volunteer and help support a mount vernon student’s school dayWith the support of volunteers, the opportunity to meet the individual needs of each child is greatly increased. Community volunteers in our schools enrich the educational program and strengthen our schools’ relationships with the city community. How can you help? Parents, grandparents, college students, community members − all have something to offer and we invite you to think about ways that your time and talents can assist us in achieving our mission to educate and nurture Mount Vernon students so that they may grow into responsible citizens, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. For specific ways you can help, call your local school or email community@mtvernoncsd.org. You may also visit the community section of the District website, www.mtvernoncsd.org for more information.

GOING ONa publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

With a kick-off meeting on August 21st, the School Restructuring Committee consists of more than 50 com-munity stakeholders with a shared concern and interest in the future of the school system. This committee will meet twice a month and examine how model districts successfully educate diverse communities of children. Together, they will evaluate a variety of education mod-els with a shared goal to effectively and efficiently align resources and set realistic community expectations for change within the school system. For the latest updates, visit www.mtvernoncsd.org.

stay connected and Join us on facebooK

www.facebook.com/mountvernoncityschoolcommunity

good news. read all about it.in 2013-14, stay tuned for:

student showcases alumni features teacher articleshave something to share with the school community? email vridder@mtvernoncsd.org or call vanessa ridder at 914-665-6786.

GOING ONaround Mount Vernon City Schoolsa publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

leadership commitmentIf we transform the lives of Mount Vernon’s children, we all stand to benefit from their succcess.Judith Johnsoninterim Superintendent

Real improvement in our schools is not simply a matter of spending more, it is a matter of expecting more.Gerald whitesideBoard trustee President

welcome bacK to school and happy new school year!

Mount Vernon City Schools

Meeting dates include: Saturdays 9am to 11am on 10/5, 11/2, and 12/7. Thursdays 6pm to 8pm on 10/17, 11/14 , and 12/19. Meeting locations are either at the Education Center or Holmes Elementary School.

the school restructuring committee meetsplanning for meaningful change

acadeMIcacHIeVeMeNT

SaFe & SecUReLeaRNING

eNVIRONMeNTS

PaReNT &cOMMUNITY

SUPPORT

OUR FOcUSExcellence& Integrity

QUaLITYWORKFORce

BUdGeTGOVeRNaNce

Parents

Staff

Trustees

Citizens

City

Back-tO-schOOlphOtO Gallery tOur

All students will have access to challenging, rigorous instructional programs based on Common Core Standards that embed high levels of skill in critical thinking.

1academic achievement & student success

2

3

Quality worKforceCreate a highly skilled positive teaching environment by developing, recruiting, and

retaining the most talented staff while supporting a culture of professional growth and innovation.

Engender trust with the community and parents through frequent, clear, transparent, communica-tion on all school related issues and opportunities.

parent & communitysupport

4Providing a positive school environment essen-tial to academic success and higher rates of staff retention so teachers, staff and students may all feel safe, secure, and connected to their school.

safe & secure learning environments 5

Optimize use of resources to support student development, and ensure robust long-term plans through prudent stewardship of resources and consistent leadership and informed communica-tion on decision-making opportunities.

budget governance & fiscal responsibility

your voice counts. superintendent search initiative.

As you may already be aware, Ms. Johnson’s term as Interim Superintendent will end at the close of this school year. The Board of Education invites you to participate in help-ing to identify the search criteria for the next Superintendent of Schools. School Board Trustee Elias Gootzeit is serving as co-chair of the future superintendent search effort along with Ms. Johnson. Now is the time to develop and design a process for hiring a permanent superintendent we can all feel confident with. Please take a moment and complete the following online survey:

Visit: https://www.research.net/s/KQy2Xln

2013-2014 strateGIc GOals

on august 31st, the city and community organizations hosted a wonderful back-to-school event in hartley park where mount vernon students and their families enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, free food, and a complimentary backpack. thank you to everyone who made this special event possible!

annual back-to-school giveaway & fair

Zeta phi beta book bag donation

Mount Vernon High School conducted a memorial ceremony for its students and faculty to honor those lost on the historical day. Teachers throughout the District shared stories of reflection in their classrooms as appropriate. The central administrative offices played Ray Charles’ moving rendition of “America the Beautiful” through the office intercom. The Board meeting on that evening also reflected on the tragedy with the community.

