Mount Vernon City School District holds convocation for the upcoming school year

Mount Vernon City School District administrators, teachers, teaching assistants and support staff congregated at their respective schools on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, for a District-wide convocation to prepare for and celebrate the upcoming school year.

Master of ceremonies for the event was Rebecca Jones, Principal of Lincoln School. She kicked off the event giving a warm welcome to the audience and inviting Alicia Barton, Student at Rebecca Turner Academy to recite the pledge of allegiance. Afterwards, Angela Hall, Creative Executive Director and Troy Newbey, Principal of Rebecca Turner Academy sang the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Throughout the ceremony, various speakers shared words of inspiration and encouragement to excite employees about the upcoming school year. They also shared advice on how educators can best support their students.

Some presenters included Director of Constituent Services for the City of Mount Vernon, Eric Crump; Comptroller for the City of Mount Vernon, Dr. Darren Morton; President of the Mount Vernon Administrators Group, Dr. Crystal Waterman; President of Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers, Mr. Keith McCall; and former Vice President and Treasurer of the PTA Council Latoya Anderson.

“Back to Basics, Forward to Mastery… This theme encapsulates a powerful vision: returning to the essential elements of quality education while striving for excellence and mastery in all that we do,” said Ms. Anderson. “However, this vision cannot be fully realized without acknowledging the pivotal role that parents play in education.”

Addresses to the audience continued as Adriane Saunders, Board of Education President emphasized the importance of continuing to move upward and expand programs to give scholars more opportunities for success.

“Additionally, we are proud of our successful vocational programs, which have equipped our students with the skills required to enter the job market,” said Trustee Saunders. “Many of them have gone on to earn livable and high-paying wages in exciting fields, might I add winning a gold medal and getting drafted in the NBA. We recognize the need to expand these programs further, offering opportunities in additional fields for our students.”

Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith spoke about her desires to expand her mission of going back to basic and forward to mastery. She expressed her excitement to continue getting the right people on the bus and creating an environment where students feel safe and are excited to learn. During her speech, she acknowledges the essential role teachers play in a child’s education and the importance of working with them, their families and their needs.

“I want you all to remember this message,” said Dr. Smith. “Each of you are a building block that shapes the next generation and is the foundation of our schools. Your actions in the classroom and commitment to our scholars inspire me every day. Let’s always remember the impact we have, as educators, our influence paves a path. Let’s continue to inspire and lead as we go forward to mastery!”

Once all the speakers finished sharing their thoughts with the crowd, keynote speaker Dr. Alexandria Connally gave a presentation about intersectionality and the matter of perspective. She led audience members through brain exercises and thought starters.

“We’re all socialized to believe certain things,” said Dr. Connally. “So, after today, I hope you will think about the ways you socialize and think outside the box. Think a little differently. When you go back to that difficult staff member or that challenging child, think about a way you can engage with them that is very different.”

Convocation concluded with a closing video from the Superintendent and principals from all 16 schools, highlighting the different ways the District will go forward to mastery. Faculty and staff then went on to their classrooms to continue preparing for the new school year.

Click here to view the photo gallery from convocation!