January 7, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a good first week back from winter break.

We're revving up our momentum in 2024 with activities around our annual IvyMoves Month throughout January. Let's start by fitting movement into our daily lives. To that end, save the date of Saturday, January 20 for our IvyMoves community event here at Ivymount.

This Tuesday evening, we also hope you'll attend the online PTA meeting open to all families. And for those with teens and young adults, learn about Project SEARCH through our onsite and virtual information session this Wednesday. See links to both by scrolling down in this email.

We encourage you to mark your calendars and attend the MANSEF Advocacy Day in Annapolis, MD on Friday, Feb 2. Parent representation is crucial in helping us explain to legislators the important and unique role of nonpublic schools and our highly-trained and educated staff. Register at this link.

Finally, please make note of an important calendar update: the May Professional Day has been changed from May 10 to May 14 due to the use of our building for primary election day. There will be no school for students on May 14. You can view a list of calendar events and the updated printable calendar on the Calendar and Events page of the Ivymount School website.

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

NEWS YOU NEED!

Dates to Remember

January 10

Project SEARCH info session

January 15

MLK Day

No School for Students and Staff

January 20

IvyMoves Community Event

February 16

Professional Day

No School for Students

Top PTA News

January 8 - 10

Send/drop off snacks. Sign Up for staff appreciation snacks

January 9

Join Online Winter PTA Meeting

March 9

St. Patrick's Dance

Scroll down to the PTA section for more information.

Welcome Back!

Ivymount School is excited to welcome back students this week after winter break! We can't wait to see what we will accomplish together in 2024!

Let's Get Movin'

January is IvyMoves Month

Ivymount values student, staff, and family health and fitness through the IvyMoves Initiative. Our goal is to improve the Ivymount community’s overall health and wellness by helping to foster positive lifelong habits. Throughout the year, special events focusing on movement occur, with January featured as IvyMoves month. Over the next four weeks, we will create opportunities for our students, staff, and our community to engage in physical activity, learn about healthy nutrition, and connect movement to self-regulation.

This week, our staff and students have been discussing the importance of daily movement. CHECK OUT THESE TIPS for ways that we can all incorporate more movement into our routines. The APE Department also worked with students to practice their special line dance routine that will be showcased later this month!

Join Our IvyMoves Community Event on January 20

Ivymount Outreach Programs invites you to warm up your Saturday morning with an hour of music, movement, raffle prizes, and community at the Ivymount campus on January 20 at 11 am.

Bring the whole family to our complimentary IvyMoves event featuring ZamDance - a high-energy blast of fun for all ages and abilities. Please share with other families. Participants must be supervised by parents/caregivers. RSVP HERE

Project SEARCH Info Session

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

4:30 pm at Ivymount School and Online

Learn more about how the Project SEARCH program helps young adults make successful transitions from school to productive post-school life.

Parents, professionals, and applicants who are interested in applying to the Project SEARCH programs can attend this hybrid session in person or remotely.

Can't join in person? USE THIS ZOOM LINK

Donate to the Student-Led Winter Clothing Drive

Your winter wear could help a family in need. Our Aspire Post High School is holding its Annual Winter Clothing Drive. They are collecting coats, blankets, and winter clothing for men, women, and children from now until February. Items should be new or gently used but in good condition.

Items will be delivered to Stepping Stones Shelter, a non-profit that provides emergency goods, food and shelter to Montgomery County families experiencing homelessness. Students have set up a collection box in the front entrance where you can drop off items.

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Winter PTA Meeting this week via Zoom!

Tuesday, January 9

7 pm to 8 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85768144085?pwd=qdDShZF8BJnzMyf4AhQwEa5XeHLfon.1

Meeting ID: 857 6814 4085

Passcode: 670602

Mark your Calendar - Spring PTA Meeting

In Person at Ivymount School

Friday, April 12 - 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Donate Snacks this week

for Staff Appreciation

The PTA is kicking off 2024 with a staff appreciation snack bar that will be set up this Wednesday, January 10. Send in snacks Monday, January 8 through Wednesday morning. We need a few volunteers to help sort and set up snacks starting at 12 pm on Wednesday.

Families can donate boxes or bags of nut-free snacks and treats. In addition to individually wrapped store-bought items, homemade snacks and baked goods are welcome. If possible, please individually package homemade items for easier distribution.

Label items “PTA Snack Bar” and send with your student, deliver during drop-off/pickup, or stop in during front desk hours (8 am to 4 pm).

Join the St. Patrick's Day Dance Committee

The Ivymount School PTA is excited to host a St. Patrick's Day Dance on March 9, 2024. This dance is open to all programs and ages across the whole school. We are looking for a few volunteers for the Dance Committee to help with planning and coordination.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected]