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Themed high schools present to eighth grade families at High School Showcase night

Themed high schools present to eighth grade families at High School Showcase night

Administrators from all three themed high schools spoke to eighth grade families on Thursday, January 15, 2025, at High School Showcase night at Mount Vernon High School. Students throughout the District made their way through the school to learn about the unique offerings from each of the high schools. 

The evening started off in the auditorium; where families were greeted with a warm welcome from Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith and Jamal Doggett, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Administration.

“This is a great opportunity to explore the resources our scholars have to further enhance their education,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K Veronica Smith. “When students think about their careers from an early age, people say that they have a tendency to be more successful. Whether a student is passionate about the arts, technology, or cosmetology, each school provides resources so scholars can achieve their highest potential." 

 Once settled in, the audience was able to view videos highlighting programs at each school before hearing from all three principals. 

“As a former student of Mount Vernon High School, it is an honor to serve as principal of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy,” said Dr. Christopher Pearce, Principal of STEAM Academy. “Tonight, we are here to showcase our high schools. Our priority as principals is to inspire hope and excellence in our scholars. The STEAM Academy, Mount Vernon High School and Denzel Washington are high schools that prepare students for college, career and beyond. Each school has its unique qualities and meets the needs of our scholars.”  

Principal of STEAM Academy speaking with student.

During the showcase, each of the high schools promoted what sets them apart from the other high schools. Mount Vernon High School featured their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, as well as their International Baccalaureate (IB) program. To learn more about CTE at MVHS, click the link here. To learn more about the IB program, click the link here.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts highlighted their various arts programs, including musical theater, music, dance, visual arts and technical theater and design. They also featured their advanced placement classes, such as AP Biology and AP Government. To view last year’s production form DWSA, Annie Jr., follow the link here

STEAM Academy featured their rigorous course offering through Project Lead the Way, which includes engineering, computer science, biomedical and arts (graphic & digital art / photography). The school also highlighted their clubs and organizations, such as e-sports. To read more about e-sports at STEAM, click here.

“We thought it was very important to be here to help us make an informed decision,” said Donna Smith, mother of Deanna Miller, who attends Mount Vernon Honor Academy. “Hear about the various programs being offered, what’s being said… Get a sense of what is required, what’s necessary, what’s being offered; to help her, and to help myself and her dad to make an informed decision for what’s best for her.” 

The goal of the High School Showcase is to give students the opportunity to explore what each school has to offer, before choosing where to attend. This experience allows students to meet teachers from each school and gain insight into what the school has to offer, to ensure the school goals align with the interests of the student.

Click here to view the presentation from the High School Showcase.  

Student with parents at table speaking with administration.
Two culinary students smiling for the camera.

 

Dr. Smith and Betty Rosa

Today, Friday, February 14, 2025, marks the two-year anniversary of Dr. K. Veronica Smith’s first day as Acting Superintendent. Join the Mount Vernon City School District in wishing her a happy anniversary! In these two years, the District has emphasized its commitment to its scholars. Through the Back to Basics, Forward to Mastery approach, where teachers are getting back to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, the District has seen great academic improvements, leading graduation rates and test scores to trend upward. 

Yanick and Anna Valinda

Yanick St. Cyr and Anna Valinda Mendy, Mount Vernon High School 12th-grade Nursing Assistant Program students, volunteered at the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) SkillsUSA Regional Competition on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Center for Career Services. Yanick and Anna are also in the SkillsUSA Club at MVHS.

Logo for news post

The Mount Vernon City School District’s superintendent search survey, conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), has been extended to Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., to allow for further engagement with the community. HYA will present their leadership profile report at the Board of Education on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to submit your responses.