Principal's Message
Dear Island View Families:
As I sit in my office on a late-start Thursday, looking at a soft layer of snow outside my window, it’s hard to imagine spring will quickly arrive—but it will. Soon there will be artistic renditions of shamrocks and leprechauns hanging in the hallways. One reason I love the school year is each changing season brings new joy, perspective, and hope. And new beginnings.
Indeed, as I look ahead to March and the possible changing COVID and masking requirements we may experience, I see new beginnings. As masks recently became optional in outdoor settings at school, I reminded students that kindness should guide our behavior. Specifically, I asked students to respect the choices of their peers by not asking questions or confronting one another about mask wearing. As usual, I have been impressed with the level of respect and empathy our students are showing one another. It is simply another example of our proud, soarin’ flight as Island View eagles.
March is also I Love to Read Month, which is one of my favorite school celebrations. Our incomparable PTA has put together many fun events, activities, and celebrations to promote reading for our students. Please see an explanation of all the fun activities in the following pages of this newsletter.
I look forward to seeing parents and students walking the halls, enjoying student artwork, and meeting with teachers and staff during parent-teacher conferences the first week of March. Please reach out to me in person or at 360-503-1490 or at bhanrahan@asd103.org if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions for improvement.
Always in gratitude-
Brian Hanrahan
Test-to-Stay Volunteers Needed!!
The goal of Test to Stay is simple: keep students in school as much as possible! Since implementing this program, over 60 students were able to remain in the classroom - their education, and their families' work lives, were not disrupted.
Testing is currently offered at the High School, but to be more beneficial for our elementary students, Island View Elementary would like to offer onsite testing and to do this we need volunteer help!
We are looking for volunteers to be Test Observers Monday-Friday from 8:45-9:45am. Volunteers can sign up for any and all time slots they are available. Test Observers will observe students to make sure they accurately self-administer a COVID test. The Test Observer does not need to be medically trained. Volunteers will need to be cleared through ASD by completing the usual Volunteer Application process and watch a few short videos for more specific training.
If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to the COVID Coordinator, Dianne Szerlong, at dszerlong@asd103.org or 360-503-1214 for more information about how to get started.
March is I Love To Read Month!
PTA Dollars At Work
Did you know that Island View Elementary PTA dollars fund the activities, supplies, and prizes for "I Love to Read Month?"
Thousands of schools across the nation participate in reading activities this month. PTA funds make it possible to provide the materials to students and families to encourage reading at school and at home.
Thank you to the "I Love to Read Month" Committee for all of their time and energy putting together so many wonderful ways to engage our students in reading!
Spring Pictures are just around the corner
Island View class picture day will be on Wednesday, March 9th! These group photos go in the yearbook, so make sure your Eagle is present and ready to share some smiles! Individual portraits are also available for purchase if you prepay online. Visit https://www.oconnorphotographystudio.com/spring-school-portraits and select Island View Elementary to order your student's class picture and/or individual portraits.
We are proud of ALL Anacortes students and staff!
Read more about the wonderful things going on throughout our school district in the winter edition of Anacortes Pride. See how many ISV students, faculty, and staff you can find in there!
ISV Support Opportunities
Fundraising
It's easy to help the Island View PTA raise funds throughout the year, via shopping you're probably already doing! These include Box Tops and Amazon Smile. In fact, so far this year, we've earned $48.40 through Box Tops and over $75 through Amazon Smile! Instructions on how to participate in each of these programs - at no additional cost to your family - are below.
Teacher Wish Lists
You may have heard your child talk about their Class Charter this year. Similarly, our Island View staff members have a Staff Charter where they're focusing on feeling supported, valued, connected, and balanced. We know we can help with that!
There are several new lists on our Wishlist page, including some from specialists and the ISV Counselor, Mr. Vecchione! Check them out and if you are able, **please consider giving back to our amazing teachers by clearing 1 or more items from any of their wish lists! #clearthelist
❤️ THANK YOU teachers for all you do!!
❤️ THANK YOU to everyone else for your help with clearing the lists!!
Visit islandviewpta.org/wishlist to shop teacher classroom wishlists.
Hospitality Updates
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thank you to all of the parents who contributed to the Jimmy John's gift card round-up. We are super excited to be providing a boxed meal to teachers during evening conferences this week.
A "Heart Attack" to Cheer About!
Island View Elementary Students had so much fun admiring their Valentine's Day artwork posted around the outside of the school on February 14th when the school participated in a "Heart Attack."
Students provided the Hospitality Committee pieces of their original artwork. Kindergarten teacher Carter O'Donnell said her students were just amazed to see it all over the school!
Thank you to all of the students who contributed and the Hospitality volunteers who donated their time (and painter's tape) to send the Island View students so much love.
March Menu
Membership Updates
Next meeting: Tuesday, March 15 @ 6 PM!
Join us on March 15th for all the latest news and help us make plans for the remainder of the school year! We hope to see you there! (Keep your eyes on your email for the Zoom link.)
PTA Benefits
Did you know that as a WSPTA member, you are eligible for numerous benefits at businesses and retailers? See below for a complete list!
PTA Committees
We are so grateful for everyone that has joined the team to support our young Eagles!
We still have several opportunities for you to help make this year amazing for the students and staff at Island View. If you're interested in leading one of these committees or if you're not sure you want to lead, but you'd love to help out, please message membership@islandviewpta.org or complete the ISV PTA Volunteer Interest Form.
Save These Dates!
March
- 1-4: Half Days (conferences); early release at 12:05PM
- 9: Spring Picture Day
- 11: No school - staff development
- 15: PTA Meeting at 6PM via Zoom
April
- 4-8: Spring Break
- 19: PTA Meeting at 6PM via Zoom
- 28: Half Day; early release at 12:05PM
Questions? Please feel free to contact us any time!
President - Eric Mithen
Membership Coordinator - Rachel Esposito
Hospitality Coordinator - Stacey Mahoney
