December 20, 2024

* Special Edition *

A Note from the Director

Dear Families,

Welcome to a special Friday edition of IvyNotes. Winter break begins on Monday, December 23. Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 7. A reminder that January 6 is a professional day for staff only.

Thank you to everyone who took part in Spirit Week. It was a packed week of learning plus lively events. Scroll down to see photos.

Make sure to mark your calendar for events coming up in January, including PTA meetings and our next monthly theme: IvyMoves month. Students and staff will be finding ways throughout the month to be on the move. We hope you will plan to attend the Outreach IvyMoves community event on January 25 featuring ZamDance.

Wishing you a wonderful winter break. See you in January!

Susan

News you Need!

Dates to Remember

December 23 - January 3

Winter Break

No School for Students

January 6

Professional Day

No School for Students

January 20

MLK Jr. Holiday/ Inauguration Day

No School for Students

January 25

IvyMoves Community Event

featuring ZamDance

PTA News

January 10

Staff Appreciation Committee

Join the online meeting

January 13

St. Patrick's Dance Meeting

Advance planning volunteers needed

Contact Gillian Economou

February 1

Family Movie Night

More info coming soon

School Spirit Soars in Week of Fun

Ivymount School had an incredible Spirit Week! From Hat Day to Wacky Outfit Day, and from Sports Day to Pajama Day, the halls were buzzing with excitement and creativity all week long. Our Ivymount Spirit Day was the perfect way to wrap it up, with students and staff showing off school pride in style. It was a week full of fun, laughter, and community spirit!

As we head into the winter break, we want to wish all our Ivymount families a joyful, restful, and peaceful holiday season. See you in the new year!

A Medley of Voices in the Holiday Sing Off

The Aspire Program Holiday Sing-Off provided a lively show to a packed audience. Students sang a variety of famous holiday tunes, read poems, acted out hilarious skits, and even rollerskated! The judges had a challenge on their hands to decide the champions but after scoring the performances on multiple factors, they announced the top three:

First place:

Alex M.

Second place:

Spidey Dog & Spidey Man

Third Place:

Caleb "Spin" P.

Congratulations to all the performers!

Student Chefs Shine in Cookie Bake Off

Homerooms took part in this year’s Homeroom Cookie Bake-Off. Each homeroom selected a recipe and baked their cookies while following proper kitchen safety and hygiene practices. Students and staff then had the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite.

A total of 10 unique cookies were entered into the competition, including Oreo Cheesecake, S'mores, Hot Chocolate, Snickerdoodle, Mint Chocolate Chip, and classic Chocolate Chip! Congratulations to Homeroom 211 and their Santa's Favorite Cookie for taking 1st place, and to all the bakers for their yummy creations!

Get Ready to Celebrate IvyMoves Month

We're making plans for our IvyMoves theme in January. As always, our initiative aims to help us not only think about the many reasons to stay active but also to get moving!

We will have a step challenge, information and resources about the benefits of movement, and a community movement event featuring ZamDance on Saturday, January 25.

As Lightning the therapy dog would say, "Let's Move Like Lightning!"

PHS Winter Clothing Drive Has Started

Donate now through February

The Aspire Post High School is collecting coats, blankets, and winter clothing for men, women, and children from now through February. Items should be new or gently used but in good condition.

The items will be donated to several local charities that serve individuals and families in need or experiencing homelessness. There is now a permanent collection box located in the front entrance where you can drop off items. Please label them "Winter Clothing Drive".

PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

Join the Staff Appreciation Committee

Virtual Meeting Jan 10

Each year, the PTA organizes several events to recognize the work of Ivymount School staff. These include snack bars for professional days, such as the one in February, as well as a week of events for Staff Appreciation Week in May. Many hands make light work. Are you interested in helping?

The PTA’s Staff Appreciation Committee is meeting online at 12 pm on January 10.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72346956386?pwd=EHkVpIeFdZzkYQvLbxtBCuqpqQVboa.1

Meeting ID: 723 4695 6386

Passcode: d8hK0m

Contact Tamar Levenberg at tamarslevenberg@gmail.com for information.

Volunteers Needed to Plan St. Patrick's Day Dance

Virtual Meeting Jan 13

We need a couple of volunteers in January to help the PTA's VP of Events with the early organizing of the St. Patrick's Day School Dance on March 8.

It will be a celebration for all programs and ages across the entire school with music, laughter, and fantastic vibes. The plan is ready but needs a few hands to get the arrangements underway. Please attend the virtual planning committee meeting on January 13 at 7pm. We will ask for night of volunteers later in our planning.

If you enjoyed last year's dance and can help make this a shamrockin' good time, contact Gillian Economou.

Consider Ivymount this Giving Season

As we near the end of 2024, we want to thank you for being part of our Ivymount community, where together we CAN empower successful outcomes. If you have given to Ivymount's 2024-25 Annual Fund or Giving Tuesday campaign, we are so grateful. If not, there's still time to make a tax-deductible contribution!

Your one-time or recurring donation at any amount will be invested in staff training, professional development, curricula and other initiatives. We hope you will consider Ivymount and share our link to the Annual Fund. Thank you!

onecau.se/supportivymount