End of Year Letter from Board of Education President Lorna Kirwan

Greetings MVCSD Community, 

As we conclude this school year, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together.

I want to commend our hard-working students, faculty, staff, families, and administrators on a wonderful and successful school year. Our teachers, who are the backbone of this District and essential to our children’s education, are role models for our children and exercise courage, passion, patience, and love daily. Our teachers played a pivotal role in the success of the 2023 -24 school year.

I would also like to thank all the parents who are devoted to their children’s education. Your support has enabled your children to follow their dreams and achieve great things. Working with our schools toward the common goal of education has greatly helped in ensuring they have a fulfilling and comprehensive school experience.

Despite the numerous challenges the district faced, from adapting to new teaching methods to ensuring the health and safety of our community, we have emerged stronger and more united. Our collective efforts have ensured that our students' education remains uninterrupted and of the highest quality.

The Mount Vernon City School District has achieved so much for our scholars, ultimately benefiting the community. The District is committed to improving proficiency and graduation rates and has been successful in this goal. In recent years, our graduation rate has been improving, with our Math and English language arts proficiency rates rising. Students from all four high schools have enrolled in several prestigious colleges and universities.

I am particularly proud of the new Mount Vernon High School's accomplishments this year. Earlier in the school year the school was taken off New York State’s Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) list and is now designated as a school in good standing. The Boys’ Basketball team was victorious over New Rochelle in the Class AAA Championship, winning 41 - 37. I hope this inspires parents to sign their children up for sports and other activities in the upcoming year.

Our commitment to providing a well-rounded education is reflected in the success of our extracurricular programs. Scholars at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy began an Esports club, making their way to the championship finals in their first year. Our Career and Technical Education programs (CTE) have seen great achievements in many courses; this year is the second year in a row where 100% of Nursing Assistant students passed their Prometric exam. Students in the EMT Program received their certificate and are eager to become certified EMTs. I know these programs and the students in them will continue to prosper and grow. The Aviation program that was recently started is off to great success, with one student going on to college to study to become a pilot. The District has provided a plethora of opportunities in science and technology including after-school robotics programs and artificial intelligence courses to equip students with the tools for educational and personal development.

The District supports our scholars not only in their overall well-being and academics but also in their musical passions. Recently, the Denzel Washington School of the Arts showcased student talent with a production of Annie Jr. Demonstrating our commitment to extracurricular activities, the District, in partnership with the Mount Vernon Arts Council, offered a free after-school music program for sixth through eighth graders this year. Programs like this, along with many others across the District, provide exciting educational opportunities that promote social development and impart valuable life lessons.

The District is also supporting students professionally. Benjamin Turner Academy recently hosted a career day where students were able to explore various professions and talk to professionals in their respective fields. Mount Vernon High School has also held career and transition fairs to help all students look for jobs to enhance their future and character.

In closing, I urge our students to make the most of the summer season by spending time with their families and loved ones. It’s important to take a break and enjoy the warm weather, but I also advise our scholars to take the opportunity to strengthen and build upon what they have learned throughout the school year. Achieving a balance between relaxation and continued learning is essential for a well-versed and fulfilling summer break.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish you all a wonderful and enriching summer vacation and look forward to welcoming you back for the new school year.

Warmest regards, 
Lorna Kirwan, MPA 
President, Board of Education