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Students and staff at Graham School paid tribute to the life and legacy of former Graham School student Shamoya McKenzie, who was tragically killed in 2016. Principal Donald Peters, retired Principal Dr. Natasha Hunter-McGregor, and Shamoya’s mother Nadine McKenzie led the ceremony, which ended in a balloon release. Shamoya would have turned 23 on Sunday.

The entire Mount Vernon City School District came together to remember the victims of 9/11 today, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks. The school district received funding through the 9/11 Day Americorps grant, using it to plant flowers and beautify the flag poles at all buildings. 

This week in the Jewel Box, we are honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by beautifying the flag poles at all our buildings with flowers. Using funds from the 9/11 Day grant and volunteer support, our school district honored the lives of those lost, their loved ones, and the first responders who made great sacrifices. We paired this project with educational moments at all our schools to ensure that students understand the importance of 9/11 and why we are commemorating it. The beautification project was inspired by a photograph from the day of the attacks, where a fireman raises the American flag in a show of unity and resilience. #ExcellencebyDesign

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. William C. Prattella, a true champion of education in Mount Vernon. What struck me most in reading about Dr. Prattella was his 25 years serving Mount Vernon as its superintendent. After just one year as superintendent, I can tell you it takes someone with a strong desire to lead and an amazing heart to guide a school district for that long. It takes someone who knows and cares for his community deeply to accomplish what he did here, and he should always be remembered for his dedication to our city and children.

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland made his rounds across all school buildings on the first day of the new academic year, personally welcoming students as classrooms once again came alive with the excitement of a new beginning. Check out photos from Dr. Strickland's day here!

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland is putting literacy, attendance and student voice among the district’s top priorities for the new school year, while rolling out new technology, expanding access for families and pledging continued transparency about district finances. Dr. Strickland laid out those priorities in his Aug. 25 Superintendent’s Report, describing a districtwide effort to strengthen instruction and the systems that support students. The work is being framed by a new theme, “Excellence by Design,” which he said reflects a deliberate approach to improvement.

Thirty-eight Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors returned to school this week with an important new set of skills: the ability to respond when a child or adult faces a potentially life-threatening emergency. The monitors, along with two Central Office staff members, were trained Wednesday in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and the use of an automated external defibrillator during the District’s first Superintendent’s Conference Day of the 2026-27 school year.

Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors, head chefs, managers and other food service workers kicked off the new school year with their annual professional development retreat, which served up valuable training, teamwork and a taste of what’s ahead for 2026-27. Staff members from Sodexo – the District’s K-12 food services provide -- gathered at Mount Vernon High School for the various activities, including food tasting, as they prepared to welcome students back from summer vacation. The annual professional development sessions help employees review procedures and regulations while strengthening the teamwork necessary to provide exceptional service to students.

Welcome back to school! This week, The Mount Vernon City School District greeted students and staff with warm smiles for another exciting school year. Teachers quickly began diving into curriculum, starting off the academic year strong. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube! #ExcellencebyDesign