Mount Vernon High School holds its annual Back To School Night

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, parents of Mount Vernon High School students were invited to learn about the school and the new school year. The event was split into two groups. Parents of freshmen were invited to meet with their student's guidance counselors and tour the school at 4 p.m., and parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors getting a walk-through of their child’s schedule at 6 p.m.

Parents were warmly welcomed by student volunteers from the Culinary and Hospitality Department at MVHS. They were then directed to their students' guidance counselors. Volunteers were eager to showcase their hospitality skills, as they are a part of the new course through the Career and Technical Education Department.

“We are taught to be hospitable and make people be seen, heard, and feel welcome,” said Ciara Brown, a 10th grader in the Hospitality and Culinary Program. “Tonight we are guiding the parents, taking them on tours and being hospitable.”

The purpose of the event was for parents to get acquainted with the New MVHS and jump-start their involvement in their student’s educational journey. This is especially important for parents of ninth-graders who were taught what is expected of a high schooler, what important resources are available for parents, and how they can help their child be the most successful during their time at MVHS. 

“Tonight, we want our freshman family to come in for orientation before they go in to meet each teacher so that they can understand the landscape of high school,” said Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce. “We see in the conversation with parents that this is no longer elementary school and that there are different parameters in which students need to be successful to operate in high school.” 

Parents were also sat down in the large lunchroom and enjoyed a pizza dinner, with snacks and juices provided by the high school. During this time, they were introduced to Dr. Pearce, the school’s Principal, Assistant Principals and other important school personnel such as the attendance teacher, behavioral specialist and PTA president. Parents asked important questions about attendance, extra-curricular activities and other subjects at this time as well. 

“The purpose of this evening is for parents to become accustomed with our school culture,” said Assistant Principal Erica Naughton. “Accustomed with our teachers, our practices and what they are doing in their classrooms… We want our parents to be on board with that information in addition to finding out what community resources are available to them.” 

Afterward, parents engaged in a meet-and-greet with their students’ teachers, following their class schedule in 10-minute intervals and getting to know the subjects and environment their students are learning in.