Greetings MVCSD Community,

Parents of students transferring into Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School were introduced to their new school and led by studious eighth-grade ambassadors on an expansive tour this Wednesday. The families met incoming Principal Danielle Davis-Marrow and received gift bags and information about the school. Current NMHZ students even got to display their mathematical prowess for new families by playing a numbers game with Assistant Principal Tanganyika Linder-Brown! Upcoming school visits can be viewed in our story online or in the notification you received with your new school.

Please help the District assess its culture and climate by taking part in a survey that includes questions about teaching; communication and transparency; and the top priorities for incoming Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland’s administration. Meanwhile, the next “Let’s Talk: Conversations with Dr. Strickland” community forum will take place at Graham School at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. All are welcome to come out and meet our new superintendent and learn more about his plans for the District.

Congratulations are in order for Isaac Alvarado Calderon and Aidan Forman, who have been chosen by the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy as its 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Years of great work have led them to this achievement, and we are so proud!

Let’s cheer our track and field athletes on! After an exciting year of high achievements, nine boys and eight girls will be joined by their coaches for a trip to the three-day Adidas Track Nationals in North Carolina. Among them is shot putter D’Andre Shephard, who recently came in first place at the Section 1 Class A state qualifier, and star hurdler Omarion Seymour, who won at the league and Class AA levels!

A reminder that the deadline for pre-K3 and pre-K4 lotteries is June 27. Click here to visit the registration page for more info. Lottery winners will be announced on July 10 at 11 am via Facebook Live.

Kindest Regards,

Dr. K. Veronica Smith

Acting Superintendent of Schools

Parents got their first look at their new school Wednesday morning, as Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School hosted a tour for families of students transferring into the school for the 2025-2026 school year as a result of the building reorganization.

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Denzel Washington School of the Arts: Auditions at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. Tour at 9 a.m. on Monday June 16
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy: 9 a.m. on Monday, June 16
Grimes School: 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17
Pennington School: 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18
Rebecca Turner Academy: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Hamilton School: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Traphagen School: 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Benjamin Turner Academy: 9 a.m. on Monday, June 23
Edward Williams School: 1 p.m. on Monday, June 23

The District is conducting a culture and climate survey in an effort to receive stakeholder feedback on the current status of the District. Please share your thoughts and opinions, which will help the District understand school climate needs and strengths from the perspectives of students, families and staff, especially for the beginning of incoming Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland’s administration.

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While seniors at the STEAM Academy prepare for graduation, two students are gearing up to lead their class into the real world. Isaac Alvarado Calderon and Aidan Forman were named the Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian.

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Mount Vernon High School star shot putter D’Andre Shephard had his eyes on the upcoming Adidas Track Nationals in North Carolina as he strode up to launch his heavy ball during practice Tuesday – and the track and field team is raising funds to support that trip.

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Incoming Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demario Strickland is inviting the Mount Vernon Community to participate in his upcoming “Let’s Talk: Conversations with Dr. Strickland” community forums. The next forum will take place at Graham School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

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Congressman George Latimer and Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson will be inducted into the 2025 MVHS Hall of Fame. Meteorologist Elise Finch Henriques will be bestowed with this prestigious award posthumously. These trailblazers will receive their induction at Mount Vernon High School at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Tickets are $40 and can be paid by clicking here.

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The deadline for registration for the pre-K3 and pre-K4 lotteries is June 27. Click here to visit the online registration page.