April 14, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

As you can see from our stories below, April has been a busy and fun month so far with Monday's energizing solar eclipse experience that we enjoyed together and watching Ivymount School students bring their voice to the community in new ways. Scroll down for photos and details.

Coming up this week, we have a sibling night on Tuesday hosted by our mental health team. Final chance to sign up below. On April 24, we have the second workshop in our Spring Lecture Series: Talking about Sexual Health with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Scroll down to RSVP.

Finally, we thank all of you on the PTA for planning to recognize our staff in early May. Scroll down to the PTA section to read about one of the many ways you can get involved. Staff truly appreciate it.

Have a wonderful evening.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

Dates to Remember

April 16

Sibling Night

May 14

Professional Day

No School for Students

May 17

Ivymount School Prom

June 12

Last Day of School

PTA News

May 6-10

Staff Appreciation Week

Together we thank the 225+ staff who work with our students. There's a way for every family to support the week. Scroll down to the PTA section for a full description of the week's events and use these links to get involved.

Staff Appreciation Week Fund

Donate Gift Cards/Snacks & Volunteer

Bring Your Child to Sibling Night

Ivymount School's mental health providers are hosting our annual sibling night on Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30-7 pm. Siblings will engage in group discussions, tailored to their developmental age, to discuss their experiences of being a child with a sibling with special needs. Additionally, there will be a group for parents to discuss ideas for how to develop healthy relationships with all of your children, and to foster healthy relationships between siblings. We look forward to seeing you!

RSVP for Sibling Night

Students and Staff Catch a Glimpse of Solar History

This week, students took part in learning all about and safely viewing Monday's historic solar eclipse! Students from all programs engaged in science lessons, phases of the moon crafts, and other fun lunar projects. Then, students and staff grabbed their glasses and viewed the eclipse together during its afternoon peak.

Ivymount Students Shine in Metro Voiceover

Autism Acceptance Month Project

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority honored Autism Acceptance Month in a very special way! For the second year, Metro celebrated the unique bond many children with autism share with mass transit systems by inviting 25 young people to record voiceovers, including safety and boarding announcements, that will play through the entire Metrorail system during the month of April.

"We recognize the importance of supporting autism acceptance and are proud to be part of this event," said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. "Our goal is to foster a more inclusive society and celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of individuals with autism in our community."

Several Ivymount students were featured in this creative and special project. Click the video below to hear Ben, Eddie, James, Kirby and Max make their Metro announcements at the times listed!

Ben: 1:46

Eddie: 3:20

James: 5:37

Kirby: 6:16

Max: 7:14

Spring Lecture Series Continues

Join the Ivymount Professional Collaborative in person at Ivymount on Wednesday, April 24 from 6-7 pm for the second workshop in our Spring Lecture Series. Talking about Sexual Health with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.

Kelly Offutt, Program Services Specialist and Speech Therapist, will explore topics related to sexuality that are related to school-age individuals. Expect to learn new ways to discuss these matters openly and comprehensively. Plus, ask questions and chat with fellow attendees.

RSVP to Lecture #2

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Staff Appreciation Week - May 6 - 10

How to Get Involved

The Ivymount PTA is planning activities during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6 - 10, to show the more than 200 Ivymount School staff how much we appreciate their dedication and commitment to working with our children and young adults on a daily basis.

Week's schedule:

Saturday-Sunday May 4-5: Swing by the school with your student at your leisure over the weekend to "Chalk The Walk" using sidewalk chalk to create thank you messages and art
Monday May 6: Grab N' Go Snack bar for staff
Tuesday May 7: Students wear Ivymount spirit wear or green clothing
Wednesday May 8: Luncheon for the staff
Thursday May 9: "I appreciate you" notes, pictures, etc. for staff from students
Friday May 10: Staff favorite "Dress Comfy/Pajama Day"

We hope every family can find a way to participate:

Donate Gift Cards

You can donate gift cards ($10-$25) for use at local businesses, such as restaurants, movie theaters, or stores, for the daily Staff Raffles. Gift cards can be sent to school with students in envelopes marked “PTA Raffle” starting on Monday, April 29 through arrival on Thursday, May 2.

Donate Snacks

You can provide boxes or bags of nut-free snacks and treats for staff to pick up from a Grab-and-Go Snack Bar. Individually-wrapped or individually-packaged snacks and treats are preferred, but not required. In addition to store-bought snacks and treats, homemade snacks and baked goods are welcome. If possible, individually package homemade items for easier distribution.

Snacks should be labeled “PTA Snack Bar” and can be sent to school with students or dropped off. Send in snacks starting on Wednesday, May 2 through arrival on Monday May 6.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteers are needed to help set up the Staff Grab ‘n Go Snack Bar on the afternoon of May 6 and to help with the Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8.

Donate to the Staff Appreciation Week Fund

The PTA hosts a special Staff Appreciation Luncheon for the entire staff, incredible individuals who go above and beyond every day. This luncheon is not just a meal; it's a tangible expression of our immense gratitude for their unwavering commitment and hard work on behalf of our students.

To make this event a reality we need your generous donations, which will directly contribute to providing a catered luncheon that will truly convey our appreciation. Together, let's show the staff how much they mean to us and how grateful we are for their dedication and commitment.

Please consider making a donation of any amount towards the Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Donate online by clicking on the orange button below or send in a check made out to the Ivymount PTA and ask your student’s teacher to please drop it off at the front desk in the main office.