Parents, Students Glean Info On Mt Vernon High Schools Of Choice

From the Mount Vernon City School District

MOUNT VERNON, NY – Parents and eighth-graders recently attended an information session about Mount Vernon's high schools of choice program. Hundreds of parents in attendance listened to detailed descriptions about the three, themed-based high schools: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) High School, Nellie A. Thornton School for the Performing and Visual Arts and The Mount Vernon High School.

The establishment of high schools of choice was a key accomplishment of the District’s 20/20 Vision. The diverse offerings provide a valuable opportunity for students to enroll in the high school that best fits their talents, interests and future goals

“Our high schools of choice provide multiple pathways into college or the workforce,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton told the families in attendance. “Our programs prepare students to get into competitive colleges with credits already under their belts, to earn scholarships, and graduate without the burden of extraordinary debt.”

“Our three high schools stack up against any in the nation,” added Deputy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Gorman. “If your children put their best effort forward in one of our excellent programs, they will graduate with an advantage.”

Families in attendance had the opportunity to watch videos about each high school and hear from the high school principals about their unique programs.

Khalyl Evans was most excited about the STEAM High School.

“Definitely STEAM seems like a perfect choice for me,” Evans said when asked where he plans to attend after Graham School. “I love technology, especially virtual reality!”

Tenese Guy attended with her son, Nathaniel, who currently attends Pennington School. She liked what she heard about the career and technical programs at The Mount Vernon High School.

“We heard about mechanics, barbering and hospitality. I like that they prepare students for careers,” said Guy. “He may be interested in mechanics because he’s good at putting stuff together.”

Tianna Hughes lives in Mount Vernon but currently attends Harlem Academy. She is hoping to attend Nellie A. Thornton School for the Performing and Visual Arts next fall.

“I’ve always been into music, song writing, singing and dancing,” said Hughes. “It will be nice to go to a school where other people understand the importance of music in society.”

Regardless of what school students choose, they will have unparalleled academic preparation for college and opportunities to be successful members of the 21st Century workforce.

STEAM High School provides an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. STEAM High School actively engages students in a collaborative, learning environment while infusing an integrated STEAM-centered curriculum in their studies through project-based learning. These behaviors include engagement in inquiry, logical reasoning, collaboration, and investigation.

STEAM High School students are participants in the coveted and nationally recognized Project Lead The Way (https://www.pltw.org) in addition to having course opportunities in robotics, coding and programming and gaming. They use Discovery Education Partnership Techbooks (http://www.discoveryeducation.com/what-we-offer/techbook-digital-textbooks) and other digital devices to consume and create content.

This challenging curriculum based on solving real-life problems taken from the United Nations sustainability goals https://www.sustainabledevelopment.UN.org demonstrates and reinforces the practical applications and real-world connections that science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics have in everyday life.

Nellie A. Thornton School for the Performing and Visual Arts builds on its existing success in the arts field. Students transfer their creative skills to the classrooms to build and support the cognitive framework and affective mindset necessary to nurture strong readers, mathematicians, thinkers and learners.

The program provides focused instruction in instrumental music, dance, theater, vocal music and visual arts, similar to that of a college program, in addition to a rigorous academic program.

Admitted students complete intensive theoretical, historical and practical study in a specified art field, in addition to their general education requirements of New York State.

To be admitted, students must apply, audition and participate in a family interview.