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Letter from the Director

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”  Maya Angelou

December 3rd, 2021

Queridas familias, 

I hope this finds you well and hope you all enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving with your family and your wonderful ISLA student(s).    As the days become shorter and somewhat colder, I am continually thankful for the warmth and light that comes into my life through my family, friends, and this incredible community. 

‍Staffing: This week we welcomed the new arrival of Gianna Castro, our new Operations Manager, who will be fulfilling the bookkeeping duties previously done by Jen Jouppi.   Gianna is originally from Puerto Rico, and her background and education is in accounting and human resources. Welcome, Gianna! We also welcome Barbara Gomez, who started in EL Nido as an Educational Assistant.   Barbara is from Venezuela and studied Pre-Medicine before coming to the United States and to ISLA. Welcome, Barbara!  Lastly, we are very pleased to announce the arrival of Irene Rodriquez Coello, Language Ambassador from Spain. She also joined  the ISLA family this week, so welcome! 

Building Update:   The good news is that the parking lot out back was finished, the gym is looking great and is on schedule, and we are very excited to utilize it soon.  There was a time when we wondered if they would even get the asphalt in before the factories close for the winter, so that is a win.  Unfortunately, the construction company has had some other delays regarding Covid 19 and supply chain issues, so they will not be able to give us access to the Bush Lake Road egress until the new year, and will not be removing the fencing for the rest of the play field; nor will we be able to move the 4th grade classrooms back upstairs until winter break, or even the first week of January.  However,  the finish line is near, and we do not anticipate any further construction delays at this point.   

Transportation: We have much to celebrate in terms of transportation. Although not perfect, we solved many of the pervasive problems by adding an 8th route,  and we are seeing kids arrive at ISLA on time and go home in a timely manner for the most part. We are still working out the kinks with a few of the routes. Now that we have a new bookkeeper on the team, we look forward to sending out invoices for this service during the month of January.    

Atentamente,

Jeremy

Join the ISLA Board of Directors!

Looking for a way to support the mission and shape the future of ISLA? Join the ISLA Board of Directors!  The ISLA Election and Nominating Committee is seeking interested community members, teachers, parents, grandparents, and guardians to fill several upcoming vacancies on the ISLA Board beginning June 30, 2022.  No previous experience is required, but we do have a specific need for individuals with expertise in marketing and communications, fundraising, or finance.

The ISLA Board is responsible for overseeing the general operations of the school, implementing policies and procedures, and long-term strategic and financial planning.  In addition, there are a number of different committees on which Board members serve. Click here for descriptions of the various committees. The Board meets in the evening on the third Tuesday of each month.

If you are interested in seeking a Board seat, please submit a Statement of Interest (available here) to the Election and Nominating Committee by February 4.  Questions about Board service and the election process can be directed to Liz Crouse, Chair of the Election and Nominating Committee, at lcrouse@isla.school. The election of Board Directors will occur in connection with ISLA’s annual meeting on May 17, 2022.

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Barnes and Noble Bookfair

Please join us on Saturday, December 11th for our Barnes & Noble Bookfair at Ridgehaven Mall (next to the Ridgedale Target)!

• Help our teachers fulfill their classroom wish lists
• Enjoy special readings done by teachers and students
• Wear ISLA apparel and sign in upon arrival to earn a uniform-free day
• Support ISLA with each dollar spent

Can't make it in person? Visit BN.COM/bookfairs to support us online from 12/11 until 12/16.

Interested in volunteering for this festive event? Please sign up here:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-volunteers