Photo taken by the Mount Vernon High School Digital Photography class

we remember september 11thtogether, we reflect on an american tragedy

members of the pennington pta welcome incoming Kindergarten students and their families.

pennington pta welcomes new parents

thank you to ms. christine boyle-white and her sorority’s generous donation to students at edward williams elementary school. 165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553 Phone: (914) 665-5000 www.mtvernoncsd.org165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553 Phone: (914) 665-5000 www.mtvernoncsd.org

board of educationGerald Whiteside, PresidentLeonard Sarver, Vice President Brenda L. Crump Dr. Seringe GningueElia S. GootzeitRosemarie JaroszAdriane SaundersMichelle Walker Frances Wynn

district administration Judith Johnson, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Timothy CostelloAssistant Superintendent for Business

Dr. Hasna MuhammadAssistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Gertrude KarabasAssistant Superintendent for Innovation, Accountability & Grants Management

TBDAssistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, English Language Arts/Literacy Learning Standards Administrator

Richard McCormackClerk to the Board/Board Secretary

Dr. Waveline Bennett-ConroyDirector of Pupil Personnel Services

Felicia GaonDirector of Special Education

Bob BielaszewskiDirector of Facilities

Dr. Satish JagnandanStandards Administrator for Mathematics & Science

Dr. Ahunna M. AkomaStandards Administrator for Data & Assessment

Joseph McGrathStandards Administrator for Technology

Sherry Davis WardStandards Administrator for School Improvement & School Turnaround

a publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

a new day for learningin mount vernon schools, learning begins before students return.

Preparing for the 2013-2014 school year, teachers face implementing new Common Core Standards and administrators have the challenge of effectively utlizing new evaluation instruments like all districts in the State of New York. With renewed focus and determination, MVCSD is embracing the new standards and rising to the occasion.

As a part of school improvement efforts, the District has partnered with McRel, Inc., the Annenberg Institute, Bank Street College, and Johns Hopkins University for professional development. Over the course of the summer months, thorough training was provided for teachers and principals. In August, new staff received two days of orientation and principals received intensive observation training. At the 2013 Learning Communities Institute, at Mount Vernon High School, nearly 120 teachers received three days of targeted training. The core of these training sessions included the new Engage NY modules for instruction including differentiation strategies, data mining, and research-based methods for improving parent/family partnerships.

Additionally, District leaders participated in a special retreat with the theme of, “Leadership for Equity and Social Justice: Rethinking Our Focus.” Interim Superintendent, Judith Johnson re-examined the critical questions of “Why do we educate children?” and “Why is it so important to our society to educate the economically disadvantaged and children of color?” Ms. Johnson eloquently connects the concept of social justice with literacy...the basic competencies for one’s ability to self-advocate and affect change.

mount vernon city school district....truly a community of learners!

principals receive ipad training to help monitor the common core standards implementation.

GOING ON

Mount Vernon is pleased to see a wave of new technology entering our schools at the beginning of the school year. It started with over 200 administrative computers being replaced in June with supporting software to support operating efficiency.As a result of a teacher RFP, 75 SMART Boards are being installed in classrooms this fall. Teachers also received instructional training throughout the summer and into September. Additionally, many classrooms are slated to have revitalized and restored computers and computer labs.

As part of the Regents Reform Agenda, New York State has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative to ensure schools prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and in their careers. To realize these goals, changes are occuring in standards, curricula, and assessments � ultimately impact student learning. As a result, New York State has provided informa-tion about the necessary shifts in instruction, and is deeply engaged in a revision of the current State assessment program to address both the content and spirit of the shifts. What changes are coming in ELA and mathematics?

