One Mount Vernon Digital Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Greetings MVCSD Community,
This week, the Board of Education approved a new building configuration for our schools. Under this plan, Cecil H. Parker School, Mount Vernon Honor Academy and Mount Vernon Leadership Academy would close. It is unfortunate that we must make such a significant change, especially for the families and staff affected, but we needed to make this decision due to our difficult financial situation. I am hopeful that this major step is the first one towards a sustainable future for the Mount Vernon City School District and its scholars. Read more about the reconfiguration at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/our-district/building-reorganization-info.
Each of our themed high schools displayed the highlights of their schools to eighth graders at our High School Showcase Night this Wednesday. Each of these schools prepares their students for their futures through an assortment of high-level courses and programs that provide education suited to all types of career paths. Whether you want to focus on STEAM, the Arts or are intrigued by the variety of programming at MVHS, each of these schools is a great choice.
The Mount Vernon Hidden Talent and Fashion Show Committee hosted a great show last Friday, while also raising funds for the Mount Vernon PTA Council Citizen Award! It warms my heart to see the community come together in support of our scholars, and we are so grateful for this partnership. The talent in Mount Vernon was on full display during the show, and I am so proud of all the students who had the courage to perform! Our schools are filled with talented students, and I am so happy they can share their talents with their community.
The Mock Trial Team at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy is diligently preparing for their competition this spring, where they will argue a case against other Westchester schools in a simulated trial. This afterschool club provides a great learning opportunity for our students and also is fun for them. Thank you to Principal Dr. Christopher Pearce and Mr. Steve Kollias, the club’s advisor, for providing this for our students!
This week’s Senior Spotlight is on Davion Pryce from Denzel Washington School of the Arts. Davion is an accomplished musician and a captain of the DWSA Band. He has performed at school events and outside of school, and he has refined his talents along the way. He is also an amazing student and plans to pursue a degree in engineering. Good luck Davion!
Kindest Regards,
Dr. K. Veronica Smith
Acting Superintendent of Schools
MOUNT VERNON BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES SCHOOL BUILDING RECONFIGURATION
The Mount Vernon Board of Education approved a new school building configuration at a special meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The District has been exploring a building reconfiguration due to statewide declining enrollment – which contributed to higher costs in the K-8 model – expensive building repairs and a designation of significant fiscal distress by New York State.
SECOND ANNUAL MV HIDDEN TALENT AND FASHION SHOW HELD AT MVHS
The second annual Mount Vernon Hidden Talent and Fashion Showcase was held on January 10, 2025, bringing together schools from across the District to celebrate young talent and raise funds for education. This memorable evening was filled with excitement, pride and admiration for the talented students and staff who participated.
HIGH SCHOOLS PRESENT TO EIGHTH GRADE FAMILIES AT HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE NIGHT
Administrators from all three themed high schools spoke to eighth grade families on Thursday, January 15, 2025, at High School Showcase night at Mount Vernon High School. Students throughout the District made their way through the school to learn about the unique offerings from each of the high schools.
STEAM MOCK TRIAL TEAM FORMULATES QUESTIONS FOR MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy’s Mock Trial Team began crafting questions for the first case that they will argue in a competition during their meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025. The team, which started in November and is in its inaugural year, will be competing in the Westchester County Bar Association High School Mock Trial Competition later this year.
STANDOUT SENIOR LOOKS BACK ON MEMORIES AS CAPTAIN OF DWSA BAND
Davion Pryce is a standout senior from Denzel Washington School of the Arts whose artistry and musical talent have dazzled many members of the Mount Vernon Community. As the current captain of the DWSA student-led band, he looks back at his time as both a musician and scholar with pride.