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Statement from the Acting Superintendent: Threatening Social Media Posts

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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.

We believe in maintaining open lines of communication with our school community, especially when it concerns the safety and security of our students and staff. We will always collaborate with our law enforcement partners when necessary to ensure that no credible threat to the safety of our students and staff exists and communicate with parents accordingly.

All threats, regardless of their nature, come with significant consequences.  This includes instances where such statements are made jokingly or are deemed not credible. We encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your children about responsible social media use and the importance of reporting any concerning content they may come across. Together, we can work to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our school community.

Our commitment to providing the safest possible learning environment means that we will always collaborate with our law enforcement partners when necessary to ensure that no credible threat to the safety of our students and staff exists.

Mount Vernon places the safety of all students as a top priority and recognizes the need to be transparent regarding incidents that may impact our school community.  We will always act out of an abundance of caution to ensure all our students and staff are safe inside and outside of our buildings.

Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent of Schools

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.