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For School Board Recognition Week, we are thanking the Mount Vernon Board of Education in this week’s Jewel Box! As volunteers, they have an intense dedication for students and education. Their leadership and advocacy shines through every day in the school environment that they have worked so hard to shape. Thank you to all trustees for all they have done to help make Mount Vernon public schools great places to learn and grow. #ExcellenceByDesign

Happy School Board Recognition Week! Thank you to the trustees on the Mount Vernon Board of Education for your advocacy and commitment to our students. Your leadership is vital to the success of the Mount Vernon City School District, and your work is empowering student futures

For Denzel Washington School of the Arts senior Xavier Griffin, music has been a constant in his life, from the sounds that filled his childhood home to the songs he now writes, produces and engineers under the stage name XENO 914. Xavier transferred to DWSA in 10th grade from Mount Vernon High School, where he had been playing basketball. Although he enjoyed sports, he knew his future lay elsewhere. “I always wanted to make music,” he said. “I don't think anything gives me the same feeling that music gives me. Even when I'm listening to it, I'm performing it, I'm making it, it speaks to me on different levels.”

Families had a sweet afternoon at the Mount Vernon City School District Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) Ice Cream Social yesterday! The event brought together families of students in grades K-8 from across the school district, as SEPTA encouraged families to join and help support Mount Vernon children with disabilities. You can join SEPTA too, by visiting https://www.givebacks.com/causes/mvcsdsepta!

This week in the Jewel Box, we’re shining the light on the importance of fire safety. For Fire Prevention Week, students in our schools learned about how to avoid dangerous situations with fire, who to call in an emergency, and other safety tips that could save lives! Several schools even received special visits from the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Educating our students about safety is vital to ensure that they enter the world prepared for anything! #ExcellenceByDesign

A $1.1 million investment secured in the 2026-27 budget has brought the ATLAS Gifted and Talented Program back to life, restoring advanced learning opportunities for third-through-sixth-graders after the popular program was eliminated last school year. The return of ATLAS – which stands for Academics of Talent, Leadership and Scholars – was celebrated Wednesday at Mount Vernon High School, where some 150 family members attended a Welcome Night to meet teachers, learn about the curriculum and discover what awaits their 326 children across 11 schools. 

Nahla Apau, a senior at Denzel Washington School of the Arts, has learned how to adapt to change, shoulder responsibility and keep moving toward her goal of pursuing a career in forensic psychology while continuing a lifelong passion for music. Nahla, who plays the cello and has maintained a strong academic record, is considering a career that combines psychology, criminal justice and forensic science. Her interest has grown through classes including forensics, AP Psychology and law.

Click here to view the October edition of Mount Vernon's Jewel Collection Digital Newsletter!

Dear MVCSD Families:

We write to share guidance regarding (1) food sold in schools, and (2) foods made available during the school day for classroom celebrations and recognition activities.

This guidance aligns with federal, state, and district policies.