Tenure awarded to 35 educators at Board of Education meeting
![Assistant principal hugging teacher.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761752244/mtvernoncsdorg/pr1emjqrnlojaybxzyix/Tenure-2025October-Boardmeeting-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761752244/mtvernoncsdorg/pr1emjqrnlojaybxzyix/Tenure-2025October-Boardmeeting-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761752244/mtvernoncsdorg/pr1emjqrnlojaybxzyix/Tenure-2025October-Boardmeeting-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761752244/mtvernoncsdorg/pr1emjqrnlojaybxzyix/Tenure-2025October-Boardmeeting-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761752244/mtvernoncsdorg/pr1emjqrnlojaybxzyix/Tenure-2025October-Boardmeeting-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761752244/mtvernoncsdorg/pr1emjqrnlojaybxzyix/Tenure-2025October-Boardmeeting-3.jpg","width":2200}])
Tenure awarded to 35 educators at Board of Education meeting
After years of supporting Mount Vernon students, 35 educators earned tenure and were awarded with certificates during the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday evening. Congratulations to all the teachers, teaching assistants and administrators for reaching this hard-earned milestone! Thank you for all you do for our students!
Tenure List
Administrators
Marybeth Rhodes, Director of Humanities
Dr. Severin Cornelius, Principal of Grimes School
Benjamin Turner Academy
Michael Allen, ENL Teacher
Marshelle Blagmon, Teaching Assistant
Keisha Esson, Teaching Assistant
Ashley Jackson, Visual Arts Teacher
Anthony Puleo, Math Teacher
Claudette Senior, Teaching Assistant
Grimes School
Catherine Seibert, Special Education Teacher
Malenie Tilson, Special Education Teacher
Hamilton School
Ebony Acheampong-Rogers, Special Education Teacher
Monsia Allen, Special Education Teacher
Tiara Goodyear, Teaching Assistant
Lincoln School
Mailyn Irizarry, ENL Teacher
D'wayne Miller, Career and Financial Management Teacher
Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School
Carlissa Burrell, Special Education Teacher
Catherine Murtha, Special Education Teacher
Mount Vernon High School
Sanam Shams, Visual Arts Teacher
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
Falliemarie Caldwell, School Counselor
Kristen Ciallella, Special Education and Social Studies Teacher
Rodger DeHay, Social Studies Teacher
Peter Poliey, Math Teacher
Ana Rodriguez, Science Teacher
Pennington School
Bianca Gentile, School Counselor
Tasia Hilton, Teaching Assistant
Terissa Joseph, Teaching Assistant
Sarah McNamee, School Social Worker
Rebecca Turner Academy
Raffaella Maffei, Teaching Assistant
Andrea Marano, School Social Worker
Traphagen School
Claudia Carmona, ENL Teacher
Brenna Lade, Physical Education Teacher
Jennifer Spencer, Second Grade Teacher
Edward Williams School
Qumesha Artis, Special Education Teacher
Elizabeth Burgos, Second Grade Teacher
Katherine Olson, Sixth Grade Teacher
![Student-athletes honored for sportsmanship and academic achievement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":2200}])
Twenty-eight student-athletes were honored Thursday for their sportsmanship and academic achievement during the Fall Sports Recognition Celebration.
![Pioneer League Kickoff game]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":1920}])
Yesterday marked the exciting opening game of Mount Vernon City School District's Pioneer League! Our team faced off against Mamaroneck’s Tigers in a thrilling soccer match. Congratulations to all the players for their hard work and sportsmanship—what a fantastic start to the season!
![Junior Achievement students from STEAM Academy teach financial literacy at NMZH]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":2200}])
Students at Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School received valuable lessons in financial literacy Friday morning — taught not by their teachers, but by their older peers from the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.
![Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Fall Festival]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1920}])
Our Parent Resource Center located at Graham School is a one stop shop for families, providing them with the tools to exceed professionally and personally. The center, which opened during our Fall Festival last week, offers a variety of educational and engaging workshops to help the Mount Vernon community. We look forward to seeing you at the Parent Resource Center throughout the year, utilizing tools such as our computers to assist with job searches, resume building, and registering your children. #MtVernonShines.
![STEAM Academy senior Leonard Oduro turns talent into leadership on Board of Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763135172/mtvernoncsdorg/ht6iflq9fytu8bm9qzry/MeetTheCreativePeopleInstagramPost800x445px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763135172/mtvernoncsdorg/ht6iflq9fytu8bm9qzry/MeetTheCreativePeopleInstagramPost800x445px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763135172/mtvernoncsdorg/ht6iflq9fytu8bm9qzry/MeetTheCreativePeopleInstagramPost800x445px.png","width":800}])
As student ambassador on the Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education, STEAM Academy senior and fledgling author Leonard Oduro views his role as representing the voices of his classmates – as well as spreading the word about educational opportunities.
![MVCSD hosts annual Fall Festival]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":2200}])
Families throughout Mount Vernon spent Saturday afternoon at Graham School, engaging in fun-filled activities together at the district-wide Fall Festival. Community members learned about resources throughout the city, such as the Mount Vernon City School District Parent Resource Center (PRC).
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), plays an integral role in students’ habits of mind and skills such as collaboration, communication and critical thinking. These skills help students succeed in school and beyond. #MtVernonShines.
![State of the District Address delivered to faculty and staff]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":2200}])
Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland addressed staff, teachers and administration during his State of the District yesterday, celebrating accomplishments and highlighting challenges during his first 125 days leading the District.