November 5, 2023

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

Throughout November, we will continue celebrating IvyCares Month and our Ivymount community of students, families, staff, and partners, all working together to create achievements, opportunities, and kindness to ourselves, others, and our wider community.

This week, there are two fun community events scheduled. See below for details about Wednesday morning's PTA Parent/Caregiver Hangout and Saturday morning's Music for Autism concert. Both events are welcome to Ivymount families and are great ways to participate in our community.

Scroll down to see some fun moments that students and staff created as we celebrated Halloween this past week.

A reminder that this coming Friday is Professional Day, so there will be no school for students on November 10.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

NEWS YOU NEED!

Dates to Remember

November 10

No School for Students

November 11

Music for Autism

November 13 - 17

School Pictures

November 15

Project SEARCH Info Session

November 22-24

Thanksgiving Holiday

November 28

Giving Tuesday

We Celebrate IvyCares in November

Please join us as we invest in our culture of kindness through our IvyCares Initiative. Together we celebrate caring as a priority by creating opportunities for our students, staff, and familes to:

Reflect on the positive impact our actions can have on others.
Practice gratitude and kindness to others.
Show care and kindness for ourselves.
Value our relationships with each other and invest in these friendships and partnerships.
Embrace diversity by appreciating qualities and experiences that are different from our own and celebrating our individual differences.
Expand our circle of care by taking steps to make positive changes in our community.

During the first week of IvyCares month, we began planning how to celebrate. For example, the Aspire Social and Applied classrooms began IvyCares activity by writing down what caring means to them or how they show caring. They plan to create a big "Caring Chain" with all their answers. They also plan to complete lessons and activities that embrace diversity by appreciating qualities and experiences that are different from our own and celebrating our differences.

Through IvyCares we are establishing traditions that contribute to our positive, diverse, and inclusive culture.

Spooktacular Scene for Halloween

The spooky season was cause for a variety of fun events, creative costumes, and a chance to practice a variety of skills.

Elementary and Middle School Students participated in class parties to celebrate the spooky holiday. Parties were filled with sweet treats and fun. High School Students participated in a Halloween Dance that included the Cha Cha Slide, treats, games and fun.

A special thank you to the parents and families who contributed to the fun!

Save the Date

Music for Autism

Saturday, November 11

1 pm at Ivymount School

Join Ivymount Community Outreach for a classical Argentinian tango channeled by a quintet of top-notch female chamber musicians and their crackerjack bandoneon player! This is tango like you’ve never imagined it: classical chops, jazz harmonies, and intimate arrangements written for the group by outstanding composers in Buenos Aires.

RSVP HERE

Project SEARCH Info Session

Wednesday, November 15

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

LISS Funding Application Reminder

The deadline to apply for FY 2024-Round 2 Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program is quickly approaching! The LISS program is provided through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) of the Maryland Department of Health. LISS financial assistance is awarded through a random selection process and can be applied to many Ivymount Outreach Programs or other eligible services/items.

The LISS program's goal is to ensure that children and adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities live happy, healthy, independent lives while being integrated into their communities across their lifespan.

We strongly encourage you to apply.

The online access link for applications will close on November 30, 2023.

Click here for more information

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Get Involved in Our Upcoming PTA Events

Parent/Caregiver Hangouts - Corner Bakery Bethesda

Wednesday, November 8 - 9:15 to 10:30 am

Wednesday, December 6 - 1:30 to 2:30 pm

Winter PTA Meeting via Zoom

Tuesday, January 9 - 7 to 8 pm

Spring PTA Meeting - In Person at Ivymount School

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

Sneaker Drive Raises Funds and Helps the Environment

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the PTA's ongoing Sneaker Drive with GotSneakers. Things to know:

Sneakers (and cleats) can be in any condition (with or without laces/insoles).
Pairs only.
No crocs, sandals, dress shoes, or other types of shoes.
Send shoes to school with your student or drop them off inside the main entrance of the school.
If you have 12 pairs or more, contact trish.stone@yahoo.com for a collection bag.

Read Ivymount's Six Decades Stories

Since 1961, volunteer board members have been instrumental in developing new programs that meet needs and the Ivymount mission.

Learn more about how board members helped Ivymount thrive in this week's Six Decades story by clicking here.

Give the Gift of Successful Outcomes

During this season of giving, we hope that you will consider a monthly or one-time donation to Ivymount at whatever amount is comfortable for you. Be part of our momentum as we work to create positive outcomes for students and families.

Support Ivymount