October 1, 2023

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

We continue to have a lot of fun going on at Ivymount, with our upcoming gala to celebrate six decades, events with community partners, and of course, school events and ongoing instruction.

See below to register for this year's Best Buddies program and the PTA's family event, both in October. Check out the event we hosted for our longtime partner and student favorite - Spirit Club. Plus, read our latest Six Decades Story about trailblazer Cathy Bernard.

Have a great evening,

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

Hispanic Heritage Month Offers

A Window into Language and History

In the Aspire Social program in room 236, students started Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) lessons by learning about the importance of HHM by learning some Spanish vocabulary, and about important leaders and figures. By discussing these famous leaders and figures, they identified the importance of diversity, how famous leaders and figures advocated for themselves and others, and the influence of diverse cultures on the United States. In Spanish class in 204, students began HHM by learning about different parts of Hispanic culture. They began by creating maracas and researching a country. Next, they’ll talk about Puerto Rico and a person of influence, Bad Bunny. They will finish up the month by making quesadillas.

In the Endeavors Program in room 182, students have been learning about comparing cultural holidays with a highlight on Hispanic culture. Students shared stories about their own cultural activities, such as Rosh Hashana, and discussed how El Dio De Les Muertos compares to Halloween.

Register for Best Buddies

First Event on October 22

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

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!

Food Drive Accepting Donations

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

Ivymount Hosts Spirit Club Fitness Festival

Ivymount partners with a variety of organizations, such as Spirit Club, Music for Autism, ZamDance and others to bring fitness and cultural opportunities to our students. We were proud to support our longtime partner Spirit Club on the weekend by providing a space for its annual Fitness Festival. The event was attended by many families, county representatives and organizations that provide services to families of individuals with disabilities.

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