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Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

3 students with new sneakers and Jude
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

 

MVCSD Code of Conduct Committee - Signup by February 13
MVCSD Code of Conduct Committee - Signup by February 13

The Mount Vernon City School District is establishing a Code of Conduct Committee to review, update, and strengthen the District’s Code of Conduct to ensure it is legally compliant, equitable, and supportive of a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

Interested individuals should complete the Volunteer Interest Form: Code of Conduct Committee Volunteer Interest Form – Fill out form by February 13.

Click here to view the full Code of Conduct Committee letter.

Presentation on District mission, vision and core values given at Board meeting
Presentation on District mission, vision and core values given at Board meeting

At the Mount Vernon City School District’s Board of Education meeting this Tuesday, Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland delivered a presentation discussing the District’s mission, vision, and core values, the process for updating them, and the importance of these guiding principles to the strategic planning process. Click here to view the full presentation or watch the livestream here. 

Second community forum held to discuss budget priorities for 2026-27 school year
Second community forum held to discuss budget priorities for 2026-27 school year

Dr. Demario Strickland, Superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District held his second community forum on Monday, February 9 at Mount Vernon High School to connect with the community and discuss budget priorities for the upcoming school year. He answered questions and concerns about the topic while reviewing results from the budget survey distributed in December. 

To read about the presentation, click here. 

To read about feedback from the budget priority survey, click here.

Mount Vernon Knights Wrestling competes in Section 1 Championships
Mount Vernon Knights Wrestling competes in Section 1 Championships

The Mount Vernon Knights Varsity Wrestling Team went to the Section 1 Championships over the weekend, with 10 student-athletes competing. This is the first year the Mount Vernon City School District had a girls wrestling team, and three girls competed in the tournament. Two received All-Section honors – Heyli Marte and Avea Miller. For the boys team, Caiden Hylton earned fourth place in the competitive 215-lb weight class and received All-Section honors. 

Happy National School Counseling Week!
Happy National School Counseling Week!

Happy National School Counseling Week! Thank you to the amazing counselors in the Mount Vernon City School District who do so much to support our students and amplify their success.