March 10, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

We were beyond "lucky" to be able to come together last evening for the PTA St. Patrick's Day Family Dance. It was wonderful to see so many families and all that Ivymount green! We hope you and your students had a wonderful time. Thank you to Gillian Economou, PTA VP of Events, and Tricia Duncan for taking the lead with the planning committee, all those who filled volunteer shifts at the dance, and many of our staff who came out to support the event.

In March, we also celebrate Women's History Month, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history and today. This year's theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," aims to tackle economic disempowerment. Ivymount is proud to employ a large contingent of highly educated and talented women across many fields and to educate our young learners about the significance of women's contributions to our community and the world.

A reminder that this Friday, March 15 is a professional day so there's no school for students.

We’re looking for professionals to volunteer during our high school career fair in April. We hope you will help us find the right people to represent a variety of careers at the fair. See below for more information.

Finally, a friendly reminder to all families and staff to drive slowly in the parking lot, especially during dismissal and when heading out of the Ivymount campus past The Maddux School's dismissal area. We appreciate everyone thinking of safety first.

Sincerely,

Susan Holt

Dates to Remember

March 15

Professional Day

No School for Students

March 25- April 1

Spring Break

April 3

Spring Lecture Series Begins

April 12

Spring PTA Meeting

May 14

Professional Day

No School for Students

May 27

Memorial Day Holiday

June 12

Last Day of School

Dancin' a Jig at the PTA St. Patrick's Day Dance

More than 160 people registered for the St. Patrick's Day Family Dance, and despite drenching rain, they came out in force. Students and their families donned their Ivymount green, filled the dance floor all evening, ate pizza and snacks, snapped photos and had a great time mingling with peers and friends. It was excellent to see the return of the dance for the first time since 2019. A huge shout out to the many people who volunteered and donated items to make the dance possible.

Order Handmade Cards for Spring Orders Due Tomorrow

Spring has sprung and the time for cards has begun! In the Business Center (253), Aspire students have been working hard preparing cards to help you celebrate the spring season. Whether you want to celebrate spring, birthdays, Easter, or Passover, they have the cards for you!

Fill out an order form and have your student turn it into the folder outside of the Business Center (253) labeled Gator Cards with your money attached. Please note that we do not accept checks. Cards are $1.00 each and come to you individually packaged with an envelope included.

Card orders are due tomorrow - Monday, March 11, so get your order in!

Take a Journey - Read a Book!

Ivymount is celebrating Read Across America throughout March. The media services team encourages students to visit the library and learn about the journey that books can take them on.

When students check out a book to begin the journey, they can enjoy having their photo taken in the photo booth.

"Be Ready, Be Well" with Aspire Students

Through Ivymount’s Professional Collaborative, students from Aspire Applied Rooms 211 and 209 participated this week in the "Be Ready, Be Well" pilot program. The students enthusiastically engaged with a team from George Mason University!

This program focuses on self-advocacy, goal setting, and wellness in transition to adulthood for students with disabilities. Students explored their personal goals and interests, worked on action plans for self-advocacy, and practiced wellness strategies to support stressful moments during the transition to adulthood.

Spring Lecture Series Begins April 3

We had a great turnout and positive feedback on our workshops at the Outreach Resource Fair. We are now pleased to bring back our Spring Lecture Series with workshops led by Ivymount staff on these three topics: using mindfulness strategies, discussing sexual health with individuals with I/DD, and understanding and appreciating neurodiversity.

Join us in person at Ivymount on Wednesday, April 3 from 6-7 pm for the first workshop in our series. Michael Stromberg, LCSW-C, Ivymount School’s Mental Health Lead, will host a session on how to utilize mindfulness strategies and techniques as part of your self-care, improve interactions and relationships, and manage stressful situations all while connecting with other families. Please RSVP for this session by clicking the button below.

RSVP to Mindfulness Lecture

Pet Supplies Donation Drive on Now!

The Aspire Social 6th graders are running a donation drive for the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF) through March 22. You can donate unopened food, toys, leashes, beds, cleaning supplies, old towels, and reusable bags. See the full list of items. Drop off contributions in the box in the lobby or at the top of the main stairs near the movement wall.

Seeking Volunteers for Career Fair

April 17

9:30 am – 11:30 am

at Ivymount School campus

Do you have a passion for what you do? Share your excitement about the world of work with Ivymount High School students by participating in our first career fair. We want to provide our students with exposure and insight into various careers and we need your help!

We’re looking for volunteers who work in different fields to staff a table during our career fair and answer student questions.

Click to Volunteer

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Attend the April 12 PTA Meeting

We hope you will plan to attend the spring PTA meeting on Friday, April 12. We're meeting onsite at Ivymount School from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Come to meet other families, learn about upcoming events and bring your ideas for Staff Appreciation Week in early May. We hope to see you there!

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.