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High school students attend Regents prep, credit recovery summer classes

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High school students attend Regents prep, credit recovery summer classes

Hundreds of Mount Vernon students are taking Regents prep and credit recovery classes over five weeks this summer to help them fulfill their requirements for high school graduation.

Some 340 students from the three city high schools are taking the makeup classes – which began July 7 and end Aug. 14 -- in English, math, social studies and science. To graduate, they need to pass five Regents exams and earn 22 credits. 

Students seated in classroom with principal on the side

On Thursday, students were busy studying for their Regents exams in all subjects at Mount Vernon High School. One of them was incoming senior Jessica Gray, who is preparing for her English 3 exam after already passing Living Environment, Algebra I, Global History and U.S. History.

“If I pass this test, it will be my last Regents,” she said. “It will be a burden lifted from my shoulders. I pushed myself to get all the others out of the way, so I feel really good.”

Grimes School Principal Dr. Severin Cornelius, who provided a tour of the various classes, noted that students enrolled in the credit recovery sessions are those who failed classes and retake them in a more condensed fashion.

Those who passed the classes but failed the Regents exams are taking the prep classes during the same summer session.

Female student smiles while seated in classroom

“The classes put them on the fast track to get their credits and give them a roadmap to pass (the Regents) in August,” Dr. Cornelius said.

English as a New Language Teacher Sonia Flannory praised the Regents prep and said that having students from all the high schools in the same building fosters a sense of community.

She said the English Regents are particularly challenging for students who come from other countries.

“I have a lot of ENL students and it’s hard for them,” Ms. Flannory said. “It’s not that they can’t do the work but it’s really hard with the language.”

The teacher pointed out that mixing ENL students with native English speakers in the prep classes is helpful because the latter help their peers.

“The kids learn way faster from each other than they do from me,” she said, jokingly.

Teacher smiles while she stands near three seated students

One of her students, Anthony Griffiths, said all he needs to earn his high school diploma is to pass his English Regents. He lavished praise on Ms. Flannory in her efforts to prepare him and his classmate.

“She’s a good teacher! She takes the time and she’s like a mother,” Anthony said.

The Algebra I and II, English Language Arts, Global History and Geography II exams are administered Aug. 19. The U.S. History & Government, Physical Setting/Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Geometry, Living Environment and Life Science: Biology exams take place Aug. 20. 
 

A group of people are gathered outdoors at tables, with lush green trees forming the background.
Superintendent meets with community members to address budget questions and clarify financial information

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland met with community members Wednesday evening, discussing the revised 2026-27 budget and dispelling rumors regarding District finances.  

To find answers to frequently asked community questions, you can visit our FAQ at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/departments/business-finance/frequently-asked-questions  

The revote for the budget will be held on Tuesday, June 16, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find your polling place at https://lh.findmypollplace.com/MtVernonCSD/  

In the foreground, a group of young people are gathered around a table, while the background shows a kitchen setting with the text "COMMUNITY QUESTION" and "What happens when the 2nd budget vote results in a 'No' vote?".
Community Financial Question: What happens if the 2nd budget vote results in a “No” vote?

If the budget is voted down a second time, the Board of Education must adopt a contingency budget for the next school year. 

Under a contingency budget: 

  • The district’s tax levy is very limited, typically staying at or below last year’s level, with no increase allowed for things like inflation or other adjustments. 

  • The district must make additional cuts to balance the budget. 

  • Some non-essential spending is restricted, such as certain equipment purchases.

In the foreground, a group of young people are gathered around a table, while the background shows a kitchen setting with ovens and other students.
Community Financial Question: Why is there a 2nd vote on the budget?

A second vote is required when the proposed school budget is not approved by voters on the first vote. 

By law, the Board of Education has two options after a failed vote: 

  • Present the same budget again, or 

  • Revise the budget and present an updated proposal 

The district chose to hold a second vote to give the community another opportunity to consider a budget that reflects feedback and adjustments made after the first vote. 

If the budget is not approved on the second vote, the district must adopt a contingency budget, and the budget cannot go back to voters again.