IvyNotes - Sept 29, 2019

September 29, 2019

Director's Note

The weather may feel like summer, but we are already through the busy back to school month and headed into Fall with curricula and Outreach programs off to a start.

Please remember that this is a short week for students. Tomorrow is a non-instructional day so there is no school for students and staff. Friday, October 4 is a Professional Day, with no school for students.

We are celebrating the kick-off of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which aims to bring attention to the important work that many are doing to create work opportunities for our students while they're in school and beyond.

We hope you are having a wonderful long weekend.

Susan Holt,

School Director

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 30

Non-Instructional Day

No School for students and staff

Friday, October 4

Professional Day

No School for students

Wednesday, October 9

Non-Instructional Day

No School for students and staff

Wednesday, November 27

to Friday, November 29

No School for students and staff

Thanksgiving holiday

Turn Empty Bottles into Ivymount Artwork

Ivymount art teacher Kim Prati needs 1 liter and 2 liter bottles as materials for an upcoming art project. Any donations are appreciated. Please drop off bottles at the front office or send in your student's backpack. Thank you!

Awareness Month Highlights

Disability Employment

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which "celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents."

During the month, Ivymount will share information about some of our community partners who provide job placement opportunities where students acquire work and life skills through real-world experience.

Over 60 students - from The Post High School, High School MLN Program, and the Autism Secondary Program – participate in School to Work programs. They build on valuable experience gained through in-school businesses and internships which then translates to community-based job sites. Goals of the program include gaining skills for competitive employment, social confidence, self-advocacy, and problem solving.

Learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Deadline Fast Approaching

Best Buddies

Students in Ivymount's MLN – High School, PHS, MAP-High School and Secondary Autism Program are invited to join the 2019-2020 High School Best Buddies program .

Best Buddies provides the opportunity for social connections between individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and their non-disabled peers. Please note that even if you applied last year, you will need to re-apply this year. Once you have completed your online application, please notify Lydia Neher at lneher@ivymount.org for a list of the proposed dates for the group events.

Learn More - Invitation to Join Best Buddies

How to Complete your Best Buddies Application

MAP Fuses Food and Science

In the MAP High School Biology class, students learned about animal biology in a fun, hands on, and delicious way. Students designed their own "animal cells" using Jell-o as the cytoplasm and a variety of candy for the different organelles.

Students labeled their cells, recorded a description of each organelle in their lab sheets, and described its function. Students then provided justification for their choice of candy and placement within each cell. Once they completed their lab sheets, labeled their cells, and took pictures, students were able to enjoy eating their cell.

Big Screen Book Features Chinese Warrior

The film Mulan was featured as the Big Screen Book of the month for September. Each month, Library Media Specialist Ed Tamulevich chooses a movie to screen for students in the library. It's part of an Ivymount Reading Incentive Program, which requires students to fill in a journal that shows they have read or listened to a book at home for 15 minutes on 10 different occasions. Once a student completes a journal, they earn a ticket to see the movie during lunchtime. The 20-30 students who participate in the screening each month receive a free book and enjoy popcorn during the movie.

Mulan is based on a Chinese folktale about a maiden who disguises herself as a man to join the army to protect her weakened father who was conscripted to fight. Tamulevich says he chose this movie because it is international, has great music, and a revival of the film is coming out next year.

Post High School Travels to Planet Fitness

Once a week, most of the Post High School students take a trip to Planet Fitness or Spirit Club. Using treadmills, bicycles and elliptical machines, they work on improving muscle strength and boosting endurance, while making exercise a part of their routine. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise leads to improved cognitive function, helps prevent and/or manage various health problems, as well as improve mood and sleep.

Post High School students also learn about the importance of healthy living by attending class in the new updated fitness room multiple times a week. Members of the OT/PT/APE team work alongside teachers to help students make decisions that cater to their individual motor needs.

What's Up Dog?

On Thursday, the popular Ivymount Dog Pound re-opened for business with student employees wearing matching green uniforms and Hot Dog hats as they fulfilled orders.

While working at the Dog Pound, Ivymount students exercise memorization as they are expected to remember prices, combos, and customer names. They utilize math and problem-solving skills as they accept payment from customers and deliver orders. They also practice professionalism as they interact with customers.

The dog pound is open from 12 pm to 12:30 pm in the gator café every Thursday until June, 2020. Your student may relish the chance to stop by!

Turn in Your Box Tops

Don't let those clipped box tops go to waste. Please send your clipped box tops in a clear bag with your student’s name and room number by Friday, October 25th via backpack.

PTA Donation Drive Underway

Donations of any amount are very much appreciated and help the PTA fund family events such as the Back to School Festival, plus staff appreciation activities throughout the school year. Our goal is to have 100% participation from parents and guardians.

You may have recently received a flyer and envelope in your student's backpack, which you can return via backpack, attention PTA. Or Click Here to print out the PTA Donation Drive form listed in the right sidebar of the Ivymount PTA page. Thank you!