Visit www.engageny.org/resource/common-core-shifts/

technology milestones

a publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

New York State is changing its standards…and the assessments are changing with them.

common core state standards

page 2 www.mtvernoncsd.org www.mtvernoncsd.org page 3

How have these changes affected our approach?

gertrude Karabas, assistantsuperintendent of accountabil-ity, school turnaround and grants management, speaks at new staff orientation in august.

“We carefully evaluated our test scores and have initiated our tailored plan to develop a foundational understanding of the Common Core. We are adopting a phased approach to developing our capacity to be compliant with the requirements set by NY State yet we are allowing our teachers to be flexible enough for various teaching environments. With this approach, we strive to empower our teachers to keep focused on building an instructional continuum with a goal set for measurable achievements.”

Carol QuiNoNeS-SmitHPrincipal, Holmes elementary School Ms. Quinones-Smith was previously the Assistant Principal at Sleepy Hollow Middle School since August of 2011. Prior to her experience in the Tarrytown Public Schools, Ms. Quinones-Smith served as a 17-year tenured teacher in the White Plains City School District.

Join us in welcoming our new school principals!JoNatHaN alfred BrowN, ed.d.Principal, longfellow middle School Dr. Brown has over 13 years of teaching experience and was for-merly the principal of White Plains Middle School. In the Bronx, Mr. Brown was a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher, an 8th grade math teacher, and a 5th through 8th grade creative writing teacher. He has recently earned his doctorate and is currently an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College.

JoSHua wHitHamPrincipal, a.B. davis middle School For the past six years, Mr. Whitham served as the Assistant Principal at Middle School 203 in the South Bronx. Prior to this leader-ship role, he worked with New York City as a Middle School Math Coach.

eileeN fliCker, ed.d.Principal, Columbus elementary School For the past two-years, Dr. Flicker was the School Improve-ment Specialist at the Sullivan County BOCES where she worked with teachers and staff at all grade levels to promote the use of technology. Dr. Flicker has been instrumental in developing resources and effectively training teachers and administrators in the Common Core Learning standards. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University.

Mount Vernon City SchoolsGOING ON Mount Vernon City Schools

Adelphi University • Albright College • Alfred University • Amherst College • Arcadia University • Berkeley College • Bethune Cookman University • Binghamton State University • Bloomfield College • Borough Of Manhattan College • Borough Of Manhattan Community College • Boston University • Bronx Community College • Broome County Community College • Buffalo State College • Buffalo State University • Chatham University • Clarkson University • College Of Mount Saint Vincent • College Of New Rochelle • College Of Saint Rose • College Of Staten Island • College Of Staten Island • College Of Westchester • Columbia College • Columbia Univer-sity • Community College • Cortland University • Cuny City Tech • Dominican College • Dutchess County Community College • Eastern Connecticut State University • Fairleigh Dickinson University • Farmingdale State College • Finger Lakes Community College • Fisher College • Florida State University • Fordham University • Fulton - Montgomery Community College • Georgian Court University • Herkimer County Community College • Hofstra University • Hostos Community College • Howard University • Iona College • John Jay College • John Jay College Of Criminal Justice • Johnson & Wales University • Kingsborough Community College • Laguardia Com-munity College • Lehman College • Lesley University • Lincoln Technology College • Lincoln University • Manhattan College • Manhattanville College • Marymount Manhattan • Medgar Evers Community College • Mohawk Valley Community College • Monroe College • Monroe Community College • Morrisville State College • New England College • New England University • New Jersey’s Science & Technology University • New York City College Of Technology • New York College Of Technol-ogy • New York Institute Of Technology • New York University • Newbury College • Old Westbury College • Onondaga Community College • Pace University • Penn State • Rochester Institute Of Technology • Rosemont College • Sacred Heart University • Saint Michael’s College • Schenectady County Community College • St John’s University • St. Bonaventure University • St. Francis College • St. John’s University • Stonehill College • StonBrook University • Sullivan County Community College • SUNY: Albany - Alfred - Buffalo - Canton - Cobleskill - Delhi - Fredonia - Genesee Community College - Institute Of Technology- Morrisville - New Paltz - Oswego - Potsdam - Purchase • Temple University • The College Of New Rochelle • The College Of Westchester • Tompkins Cortland Community College • Universal Technical Institute • University Of Bridgeport • University Of Connecticut • University Of Hartford • University Of Massachusetts • University Of Massachusetts Amherst • Uni-versity Of Minnesota – Twin Cities • University Of New Haven • University Of North Carolina – Chapel Hill • Villanova University • Wake Forest University • Westchester Community College • Wheelock College • William Patterson University • Wood-Tobe Coburn School • Wood-Tobe College

