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
![Happy Social Worker Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773166467/mtvernoncsdorg/bxwmmfehx4pbhc6yqloe/SocialWorkerMonth.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773166467/mtvernoncsdorg/bxwmmfehx4pbhc6yqloe/SocialWorkerMonth.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773166467/mtvernoncsdorg/bxwmmfehx4pbhc6yqloe/SocialWorkerMonth.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773166467/mtvernoncsdorg/bxwmmfehx4pbhc6yqloe/SocialWorkerMonth.jpg","width":1200}])
March is National Social Worker Month! Thank you to all the social workers who support, uplift and advocate for our students. The Mount Vernon City School District appreciates you!
![Mount Vernon's Jewel Box]([{"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}])
In honor of Black History Month in February, in this week's Jewel Box we are recognizing our incredible scholars who go above and beyond to achieve excellence in every way – academically, socially and even culturally. Our students are dedicated to their success and growing as individuals each and every day. #MtVernonShines
![Students with superintendent holding certificates and posing for the camera.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773241699/mtvernoncsdorg/yybkqvpmvmi4c04ij3ik/supcelebrationfeb2026-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773241699/mtvernoncsdorg/yybkqvpmvmi4c04ij3ik/supcelebrationfeb2026-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773241699/mtvernoncsdorg/yybkqvpmvmi4c04ij3ik/supcelebrationfeb2026-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773241699/mtvernoncsdorg/yybkqvpmvmi4c04ij3ik/supcelebrationfeb2026-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773241699/mtvernoncsdorg/yybkqvpmvmi4c04ij3ik/supcelebrationfeb2026-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1773241699/mtvernoncsdorg/yybkqvpmvmi4c04ij3ik/supcelebrationfeb2026-1.jpg","width":2200}])
Exceptional students throughout the Mount Vernon City School District were honored yesterday afternoon for their hard work and determination for success during the Superintendent’s monthly awards celebration. February’s celebration, which was delayed due to snow days, highlighted Black excellence for Black History Month.
![Three men in formal attire stand in front of a backdrop with the text "My Brother's Keeper" displayed.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773161486/mtvernoncsdorg/fj6p9ensmi9linchrecl/MBK-Conference-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773161486/mtvernoncsdorg/fj6p9ensmi9linchrecl/MBK-Conference-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773161486/mtvernoncsdorg/fj6p9ensmi9linchrecl/MBK-Conference-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773161486/mtvernoncsdorg/fj6p9ensmi9linchrecl/MBK-Conference-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773161486/mtvernoncsdorg/fj6p9ensmi9linchrecl/MBK-Conference-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1773161486/mtvernoncsdorg/fj6p9ensmi9linchrecl/MBK-Conference-4.jpg","width":2200}])
The My Brother’s Keeper program helps to open doors for students, and Student Trustee Leonard Oduro, a senior at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, recently had the opportunity to attend a legislative conference in Albany through the program. At the conference — held by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators — he met with influential leaders and participated in meaningful discussions on student leadership and community impact.
![Jewel Collection]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":1920}])
In this week’s Jewel Box, we are highlighting our prekindergarten program, with registration open now! Pre-K is a vital time for a student’s growth, and we urge all parents to register their child now. Learning the basics of reading, writing and speaking in pre-K lays a solid foundation that our students can carry with them through their entire educational journey. Pre-K 4 Early Registration and the Pre-K 3 lottery will be open until June 19, 2026. Visit our registration page for more information. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube! #MtVernonShines
![Children reading.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772631504/mtvernoncsdorg/jueetj38rsukadtgl3wa/readacrossamerica-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772631504/mtvernoncsdorg/jueetj38rsukadtgl3wa/readacrossamerica-3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772631504/mtvernoncsdorg/jueetj38rsukadtgl3wa/readacrossamerica-3.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772631504/mtvernoncsdorg/jueetj38rsukadtgl3wa/readacrossamerica-3.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772631504/mtvernoncsdorg/jueetj38rsukadtgl3wa/readacrossamerica-3.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772631504/mtvernoncsdorg/jueetj38rsukadtgl3wa/readacrossamerica-3.png","width":2200}])
The Mount Vernon City School District is thrilled to announce our participation in Read Across America Week!
Throughout the week, our schools will come alive with engaging, joyful, and meaningful literacy experiences designed to celebrate the power of reading. Students across the district will participate in themed activities, special events, and creative classroom experiences that inspire a lifelong love of books.
![Children hold up Black history covers and raise fists]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772226482/mtvernoncsdorg/phuynz6zjjzgshfnwbmp/MVHS-BlackHistoryMonth-8.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772226482/mtvernoncsdorg/phuynz6zjjzgshfnwbmp/MVHS-BlackHistoryMonth-8.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772226482/mtvernoncsdorg/phuynz6zjjzgshfnwbmp/MVHS-BlackHistoryMonth-8.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772226482/mtvernoncsdorg/phuynz6zjjzgshfnwbmp/MVHS-BlackHistoryMonth-8.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772226482/mtvernoncsdorg/phuynz6zjjzgshfnwbmp/MVHS-BlackHistoryMonth-8.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772226482/mtvernoncsdorg/phuynz6zjjzgshfnwbmp/MVHS-BlackHistoryMonth-8.jpg","width":2200}])
Black History Month came alive across the Mount Vernon City School District on Friday as students at Mount Vernon High School and Benjamin Turner Academy celebrated the legacy, resilience and achievements of African Americans through the ages.