Welcome back! We hope you had a fantastic August break. We are thrilled to have our students return tomorrow. Our staff has been busy getting classrooms ready and participating in Testing Accommodations, CPR, and a host of other trainings.
We're looking forward to spending time with you at
"Back to School Night" on September 10
, which includes the B2SN information fair at the beginning where you can meet staff and service providers in person, and get more information on Ivymount programs.
Please note the
PTA's family picnic on Saturday, September 21
. See more information below. We hope you will be able to join us.
Ivymount is always striving to improve and that's why we're making changes in our communications and in our building. You'll notice some subtle differences in our IvyNotes format, but the biggest change that your students will see on the first day of school is the new reception area.
We're very happy to unveil our new front desk space, which will have enhanced security features, while retaining the familiar decor and roomy feel of our previous lobby. Scroll down for more on how we're working to keep you informed and safe, plus a short video showing the lobby transformation. You may even want to share it with your student before they arrive.
Registration continues for our
Ivymount Outreach Fall Recreation and Educational & Therapeutic Group programs. Please register by September 3
. Check out additional details below.
Thank you for helping to make Ivymount School & Programs an amazing community. Looking forward to continuing another great year at Ivymount.
Sincerely,
Susan Holt,
School Director
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Wednesday, August 28
Classes resume for Ivymount students
Monday, September 2
No School
Tuesday, September 10
Back to School Night
Wednesday, September 11
Professional Day
No School for students
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Fundraisers - Final Week
Our fundraisers at Attman's Deli and Giant continue until August 31!
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Register Now for Fall 2019 Outreach Programs
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Registration is now open for all Outreach Fall 2019 Programs!
View our Fall Catalog for details on our Recreational, Educational and Therapeutic Group Programs. All of our programs are led by well-trained and enthusiastic Ivymount and Maddux current and former staff members.
Please register by September 3!
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Updated Lobby Enhances Security
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Things have literally been turned around in the Ivymount reception area. While many of the elements remain familiar - the tile wall, visitor seating, program information board - one noticeable change is that the front desk now faces the front doors.
It's part of a range of changes that are designed to enhance the security of our students and staff. They include improved visibility of incoming visitors, increased video surveillance, fortified and frosted glass panels, and handicapped-accessible doors.
Grants from the state and county have made the updates possible. The changes are similar to school safety improvements being implemented in public school systems throughout the state.
Check out our short video to watch the transformation over the past two weeks.
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New Visitor Management System
Visitors to Ivymount will also experience a new visitor management system. Upon entering, you will be asked to present an ID such as a driver’s license, which can either be scanned or manually entered into the system. Once approved, the system will issue a badge that will identify you, the date, and the purpose of your visit.
After this first time, your information will be stored in the system, and you will be able to produce a badge by scanning your ID at the station. We expect that this will simplify check-in and check-out, while also providing additional security. Thank you in advance for your support during these changes.
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Survey Spurs IvyNotes Refresh
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The reader survey we included in July issues of IvyNotes revealed ways we can continue to meet your information and communication needs through this e-newsletter. We're happy to report that 94% of respondents find IvyNotes Informative, 69% find it Engaging and Timely.
Reader comments highlighted:
- a desire for ample notification about upcoming events
- timely visuals and stories on what's happening at school
- profiles of staff who support our students
We've reorganized sections to reduce scrolling, are planning a series of staff profiles and tips, and will continue to capture and share images of events as they happen. We also want to acknowledge the amazing artwork produced by Ivymount students by including it in our newsletter design.
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The safety of Ivymount students, parents, and community neighbors is paramount.
Please remember the
No Left Turn
rule during drop-off and pick-up times when exiting the parking lot.
M-F 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
M-F 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Also, please support our community relations. Complaints have been received about U-turns on Seven Locks Road and the use of driveways to turn around. If you make a left turn onto Ivymount Terrace, DO NOT USE driveways to turn around. Proceed down the hill and make a left turn onto Mary Cassette Drive, follow the road around and make a right turn onto Seven Locks Rd. Another alternative is to turn around in the Cabin John Mall parking lot.
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IvyNotes will bring you shout-outs and features about the staff members who support our students. Let's start by congratulating our Interdisciplinary Professional Development Cohort, who received funding through the Ivymount Foundation Board toward their completion of advanced degrees, and who just finished a two-year professional development sequence.
Twenty-three Cohort applicants were selected to pursue Master's degrees and certificate programs. Cohort members also participated in professional development sessions, worked across programs to facilitate information sharing, and completed literature reviews in three areas of high interest: best systems for collaboration; how to gather stakeholders' perspective on the value/impact of Ivymount education and services; and best evidence on how to prepare students for life after Ivymount.
Congratulations to the 2018-19 Cohort!
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Save the Date!
PTA Fall Festival
Saturday, September 21
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
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Plan to join the PTA for a fun family afternoon that will include a trackless train, basketball, DJ, snow cones, and a surprise vehicle from a local fire station.
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Monday - Friday
9:05 - 9:30 a.m.
(Open Wednesday - Friday this week)
Friday
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m
(Open Friday this week)
Monday - Friday
2 - 2:45 p.m.
Gator Lunch Shop
Monday
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(See updated menu. First come, first serve.)
Tuesday lunch delivery
(See updated menu.)
Opens late September
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Check out our social media pages for all things Ivymount. Click on the icons below and follow us now!
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Ivymount
School & Programs
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