September 22, 2024

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

We strive to make Ivymount a place where students can thrive in school and beyond. That's why we're glad to share opportunities and resources for learning, community and respite below.

We hope you will stop in at the PTA's family fundraiser next Sunday. Proceeds will support PTA events and staff appreciation. Plus, scroll down for exciting news about another new group from Ivymount Outreach Programs as well as a longtime partner respite resource for families - multiple ways we hope to support our students and you as caregivers.

Have a great evening.

Sincerely,

Susan

News you Need!

Dates to Remember

October 3

Non-Instructional Day

No School for Students

October 4

Professional Day

No School for Students

October 14

Professional Day

No School for Students

November 11

Professional Day

No School for Students

See the online school calendar

24-25 Upcoming Events

PTA News

September 29

PTA Family Fundraiser at BabyCat

2 - 5 pm

See below or scroll down to the PTA section for full details

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Aspire room 236 students started the week by recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. They first discussed the background (dates, reason for observation, and history) and then brainstormed different ways to celebrate the month. One meaningful way they wanted to celebrate was learning more about the languages. They learned some basic Spanish words and worked as a group to translate them. Stay tuned to learn more about how students honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the following weeks.

Room 171 Leaps into Action in PE!

Endeavors room 171 students recently enjoyed gym class. They participated in warmup laps followed by locomotor stations to help develop gross motor skills essential for everyday tasks and promote spatial awareness. Mastering these skills can boost confidence and encourage persistence in skill practice.

Stations included rolling and somersaulting on a mat, walking in a zigzag line on yellow strips, and leaping and jumping over a jump rope or from one-foot decal on the floor to another. Staff enjoyed watching students try new things and make progress.

Learn About Respite at Jill's House

Through a unique partnership, Ivymount School students can stay at Jill’s House on weeknights. Jill's House is a nonprofit organization that offers overnight respite care and holistic family support services to families of children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 6-22) with intellectual disabilities.

The Jill’s House Weekday Program makes it as easy as possible for parents. After school, Ivymount students board a wheelchair-accessible bus with certified drivers and childcare specialists on board. Arriving at the respite lodge, students are greeted by trained Direct Support Professionals and an on-site nurse. Students choose from exciting activities tailored to their interests and abilities. They enjoy the indoor swimming pool, arts and crafts, music room, library time, basketball, games, movies, and more. Following a healthy dinner, good night’s rest, and nutritious breakfast, students board the bus again to return directly to school. While Jill’s House kids (or just kids) have a fun night away with friends, parents can relax together, catch up on tasks, or spend time with other family members.

Visit jillshouse.org or contact the Admissions Coordinator at (703)639-5658 for more information.

Outreach Fall Educational Programs

Two Spots Available in Social Club for Teens

Ivymount Outreach has two spots left for a Tuesday afternoon social club that begins October 1. The club will focus on friendship and self-advocacy, allowing adolescents to explore their social preferences, interests, and friendship goals in a neurodiversity-affirming environment. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 25.

It’s perfect for teens (ages 14-18) who want to connect socially with peers. This group promotes learning through explicit instruction, hands-on activities, and peer interaction with other group members. Instruction is modified based on the language support needs of group members.

Learn More and Register

Introducing New Caregiver Support Group

We're excited to introduce a NEW caregiver support group focused on managing stress through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT helps people handle tough emotions while focusing on actions that reflect their personal values.

Led by our mental health lead therapist, Michael Stromberg, LCSW-C, this group connects caregivers facing similar challenges while teaching mindfulness-based strategies to enhance effective parenting. The four-part series will address the following topics:

Rethinking Stress Through ACT
Parenting with Mindfulness
Moving Toward Desired Outcomes
Self-Compassion and Redefining Self-Care

Participants will gain skills and practical tools to approach stressful situations with actions aligned with their values and goals. Connection is a critical part of this group, so we respectfully ask participants to do their best to attend all four sessions on October 5 and 26, November 16 and December 7 from 9:15-10:15 am at the Ivymount Campus. $200 for the series.

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Family Fundraiser at BabyCat

Sunday, September 29

Proceeds to the PTA

Music, food, craft beverages 2 - 5 pm

10241 Kensington Pkwy, Kensington, MD

Bring your family and friends to BabyCat Brewery in Kensington for an afternoon of fun. BabyCat will donate 10% of all sales during the 2-5 pm timeframe to the Ivymount School PTA. The venue has become well-known for its family friendly events. It features indoor and outdoor seating, craft beverages and the Cattie Shak food trailer serving burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pizza, etc. Plus, DC-based Americana/Folk band "Goldbug Revival" is on the musical lineup.

We hope to see Ivymount School families and staff. Make sure to spread the word and invite other friends. Proceeds from this fun afternoon will help support PTA events and staff appreciation!