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Mount Vernon City School District hosts New Staff Orientation

Mount Vernon City School District hosts New Staff Orientation
Mount Vernon City School District hosts New Staff Orientation

The latest staff hires for the Mount Vernon City School District enthusiastically gathered at Benjamin Turner Academy on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 for a new staff orientation, where they learned about the District and what’s in store for the upcoming school year.

The day kicked off with breakfast before the crowd was greeted with a warm welcome from Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Noel Campbell and Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith.

“All of you have a gift, search your soul for whatever that gift is and give it to our students,” said Dr. Smith. “We have great faculty. You guys sit here eager to work, and I believe, when I look into the crowd, I believe that we have the cream of the crop. The sky is the limit for where you go.”

Afterwards, principals, assistant principals, administrators and cabinet members presented themselves to everyone and shared encouraging messages and inspirational quotes to excite the audience about their new roles.

“Couple of pieces of advice to you,” Dr. Severin Cornelius, Principal of Grimes School announced to the crowd. “Number one, stay positive. That’s the most important thing that I could say. If you want to make a difference, this is the place to be. We need individuals here who will uplift our students and make them the best that they can be. This is Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon is the place for that. A lot of great history here, you’ll learn it as you go on, stay focused and stay positive.”

Throughout the day, new staff members were able to get to know the Mount Vernon City School District, learn about the code of conduct and pupil personnel services, curriculum and instruction, benefits, payroll, and were able to have any questions or concerns answered before the school year begins.

“I grew up around the area in White Plains and I worked for a private school around there,” said Robert Durante, who will be teaching history at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy. “I feel like even though I never worked in Mount Vernon before, when I walked in and did my demo lesson, I was like ‘this is all familiar’. It has a warm presence, everyone was very nice to me; the kids were nice, they were very welcoming and friendly.”

Principal addressing the crowd.
Dr. Smith addressing the crowd.
New teachers listening to speaker.
Principal of Parker addressing the audience.
Noel Campell with Royce Russell

 

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Community Message: Apalachee High School Tragedy

Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent of Schools: 

Unfortunately, as I am sure you have heard, there has been another devastating and senseless attack in a school in our country. Our hearts go out to the community, families and students of Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia. The Mount Vernon City School District extends its sincerest sympathies to all those who were affected by this violence. 

Dr. Christopher Pearce
Our Students, Now: Dr. Christopher Pearce

Dr. Christopher Pearce, Principal at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, is an alum of the Class of 1989 at Mount Vernon High School, and he has been an educator for the District since 2000. He began as a math teacher, then became a dean of students, an assistant principal, and finally a principal. He is at his second school as principal, having also led the former Benjamin Turner Middle School. He has committed the majority of his career to shaping the lives of students in the school district that he graduated from. 

Mount Vernon City School District kicks off the 2024 - 2025 School Year
Mount Vernon City School District kicks off the 2024 - 2025 School Year

Elementary and middle school students pranced into their school buildings while waving goodbye to their parents on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, for the first day of school. Smiles filled the hallways as students and teachers greeted each other with warm welcomes to kick off the 2024 -2025 school year.

Carlos Ramirez
Director of Technology Carlos Ramirez chosen for College Advisory Council at College of Westchester and SW BOCES

MVCSD Director of Technology Carlos Ramirez was selected this summer to serve on the College of Westchester’s College Advisory Council for the School of Information Technology. 

The College Advisory Council advises the College of Westchester on the workforce demands in the current climate to help guide academic programs and review learning outcomes and objectives. Their goal is to ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.