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Letter from the Director

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." Arthur Ashe.

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October 14th , 2022

Queridas Familias,

This morning, LA’s and teachers who are new to the country woke up to the shock of the snow which dusted our neighborhoods. Welcome to Minnesota! As the days get colder, please remember to send your ISLA student prepared for recess with a jacket, gloves, and hats. Please take some time next week and label everything, so that it doesn’t languish in the lost and found.

Last Tuesday at the ISLA board meeting, I presented a plan for discussion regarding adding another class of kindergarten next year, for a total of 4 classes. In this way, we would be able to provide more quality Spanish Immersion programming from an established program to even more children. Here is a link to my director’s report from the meeting with more details, as well as other updates: Director report 10.11.2022. After discussing the topic, the board established a task force to explore the implications of all aspects of the proposal.

Have you thought about subbing at ISLA? Getting a substitute teaching license is not as challenging as you might think, ISLA pays a competitive daily rate, and you get to work with great kids and faculty. Spanish isn’t necessary to sub teach, but it is of course very helpful. Reach out to Gianna Castro, Operations Manager, for more information: gcastro@isla.school

Thank you for your support on this journey,

Atentamente,

Jeremy

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Carta del director

"Comienza donde estás. Usa lo que tienes. Haz lo que puedas." Arthur Ashe.

octubre 14th ,  2022

Queridas Familias, 

Esta mañana, Los "LA's" (Embajadores de idiomas), y los maestros que son nuevos en el país se despertaron con el impacto de la nieve que desempolvó nuestros vecindarios. ¡Bienvenido a Minnesota! A medida que los días se vuelven más fríos, recuerde enviar a su estudiante de ISLA preparado para el recreo con una chaqueta, guantes y sombreros. Por favor, tómese un tiempo la próxima semana y etiquete todo, para que no languidezca en lo perdido y encontrado.

El martes pasado en la reunión de la junta de ISLA, presenté un plan para la discusión sobre la adición de otra clase de jardín de infantes el próximo año, para un total de 4 clases. De esta manera, podríamos proporcionar más programación de inmersión en español de calidad de un programa establecido a aún más niños. Aquí hay un enlace al informe de mi director de la reunión con más detalles, así como otras actualizaciones: Informe del director 10.11.2022. Después de discutir el tema, la junta estableció un grupo de trabajo para explorar las implicaciones de todos los aspectos de la propuesta.

¿Has pensado en substituir clases en ISLA? Obtener una licencia de enseñanza sustituta no es tan desafiante como podría pensar, ISLA paga una tarifa diaria competitiva y puede trabajar con excelentes niños y profesores. El español no es necesario para sub enseñar, pero por supuesto es muy útil. Comuníquese con Gianna Castro, Gerente de Operaciones, para obtener más información: gcastro@isla.school

Gracias por su apoyo en este viaje,

Atentamente,

Jeremy

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ISLA Board Meeting Update:

On Tuesday, October 12th, the School Board had a great meeting in the flex room at school.  Below are some highlights from the meeting:

• Due to supply chain issues, it has been difficult to procure some of the ISLA Spirit Wear.  Some of the first grade blue shirts may be a different shade of blue.  PTO will also begin offering black sweatshirts in the next order.
• Sr. Perrin has been meeting with the lunch provider regarding the portion size, overall quality, and delivery completion of the food.  He will continue to work with them to improve the lunch processes. 
• MCA scores were released and Sr. Perrin, Sr. Costa, and Srta. Pinto shared how the staff is working together to plan intentional math instruction with the new math program.
• The Board will be exploring the option to add a fourth section of kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year in response to unanticipated financial challenges ISLA is facing.  A committee has been formed to research ways this could affect ISLA moving forward.
• The Governance Committee is working on updating the existing Memorandum of Understanding with Hopkins regarding the Juntos program for students matriculating into Hopkins North.
• The Board approved a policy for staff regarding time off when called for jury duty.
• The Board discussed possible fundraising opportunities that will be explored by the Fundraising Committee in order to raise funds for specific projects such as fixing the front stairs or improving the acoustics in the gym.

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Dia de los Muertos Family Night

Join us on Friday, October 28th from 6:30-9 pm at Isla to celebrate Day of the Dead! Mariachi, DJ with kids’ dance floor, crafts, games, and food for sale from Taco Libre.

¡Venga a celebrar con nosotros el Día de los Muertos (DDLM)! Mariachi, DJ con pista de baile infantil, manualidades, juegos, y comida a la venta de Taco Libre.

Please RSVP to help the PTO plan and budget efficiently.

Por favor confirme su asistencia.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FA8AD2DABFBC52-islas

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Fall Goal Setting Conferences

Welcome to the sign up for our Fall Goal Setting Conferences!   These conferences are scheduled for:

• Monday, October 17 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
• Tuesday, October 18 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

You will have 30 minutes with your child and the teacher.  For grades 1-6, parents and students attend these conferences together.  For kinder, parents/caregivers attend conferences without children.  

We are hosting fall conferences in person at ISLA.  If you should require an online conference in order to attend, please notify your child’s teacher. The conference sign-ups have been closed. If you have not had an opportunity to sign up for a conference slot, please reach out to your child's teacher.

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Calendar of Events

• Monday, October 17th, Conferences 12:00-8:00 pm, no school
• Tuesday, October 18th, Conferences 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, no school
• Wednesday, October 19th, Staff Development, no school
• Thursday, October 20th & Friday, October 21st, Education MN workshop, no school
• Tuesday, October 25th, PTO Community meeting (virtual), 6:30-8:00 pm
• Friday, October 28, fall fiestas (classroom)
• Friday, October 28, 1st grade field trip to Gibbs Farm
• Friday, October 28, Dia de los Muertos family night, 6:30-9:00 pm (note time change)
• Tuesday, November 1, applications for 2023-24 school year opens. Currently enrolled students to no need to re-apply, but siblings of currently enrolled students do need to complete an application.
• Thursday, November 10, 2nd grade field trip to Richardson Nature Center
• Thursday, November 10, State of the School event, 6:30 pm

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Volunteers Needed:

Come consider volunteering at ISLA.  With the start of the new school year ahead there are many exciting opportunities.  Consider volunteering for vision and hearing screens, lunches or just getting on the ISLA volunteer list.  All volunteers must abide by the ISLA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  Links below.

Vision and Hearing: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-hearing

ISLA Volunteer List: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-isla33

Lunches: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-lunch2

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Wanted: Fundraising Committee Members

ISLA is working hard to expand our fundraising base, and we need your help! The Fundraising Committee of the ISLA Board is actively (urgently!) seeking new members with experience in nonprofit fundraising. Bonus points for experience fundraising from corporate donors.

If you are interested in learning more about the Committee, email Justin Elder at jelder@isla.school.

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