June 2024 – ETAC

Mount Vernon High School’s Year of Impact

Topics: Collaborative leadership, shared power and voice | Expanded, enriched learning opportunities |Powerful student and family engagement |
Culture of belonging, safety, and care | Rigorous, community-connected classroom instruction

Mount Vernon High School’s program offerings boost curiosity and creativity, while also paving career pathways. Above, students and staff attend an awards ceremony.

As the school year comes to an end, Eastern CSTAC is thrilled to share the exciting programs and opportunities that Mount Vernon High School community school offered throughout this school year.

This amazing and dedicated community believes in fostering the diverse talents and skills of all students by designing programs that support student achievement and provide diverse opportunities to explore numerous interests and career pathways.

Some of these standout programs that make this school a vibrant and dynamic place to learn and grow are:

International Baccalaureate Programme (IB): Mount Vernon High School is proud to be finishing up its third year of the International Baccalaureate Programme. This prestigious program offers a rigorous and holistic education that prepares students for global citizenship. With open enrollment for all students, they encourage everyone to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
“Writing Through Music” is a part of the Extended Day Learning Opportunity programming in partnership with Safe Space for Girls. Students get the opportunity to exercise mindfulness and use resources to improve their mental health in this space. This year’s theme, Thoughts Become Things, aims to inspire and empower young writers by integrating the creative processes of writing and music. Participants are encouraged to explore their thoughts and emotions, using music as a catalyst to fuel their writing. This unique approach helps young writers develop their skills and express their creativity in new and profound ways, ultimately turning their thoughts into tangible literary works. Sew Book Publishing supports these emerging authors by providing them with opportunities to publish their works and share their voices with a broader audience.
The House that Time Forgot competition, highlighting the creativity and dedication of Mount Vernon students, is the second of a series of Shark Tank events put on by the Entrepreneurship department. Students get the opportunity to collaborate and solve problems that plague their community. This year’s winner, “The Money Mansion,” is an innovative financial literacy initiative where students learn personal finance, budgeting, and investment.
Barber & Cosmetology: The Barber & Cosmetology program offers students practical training in hair styling, skincare, and other beauty services. Students gain real-world experience and have the opportunity to earn professional certifications. This program is perfect for those interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry.
The Culinary Arts program is a haven for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Students learn cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning. They also get to showcase their culinary creations in school events and competitions. This program nurtures a love for cooking and prepares students for careers in the culinary field.
Soap and Scrubs (Laundry) is a community-centered laundry service managed by dedicated students. This student-led initiative combines practical skills with entrepreneurial spirit. The program allows students to gain hands-on business and customer service skills while fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Boutique: The MVHS Boutique is run and sponsored by two staff members Danielle Giusti and Nicole Jones. Their theme is ” If you look better, you feel better.” The boutique serves students in need of clothing and self-care products for everyday wear and job interviews.
Emergency Medical Technician is a hands-on technical program that provides students with critical lifesaving skills and knowledge. Students are trained in emergency response, patient care, and medical procedures, preparing them for careers in emergency medical services.
The Nursing Program prepares students for careers in healthcare. They learn about patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare ethics. This program provides a strong foundation for those interested in becoming nurses or pursuing other healthcare professions.
Automotive: Another intensive hands-on program where students gain practical experience in vehicle maintenance and repair. They learn about automotive systems, diagnostics, and industry standards, setting them up for success in the automotive industry.
The Aviation Program takes students to new heights, literally! Students learn the fundamentals of aviation, including flight theory, navigation, and aircraft maintenance. This program is perfect for those aspiring to careers in the aerospace industry.

Mount Vernon High School is committed to providing a wide range of programs that cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of its students.

To ensure continuity of well-being and community support, as the year ends, all students are offered a Mental Health Wellness and Safety Toolkit in preparation for the summer. In addition, the school created a Civic Readiness Project, a capstone advocacy effort for community improvement. You can check out the project here.

On June 24, 2024, Eastern CSTAC is hosting MVHS as a Community of Practice exemplar! We will be exploring job readiness opportunities such as graphic design, IRS partnership, Ford Ace Technical Modules, cyber security, and mock trials. Join the conversation to learn more about the programming and most importantly how students support the community through these initiatives. Click here to learn more.

And now, see below for photos of MVHS’s programming in action!