiterated the importance of driving safely in the Kiss‘n Ride lane, and displayed a badly damaged cone – the result of one driver not following the safety rules in this pick-up area. Please be careful!
President’s Remarks
Liz Dunn thanked all those who played a part in making October’s Basket Bingo event a huge success – especially Lorie Kappeler, our chairperson. Of special note…we had more than triple the number of volunteers as last year!
She introduced Badria Alshereif, Island Creek’s newly hired Parent Liaison, who will be sharing the PTA room will us.
Liz also provided another update to the boundary study taking place for potential changes to Hayfield, South County and Lake Braddock Secondary Schools. She will send email updates to our membership list as they become available.
Vice President Reports
Community Outreach
Toni Shipe, Store Products (Boxtops), reported that she submitted close to 4,000 boxtops which translates to more than $400 for Island Creek.
Liz Townsend, Newsletter, said that the November issue of Island Breeze would come out one week earlier this month due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Articles must be in by this Friday or they'll have to wait for the December issue.
Sandy England, Beautification, reported that she’s looking for someone to take over her gardening duties (front bed and bed around sign) at the end of this year since she’ll be moving on to Hayfield. Sandy is also looking for someone to store the seasonal decorations for the school.
Education
Steve Wallen reported for Yin Mei Hueskes, Flex, that we have Spanish (4), French (1) German (1) and Chinese (1) classes in progress with approximately 74 students. Yin Mei is still searching for a Sign Language teacher. Several parents have also asked her about the possibility of having more advanced-level classes. We would like to, but due to several administrative obstacles we are unable to have Level 2 classes at Island Creek at this time. However, we will keep this as a goal for the future.
Steve reported for Denise Bolton, Reflections, that we received 57 entries – some of which will go on to the next judging level. We will have our own PTA ceremony in January or February of next year.
Ways & Means
Lorie Kappeler provided the report for Ways & Means. Plans for the Craft & Gift Fair are on track for Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., in the Cafeteria at Island Creek. So far, we have 47 vendors. A variety of food will be offered for sale, and
Island Creek choral and band groups will provide entertainment.
Thank you letters following Basket Bingo have been sent to our sponsors and other contributors.
Red Hot & Blue Restaurant Nights are coming up in January 2007.
Treasurer
Marsha Porter Houghton recapped our budget progress so far this year. She also mentioned that some smaller fundraisers early next year may be used to help make up budget shortfalls from the giftwrap sale.
New Business
Marta Swanson announced that she will be leaving the area in December since her husband will transfer to Arizona with the U.S. Border Patrol. We will all miss her, and thank her for her service to the PTA Board as Secretary. In the meantime, we will recruit another volunteer to serve in this capacity for the remainder of the school year.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marta Swanson
PTA Secretary