Irvington Weekly Newsletter

Happy fall break! Don't forget about your child's conference next Monday or Tuesday, between 7:30am and 7:30pm, with virtual and in-person options available. Outside of conferences, enjoy your family time together, and we will all see each other again on Monday, December 2. (Note: because of the break, you will not receive a newsletter next Friday.)

Now that we're in the rainy part of the year, we encourage students to store a change of clothes (shirt, pants, socks, and underwear) in case they get too wet during recess. If you haven't done so already, please consider sending clothes that your child can keep in their locker. Remember to send a new set if they use their spare items!

The rainy season also means that we need more back-up clothes for our PTA-run clothing closet! We are currently short on a few items as we look to the wet season ahead. We are looking for donations of clean, gently used short-sleeve shirts size small (6/7), and sweatpants or leggings (no jeans) in size small or medium (6/7 or 8/10). If you have items to donate, please put them in the big blue bin inside the front door of the school. Thank you!

Winter term class offerings are now posted online at https://www.irvingtonschool.com/afterschool/. Registration opens Monday, December 9, at 6pm! An email will be sent at that time with links to registration pages. Many classes fill very quickly, so start planning now!

Classes begin right after school, which means you don't have to be at the regular 2:30pm pick up! Most of these classes are provided by outside vendors, are fee based (scholarships available!) and are optional. They are organized by the PTA, though provided as a resource and not endorsed by the school or by the PTA.

Scholarships are available and provided by the PTA! All students who qualify for free/reduced lunch also qualify for PTA scholarships. Because breakfast and lunch are free for ALL students this year, scholarships will be given to those who qualify according to the prior PPS criteria. Please see the application for details, which can be found here, on our website, or in the school office. We encourage you to fill out an application as soon as possible for better likelihood of getting your first choice. Each qualified student is eligible for a scholarship for ONE after school activity per term (one activity each: Fall, Winter and Spring terms) for a total of 3 activities per year. Please email scholarship@irvingtonschool.com with any questions.

It's time for the annual Irvington giving tree! Last year our amazing community came together to support 47 kids with holiday gifts, including warm outerwear, clothes, underwear, socks, and toys. There are two ways to take part in this tradition:

1. If your family could benefit from some support this year please fill out this survey before Sunday, December 8. Once you fill out the survey, Katie Wich will reach out to confirm with you.
2. If you are able, please consider donating via cash to Harvey or the office or Venmo @Katie-Wich. This is only possible because of you!

Check out the flyer below about a breakfast fundraiser for the IED program!

This is a group for parents and caregivers of students who experience neurodiversity. We meet about once per month to network with other parents and caregivers and discuss such things as the different ways our students’ school experiences take shape, or how to navigate the IEP process. Our interpretation of neurodiversity is comprehensive and includes (but is not limited to) anxiety, autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 2, right after drop off in the PTA room. If you have questions or would like to know more about this group, email Amy Dachtler at amydachtler@gmail.com.

December lunch sign ups are now open! CLICK HERE to sign up. If you've never served lunch before, you'll have to be a PPS-approved volunteer first. Please contact Betsy at bihuigens@gmail.com with any questions.

December: Counselor Corner Monthly Update

Check out a FREE event happening at the Portland Art Museum on December 7. Details in the update.

5th Grade Families: Irvington will host a virtual 5th grade parent presentation to run through the process and the different school options at 6pm on Monday, November 25 (see below).

Join me for the next Tea with Mr. G. on Friday, December 6, after arrival. Our topic will be kids and technology. See you there!

The next Movie Night is on Friday, December 6, and we’ll be showing Abominable. See all the details below:

• Where: School cafeteria.

• When: Friday, December 6. Doors open and disco party at 6:15pm, movie begins at 6:30pm. Use the cafeteria doors behind the school for entry/exit.

• Who: Irvington students and their families. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

• Food and Drink: Free popcorn provided! Please bring your own water bottles filled with water only. Picnic dinners are okay, too. Thank you in advance for cleaning up after yourselves.

• Seating: Bring a blanket or camp chair to sit on. Cafeteria tables are also available.

• Disco: Enjoy some fun lights, music and dancing before the show and during a short intermission.

On Monday, November 25 at 6pm, Ms. Blum and I will host a virtual Middle School Info Session for fifth grade families. In this session we will cover the lottery process and timeline for focus options school, share what each school offers and expects, and ways to support your child's middle school transition. We look forward to seeing you there! You can access the meeting here.

Week of November 25: Fall break and conferences, Monday and Tuesday, 7:30am-7:30pm

Monday, December 2: Neurodiversity caregivers coffee chat, 8am

Monday, December 2: Popcorn Monday, 2:30pm

Thursday, December 5: Picture re-takes

Thursday, December 5: Green Team meeting, 2:40pm

Thursday, December 5: HTMS band concert, 7pm

Friday, December 6: Tea with Mr. G., 8am

Friday, December 6: Movie night, 6:15pm

See it all at a glance here: https://www.irvingtonschool.com/