Principal of the Year and Knight Light awards given at Board of Education meeting
![President Kirwan, Dr. White and Dr. Smith.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717685675/mtvernoncsdorg/akat1di9a3xq7aylfjbn/KnightLight-PrincipalofYear-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717685675/mtvernoncsdorg/akat1di9a3xq7aylfjbn/KnightLight-PrincipalofYear-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717685675/mtvernoncsdorg/akat1di9a3xq7aylfjbn/KnightLight-PrincipalofYear-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717685675/mtvernoncsdorg/akat1di9a3xq7aylfjbn/KnightLight-PrincipalofYear-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1717685675/mtvernoncsdorg/akat1di9a3xq7aylfjbn/KnightLight-PrincipalofYear-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1717685675/mtvernoncsdorg/akat1di9a3xq7aylfjbn/KnightLight-PrincipalofYear-1.jpg","width":2200}])
Principal of the Year and Knight Light awards given at Board of Education meeting
Two Mount Vernon City School District administrators, Pennington Principal Dr. Melissa White and Director of Humanities Marybeth Rhodes, were honored at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith and Board of Education President Lorna Kirwan presented the awards.
“Dr. White and Ms. Rhodes have done a fantastic job this year, and during their entire time in the District, to serve our scholars,” said Dr. Smith. “They have put scholars first at every step and have done great work to bring us back to the basics of educating our children.”
Dr. White won Principal of the Year for her outstanding work in her first year at Pennington, and Ms. Rhodes received the Knight Light Award.
“Thank you to both Dr. Melissa White and Marybeth Rhodes for your commitment to our students,” said President Kirwan. “These honors are well deserved, and we are so glad to have you in our District, supporting our scholars every day.”
The Knight Light Awards reads, “For her outstanding contributions to the Mount Vernon City School District and the students of the State of New York and the nation, she will be forever remembered for her unwavering commitment to social justice, equality and equity in education. Her commitment to education and our children was always a labor of love.”
![One Mount Vernon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":1400}])
![Doris Dapaah - Principal, Dr. Melissa White – Principal, Stephanie Harris – Christian – Reading Specialist, Maria Falco – Reading Specialist]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741962271/mtvernoncsdorg/a0x3ah4p7yvpwopf7ql6/YoutubeThumbnailCancerWorldDayEvent555x336px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741962271/mtvernoncsdorg/a0x3ah4p7yvpwopf7ql6/YoutubeThumbnailCancerWorldDayEvent555x336px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741962271/mtvernoncsdorg/a0x3ah4p7yvpwopf7ql6/YoutubeThumbnailCancerWorldDayEvent555x336px.png","width":555}])
Mount Vernon City School District was highlighted for its outstanding achievements, particularly focusing on Benjamin Turner Academy and Pennington School at the Impact in Action Symposium on Tuesday Mach 11 and Wednesday, March 12. These schools have demonstrated significant progress through their meticulous iReady implementation plan.
![Student demonstrating use of torque wrench.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":2200}])
The Mount Vernon City School District’s Career and Technical Education Automotive Program has secured two articulation agreements, where students can transfer credits to a post-secondary institution, in the past four weeks. Students will now be able to earn college credits for Lincoln Technical Institute and Rockland Community College through the program.
![Logo for news post]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":940}])
Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith presented the first 2025 State of the District Address via Zoom to Mount Vernon City School District faculty and staff on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Dr. Smith gave updates about the upcoming building reconfiguration, how it affects employees, and where the District stands in the process of closing schools.
![DWSA entrepreneur uses skills to maintain high grades and community engagement during senior year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":2200}])
Jhaelyn Jacobs is a senior at Denzel Washington School of the Arts who shows amazing character and dedication to her academics and school community every day. During her time at DWSA, she has chartered two clubs, earned outstanding grades, and run a business selling crocheted items.
![Students smiling and posing with superintendent.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":2048}])
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, students in the Secondary Superintendent’s Advisory Council met at The Education Center to discuss and review a survey that will be sent to all students in the Mount Vernon City School District. The survey addresses concerns about curriculum, school leadership, social-emotional learning, instruction, and other topics
![One Mount Vernon Thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":1400}])
![MVHS senior displays high achievement in IB courses and sports]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":2200}])
Franyeli Fabian Rojas is an exemplary Mount Vernon High School senior whose focus towards her academics, extracurriculars and sports has created her into an all-star student. As a student of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Franyeli has spent countless hours committed to being the best student she can be. In June, she will be earning a distinguished IB Diploma and an Advanced Regents Diploma.