college acceptance list of our 2013 graduates

Back-tO-schOOlphOtO Gallery tOur

MV aluMNI Newskrystal MIMs cOMes hOMe

on september 9th, interim superintendent Judith Johnson joined westchester county executive rob astorino and the superintendent of yonkers schools bernard p. pierorazio for a press conference explaining the importance of school attendance and its direct link to student achievement.

carl caprio, a mount vernon high school science teacher, shares a fresh variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers from his student garden with the school community.

school attendance matters

mvhs student gardens in bloom

the leadership retreat at longfellow elementary school.

beating the odds, Krystal inspires

having lost her mother at the age of seven and later her grandmother at the age of nine, Krystal was a young mount vernon student struggling with anxiety and grief. with the support of her teachers and extended family, Krystal overcame her fears and took chances to reach her goals.

today, she is an author and studying to be a teacher. her children’s book “where’s the honey?” is about two bees starting an adventure. one bee is brave enough to take chances and sets out to discover a new world that he didn’t know existed.

on september 11th, she visited graham elementary school to see her former teachers. Krystal and ms. crouch (pictured above) read her book and shared her inspiring story with young students.

a publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

a new day for learningin mount vernon schools, learning begins before students return.

Preparing for the 2013-2014 school year, teachers face implementing new Common Core Standards and administrators have the challenge of effectively utlizing new evaluation instruments like all districts in the State of New York. With renewed focus and determination, MVCSD is embracing the new standards and rising to the occasion.

As a part of school improvement efforts, the District has partnered with McRel, Inc., the Annenberg Institute, Bank Street College, and Johns Hopkins University for professional development. Over the course of the summer months, thorough training was provided for teachers and principals. In August, new staff received two days of orientation and principals received intensive observation training. At the 2013 Learning Communities Institute, at Mount Vernon High School, nearly 120 teachers received three days of targeted training. The core of these training sessions included the new Engage NY modules for instruction including differentiation strategies, data mining, and research-based methods for improving parent/family partnerships.

Additionally, District leaders participated in a special retreat with the theme of, “Leadership for Equity and Social Justice: Rethinking Our Focus.” Interim Superintendent, Judith Johnson re-examined the critical questions of “Why do we educate children?” and “Why is it so important to our society to educate the economically disadvantaged and children of color?” Ms. Johnson eloquently connects the concept of social justice with literacy...the basic competencies for one’s ability to self-advocate and affect change.

mount vernon city school district....truly a community of learners!

principals receive ipad training to help monitor the common core standards implementation.

GOING ON

Mount Vernon is pleased to see a wave of new technology entering our schools at the beginning of the school year. It started with over 200 administrative computers being replaced in June with supporting software to support operating efficiency.As a result of a teacher RFP, 75 SMART Boards are being installed in classrooms this fall. Teachers also received instructional training throughout the summer and into September. Additionally, many classrooms are slated to have revitalized and restored computers and computer labs.

As part of the Regents Reform Agenda, New York State has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative to ensure schools prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and in their careers. To realize these goals, changes are occuring in standards, curricula, and assessments � ultimately impact student learning. As a result, New York State has provided informa-tion about the necessary shifts in instruction, and is deeply engaged in a revision of the current State assessment program to address both the content and spirit of the shifts. What changes are coming in ELA and mathematics?

