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Smart Scholars Summer Bridge Program - Zoom Info Session Thu., Jul. 16 From 6 to 6:30 P.m.

Redesign Traphagen School
Smart Scholars Summer Bridge Program - Zoom Info Session Thu., Jul. 16 From 6 to 6:30 P.m.

Dear Parents & Guardians,

We are excited to share that the Mount Vernon City School District has been awarded a New York State Smart Scholars Grant, providing a unique opportunity for a select group of students to participate in the Smart Scholars Early College High School Program.

Congratulations! Based on your child's outstanding academic achievement through Grade 8, and Grade 9 for students attending the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, they have been selected to participate in this exceptional program.

The Smart Scholars Program is designed to give students a head start on their college education while they are still in high school. Through a partnership with Mercy University, students will have the opportunity to take college-level coursework while receiving the academic, social-emotional, and instructional support needed to be successful. By the time they graduate from high school, college credits earned will significantly reduce the time and cost required to earn a bachelor's degree.

Participation in this program requires commitment, dedication, and consistent effort. We are pleased to offer a Smart Scholars/Summer Bridge Program designed to prepare students for the academic expectations of high school and college-level learning while building confidence, leadership skills, and relationships with their peers and teachers.

Smart Scholars/Summer Bridge Program

Location #1: Mount Vernon High School for students attending Mount Vernon High School

Location #2: Denzel Washington School of the Arts for students attending STEAM and Denzel Washington School of the Arts

Dates: July 27, 2026-August 20, 2026

Days: Monday through Thursday

Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

Students will participate in engaging academic activities focused on college readiness, team-building experiences, and social-emotional learning opportunities. #Mt Vernon Shines Attendance is an important first step in the Smart Scholars experience and plays a critical role in preparing students for success throughout the program.

To help families learn more about the Smart Scholars Program, program expectations, and what to expect during the Summer Bridge experience, we will be hosting an informational Zoom session on Thursday, July 16th from 6:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The Zoom information is below:

https://mtvernoncsd-org.zoom.us/j/91387532669?pwd=glhbzyAkeluUus7l1QiM4eXgA6rDmf.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 913 8753 2669
Passcode:753725

To confirm your child's participation, please complete the registration form by scanning the QR code below or click here. We encourage you to register as soon as possible so that we can finalize preparations for the program.

Summer Bridge QR Code

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Erica Naughton, MVHS Program Administrator, at 914-665-5298, or Mrs. Anjanette Brown, STEAM & DWSA Program Administrator, at 914-358-2544.

We look forward to welcoming your child to the Smart Scholars Program! 

Derrick Dunlap's headshot.
MVCSD welcomes Derrick Dunlap to the District as Traphagen's newest principal

Derrick Dunlap, a veteran educator with two decades of experience leading schools, improving student achievement and building strong school communities has been appointed principal of Traphagen Elementary School. Mr. Dunlap brings a diverse background in elementary and secondary education to the Mount Vernon City School District, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Washington, D.C., Maryland and New York. 

Headshot of Donald Peters.
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Donald D. Peters is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, specializing in instructional leadership, school improvement, special education, and student success. He currently serves as the Principal of Graham School, bringing a proven record of strengthening school communities, improving student outcomes, and cultivating a culture of high expectations and collaboration.

Principal Anjannette Brown Headshot
Longtime MVCSD educator Anjanette Brown appointed as principal of Denzel Washington School of the Arts

Denzel Washington School of the Arts’ new principal, Anjanette Brown, is a dedicated educational leader with 20 years of service in the Mount Vernon City School District, committed to creating schools where students are empowered, supported, and prepared to achieve their highest potential. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her belief that education must nurture the whole child.

MV PTA members outside a building for their conference
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Leaders from the Mount Vernon Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parent liaisons, and school board trustees participated in the New York State PTA Summer Leadership Conference held on July 18-19 in Albany, NY. This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in workshops designed to enhance their skills and collaboration efforts to better support students and families in the Mount Vernon City School District.