Mt Vernon Schools Celebrate "Good Standing" Designation from SED

MOUNT VERNON, NY— The Mount Vernon City School District hosted a “Schools in Good Standing” Celebration parade on Friday. The parade stepped off from The Mount Vernon High School at 10 a.m. on a route that took participants through the heart of Mount Vernon and passed each of the district’s schools.

The reason for the celebration? District officials heard earlier this year that all elementary and middle schools received the designation of “Schools in Good Standing” from the New York State Education Department.

“When I arrived in 2014, I found a school system struggling to meet the needs of students and unable to rise to the hopes and expectations of the community. Today, through the tireless efforts of a dedicated staff – from teachers to administrators and support staff – as well as parents and community members, we have finally turned the page,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton. “Our data tells us our efforts are working; our students are learning and they will graduate high school college and career ready! While we still have a long way to go, our steady efforts deserve recognition.”

The motorcade/parade made stops at every school in Mount Vernon:

• 10:00 a.m. – The Mount Vernon High School
• 10:10 a.m. – Pennington Elementary School
• 10:20 a.m. – Traphagen Elementary School
• 10:30 a.m. – Holmes Elementary School
• 10:40 a.m. – Board of Education Building
• 10:50 a.m. – Graham Elementary School
• 11:00 a.m. – Edward Williams Elementary School
• 11:10 a.m. – Benjamin Turner Middle School
• 11:20 a.m. – Rebecca Turner School
• 11:30 a.m. – Parker Elementary School
• 11:40 a.m. – Nellie A. Thornton High School
• 11:50 a.m. – Grimes Elementary School
• 12:00 p.m. – Hamilton Elementary School
• 12:10 p.m. – Fleetwood Area
• 12:20 p.m. – Columbus School
• 12:30 p.m. – Nelson Mandela High School and the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
• 12:40 p.m. – Lincoln Elementary School
• 1:00 p.m. – Gramatan Avenue Business Area
• 1:10 p.m. – 4th Avenue Business Area
• 1:30 p.m. – William H. Holmes Elementary School

The parade concluded at the grandstand at Holmes Elementary School, 195 North Columbus Ave. where an awards ceremony was held.

PHOTOS: Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton along with staff and students in front of the trolleys before the parade steps off.

Board Trustee Adriane Saunders congratulating students and staff in front of Rebecca Turner School.

Photo credit/ Mount Vernon City School District