Visit www.engageny.org/resource/common-core-shifts/

technology milestones

a publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

New York State is changing its standards…and the assessments are changing with them.

common core state standards

page 2 www.mtvernoncsd.org www.mtvernoncsd.org page 3

How have these changes affected our approach?

gertrude Karabas, assistantsuperintendent of accountabil-ity, school turnaround and grants management, speaks at new staff orientation in august.

“We carefully evaluated our test scores and have initiated our tailored plan to develop a foundational understanding of the Common Core. We are adopting a phased approach to developing our capacity to be compliant with the requirements set by NY State yet we are allowing our teachers to be flexible enough for various teaching environments. With this approach, we strive to empower our teachers to keep focused on building an instructional continuum with a goal set for measurable achievements.”

Carol QuiNoNeS-SmitHPrincipal, Holmes elementary School Ms. Quinones-Smith was previously the Assistant Principal at Sleepy Hollow Middle School since August of 2011. Prior to her experience in the Tarrytown Public Schools, Ms. Quinones-Smith served as a 17-year tenured teacher in the White Plains City School District.

Join us in welcoming our new school principals!JoNatHaN alfred BrowN, ed.d.Principal, longfellow middle School Dr. Brown has over 13 years of teaching experience and was for-merly the principal of White Plains Middle School. In the Bronx, Mr. Brown was a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher, an 8th grade math teacher, and a 5th through 8th grade creative writing teacher. He has recently earned his doctorate and is currently an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College.

JoSHua wHitHamPrincipal, a.B. davis middle School For the past six years, Mr. Whitham served as the Assistant Principal at Middle School 203 in the South Bronx. Prior to this leader-ship role, he worked with New York City as a Middle School Math Coach.

eileeN fliCker, ed.d.Principal, Columbus elementary School For the past two-years, Dr. Flicker was the School Improve-ment Specialist at the Sullivan County BOCES where she worked with teachers and staff at all grade levels to promote the use of technology. Dr. Flicker has been instrumental in developing resources and effectively training teachers and administrators in the Common Core Learning standards. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University.

Mount Vernon City SchoolsGOING ON Mount Vernon City Schools

Adelphi University • Albright College • Alfred University • Amherst College • Arcadia University • Berkeley College • Bethune Cookman University • Binghamton State University • Bloomfield College • Borough Of Manhattan College • Borough Of Manhattan Community College • Boston University • Bronx Community College • Broome County Community College • Buffalo State College • Buffalo State University • Chatham University • Clarkson University • College Of Mount Saint Vincent • College Of New Rochelle • College Of Saint Rose • College Of Staten Island • College Of Staten Island • College Of Westchester • Columbia College • Columbia Univer-sity • Community College • Cortland University • Cuny City Tech • Dominican College • Dutchess County Community College • Eastern Connecticut State University • Fairleigh Dickinson University • Farmingdale State College • Finger Lakes Community College • Fisher College • Florida State University • Fordham University • Fulton - Montgomery Community College • Georgian Court University • Herkimer County Community College • Hofstra University • Hostos Community College • Howard University • Iona College • John Jay College • John Jay College Of Criminal Justice • Johnson & Wales University • Kingsborough Community College • Laguardia Com-munity College • Lehman College • Lesley University • Lincoln Technology College • Lincoln University • Manhattan College • Manhattanville College • Marymount Manhattan • Medgar Evers Community College • Mohawk Valley Community College • Monroe College • Monroe Community College • Morrisville State College • New England College • New England University • New Jersey’s Science & Technology University • New York City College Of Technology • New York College Of Technol-ogy • New York Institute Of Technology • New York University • Newbury College • Old Westbury College • Onondaga Community College • Pace University • Penn State • Rochester Institute Of Technology • Rosemont College • Sacred Heart University • Saint Michael’s College • Schenectady County Community College • St John’s University • St. Bonaventure University • St. Francis College • St. John’s University • Stonehill College • StonBrook University • Sullivan County Community College • SUNY: Albany - Alfred - Buffalo - Canton - Cobleskill - Delhi - Fredonia - Genesee Community College - Institute Of Technology- Morrisville - New Paltz - Oswego - Potsdam - Purchase • Temple University • The College Of New Rochelle • The College Of Westchester • Tompkins Cortland Community College • Universal Technical Institute • University Of Bridgeport • University Of Connecticut • University Of Hartford • University Of Massachusetts • University Of Massachusetts Amherst • Uni-versity Of Minnesota – Twin Cities • University Of New Haven • University Of North Carolina – Chapel Hill • Villanova University • Wake Forest University • Westchester Community College • Wheelock College • William Patterson University • Wood-Tobe Coburn School • Wood-Tobe College

