Principal's Message
Dear Island View Families:
As I considered this final newsletter message of 2020, I thought sadly, “it will be as unusual as the year itself.” There will be no reminders of holiday concerts or tree-lighting ceremonies, no mention of our sing-along or plump Santas adorning our hallways. Moreover, the recent need to suspend in-person learning felt like one final trick of the year. Students and teachers were thriving in classrooms, and our arrival/dismissal processes and safety measures were running smoothly. The closure felt like unfair punishment.
But then I remembered something important — my focus creates my feelings. In other words, when I focus on what I am missing, I feel downright despondent; conversely, when I focus on what I am lucky to have, I feel hopeful and inspired.
As a school community we should feel and share much hope. Our students and staff are healthy and resilient. They successfully navigated remote learning for the first two months of the school year and are fully prepared to pivot back to that model. Before we began in-person learning on November 2nd, many parents told me the remote model was working so well they questioned the move back to in-person learning. Then after November 2nd, parents told me their students were happy and engaged — even being at school for half days.
These successes clearly show the strength of our school community. They show that whatever situation arises, we tenaciously find a way to continue our proud, soarin’ Island View eagle flight.
That said, I realize there is much more to the story. Families have been forced to modify schedules, develop support networks, and endure other sacrifices. Some students have struggled with social-emotional and academic challenges. Still, my hope lies in the strength of our school community. I know all will be well. We will emerge strong and united. That is how we fly.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me at bhanrahan@asd103.org or at 360-503-1490 if you have questions, concerns, or needs.
Please try hard to stay focused on the positives this holiday season. Smile and laugh a lot. Hug your students. And stay well.
See you in a healthful and prosperous 2021😊 .
Brian Hanrahan
PTA Meeting Tuesday Dec. 1
Join us Dec. 1 at 6 PM via Zoom for the final PTA meeting of 2020! Get all the latest news and updates, and help make amazing things happen in 2021.
Help Create 'TREATS' for Staff
Are you creative or like crafting and want to help make some holiday 'treats' for our Island View Staff? The Hospitality Committee is looking for some helpers to provide ideas and assistance with assembling some fun items for the staff in December.
Contact the new Hospitality Chair Stacey Mahoney at hospitality@islandviewpta.org for more information!
CELEBRATE the Season!
A festive and warm THANK YOU to everyone that donated to the "Some Like It Hot" auction item for ASF's Celebrate the Season event on Dec. 12. Get your tickets and attend the event for your chance to bid and possibly win our PTA's AMAZING contribution, along with all the other wonderful items available that night only.
All proceeds benefit Anacortes Schools Foundation and the incredible work they do for all district students. This year, funds are being raised to support COVID-19 Relief, Mental Health supports, STEM Programs, Visual and Performing Arts Programs, Impact Summer School, Preschool Scholarships, and more!
YEARBOOK Photos Needed
Call for photos of Island View students doing the school thing! Make the 2020-2021 yearbook the best ever by submitting photos of your student(s).
Please email your photos to yearbook@islandviewpta.org. In the email please include your students’ names, grades, and teachers.
We’ll do our best to make sure everyone is included, so snap away! Thank you!
Box Tops STILL Accepting Paper!
KEEP COLLECTING! Box Tops is accepting physical Box Tops, so cut, cut, cut, and we will provide more details on how to submit those in the new year.
Give the Gift of Membership
The holidays are the season of giving and what better gift than a membership to Island View PTA!
Membership entitles you or someone dear to you to join the ranks of the most caring and dedicated PTA on Fidalgo Island. Don't forget to sponsor a staff membership, as we are currently only 4 staff members away from 100% staff membership!
Gift Shopping Benefits Island View
Your holiday shopping can share joy with those you love AND Island View simply by selecting Island View PTA as your charity of choice in Amazon Smile! Once you have it set up, you just shop as you normally would, and Amazon will automatically donate .05% of your purchase total to us! Super easy and it means a world of difference to our staff & students! Thank you for your support!
Next PTA Meeting: Feb 2
Mark your calendars - the next PTA meeting is on Tuesday, Feb 2 at 6 PM - no January meeting!
You're INCREDIBLE!
THANKS all those who have supported the Island View PTA already. We are deeply committed to the staff and students at Island View Elementary and we could not provide the MANY opportunities we offer without your support!
SAVE THESE DATES!
December
- 1: PTA Meeting 6 pm via Zoom
- 18: Early Release for Winter Break
- 21-31: Winter Break
January
- 1-3: Winter Break
- 4: Classes resume
February
- 2: PTA Meeting 6 pm via Zoom
Questions? Please feel free to contact us any time!
PTA President – president@islandviewpta.org
PTA Vice President – vicepresident@islandviewpta.org
PTA Membership Coordinator - Rachel Esposito – membership@islandviewpta.org
