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Literacy-focused family workshop held at Mount Vernon Public Library

Two women and a group of children sitting on the floor inside a library and holding bags
Literacy-focused family workshop held at Mount Vernon Public Library

Mount Vernon City School District families came together for an engaging morning of literacy and learning as the MV Basics Program hosted its “Read and Discuss Stories Workshop” on May 2 at the Mount Vernon Public Library. Fourteen families took part in the two-hour sessions, where young children gathered for read-alouds, hands-on arts and crafts, and conversations about the importance of reading together at home. The families also had the opportunity to sign up for library cards, further strengthening their connection to reading resources in the community. City Council member Cynthia Turnquest-Jones joined the event, generously providing students with books and bags to take home. The District also extends its gratitude to Lisa Sutorious and the Mount Vernon Public Library for their partnership in creating a warm, welcoming space for the event.

Woman reads to children inside library
Three women engaging with young children at tables
Woman stands next to seated girl in library
Woman reads to children sitting on floor in library

 

 

 

 

Dr. Strickland outlines 'Excellence by Design' priorities for the new school year
Dr. Strickland outlines 'Excellence by Design' priorities for the new school year

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland is putting literacy, attendance and student voice among the district’s top priorities for the new school year, while rolling out new technology, expanding access for families and pledging continued transparency about district finances. Dr. Strickland laid out those priorities in his Aug. 25 Superintendent’s Report, describing a districtwide effort to strengthen instruction and the systems that support students. The work is being framed by a new theme, “Excellence by Design,” which he said reflects a deliberate approach to improvement.

Three women stand behind a table with baby manikins in the foreground, while a colorful bulletin board is visible in the background.
Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors trained in CPR, first aid and AED response

Thirty-eight Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors returned to school this week with an important new set of skills: the ability to respond when a child or adult faces a potentially life-threatening emergency. The monitors, along with two Central Office staff members, were trained Wednesday in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and the use of an automated external defibrillator during the District’s first Superintendent’s Conference Day of the 2026-27 school year.

 

A server in an apron offers a sample of food to a woman wearing a lei, while a cafeteria setting with other people is visible in the background.
MVCSD food service staff get a taste of year ahead during professional development retreat

Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors, head chefs, managers and other food service workers kicked off the new school year with their annual professional development retreat, which served up valuable training, teamwork and a taste of what’s ahead for 2026-27. Staff members from Sodexo – the District’s K-12 food services provide -- gathered at Mount Vernon High School for the various activities, including food tasting, as they prepared to welcome students back from summer vacation. The annual professional development sessions help employees review procedures and regulations while strengthening the teamwork necessary to provide exceptional service to students.

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Welcome Back to School!

Welcome back to school! This week, The Mount Vernon City School District greeted students and staff with warm smiles for another exciting school year. Teachers quickly began diving into curriculum, starting off the academic year strong. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube! #ExcellencebyDesign