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Community Message - May 16, 2025

Community Message - May 16, 2025

Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent of Schools: 

As has been recently reported and thereafter confirmed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, a former volunteer coach for the District, Dwayne Murray, has been arrested for certain alleged acts of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The organization identified as being affiliated with Mr. Murray in a recent Journal News report, the Junior Knights, is an independent entity from the District. As of this morning, the District has not been made aware that any of our students or former students are in any way connected to this matter. 

Although neither Mr. Murray nor the Junior Knights have any current affiliation with the District, we will fully cooperate with what appears to be an active and ongoing law enforcement investigation. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and the victim’s family at this time. 

We will continue to keep the community apprised of any developments regarding this matter to the extent necessary and legally appropriate.
 

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box

In the Jewel Box this week, we are highlighting the importance of early childhood education for Week of the Young Child. Prekindergarten is a vital stage in a student’s academic journey, and you can sign up to start your child on that journey in our schools. Pre-K 4 Early Registration and Pre-K 3 lottery will be open until June 19, 2026. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube! #MtVernonShines

 

The image shows a sign above the entrance of a building, displaying a welcoming message to visitors. The sign has an arched design with decorative lettering, and the background appears to be a plain, light-colored wall.

The Prekindergarten Department held its Homework Celebration on Saturday at the Pelham Picture House! The celebration recognized 50 out of the 112 students who completed 90% or more of their homework from October to February. A lottery for 50 spaces was held to select students for the celebration. Families were so excited to watch the Mario Movie in a private local theater, and the Prekindergarten Department can't wait to host their final celebration in June with a viewing of Toy Story 2!

Talk, Sing, Point flyer

Families with young children are invited to learn, connect and have fun at the Mount Vernon City School District’s upcoming Mount Vernon Basics Workshop. The district will host its second in-person “Talk, Sing and Point Workshop” on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Mount Vernon High School, 100 California Road.