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Community Message: Vehicular Accident at Mount Vernon Honor Academy

Community Message: Vehicular Accident at Mount Vernon Honor Academy

At approximately 12:15 p.m. today – Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – a car struck the side of Mount Vernon Honor Academy, causing damage to a wall. The car hit in the area of the building where drop-off and dismissal are conducted, but no students were in the immediate area when the accident occurred. There were no injuries to staff members or students.

The building was promptly evacuated, and police and firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after as a matter of precaution. Students were evacuated to the playground, where they were supervised while police and firefighters analyzed the scene. Fluids were leaking from the vehicle, which caused a fear of fire risk. The fluids were later identified as windshield washer fluid. 

The school principal was on the scene to direct students and staff in the immediate aftermath, and District administrators arrived shortly after. Student safety is the Mount Vernon City School District’s highest priority, and the decision to precautionarily evacuate the building was made quickly to avoid any risk to student wellbeing. 

There was also a concern of structural damage due to where the vehicle hit the building. Building damages were assessed by structural engineers, who were on the scene immediately after the accident occurred. The building was deemed safe, with no structural damage or compromising of the building’s structural integrity. Students returned to their classes shortly after 1 p.m.
 

Derrick Dunlap's headshot.

Derrick Dunlap, a veteran educator with two decades of experience leading schools, improving student achievement and building strong school communities has been appointed principal of Traphagen Elementary School. Mr. Dunlap brings a diverse background in elementary and secondary education to the Mount Vernon City School District, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Washington, D.C., Maryland and New York. 

Headshot of Donald Peters.

Donald D. Peters is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, specializing in instructional leadership, school improvement, special education, and student success. He currently serves as the Principal of Graham School, bringing a proven record of strengthening school communities, improving student outcomes, and cultivating a culture of high expectations and collaboration.

Principal Anjannette Brown Headshot

Denzel Washington School of the Arts’ new principal, Anjanette Brown, is a dedicated educational leader with 20 years of service in the Mount Vernon City School District, committed to creating schools where students are empowered, supported, and prepared to achieve their highest potential. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her belief that education must nurture the whole child.

MV PTA members outside a building for their conference

Leaders from the Mount Vernon Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parent liaisons, and school board trustees participated in the New York State PTA Summer Leadership Conference held on July 18-19 in Albany, NY. This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in workshops designed to enhance their skills and collaboration efforts to better support students and families in the Mount Vernon City School District.