January 28, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

As always, Ivymount School is on the move, with lots to tell you about. It's been nice to see students and staff embracing the goals of January's IvyMoves initiative by moving their bodies daily and discussing healthy habits. Meanwhile, our student businesses are moving forward with planning for February. See below for this week's deadline to order hand-made Valentine's cards.

Please scroll down and make sure to note the weather-related school calendar updates we emailed about last Thursday. Also, a reminder that MANSEF, which represents non-public schools, will lead an advocacy day this Friday, Feb 2 to educate Maryland elected representatives on issues relevant to our teachers and students. Ivymount staff and parents will share their stories.

Speaking of advocacy, we're proud to see some Ivymount School students command the screen in an online video interview series just published by AdLit, a WETA multimedia project for students and educators. Our students gave thoughtful and insightful interviews for the "Voices of Autism" project. See below for how to watch and share.

Do you know service providers and organizations that should be part of our Ivymount Outreach Resource Fair on Sunday, March 3 or be listed in our electronic Resource Guide? Email [email protected] with names so we can contact them before our February 9 exhibitor deadline. The Fair will connect organizations and families plus offer lvymount-led presentations. We will also unveil the 2024 version of our electronic Resource Guide.

Finally, we hope you will support the Ivymount PTA tomorrow night by attending the online meeting to help plan the St. Patrick's Day Dance. It's back for the first time since 2019 and your PTA wants to make this event special for you so bring your ideas.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

NEWS YOU NEED!

Dates to Remember

February 7

Project SEARCH Info Session

4:40 to 5:30 pm at Ivymount or virtual

RSVP to [email protected]

February 19

President's Day

No School for Students and Staff

March 3

Ivymount Outreach Resource Fair

12 to 3 pm

Top PTA News

January 29

Virtual Dance Planning Meeting

7 pm

See the PTA section for more info

Join the meeting online

March 9

St. Patrick's Day Dance

6 - 8 pm

April 12

Onsite PTA Meeting

9:30 - 10:30 am

Make Note of School Calendar Updates

To make up for the three days last week when school was closed due to inclement weather, we plan to cancel two professional days and change the final day of school.

Friday, February 16 will now be a school day for students and staff.
Wednesday, April 10 will now be a school day for students and staff.
The last day of this school year will now be Wednesday, June 12.

A reminder of the announcement earlier this month that the professional day in May is now on 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 find the latest downloadable calendar on our website's Calendar and Events page.

IvyMoves Keeps Us Movin'!

The countdown for 1 million steps continues for Ivymount School students! Our IvyMoves step challenge has students moving to reach 1 million steps throughout the day. So far, students have reached a total of 693,745 steps.

This week, students participated in IvyMoves Bingo, a game created by our SMART Team. Each day, students were given a series of three moves that could be modified as needed. At the end of the week, completed sheets could be brought down to the library for a fun prize. This was a fun way for students to try different movements every day.

Ivymount School Students Featured in "Voices of Autism"

We are excited to share that several Ivymount students are featured in an online video series entitled "Voices of Autism," created by WETA Learning Media and published online by AdLit.org!

The video interview project features young people from Ivymount School and The Auburn School giving their own unique perspectives on what it means to be autistic. A video crew spent a day at Ivymount School in October 2023, interviewing a variety of students who described their experiences, strengths, challenges, and interests.

To read more behind the scenes info and watch the video series, VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

Room 181 Practices Mindfulness

The beginning of a new year is a great time for students and staff to set intentions and lead with mindfulness! Endeavors Room 181 is doing just that, as they have been practicing mindfulness during morning meetings daily.

For example, during Thankful Thursday, students discussed gratitude and what they are thankful for, including how experiencing challenges can be important for personal growth.

Order Carnations and Cards for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and the Aspire High School Vocational Program students are now accepting orders for Valentine's Cards and Carnations!

Valentine's Cards are handmade by our HS students, come packaged in an envelope, and cost $1.00 per card. Card orders are due by Wednesday, January 31.

Carnations are $2.00 per flower and come with a lollipop and note. Carnation orders are due Monday, February 5 and will be delivered on Tuesday, February 13.

Students can drop off their order forms and cash (no checks) outside of the Business Center (Room 253).

Valentine's Day Order Forms

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Join Us Tomorrow Night!

St. Patrick's Day Dance Committee Planning Meeting

Monday, January 29 online at 7 pm

As we gear up for the festivities, we're thrilled to invite you to join the St. Patrick's Day Dance Committee planning meeting! Get ready for an evening filled with excitement, creativity, and community spirit as we brainstorm and plan for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Dance. Your ideas, energy, and enthusiasm are exactly what we need to make this event a memorable one for our Ivymount family!

All Ivymount parents and guardians are welcome to join.

Join the Zoom PTA Planning Meeting

RSVP Now for the St. Patrick's Day Dance

Saturday, March 9

6 - 8 pm

Ivymount All Purpose Room

Get ready to kick up your heels and join us for a shamrockin' good time at the St. Patrick's Day School Dance! This dance is not just an event – it's a celebration for all programs and ages across the entire school! We're excited to bring together our incredible community for an evening filled with music, laughter, and fantastic vibes.

RSVP for the Dance

Please note, this is not a drop-off event, so parents, get ready to be part of the fun alongside your children! We encourage everyone to attend – this event is for YOU! Don't miss out on the chance to make this dance a highlight of the school year!

Donate to the Clothing/Sneaker Drives

Aspire PHS Winter Clothing Drive

The Aspire Post High School is collecting coats, blankets, and winter clothing for men, women, and children until February. Items should be new or gently used but in good condition. They will be delivered to Stepping Stones Shelter.

PTA Sneakers for a Good Cause

The PTA is working with GotSneakers to recycle and rehome used sneakers. Must be athletic sneakers in pairs. Send with your student, drop in the bin, or if you have more than 12 pairs, email Ivymount parent, Trish Stone at [email protected] for a labeled shipping bag.