March 3, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

Thank you for helping make today's 11th Annual Outreach Resource Fair a wonderful success. We were pleased to come together again as a community and share important resources. We appreciate all of our exhibitors, staff volunteers, and family attendees for participating.

Thank you to our amazing workshop presenters Alyssa Yeager, Madelyn Levy, Kelly Offutt, Amy Alvord, Sharon Nickolaus, Tara Weiss, Michael Stromberg and Jennie Kampf. Today was also an opportunity for us to unveil our 2024 Resource Guide. We hope this will be a helpful reference throughout the year and we encourage you to share it with other families. You can scroll down to see some photos from the fair and a link to the Guide.

We have another fantastic opportunity for our community to get together - this time with music, food and fun for the whole family. It's the final two days to RSVP for next Saturday's PTA Family Dance. This is the first time the PTA is hosting the dance since 2019, so the PTA and our staff volunteers are excited to see you and your students!

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

NEWS YOU NEED!

Dates to Remember

March 6

Project SEARCH info session

March 15

Professional Day

No School for Students

March 25- April 1

Spring Break

May 14

Professional Day

No School for Students

May 27

Memorial Day Holiday

June 12

Last Day of School

Top PTA News

March 9

PTA Family Dance 6 - 8 pm

RSVP by March 5! Pizza, Snacks, DJ, Photo Booth!

Ivymount Hosts Outreach Resource Fair

We had a great turnout for the 11th annual Ivymount Outreach Resource Fair, showcasing dozens of exhibitors from around the DC region that provide services and resources to children and young adults. Ivymount experts presented workshops on topics such as transition to adulthood, reading development, talking with adolescents about sexual health, mindful parenting and understanding and appreciating neurodiversity. Several Ivymount students and staff also helped by selling items from The Crafty Classroom, Post High School businesses and a snack table.

For those who were not able to attend the Fair, we have more ways to share information with you. Check out the online Outreach Resource Guide 2024, which includes descriptions and links to Fair exhibitors plus many additional service providers. The Resource Guide will be available online all year. Make sure to share it with your community.

This Week - Project SEARCH Info Session

Wednesday, March 6

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. RSVP to psrecruitment@seeconline.org.

Pet Supplies Donation Drive on Now!

The Aspire Social 6th graders have launched a donation drive for Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF), which runs through March 22. LDCRF is a local animal rescue organization that helps dogs and cat find their forever homes. The supplies they need include unopened dog and cat food, dog and cat toys, leashes, and dog beds. If you don't have pets, you can still contribute! They also need cleaning supplies, old towels, and reusable bags. See the full list of items.

You can drop off contributions in the box in the lobby or at the top of the main stairs near the movement wall. Thanks in advance for helping animals and for helping our students have a successful event!

Aspire Students Bring Black History to Life

Students in the Aspire Applied ESMS brought history to life this week with a Black History Month live museum. After spending the month researching influential Black Americans, writing speeches from their person's perspective, and creating informative exhibits, they were able to share their hard work with staff members and their fellow classmates.

Room 172 Chase Rainbows in Art Class

Room 172 enjoyed making rainbows 🌈 in Art with Ms. Genesis. They worked on fine motor skills by squeezing glue onto their plates and placing shredded pieces of paper onto the plate to create a colorful, multimedia rainbow.

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Final Days to RSVP for the PTA Family Dance Register to attend or volunteer by March 5.

Saturday, March 9

6 - 8 pm

Ivymount All Purpose Room

RSVP for the Dance

Pizza, Snacks, DJ Photo Booth!

We're in the countdown to the PTA Family Dance so if you're planning to go but haven't RSVP'd yet, please do so by March 5. 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.

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 the chance to make this dance a highlight of the school year!

Donate to the Sneaker Drive

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 trish.stone@yahoo.com for a labeled shipping bag.