college acceptance list of our 2013 graduates

Back-tO-schOOlphOtO Gallery tOur

MV aluMNI Newskrystal MIMs cOMes hOMe

on september 9th, interim superintendent Judith Johnson joined westchester county executive rob astorino and the superintendent of yonkers schools bernard p. pierorazio for a press conference explaining the importance of school attendance and its direct link to student achievement.

carl caprio, a mount vernon high school science teacher, shares a fresh variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers from his student garden with the school community.

school attendance matters

mvhs student gardens in bloom

the leadership retreat at longfellow elementary school.

beating the odds, Krystal inspires

having lost her mother at the age of seven and later her grandmother at the age of nine, Krystal was a young mount vernon student struggling with anxiety and grief. with the support of her teachers and extended family, Krystal overcame her fears and took chances to reach her goals.

today, she is an author and studying to be a teacher. her children’s book “where’s the honey?” is about two bees starting an adventure. one bee is brave enough to take chances and sets out to discover a new world that he didn’t know existed.

on september 11th, she visited graham elementary school to see her former teachers. Krystal and ms. crouch (pictured above) read her book and shared her inspiring story with young students.

volunteer and help support a mount vernon student’s school dayWith the support of volunteers, the opportunity to meet the individual needs of each child is greatly increased. Community volunteers in our schools enrich the educational program and strengthen our schools’ relationships with the city community. How can you help? Parents, grandparents, college students, community members − all have something to offer and we invite you to think about ways that your time and talents can assist us in achieving our mission to educate and nurture Mount Vernon students so that they may grow into responsible citizens, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. For specific ways you can help, call your local school or email community@mtvernoncsd.org. You may also visit the community section of the District website, www.mtvernoncsd.org for more information.

GOING ONa publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

With a kick-off meeting on August 21st, the School Restructuring Committee consists of more than 50 com-munity stakeholders with a shared concern and interest in the future of the school system. This committee will meet twice a month and examine how model districts successfully educate diverse communities of children. Together, they will evaluate a variety of education mod-els with a shared goal to effectively and efficiently align resources and set realistic community expectations for change within the school system. For the latest updates, visit www.mtvernoncsd.org.

stay connected and Join us on facebooK

www.facebook.com/mountvernoncityschoolcommunity

good news. read all about it.in 2013-14, stay tuned for:

student showcases alumni features teacher articleshave something to share with the school community? email vridder@mtvernoncsd.org or call vanessa ridder at 914-665-6786.

GOING ONaround Mount Vernon City Schoolsa publication of the mount vernon city school district september 2013: issue 2

leadership commitmentIf we transform the lives of Mount Vernon’s children, we all stand to benefit from their succcess.Judith Johnsoninterim Superintendent

Real improvement in our schools is not simply a matter of spending more, it is a matter of expecting more.Gerald whitesideBoard trustee President

welcome bacK to school and happy new school year!

