IvyNotes - Nov. 10, 2019

November 10, 2019

Director's Note

We're looking forward to robotics fun as we continue to celebrate STEAM month at Ivymount. See below for how we looked back at technology last week .

Thank you to the Ivymount parents, students, board members, and staff who helped us recognize MCPD Officer Mike Prather and some of our state and local representatives. Read more below.

We hope that some of you enjoyed the weekend Music for Autism concert held at Ivymount through our Outreach program. It featured QuinTango, a quintet that blends Tango with classical chamber music style. The dramatic music really warmed up the chilly day!

Wishing everyone a meaningful Veterans Day tomorrow.

Susan Holt,

School Director

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, November 27

to Friday, November 29

No School for students & staff

Thanksgiving holiday

Monday, December 23 to Friday, January 3

Winter Break

No School for students and staff

Nov. 11 – 15 Robotics

Learn basic robotics with the adorable ozobots or challenge yourself to create a game controller with the makey-makey

Nov. 18 – 22 Coding Challenge

Learn the basics of coding with puzzles and challenges

Nov. 25 and 26 STEAM Bins

Choose from 10 engaging design activities to do in the classroom

Mini-Museum Highlights

Tech Advances

Young people today know all about iPads, smartphones, and social media, but what about technology before cellphones? As part of STEAM month, the Ivymount library hosted a “Technology through the Ages” exhibit where students had the opportunity to interact with tangible objects that represented historical technological advances.

Some of the items included a copy of the Rosetta Stone, a typewriter, and even a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s mantel clock. Students also participated in the Mystery Object quiz where they guessed what each of the five items below are.

According to Ivymount's Curriculum Media Specialist, Mr. Tamulveich, students gained “a sense of the passing of time and an appreciation for the ingenuity of our ancestors.” The most popular displays in this mini museum were the 20-year-old iMac, a solar and crank powered radio, the Rosetta Stone, and an antique cash register.

Happy STEAM Month!

Ivymount Recognizes Support for Security Initiatives

Ivymount took a few moments on Friday to thank the many people involved in helping to create a safe and secure environment for learning. At a reception in the All Purpose Room, High School Student's Michael M. and Noah C. described their interests and future goals, then on behalf of all students, presented MCPD Officer Mike Prather with a gift to thank him for his 18 years of working with Ivymount.

Several Ivymount parents, board members, and staff also joined us to recognize more than a dozen state and local representatives. Paula Parsons, corporate board president and former Ivymount parent, thanked them for their support in securing funding for Ivymount's recent security upgrade initiative. The morning celebrated the importance of our strong partnerships with our state and county representatives.

Maryland State Representatives

Secretary , Department of Disabilities and member of School Safety Sub-Cabinet, Carol Beatty

Section Chief, Nonpublic Special Education Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services Sheila Philip

Montgomery County Representatives

County Executive Marc Elrich

Council Vice President Sidney Katz

Senator Brian Feldman

Senator Jeff Waldstreicher

Senator Nancy King

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz

Councilmember Craig Rice

Councilmember Andrew Friedson, represented by Matt Higgins Legislative Aide

Delegate Alfred Carr

Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo

Delegate Anne Kaiser

Delegate Kathleen Dumais

Delegate Lily Qi

MCPD Officer Mike Prather

MCPS Chief of Security Ed Clarke

Music for Autism Sizzles with Tango

A string quintet lit up the APR with tango music on Saturday, as Ivymount Outreach hosted its twice-annual Music for Autism concert. QuinTango is a quintet of two violins, cello, bass and piano dedicated to the musical performance of tango. It fuses traditional South American Tango and classical chamber music to teach audiences about the history of tango. More than 60 people attended the Saturday concert, where they enjoyed listening, dancing, and snacks.

Ivymount has worked with Music for Autism for many years, Its interactive concerts are developed specifically for individuals with autism and performed at no cost to their families.

Best Buddies Plans Hangouts

Students who participate in Best Buddies are excited to attend their second event on November 17, with students from Stone Ridge School and Georgetown Prep. Students will enjoy snacks, seasonal activities and hanging out.

Both chapters are excited for more members, so if your child would like to participate, please contact Lydia Neher by emailing lneher@ivymount.org .

Shop - and Support Ivymount

Last week, we shared information about how to help support Ivymount while you're shopping by providing a link to Amazon Smiles . This week, we're featuring Harris Teeter’s Together In Education program. It gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands. A percentage of your purchase can be donated to Iymount. There are NO LIMITS to how much a school can earn.

Ivymount can earn funds from August through May of each school year. Click on the link below, go to "Together In Education" and then " Linking your school to your VIC Card is easy!" to register. When registering, use Ivymount school code 7930.

All VIC cards must be linked yearly. There is no charge to you when you link your VIC card.

Learn More or Register Your Vic Card Here

Boon Supply Fundraiser still underway!

Thanks so much to the many families and staff who have supported the PTA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Boon Supply (formerly Mixed Bags Design)!

If you would still like to support the PTA, it’s not too late. The Boon Supply online store is still accepting orders. There are many seasonal options, such as holiday wrapping paper, specialty foods, and other gifts.

SHOP NOW

The Ivymount PTA will receive 40% of all profits from online orders. We would like to give our sincere thanks to Ivymount Parent Monique Witz who has coordinated this fundraiser for many years.

Save the date

St. Patrick's Day Dance - March 7th - 6-8 pm for our 4th Annual PTA St Patrick’s Day Dance. There will be pizza, DJ, snacks and lots of green! All Ivymount Families are invited to this very popular and fun event. If you are interested in being part of the dance committee please email Maria Martinez-Jenny at martinezmr70@hotmail.com