Skip To Main Content

Mental Health Support Groups at the Parent Resource Center

Mental Health and Wellness Logo
Mental Health Support Groups at the Parent Resource Center

October 3, begins Mental Illness Awareness Week. Mount Vernon City School District is hosting mental health support groups all week at the Parent Resource Center at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy between 5 and 6 p.m.   
 
These support groups are open forums for students, faculty, and parents.  
 
“With the increasing number of people being impacted by mental health disorders, many people often feel lost and alone,” said Fernanda Carvalho, districtwide psychologist and mental health coordinator. “Support groups are meant to provide guidance, support, and resources. Having social support available is important as it gives people a place to go where they can openly share their experiences and connect with others in similar situations. Social support groups are also vital in battling the mental health stigma, which can negatively impact the mental and physical health of stigmatized groups and their community.” 
 
All individuals affected by mental illness, caring for a loved one with mental illness, or for those who simply want to learn more about the basic principles of mental health and wellness and where/how to get help are welcome to attend.  
 
The following are the topics of each support group: 
Oct 3: Erasing the Stigma in BIPOC Communities 
Oct 4: Know the Signs (National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding) 
Oct 6: Reach out and Disclosing (National Depression Screening Day)  
Oct 7: Therapy and Resources 
 
Please feel free to contact Ms. Fernanda Carvalho, fcarvalho@mtvernoncsd.org, with any questions or go to https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/family-community/mental-health-and-wellness.

Printable flyer

 

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.

Dad and daughter
Several Schools hold Dads Take Your Child to School Day

Fathers gathered around the entrance of their child's school and children beamed with happiness as their dads got a chance to visit their school. Lincoln School, Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, Hamilton School, Cecil H. Parker School and Graham School held Dads Bring Your Child to School Day on Thursday, September 21, 2023.  

Brian Simmons
CTE Department introducing EMT pilot program for RTA and MVHS students

The Mount Vernon City School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department has announced that it will be offering emergency medical technician (EMT) training at Mount Vernon High School. The courses will be available for around 20 12th-grade students at MVHS and Rebecca Turner Academy (RTA).

Mr. Thomas, Dr. Pope, Ms. Naughton and students.
MVHS alumni give motivational speeches to 11th graders

Two alumni of Mount Vernon High School spoke to a crowd of 11th graders and motivated them to excel in their studies and accomplish great things. Erica Naughton, assistant principal at MVHS, invited Dr. Gloria Pope and Steven “Butch” Thomas to show scholars the success that Mount Vernon graduates and residents can achieve. Mr. Thomas and Dr. Pope visited MVHS on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Logo for news post
Statement from the Acting Superintendent: Threatening Social Media Posts

Recently, some students in the region came across a concerning post on the popular social media platform TikTok. This post contained a generic threat that mentioned "open fire" on schools without specifying any particular school or district. It is important to note that such posts are not isolated incidents and are unfortunately prevalent on various social media platforms worldwide. Their intent is often to create alarm, annoyance, and disrupt the educational process.

Royce Russell
District welcoming new In-House Counsel Royce Russell

The Mount Vernon City School District welcomes In-House Counsel Royce Russell. Mr. Russell is an attorney specializing in employment (wrongful termination and discrimination), contracts, and civil rights violations. He will work with all aspects of the District, including legal, policies and procedures, and daily operations.