Wasn’t it just yesterday that Island Creek opened its doors as the newest school in Fairfax County? That my son was in 3rd grade with Ms. Trudeau? That I said I’d "help out" on the PTA?

That was four years ago. Gosh, how time flies … yeah, you know the saying. "Time flies when you’re having fun." Well, maybe it wasn’t all fun—but, it was all definitely a learning experience. And, one thing was for certain. The people I met and worked with along the way are shining examples of parent volunteers at the top of their game.

Although there are far too many to mention every single parent who touched my life in the past few years, I must mention a few I’ve worked with closely during my year as president of the Island Creek PTA. First, Marsha Porter-Houghton who served as treasurer for the past two years and will be PTA president for the 2007–08 school year. Marsha not only tackled the number crunching, check writing, and project organization (for some surprises that popped up), but constantly conjured up creative ideas to attract Island Creek families and friends to our school’s events and activities—Dr. Seuss’s Birthday was largely a "Marsha Porter-Houghton Production." In addition to her many talents and skills, Marsha is just a fine person and a good friend. She will be a phenomenal president next year … no doubt about it.

Janette Pai Kim served as vice president of ways and means for the past year. Janette worked tirelessly with multiple chairpersons on multiple fundraisers to "show us the money" this year—and did a fabulous job! And I challenge you to find anyone who can match Janette’s boundless enthusiasm and limitless energy when it comes to anything "for the kids." One image that will be indelibly etched in my mind will be of Janette and her trusty mike at last year’s Sock Hop rallying the kids and adults in costume contests and dance-a-thons—with her mouth moving a mile a minute—providing instructions, moving people along, answering questions, keeping the crowd pumped—all the while with a huge smile on her face. (Janette’s coming to Hayfield with me!)

Our vice president of education for the past two years has been none other than Steve Wallen, who has worked with terrific chairpersons in coordinating CAPS, FLEX, Mad Science, and

Reflections. He has also shared a more personal side of his life, and has reached out to other families with special needs children for support outside of the regular curriculum. Steve accomplishes all of this in a very quiet, unassuming manner. But there’s another side to Steve. He is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. If you never attended a PTA meeting, you missed the "Wit and Wisdom of Steve Wallen." There was always some quote or quip that stuck with you from Steve’s Education Report—if you thought these meetings were 60 minutes of serious discussion, think again. There was definitely a lighter side, thanks to Steve.

Lorie Kappeler became secretary in late fall after Marta Swanson’s family moved to Arizona. In the way she tackles every new project, Lorie jumped right in and became part of the PTA Board team. Of course, she also agreed to chair Basket Bingo! And did I mention Lorie was a brand-new parent to the school with twins in Kindergarten? If you know Lorie for the energetic and enthusiastic person she is, none of this is really surprising … but it doesn’t take away the fact that we are so thankful and appreciative for her willingness to step in and help keep the Island Creek PTA moving forward.

I’d also like to thank Angela Turnbull, our vice president for community outreach. Although other priorities may have overtaken Angela’s ability to contribute as much as she wanted in person, she was always with us in spirit.

Last but certainly not least, my sincere appreciation to Dr. Owner, Mr. Macrina, and the entire staff at Island Creek. You have been nothing but supportive of the PTA, appreciative of what we do and behind us every step of the way. I will miss you all, and only hope that Hayfield Secondary and the Hayfield PTSA have a little of that Croc spirit.

Thanks for everything.

Liz

Island Creek PTA is proud of our accomplishments and partnering with Island Creek to purchase new technology for our school. Our fund raising goals are focused on purchasing Audio Enhancements Systems and smart boards for each class room.

Sept Restaurant Night

Kingstowne

RED HOT & BLUE
Kingstowne