ISLA News

September 7, 2021

Emily Smith

Administrative Assistant

When thinking about wellness, the one thing that affects all of us is the health of our Earth. Coming up soon is Earth Day, a day to show respect for our Earth and be aware of our impact on it. Our actions today are the legacy we will leave behind to our children and our children's children. Let's lead by example and encourage each other to do more. There is no better time to begin that than Earth day, celebrated on Saturday, April 22. Let's teach our kids that our Earth is worth celebrating, but more importantly, that one person, no matter how small, can help make a big difference to make our Earth a happy, healthy place.

Here are some ways families can encourage environmental consciousness:

  • Take a nature walk--Talk about the Earth and how it is important for us to take care of the Earth, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Ask your kids how they think they could make a difference, you might be surprised at their creativity and great ideas!
  • Organize a clean up--Gather family and friends and choose an area to clean, it could be your neighborhood, a local park or along a hiking trail.
  • Plant something--One of the best ways to give back to our Earth, is to plant new life. It could be a tree, flowers or a garden. All of it is beneficial to the Earth, as well as ourselves! Earth Day Network launched a campaign in 2016 called Trees for the Earth. It's goal was to plant, or inspire the planting of, 7.8 billion trees worldwide by 2020--one tree for every person projected to be on Earth!
  • Re-purpose--Reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce the use of plastic and individual packaging, take reusable bags when you shop. Find a new purpose for things you already have and recycle what you can.
  • Help wildlife--Creating habitats for wildlife is another way you can help. You can hang out bird feeders and houses. You can plant specific plants and flowers that attract bees or butterflies.
  • Park the family car--Consider going car-free for the day. You could walk or bike for simple trips and nearby destinations or try out public transportation if you need to go farther.
  • Curb your electricity use--Turn off the lights, fans, television, computer. "Unplug" for the day.
  • Save water--Encourage everyone to turn off the water when brushing teeth. Fix leaky faucets. See who can take the fastest showers (and still get clean!). Use a broom to clean the driveway or sidewalk instead of the hose.
  • Donate or swap things you don't need--Recycle clothes, toys or other household items you're no longer using by donating them. Or consider participating in a community swap event and trade items.
  • Choose your food wisely--By eating fresh, local, organic and unprocessed foods you are supporting your local economy, reducing waste, supporting sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These are all valuable lessons to teach your kids and are just some of the ways that improving the environment is impacted by our food choices. Shopping for food locally and cooking together can be made a fun family affair that kids of all age can be involved in.
  • Commit to change--Think of one simple way to reduce your family's carbon footprint and commit to doing it. Consider rewarding your family if you successfully commit to change. Don't forget to choose an eco-friendly reward!

Spring Break

April 10th-14th is Spring Break at ISLA.  The school building will be closed during this time and Companeros will be meeting at the Mis Amigos Hopkins site.  Enjoy your break!

Kindergarten Round-up and New Student Orientation

Incoming kindergarten students and new incoming students will be welcomed at the kindergarten and new student round-up.  It will be held on Thursday, April 20th at 6:30 pm.  This is a time for families of incoming students to complete their registration forms, ride the school bus and kindergarten students will have time with the kindergarten teachers.

Spring Music Programs

The dates for the spring music programs have been set.  They are as follows:

1st grade        Friday, May 5th, 10 am

3/4th grades  Wednesday, May 10th, 6:30 pm

2nd grade Thursday, May 11th, 10 am

5th-6th grades  Thursday, May 18th, 6:30 pm

Kindergarten Friday, May 19th, 9:30 am

Summer Camps

Register here

Adventure Wilderness/Aventuras en la Naturaleza July 24-28 Entering Grades 1-5

Amazing Animals/Animalisimo July 24-28 Entering Grade K

Magical Wizarding World through Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts/El Mundo Mágico de Harry Potter y las Bestias Fantásticas July 31-August 4 Entering Grades 1-5

MakerSpace, Coding and Minecraft/MakerSpace, Programación y Minecraft August 7-11 Entering Grades 1-5