February 2021 Newsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Island View Families:

I cannot express the joy I feel having your students back in the building. As I walk the halls and see their artistic wonders—snow people and snow globes, student images and MLK portraits—my spirit is buoyed by the creative genius of your kids. Their artwork also reminds me that while students are in the building for a short time each day, there is still time for artistic exploration. Life at Island View is good😊.

I would like to thank all our families for the smooth return to in-person learning. Your patience, cooperation, and understanding have been inspiring. From arrival and dismissal protocols to attestation processes and communication with staff, everything has run smoothly with your help. Thank you.

Students have also been remarkable. I must confess, one thing I love about our current situation is the amount of time I get with your children. I am blessed to greet them when they arrive, say goodbye to them when they leave, and see them in classrooms regularly. Recently I had a beautiful hallway interaction with a 1st grade student. After I called out the student’s name, our exchange went something like this…

“How was your day?”

“Great!”

“What made it great?”

“Everything!”

“That’s awesome, but can you pick just one thing that made your day great?”

“Being back at school, Mr. Hanrahan!”

Her twinkling eyes betrayed a broad smile under her mask.

This interaction embodies our collective community work. Through a strong partnership with you, the Island View staff has created a school environment where kids feel they belong. They know they are seen and appreciated. And loved.

That is what I call proud, soarin’ Island View eagle flight.

As always, please reach out to me at 360-503-1490 or at bhanrahan@asd103.org if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.

Stay well-

Brian Hanrahan

PTA Meeting Feb 2 @ 6 pm

Don't Miss It! The February PTA meeting is Tuesday, Feb 2 at 6 PM via Zoom (meeting link will be emailed).

So much to discuss and so many ways to get involved and share some LOVE for Island View!

We Need YOU!
Our PTA thrives because LOTS of fabulous individuals give a little (or a lot) of their time and talents, working together to serve the students and staff of Island View Elementary. We need YOU – your new ideas, your energy, your enthusiasm – to make our PTA all that it can be!

Please take a moment to check out our Volunteer Interest Form to see what volunteer opportunities are available. Please note: this will NOT commit you to volunteering for anything with the PTA; it is simply an indication of interest in a specific PTA project.

We are actively recruiting people interested in taking a leadership role in the Island View PTA for next school year. If you are interested, please check that box in the survey to let us know!

SpiritWear Store CLOSES SOON!

Time is running out to order your Island View spiritwear!

There's something for everyone including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, scarves and masks. And you can personalize your gear with a custom printed name.

Please place your orders by NOON on February 8 for early March delivery.

School Photos Feb 18

Get your smiles ready! O'Connor Photography Studio will take photos on Thursday, Feb 18 for grades 4 & 5 and do retakes for grades K-3.

Check out specific packages available for our school and pre-order online.

Hospitality News & Events

The Hospitality Committee is excitedly looking forward to Valentine's Day! We will be spreading the love by decorating the school's exterior doors on Friday, Feb. 12. Students will be bringing home a red or pink piece of construction paper if they would like to contribute to the school decorations. Bins will be placed outside the student/bus drop off areas for students to bring their decorations on Feb. 4 and 8.

Donut Delivery! The Island View PTA sweetened the first day back for bus drivers with the delivery of two dozen Donut House donuts. Hospitality volunteer Jenessa Eelkema dropped off the donuts in the predawn hours of Jan 11 and we received this kind note in return, "With much gratitude...Thank you for the donuts on Monday at the bus garage, we did not leave any crumbs!"

Let us know if you would like to be part of the magic of the Hospitality Committee, showing our love by sharing edible joy! hospitality@islandviewpta.org

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!

Next PTA Meeting is March 8

Reserve time in your calendar now to attend the March PTA meeting.

Join us on Monday, March 8 at 6 PM via Zoom for another opportunity to connect and contribute to the meaningful efforts of the Island VIew PTA!

Box Tops Benefit Island View

Box Tops is an EASY way to earn money for our school!

If you have any physical Box Tops, they're still collecting them. If you are willing and able to download the Box Tops app and scan your receipts, any Box Tops eligible items are automatically calculated. Every little bit counts, especially this year!

Amazon Smile Helps Island View

Thank you to everyone who has Island View PTA selected as their designated non-profit through Amazon Smile!

If you haven't already, it's SUPER EASY! Just designate Island View PTA as the non-profit you'd like the donation made to, shop as usual, and Amazon does the rest!

Give the Gift of Membership

The new year is an ideal time to give something meaningful to others by gifting 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!

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!