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In remembrance of 9/11, MVCSD holds moments of silence and educates students on important history

Teacher lecturing students on the events of 9/11.
In remembrance of 9/11, MVCSD holds moments of silence and educates students on important history

Moments of silence were held across the Mount Vernon City School District early on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in remembrance of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Classrooms throughout the District spent time during the day to remember the lives lost and the heroic efforts of first responders.

At the Board of Education, there were two moments of silence held at 8:46 a.m. for the time the first plane struck and 9:03 a.m. for the time the second plane hit.

Superintendent giving moment of silence over loudspeaker.


“Let us never forget,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “Please remember all those who lost their lives during that time. Specifically in Mount Vernon, we lost several people: Sandra Campbell, Katie McCloskey, Rochelle Snell, Michael Boccardi and Jonathan Briley. Let us never forget.”

At Lincoln School, social studies teacher John Reynolds held lessons for the seventh and eighth grade students centered around 9/11. The lesson plan included an activity of watching footage from the day of the tragedy, hearing survivor testimonials and talking with one another about the event timeline. Mr. Reynolds believes that it is important to continue teaching students about 9/11 because it is a part of recent American history and changed the whole world. 

“This is a significant event,” said Mr. Reynolds. “The kids are shocked. At first, they couldn't believe that this actually happened. They know it's a tragedy that happened, but when they hear the stories and see the people, they realize it's a real human event that changed the way we think of things in this world.” 

Teacher and students watching video about 9/11.

To process the tragedy and everything the students learned, students were tasked with writing a six-word story on how everything they have learned made them think and feel. They will also draw an image representing the aftermath and the ideas that their lessons mean to them.

 

Malcolm Nembhard, an eighth grader in Mr. Reynolds' class was inspired by everything he learned in class. He and his classmates watched videos of survivors talking about how life changed and how they lived their lives after the event, focusing on helping others and creating peace in remembrance of the tragedy. 

“Those victims did not know what was going to happen to them that day,” said Malcolm. “They just went in to do their job. So just enjoy every moment of your life.” 

Students watching a video of firefighter who survived 9/11 attacks.
Student writing facts about 9/11 on board.
Teacher writing on notepad thoughts about 9/11.


 

Mount Vernon Knights defeat Yonkers Force in homecoming game 37 - 6
Mount Vernon Knights defeat Yonkers Force in homecoming game 37 - 6

The stands of Mount Vernon’s Memorial Field boomed with excitement as it was packed with many Mount Vernon Knights Football Team fans. Most people in the crowd dressed in maroon and gold attire, representing Mount Vernon. On October 5, 2024, the Mount Vernon Knights kicked off their Unified Homecoming Football Game, scoring a touchdown not even a minute into the game!  

Students posing with red and gold pompoms.
Mount Vernon City School District unites all four high schools at Unified Homecoming Pep Rally

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Mount Vernon High School gymnasium stands were packed with high school students from around the District, repping their school colors and Mount Vernon pride. Students from all four Mount Vernon City School District high schools joined forces for the afternoon's pep rally, getting hyped for the big Unified Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 5, at Memorial Field. 

Click here to view the full photo gallery!

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Community Message October 3, 2024 - Ruling on Stay of Arbitration

Mount Vernon City School District: 

The Mount Vernon City School District successfully won yesterday’s court hearing concerning Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy’s motion to stay her arbitration hearings. The Federal Court in the Southern District of New York denied the stay of arbitration so the District is clear to continue arbitration proceedings with Dr. Bennett-Conroy. The District is thankful that the legal process is moving forward, and we are hopeful that we can provide our community with a resolution to this matter. 

Executive Assistant Lisa Autieri
Our Students, Now: Executive Assistant Lisa Autieri

Lisa Autieri, a Class of 1984 Mount Vernon High School graduate, has spent her entire professional career working in the Mount Vernon City School District. After graduating from MVHS, she immediately began working with the District and continues to this day. She has held a number of positions throughout the District, and she has always stayed committed to supporting the schools in the city she grew up in. Now, she serves as the Executive Assistant to the Acting Superintendent and makes an impact through her role as one of the primary points of contact in the District. 

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Community Message - September 30, 2024

From Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith:

Prior to the opening of schools today, the Mount Vernon City School District was informed of an unconfirmed online threat to an unidentified school by the Mount Vernon Police Department. The MVPD determined that it was safe to open schools. As a precautionary measure, entry scanning procedures at all schools were increased and extra time was taken to thoroughly search all bags to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Nothing suspicious was found. The District’s typical entry procedures include daily bag searches. The MVPD is continuing to investigate the threat. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.