Top 3 readers in Winter Reading Challenge announced at Board Meeting
During winter recess, all K-8 schools in the Mount Vernon City School District participated in the Winter Reading Challenge using Scholastic Literacy Pro. Marybeth Rhodes, Director of Humanities, shared information about the reading challenge and announced the District’s top three readers at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
This reading challenge was the second time that the District utilized Scholastic Literacy Pro to provide out-of-school reading opportunities to students.
Click here to read about the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.
“The purpose of the Winter Reading Challenge was to inspire our scholars to explore the magical world of reading,” said Ms. Rhodes. “Students were encouraged to read titles of their choice, fostering a love of reading and the joy of discovery. I would like to thank our teachers who played a crucial role in supporting our students and encouraging them to read different types of books. I would also like to thank our families for encouraging our students to read at home.”
The top 3 readers received a certificate marking their accomplishments
The top readers during the Winter Reading Challenge:
- Theodore Utomakili (Traphagen School fourth grader) - 3,488 minutes
- Tatianna Burke (Cecil H. Parker School fourth grader) - 1,764 minutes
- Ayla Choudhry (Traphagen School second grader) - 1,298 minutes
Mount Vernon City School District was highlighted for its outstanding achievements, particularly focusing on Benjamin Turner Academy and Pennington School at the Impact in Action Symposium on Tuesday Mach 11 and Wednesday, March 12. These schools have demonstrated significant progress through their meticulous iReady implementation plan.
The Mount Vernon City School District’s Career and Technical Education Automotive Program has secured two articulation agreements, where students can transfer credits to a post-secondary institution, in the past four weeks. Students will now be able to earn college credits for Lincoln Technical Institute and Rockland Community College through the program.
Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith presented the first 2025 State of the District Address via Zoom to Mount Vernon City School District faculty and staff on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Dr. Smith gave updates about the upcoming building reconfiguration, how it affects employees, and where the District stands in the process of closing schools.
Jhaelyn Jacobs is a senior at Denzel Washington School of the Arts who shows amazing character and dedication to her academics and school community every day. During her time at DWSA, she has chartered two clubs, earned outstanding grades, and run a business selling crocheted items.
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, students in the Secondary Superintendent’s Advisory Council met at The Education Center to discuss and review a survey that will be sent to all students in the Mount Vernon City School District. The survey addresses concerns about curriculum, school leadership, social-emotional learning, instruction, and other topics
Franyeli Fabian Rojas is an exemplary Mount Vernon High School senior whose focus towards her academics, extracurriculars and sports has created her into an all-star student. As a student of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Franyeli has spent countless hours committed to being the best student she can be. In June, she will be earning a distinguished IB Diploma and an Advanced Regents Diploma.