Mount Vernon City Schools

Meeting dates include: Saturdays 9am to 11am on 10/5, 11/2, and 12/7. Thursdays 6pm to 8pm on 10/17, 11/14 , and 12/19. Meeting locations are either at the Education Center or Holmes Elementary School.

the school restructuring committee meetsplanning for meaningful change

acadeMIcacHIeVeMeNT

SaFe & SecUReLeaRNING

eNVIRONMeNTS

PaReNT &cOMMUNITY

SUPPORT

OUR FOcUSExcellence& Integrity

QUaLITYWORKFORce

BUdGeTGOVeRNaNce

Parents

Staff

Trustees

Citizens

City

Back-tO-schOOlphOtO Gallery tOur

All students will have access to challenging, rigorous instructional programs based on Common Core Standards that embed high levels of skill in critical thinking.

1academic achievement & student success

2

3

Quality worKforceCreate a highly skilled positive teaching environment by developing, recruiting, and

retaining the most talented staff while supporting a culture of professional growth and innovation.

Engender trust with the community and parents through frequent, clear, transparent, communica-tion on all school related issues and opportunities.

parent & communitysupport

4Providing a positive school environment essen-tial to academic success and higher rates of staff retention so teachers, staff and students may all feel safe, secure, and connected to their school.

safe & secure learning environments 5

Optimize use of resources to support student development, and ensure robust long-term plans through prudent stewardship of resources and consistent leadership and informed communica-tion on decision-making opportunities.

budget governance & fiscal responsibility

your voice counts. superintendent search initiative.

As you may already be aware, Ms. Johnson’s term as Interim Superintendent will end at the close of this school year. The Board of Education invites you to participate in help-ing to identify the search criteria for the next Superintendent of Schools. School Board Trustee Elias Gootzeit is serving as co-chair of the future superintendent search effort along with Ms. Johnson. Now is the time to develop and design a process for hiring a permanent superintendent we can all feel confident with. Please take a moment and complete the following online survey:

Visit: https://www.research.net/s/KQy2Xln

2013-2014 strateGIc GOals

on august 31st, the city and community organizations hosted a wonderful back-to-school event in hartley park where mount vernon students and their families enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, free food, and a complimentary backpack. thank you to everyone who made this special event possible!

annual back-to-school giveaway & fair

Zeta phi beta book bag donation

Mount Vernon High School conducted a memorial ceremony for its students and faculty to honor those lost on the historical day. Teachers throughout the District shared stories of reflection in their classrooms as appropriate. The central administrative offices played Ray Charles’ moving rendition of “America the Beautiful” through the office intercom. The Board meeting on that evening also reflected on the tragedy with the community.

Photo taken by the Mount Vernon High School Digital Photography class

we remember september 11thtogether, we reflect on an american tragedy

members of the pennington pta welcome incoming Kindergarten students and their families.

pennington pta welcomes new parents

thank you to ms. christine boyle-white and her sorority’s generous donation to students at edward williams elementary school. 165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553 Phone: (914) 665-5000 www.mtvernoncsd.org165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553 Phone: (914) 665-5000 www.mtvernoncsd.org

board of educationGerald Whiteside, PresidentLeonard Sarver, Vice President Brenda L. Crump Dr. Seringe GningueElia S. GootzeitRosemarie JaroszAdriane SaundersMichelle Walker Frances Wynn

district administration Judith Johnson, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Timothy CostelloAssistant Superintendent for Business

Dr. Hasna MuhammadAssistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Gertrude KarabasAssistant Superintendent for Innovation, Accountability & Grants Management

TBDAssistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, English Language Arts/Literacy Learning Standards Administrator

Richard McCormackClerk to the Board/Board Secretary

Dr. Waveline Bennett-ConroyDirector of Pupil Personnel Services

Felicia GaonDirector of Special Education

Bob BielaszewskiDirector of Facilities

Dr. Satish JagnandanStandards Administrator for Mathematics & Science

Dr. Ahunna M. AkomaStandards Administrator for Data & Assessment

Joseph McGrathStandards Administrator for Technology

Sherry Davis WardStandards Administrator for School Improvement & School Turnaround