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Mount Vernon HIGH SCHOOL

(VIDEO) Superintendent visits all 13 schools in honor of the first day

(VIDEO) Superintendent visits all 13 schools in honor of the first day

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland made his rounds across all school buildings on the first day of the new academic year, personally welcoming students as classrooms once again came alive with the excitement of a new beginning. Check out photos from Dr. Strickland's day here!

Dr. Strickland began his visits at Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy and the Denzel Washington School of the Arts, where he greeted students and helped incoming scholars navigate unfamiliar hallways and find their classrooms. Afterwards, he stopped at each elementary school to check in and see how the school year is starting off at each building.

For those arriving with a few first-day butterflies, the superintendent offered a smile, encouragement and reassurance as they embarked on a new chapter of their educational journey.

Along the way, Dr. Strickland also checked in with principals to see what they needed to ensure a smooth opening and made sure any custodial or building matters requiring attention were addressed. He also took time to speak with teachers and staff members who were busy welcoming students and helping them settle into their new routines.

“The first day of school is one of my favorite days of the year because there is such a wonderful sense of possibility in every building,” Dr. Strickland said. “Some of our babies may walk through those doors with a few butterflies, and that’s perfectly natural.”

“I want every scholar to know from the moment they arrive that they are welcomed, they are cared for and they belong here,” he added. “Seeing our teachers and staff greeting them with such warmth and enthusiasm reminded me what makes Mount Vernon such a special community. We are excited and we are ready for a great year together.”

 

Two smiling young boys sit at a table with a leaf-patterned tablecloth in a brightly lit room with other people in the background.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! The Mount Vernon City School District Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) hosted their second ice cream social of the year on October 15 at Mount Vernon High School, bringing together families of students in grade 9-12  for an afternoon filled with sweet treats and community connections. 

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box title page with Knight logo.

For School Board Recognition Week, we are thanking the Mount Vernon Board of Education in this week’s Jewel Box! As volunteers, they have an intense dedication for students and education. Their leadership and advocacy shines through every day in the school environment that they have worked so hard to shape. Thank you to all trustees for all they have done to help make Mount Vernon public schools great places to learn and grow. #ExcellenceByDesign

Ten circular portraits of school board members and a knight mascot are positioned in the foreground over a blurred background of a school building and thank-you text.

Happy School Board Recognition Week! Thank you to the trustees on the Mount Vernon Board of Education for your advocacy and commitment to our students. Your leadership is vital to the success of the Mount Vernon City School District, and your work is empowering student futures

A smiling man, a young girl, and a woman pose together in the foreground of a crowded community room filled with people and tables.

Families had a sweet afternoon at the Mount Vernon City School District Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) Ice Cream Social yesterday! The event brought together families of students in grades K-8 from across the school district, as SEPTA encouraged families to join and help support Mount Vernon children with disabilities. You can join SEPTA too, by visiting https://www.givebacks.com/causes/mvcsdsepta!

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box title page with Knight logo.

This week in the Jewel Box, we’re shining the light on the importance of fire safety. For Fire Prevention Week, students in our schools learned about how to avoid dangerous situations with fire, who to call in an emergency, and other safety tips that could save lives! Several schools even received special visits from the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Educating our students about safety is vital to ensure that they enter the world prepared for anything! #ExcellenceByDesign

A family of five smiles together at a red-clothed table in the foreground, while other guests dine in a brightly lit community room with large windows in the background.

A $1.1 million investment secured in the 2026-27 budget has brought the ATLAS Gifted and Talented Program back to life, restoring advanced learning opportunities for third-through-sixth-graders after the popular program was eliminated last school year. The return of ATLAS – which stands for Academics of Talent, Leadership and Scholars – was celebrated Wednesday at Mount Vernon High School, where some 150 family members attended a Welcome Night to meet teachers, learn about the curriculum and discover what awaits their 326 children across 11 schools. 

MVCSD Knight Logo with Book beneath shield

Dear MVCSD Families:

We write to share guidance regarding (1) food sold in schools, and (2) foods made available during the school day for classroom celebrations and recognition activities.

This guidance aligns with federal, state, and district policies.