Island Creek Elementary School

Parent Teacher Association

Meeting Minutes

October 3, 2006

Attendees: Dr. Owner, Liz Dunn, Marta Swanson, Andrea Caulfield, Christine Trudeau, Brad Stillions, Cassie Casne, Sherrie Asbie, Mike Macrina, Jerry Franck, Toni Shipe, Mary Sullivan, Jeanne Igo, Cherie Rogers Mazyck, Steve Wallen, Deneen Snow, Angela Turnbull, Emanuel Smith, Lorie Kappeler, Marsha Porter-Houghton, Jennifer Riggleman, Terry Brox, Liz Townsend, Sharon Shrader, Janet Kennedy, Kevin Brugman, Coleen Murray, Jennifer Riggleman, Toni Shipe, Dennis Kappeler, Joanne Silbermann, Yapit Neftaliem, Silke Edwards, Andrea Tan-Yang, Jules MacFarlane and Janie Kevok.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., by Liz Dunn, PTA President. 

Principal’s Remarks

Dr. Susan Owner welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the 3^rd grade team:  Christine Trudeau, Brad Stillions, Cassie Casne and Sherrie Asbie. Dr. Owner wanted to thank all our teachers for their talent and hard work. In light of recent school crises around the country, she also wanted to speak about a very important issue – safety and security at our school. She handed the topic over to Mr. Macrina who discussed many of the key points in our crisis management handbook.

Dr. Owner and the faculty routinely review procedures for lock downs, evacuations and tornado drills, as well as other emergency situations.  Our school follows the Fairfax County Public School crisis management handbook, as well as our own specific guidelines for Island Creek ES. Of course, Dr. Owner wants our students to be safe as possible. 

She also emphasized the importance of sign-in and sign-out procedures for volunteers and guests at the school.  Anyone not employed at the school must follow these procedures, including writing exactly where you are going in the building (and going only to that place) and wearing a Volunteer or Visitor badge.  People who are not following this procedure will be stopped in the hall and escorted to the office.  Dr. Owner also spoke about how well the kiss-n- ride lane is moving along; the outside door near this area will be locked at 8:25 am.

Last but not least, Dr. Owner thanked the PTA for their contribution to make it possible for the ICES faculty to receive so much development from the Australian educator who visited the school earlier in the month.  The 3^rd grade teachers also spoke very highly of the experience.  Dr. Owner is hoping that she will return in the spring. 

President’s Remarks

Liz Dunn reiterated Dr. Owner’s points on the importance of volunteer/visitor procedures at the school.  She also spoke about the fire lanes in front of our school and how they are not parking spots – not even on a temporary basis.  When picking up your child from after-school activities, do not use this area to park your car. She also encouraged everyone to go to the FCPS boundary meeting on October 10 at South County Secondary School.  It is up to us to make sure our voices are heard at this meeting. 

Liz then asked for a motion to approve the September minutes.  Marsha Porter-Houghton made a motion to approve; Kevin Brugman seconded the motion.  There was no discussion.  The minutes passed with no dissent.  They will be posted to the website. 

Vice President Reports

Community Outreach

Angela Turnbull, Vice President, said that there were some open chair positions available, including Giant/Safeway programs which begin in October. 

Newsletter – Liz Townsend reported that information for the newsletter is due Friday, October 6^.

Website – Kevin Brugman asked that people continue to send “Where in the world is your Island Creek croc?” photos for the IC PTA website, as well as other news and information. 

Education

Steve Wallen, Vice President, spoke about Mad Science and how there are approximately 70 students signed up for the program. 

FLEX – Yin Mei Hueskes is adding one more Spanish class for 1^st – 3^rd grade. She also needs a sign language volunteer or will have to cancel the class.

Reflections – This is a PTA-sponsored art program, chaired at ICES by Denise Bolton.  Entries are due October 27; the theme is my favorite place.

Ways & Means

Lorie Kappeler, Basket Bingo chairperson, spoke about the upcoming event on

October 20 and encouraged everyone to buy tickets and attend.  More information will be coming out in Thursday folders.

Gift Wrap Sale – Jeanne Igo, Fall Fundraiser Chairperson, reported that this year’s gift wrap sale was not as our sale in 2005. At this time, we are approximately $10,000 down from last year’s net profit.  Our records indicate that 220 families have participated, which is also down from last year.  Jeanne is tabulating the top-selling classes and teachers from this year’s sale; winners will receive gift certificates and other prizes.  Liz initiated a brief discussion on reasons why our sales were down to perhaps gather some ideas to help with next year’s planning.  She will also contact Jason Lavender, our vendor rep, to discuss any viable next steps with him. 

Treasurer

Marsha Porter-Houghton reported the following: 

• Wal-Mart at Kingstowne donated $500 to Island Creek ES, a first-time donation
• We have 44 vendors so far signed up to participate at the craft fair on Dec. 2
• Box tops are due at the end of October
• So far, we have 266 PTA members; a campaign directed toward the teachers and staff will begin later this month
• Spiritwear should be in soon, and we’ll have another opportunity to order before the holidays
• The school raised $360 at our two-night IHOP Restaurant Night in September

New Business

Terry Brox will be our chairperson for Giant/Safeway program.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Marta Swanson

PTA Secretary