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Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

Four deserving students left school with new pairs of sneakers thanks to a donation from Jude Sainjour, cofounder of Buttafly, a clothing shop in Mount Vernon. Mr. Sainjour traveled to Grimes School to personally give the students their new shoes on Friday, September 22, 2023.

"The community means everything,” said Mr Sainjour. “Without community, there is no business, there is no infrastructure, there’s nothing. So, giving back to the community is everything. I just wanted to make sure that we made those kids’ days. They deserved to get those shoes.”

While the students attended the giveaway on Wednesday, September 20, they were unable to receive shoes in their size. Nakia Hiland, school liaison and director of Safe Place for our Girls, stepped in with her partnership to Mr. Sainjour, who agreed right away and made sure they received their shoes. 

Once at the school, it was discovered that another student who was on the list for Wednesday's giveaway could not make it because his mother's car broke down. Mr Sainjour went back to his shop and found a pair of sneakers, Timberland boots and fresh socks for the boy. 

Jude entering school with sneakers in tow
Nakia and Jude speaking to students
Jude handing sneakers to students

 

Event attendees posing with easter bunny.

On Wednesday morning, the Parent Resource Center hosted a workshop with light refreshments and a read-aloud with the Easter Bunny for children and parents. Parent Liaisons partnered with Westchester Latinos Unidos, a nonprofit committed to empowering Latinos in Westchester, to provide this workshop. This is one of several events the PRC held in the month of April. 

Click this link to learn more about events at the PRC!

 

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The 2025-2026 proposed budget for the Mount Vernon City School District will be presented by Assistant Superintendent for Business Jose Formoso at the Board of Education meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Click here to access Board of Education videos and streams to view the presentation virtually. This will be the first presentation of the proposed budget, and a budget hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. The budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 20. 

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Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith presented the second State of the District Address to staff at their monthly staff meeting on Wednesday. She provided updates to employees about the developments in the school reconfiguration process and what they can expect in the next few months.