Skip To Main Content

K-8 administrators meet for math and science professional development at MVHS

A classroom setting with several people seated at desks, while a person stands at the front of the room, likely giving a presentation or lecture.
K-8 administrators meet for math and science professional development at MVHS

Administrators for grades K-8 met this Thursday for a professional development (PD) to work on improving math and science instruction at their schools. The presentation focused on strengthening Tier 1 math and science instruction within the District for students in grade K-8. 

Director of Math, Science and Assessment Dr. Satish Jagnandan, who led the PD, emphasized the importance of coherent, standards-based teaching cycles that integrate concrete, pictorial, and abstract approaches, along with regular spiraling of key concepts throughout the school year. 

 In order for our teachers and administrators to help our students, they have to understand what they're teaching. So that's the key,” said Dr. Jagnandan. “If our teachers know what they're teaching and know how it's being assessed – or the expectations of the standards – it's easier to plan lessons to actually help our students get to that mastery.”

The session outlined methods for measuring instructional effectiveness using student performance data and encouraged data-driven reflection and collaboration among faculty. In science, the presentation highlighted the integration of disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to foster three-dimensional learning. Throughout, it stressed the need for actionable data analysis, targeted interventions, and ongoing PD to ensure all students meet grade-level expectations and to support a culture of continuous improvement.

During the presentation, Dr. Jagnandan modeled effective instruction with different experiments focused on specific learning targets. 

The image shows a group of people gathered around a table, engaged in what appears to be a discussion or activity. The individuals in the foreground are standing and interacting, while the background includes a desk and other office-like furnishings.
Two men in business attire are seated at a table, engaged in a discussion. The background appears to be a classroom or office setting, with a whiteboard and other office equipment visible.
The image shows two men, one in a suit and the other in casual attire, standing in what appears to be a classroom setting with a chalkboard in the background.
The image shows a classroom setting with a teacher standing in the foreground, interacting with students seated at desks in the background.
The image shows two men in a classroom setting, one standing and the other seated at a desk, engaged in what appears to be a discussion or presentation.


 

A colorful spinning wheel is projected onto a large screen in a room with tables and chairs in the foreground and people seated in the background.
Lottery for UPK-3 hosted at Board of Education

For the sixth year, the Mount Vernon City School District is offering prekindergarten for three-year-olds (UPK-3). A lottery was held on Thursday afternoon for the upcoming 2026-27 school year to occupy the 60 spots available.

Logo for news post
An end of the year message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

My first year as superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District has been unforgettable, thanks to the support and dedication of our families, students, faculty, and staff. It has been my honor to serve this community and work toward building a brighter future for all of us. This was a successful year, and I want you to know that every bit of it was felt and heard. We faced real challenges and grew stronger because of them, and the progress we made together touched me deeply. It belonged to every family, student, teacher, and staff member who showed up and gave this district their best. 

A group of people stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a white screen, while an audience sits in a dark auditorium in the foreground.
PTA Council awards $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships to 16 students

Sixteen students from the Class of 2026 were awarded with $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships from the Mount Vernon PTA Council at the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday. The scholarships, raised through the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance, will help support the students' college goals, which were highlighted as they received the scholarships. 

A young boy and an adult man sit in the foreground with tables of snacks and people in colorful clothing in the background.
3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

Young Scholars in grades sixth through eighth, along with their fathers and fatherly figures, congregated in the auditorium at Pennington School for the third annual Gentlemen’s Brunch. Esteemed professionals from across the City of Mount Vernon visited to discuss what it means to be a leader and how to overcome hardships.