Fall 2019 N ewsletter
Save the Date: Ivy Street School
Transition Symposium
For many Ivy Street students and their families, the transition to adulthood is a topic that comes with many uncertainties. Families seeking information about the transition process are invited to Ivy Street's Transition Symposium on November 2. The Symposium will feature presentations from experts on several topics related to transition, including guardianship, creative housing, adult services and eligibility, financial planning, navigating benefits, and practical strategies to supporting independence. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to presentations, ask questions and network with each other and with the presenters.

The Transition Symposium will be held on Saturday November 2 from 8:00am to 4:00pm. All Ivy Street families, especially those with students who are nearing the age of transition, are encouraged to attend the Transition Symposium. Please RSVP here .
Meet Andy Cavanagh, Assistant Education Director
As Andy Cavanagh steps into the Assistant Education Director position, he is grateful to have had many years of experience in Ivy's classrooms to guide him in his leadership role. A member of the Ivy Street community since 2016, Andy initially served as the teacher for the F2 classroom, and later lead the B1 transition classroom. Andy shares, "Working in the classroom, you get a sense of what happens in the day to day. I'm glad to have experience in direct service, as well as experience with a wide range of Ivy Street students." Andy's role will include a focus on the transition program, in addition to overseeing the students' MCAS testing and collaborating with public school districts. Congratulations, Andy!
Hawks Softball Team Completes First Season
The Ivy Street Hawks' inaugural softball team hit the ground running with their first season this summer. The Hawks competed in several Special Olympics tournaments throughout the season, traveling to Bellingham and Northborough to compete against other teams from across the state. While the Hawks made great gains on the field, Coach Nick Platt says that the real success was in the team's spirit and unity. Coach Platt shares, "The athletes were so supportive of each other through both successes and mishaps. We saw a lot of leadership from returning athletes so it was a huge step forward not only for Ivy Street's sports programming, but for our students' social-emotional growth as well." The Hawks' season ended in August with a two-day tournament at the New England Baseball Complex, during which the students on the team played alongside Ivy Street staff and parents in a full weekend of competition. Ivy Street's student athletes will begin their next season in October when flag football and cheerleading practices commence. Stay tuned for information regarding upcoming athletic events and tournaments!
Have you seen our new videos?
Ivy Street is thrilled to share two new videos highlighting some family testimonials, as well as our neighborhood. If you haven't seen them yet, please make sure to visit our website to check them out. Many thanks to the members of our community who made these videos possible.
Upcoming Events
We have several events coming up in the fall, and we'd love to see you there! Please save the following dates:
MAB Community Services Annual Meeting
Wednesday October 30
Please join Ivy Street School at the new WBUR CitySpace for MAB Community Services Annual Meeting.
 
Join us as our panel of "genius disrupters" will share their insights and principles of disruption. For entrepreneurs, innovators, and all-around game-changers, successful disruption is the ulimate business goal. How can these principles of disruption be applied to improve outcomes in special education and help individuals with disabilities be fully integrated into their communities?
Panelists include those who have followed the model of disruption from the public and private sector. 

Wednesday, October 30, 2019
WBUR CitySpace
890 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
6:00 PM Registration and Reception
RSVP online here by October 25, 2019
Please call 617-972-9100 for more information
More Events
Sunday, September 29 - Family BBQ
Thursday, October 27 - Open House
Wednesday, October 30 - Annual Meeting
Saturday, November 2 - Transition Symposium
Summer Events
Extravaganza!
Did you make it to the big show? Extravaganza! was a hit once again this year. Students sang, danced, acted, and shared their many talents on June 6.
Graduation
Our community celebrated Ivy Street's graduates on June 12 with a ceremony held at Mason Square. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
Prom
Ivy Street students dressed to the nines for prom on June 27. This year's prom theme was An Evening in Paris, and a good time was had by all!