October 8, 2023

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

A reminder that Monday is a non-instructional day so there is no school for students.

Each October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It’s one way we recognize the community partnerships and jobsites that over the years have provided advocacy in the cause of equal employment, and mentorship for our students. Each partner is invaluable in our efforts to prepare students for a successful transition from school to adult life with meaningful work and community inclusion.

This year’s NDEAM theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.” We value your connections and ideas to maintain a network of varied and rich job placements for our students. Reach out if you know of an opportunity. Meanwhile, scroll down to read about some of the job skills that Ivymount School students practice.

Also, a reminder to register for Best Buddies and consider donating to this month's student-run food drive.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

NEWS YOU NEED!

Dates to Remember

October 9

No School for Students

October 14

Ivymount Gala

November 10

No School for Students

November 22-24

Thanksgiving Holiday

Celebrate Employment for All

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) kicked off October 1, and this is an opportunity for Ivymount School to thank the community partners, and highlight a few of our jobsites that have helped our students build work and life skills.

This year, Post High School students started going to Second Story Books. The tasks that they complete are stocking shelves with new books, DVDs, CDs, records, and art. Students work on skills such as alphabetizing, customer service, identifying damaged books, identifying different sections or topics, and navigating a crowded environment. Lately, students have been working on creating and hanging up signs to label different section, advertise sales and help with alphabetizing. The supervisor commented recently that they have noticed since signs have been placed around their store, less customers seek out their employees for questions, allowing their full-time workers to complete other important tasks.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Aspire High School students collaborated on intricate artwork inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi! The art pieces are now being displayed throughout Ivymount hallways.

Among the pieces Aspire students worked together to create are mixed media and collages. They feature colorful backgrounds and a variety of animal collages in reference to Gaudi's own signature works which include mosiac sculptures inspired by nature and animals.

Register for Best Buddies

First Event on October 22

Our first Best Buddies event is planned for Sunday, October 22!

What is Best Buddies?

Best Buddies is an international program dedicated to providing social connections and the opportunity for friendship between individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and their non-disabled peers.

Who Can Join?

Best Buddies is for Ivymount students who are 13 years of age or older.

Who are Ivymount’s partner schools?

Ivymount partners with two private high school Best Buddies Chapters. The Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and Georgetown Preparatory School.

Where are the Best Buddies events?

Events are hosted at our partner schools, which are located just down the road from Ivymount.

When are Best Buddies events?

Best Buddies events are hosted monthly outside of school hours, usually on weekends.

What do students do at Best Buddies events?

Students who attend the Best Buddies events participate in various activities such as dancing, talent shows, arts and crafts, sports, etc. There is truly something for everyone!

How can we sign up?

Click here or on the document image above to download the application form and sign up today!

Donate to the Food Drive Through October 11

The Endeavors Program Classroom 182 is now leading an annual food drive to benefit Manna Food Center. They're accepting donations of non-perishable foods in jars, cans, and sealed packets through Wednesday, October 11. Send in backpacks or drop off at the front desk.

Most Needed Items

Grains: Brown rice, whole grain pasta, oatmeal
Protein: Beans, canned chicken, tuna, or salmon (in water)
Canned Fruit and Vegetables
Other Healthy Items: Shelf-stable, individual milk boxes,
cooking oil and spices, Instant formula & baby foods

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Free Family Movie Night

RSVP Now!

Saturday, Oct 21

6 - 8 pm

Ivymount School All-Purpose Room

Click on the link above to RSVP and to volunteer with set up, clean up, or to pass out pizza, if you’re able to do so. We will look forward to seeing you bring the whole family to the PTA’s upcoming movie night!

We will be getting in the Halloween spirit with the movie "Hotel Transylvania 2." Please let us know if you would like gluten-free pizza when you RSVP.

This event is free and all Ivymount families are welcome to participate. This is a family event, not a drop-off event, so please stay and attend with your student. We will be indoors, so come rain or shine!

Contribute to the PTA Dues Drive

We really appreciate the many families who have generously contributed to the PTA dues drive. All contributions go towards staff appreciation and family events. If you have not already contributed and are able to do so, we appreciate any amount. Click the link below and thank you for your support!

Donate to the PTA Dues Drive

Celebrating Six Decades of Ivymount

Read Ivymount's

Six Decades Stories

The ultimate volunteer, Mary Merrick, volunteered in the classroom, school office, on the board, and as a special education advocate for more than 40 years! Read about how Mary started in the first classroom with the first student in 1961 in our latest #SixDecadesofIvymount story.