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Students graduate from ELOC Technology and the Environment Computer Program

Environmental Leaders of Color graduates
Students graduate from ELOC Technology and the Environment Computer Program

Several Mount Vernon City School District students graduated from the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) Technology and the Environment Advanced Computer Program at SUNY Mount Vernon Extension Center on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Students learned Python coding and created online games from scratch using the skills for their final projects. These games included original titles such as Hair Boutique and Fisherman's Game and adaptations of popular games like Blackjack, Sudoku and Ant Farm.

The event’s keynote speaker was Mount Vernon’s Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, who encouraged the students to continue their education in technology and environmental studies, emphasizing that these fields offer promising career paths for the future. She stressed the importance of ongoing learning, no matter where life may lead them. 

As their families looked on with pride, each student showcased their talents and received prizes and certificates of completion from ELOC and the Mount Vernon City School District. The mayor also promised to provide certificates of completion from the city and to match the cash prizes the students earned.

ELOC's Technology and the Environment Advanced Computer Program was conceived by its founders, Dr. Diana Williams and Marvin Church. They believe that creating solutions to the climate crisis will require technology, which will increasingly influence all areas of these students' lives, both now and in the future. ELOC developed this program to give students from under-resourced communities access to advanced computer classes, helping them become competitive in college and the workforce.

During the fall and spring semesters, students meet on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, receiving instruction from computer professionals and college students majoring in computer science. They benefit from ample one-on-one instruction and material review with their instructors. Although there are no grades, students must complete a final project at the end of the semester.

ELOC has announced their new Cybersecurity and Blockchain class starting in January 2025. Interested students should register by January 9, 2025, on ELOC's website, www.eloc.earth. Space is limited, and only 40 high school students will be accepted. 

Snapshots from Pre-K event on April 11.
MVCSD Pre-K Saturday Academy

The Mount Vernon City School District's Pre-K Program hosted its Parent Academy on Saturday, April 11, 2026.  The event welcomed over 35 parents and students to engage in Math, SEL, Movement, and Reading lessons with our staff. The team used the Frog Street parent backpacks and lessons as a foundation for the learning. The teachers facilitated six different lessons that required parents to work with the Pre-K students. Breakfast was served, learning took place, and fun was had!

A group of women in colorful, formal dresses posing together in a lavishly decorated event venue with a chandelier and blue lighting.
Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance honors Mount Vernon educators

Excellence in education was celebrated at the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance last Friday, as 17 people were honored for their impact in Mount Vernon schools. The event, hosted by the Mount Vernon PTA Council, has so far raised $21,000, which will go toward scholarships for the Class of 2026! The PTA Council is still raising money, and you can make a donation by clicking here.

Click here to view the photo gallery from the event here!

 

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Week of a Young Child

In the Jewel Box this week, we are highlighting the importance of early childhood education for Week of the Young Child. Prekindergarten is a vital stage in a student’s academic journey, and you can sign up to start your child on that journey in our schools. Pre-K 4 Early Registration and Pre-K 3 lottery will be open until June 19, 2026. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube! #MtVernonShines

 

The image shows a sign above the entrance of a building, displaying a welcoming message to visitors. The sign has an arched design with decorative lettering, and the background appears to be a plain, light-colored wall.
Prekindergarten homework stars celebrated with movie viewing at Pelham Picture House

The Prekindergarten Department held its Homework Celebration on Saturday at the Pelham Picture House! The celebration recognized 50 out of the 112 students who completed 90% or more of their homework from October to February. A lottery for 50 spaces was held to select students for the celebration. Families were so excited to watch the Mario Movie in a private local theater, and the Prekindergarten Department can't wait to host their final celebration in June with a viewing of Toy Story 2!