Not sure what the Questival is? Can’t remember when the Talent Show usually happens? This month-by-month guide can help you get the basics of all the events and activities that may be happening at Ivanhoe throughout the year.
August
NEW FAMILIES PICNIC - This is an annual potluck picnic held the weekend before school starts at either at the Silver Lake Meadow or the Silver Lake Rec Center. New families meet old families and FOI brings sign up sheets for committees.
KINDER BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT- Kindergarten parents come back to school on the night of the first day and meet the classroom teachers to get an overview of the curriculum and the year. Parents only.
WELCOME BACK QUESTIVAL - The first Friday after school begins, the whole school is invited to reconnect with friends after the summer break, Enjoy cuisine from some of LA's Finest food trucks, complete a family scavenger hunt and win prizes and learn about our schools volunteering and annual giving Programs.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT - The parents of 1st - 5th graders return to school in the evening to meet the teachers and learn about the curriculum and the arc of the year. Parents only
September
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE/SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL - The first Parent Ed evening of the year is generally the night when the principal shares the information about the governing body of the school,the School Site Council. This is a body that each LAUSD has, which is comprised of teachers, administrators and parents. Parents only.
LOVE YOUR LIBRARY - A week long series of events to celebrate and encourage literacy. Activities may include a book drive to help expand our teachers and school libraries. A “book nook” supplied by used book donations and offering students the opportunity to purchase gently used books for a nominal fee and an inviting space to encourage students to hang out and read their new purchases
October
WALK-TO-SCHOOL DAY - Students walk or ride or scoot to school with their families, friends, and neighbors. Meeting points are established throughout the neighborhood with the goal of arriving at school around 8:00.
PARENT ED: CHOICES APPLICATION - Choices is the online LAUSD process for applying to magnet schools and building up magnet points for middle school that occurs each year in the fall. Parents only
IVANHOEDOWN - The biggest community event of the year, the Ivanhoedown usually has a Halloween theme, and occurs at the end of October. This event requires lots of volunteers, lots of volunteer hours in advance, and many donations of goods and services. It is also a super swell time for the kids, and the whole neighborhood comes out to play.
HALLOWEEN PARADE - This parade happens on Halloween during the school day on the lower yard. Students bring their costumes to school and after lunch change into their costumes. Everyone assembles with their grade level and parents and loved ones are invited to come and watch while students walk around to show off their costumes. Some volunteers required to help students get into their costumes. If sunny that day, visitors should bring hats or umbrellas for shade. Parties are often held by each grade afterward.
November
STARGAZING - Students and their families come to Ivanhoe’s lower yard to check out the moon through powerful telescopes with the Los Angeles Astronomical Association. A few volunteers needed.
HOOPS CLASSIC - An entertaining fundraiser for the Ivanhoe community, where 40+ parents and coaches come together to lace 'em up and sweat it out to raise money to support the academic and artistic programs at Ivanhoe Elementary. Volunteers needed for team and day of event.
Questions? Email: IvanhoeHoopsClassic@gmail.com
STONE SOUP - It’s a 2nd grade secret. Lots of 2nd grade parent volunteers are needed.
December
HOLIDAY SAMPLE SALE/SHOP IT SILVERLAKE - This annual market brings together vendors from the Ivanhoe and Silver Lake community to benefit Ivanhoe. Volunteers needed at checkout and at booths.
HOLIDAY SHOW/HOLIDAY SING - The annual winter concert in which students perform for their parents on the Thursday before the winter break. Tickets are distributed the week before. No volunteers.
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE - Fourth grade students host a “boutique” of items to eat and items to buy to raise funds for their trip to Sacramento in the Spring. Held during the Holiday Show.
TALENT SHOW - Annual showcase of talent by students. Students conceive of acts and try out for a spot. There’s lots of practice that culminates in an amazing show. Volunteers needed to organize, work with kids and help day of event.
January
February
COMMUNITY SOCCER GAME/LOS SILVERLAKE SOCCER SUPERCLASSICO - The annual community soccer game in which the Ivanhoe Dragons parent soccer team plays against another school on a crisp Saturday morning. Players raise money. This requires a small number of volunteers on the day of the game and players.
Sponsor a player: https://go.rallyup.com/ivanhoesoccertournament
PARENT ED-TENDER TOPICS - The Parent Ed night about sexuality and early adolescence held near Valentine’s Day. Parents only
PARENT ED-OLSAT TEST - The OLSAT is the standardized test used to determine eligibility for GATE (Gifted and Talented) programs in the LAUSD. It is administered to 2nd grade students. All you need to know is discussed on this night. Parents only
March
4TH GRADE SACRAMENTO TRIP - The annual trip the 4th graders take to the state capital. Students raise funds through sales of their own goods at the Holiday Show. They fly very early in the morning, take a tour of the capital, visit historic sites, tour a gold mine, and return the same evening. Some parent volunteers are required but are chosen by lottery.
FITNESS FEST - Annual fundraiser during the school day on the lower yard in which students get financial sponsorship from friends, family, and neighbors to complete sets of laps or trips through an obstacle course. Some volunteers are required.
April
ART NIGHT - An evening community event when families come to school to make art together. Parent volunteers lead visitors through projects. A few volunteers required.
IVANHOE SOCIAL - A party which includes the silent auction. Tickets are sold in advance and at the door. The auction takes place online with a small selection of items available live at the event. Food and alcohol provided. Festive attire. This requires a small number of volunteers but months of preparation. Parents begin soliciting donations in January. Adults only.
Questions? Email: IvanhoeSocial@gmail.com
May
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - A week of themed luncheons to honor the dedicated teaching staff. Lots of volunteers are needed to supply and serve breakfast and lunch every day for five days. One of the most important events of the year!
5TH GRADE CAMP HIGH TRAILS - A week-long outdoor education trip taken by the 5th grade. The class fundraises all year to pay for the trip. No parents allowed.
BIKE-TO-SCHOOL - Students ride or scoot to school with their families, friends, and neighbors. Meeting points are established throughout the neighborhood with the goal of arriving at school around 8:00AM.
TECHCELLENCE/ ARTS and TECH NIGHT - An open house for the school community. Held one evening in the Spring when student projects (art and technology) are showcased for the school community. A few volunteers may be needed to sell merchandise and food.
June
INTERNATIONAL FAIR - A week-long event in which each grade performs songs and dances from their assigned continent or region for the school community in a series of assemblies. The week culminates in a food fair prepared and hosted by parents for the whole school. Many volunteers needed.
CULMINATION - The day before the last day, 5th grade students participate in a graduation ceremony and a dance. 4th grade families set up, serve and clean up so that 5th grade families can enjoy their special day with their graduate.