February 4, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

Throughout February, we will share examples of how our programs spotlight Black History Month. Let's start with some great books! See below for some of the many titles our team put together.

A few reminders for this week - tomorrow is the deadline for students to order Valentine's carnations, so send in cash if your student is interested. We're hosting an information session for Project SEARCH at Ivymount and online this Wednesday. See below for details. Do you work with great service providers that other families could benefit from? Let us know by emailing outreach@ivymount.org as this is the final week for exhibitors to register for the Outreach Resource Fair and the online Resource Guide. Stay tuned for how to RSVP to attend the event.

Finally, a big thank you to our student Ethan, parent Jen Berzok, and several staff for representing Ivymount and all nonpublic schools at the MANSEF advocacy day at the Maryland legislature. Your personal stories help legislators understand the importance of this type of education. Scroll down to read more.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

NEWS YOU NEED!

Dates to Remember

February 7

Project SEARCH Info Session

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

RSVP to psrecruitment@seeconline.org

February 19

President's Day

No School for Students and Staff

March 3

Ivymount Outreach Resource Fair

12 to 3 pm

Top PTA News

March 9

St. Patrick's Day Dance

6 - 8 pm

April 12

Onsite PTA Meeting

9:30 - 10:30 am

Last Chance to Order Carnations

Valentine's Day Order Forms

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

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).

This Week - Project Search Info Session

Wednesday, February 7

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

Celebrating Black History Month

February means we are excited to kick off Black History Month! Visit the library this month to check out the awesome curation of books celebrating Black authors, illustrators, stories, and voices. Did you know that the Ivymount School library includes more than 600 such titles? Mr. T, Curriculum Media Specialist, put together a list of some of them.

Students can stop by the library this month to check out a book!

Student Advocates for Nonpublic Schools

"Why are nonpublic schools important? [Public Schools] are not equipped to give support for a select number of students out of the many thousands that attend public schools. So nonpublic schools give them the opportunity that they deserve, that they need to thrive." - Ethan, Ivymount School Student

Congratulations to Ethan, a senior in the Aspire Academic and Social Program, for his outstanding job as student speaker for MANSEF Advocacy Day. Ethan shared his experience and his perspective on the importance of nonpublic schools, like Ivymount, with state legislators.

MANSEF Advocacy Day connects local educational organizations and their students and staff with legislators to discuss the important role MANSEF schools play in Maryland's educational continuum and thank them for their support. Ethan described how after struggling to succeed in public school, with more intensive support and strategies at Ivymount, he is now returning to public high school for some classes in his senior year.

Our gratitude to Jen Berzok, Ivymount School parent and past president of the Corporate Board, for providing her family's perspective during her remarks. Thank you also to staff members Keith Lester, Neziha Umitli, and Jen Pratt for supporting MANSEF and representing Ivymount School.

Room 182 Cultivates Vocational Independence

Students in 182 recently started at a new job site called We Achieve. We Achieve is an adult services provider in Silver Spring, Maryland that offers people with a range of different abilities comprehensive and customized supports to enjoy their greatest independence. Our students have been tasked with helping to organize and file financial documents, shred old documents, and complete Human Resources tasks. Students are empowered to communicate with their supervisors when they have questions or have completed a task and need more work. We are looking forward to continuing to see the great work our students do!

Students Reach Step Goal

Ivymount School students have more than reached their goal! Our in-school IvyMoves step challenge saw students moving throughout the day to reach 1 million steps. Throughout January, Ivymount students walked and ran a total of 1,000,962 steps. Way to keep on movin'!

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

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