Dr. Jack Parker 2.29.24
As we move into March, excitement abounds in our schools as spring (and spring break) is just around the corner. It has been a great year for our students and staff and we celebrate their success!
The spring legislative session is coming to a close and schools are once again popular topics at the state house as the trend continues with several pieces of legislation being directed toward schools. We will see where this shakes out in the next couple of weeks, but one fairly recent rule from a past legislative session is requiring us to tighten our processes for student proof of residency. Last fall, we were audited by the state and asked to provide documents from our student files related to proof of residency. Since all students are required to have such documentation, we must ensure that these are current. Each school year, families are required to reassert their residency which can be done through Skyward. If they have moved, a change of address and a new proof of residency must be submitted in alignment with our board policy (C125).
With the changing accountability required by the state, we are going to initiate a process for all parents/guardians to provide a new proof of residency for their children. This one-time reset is necessary to ensure that we have proper and current records. We don’t expect this to be difficult and parents can either submit the documentation online or simply come to one of our schools in April with documentation for our staff to upload. Additionally, any student who is a current Mt. Vernon student may continue to be enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year if proof of residency is provided. This request includes our transfer students who must also complete a transfer application, and maintain good attendance and/or discipline.
In the upcoming month, you can anticipate receiving a series of communications and instructions detailing the process to update your proof of residency. We will be requesting every student to have new documents of their proof of residency uploaded in Skyward during April. Your proactive cooperation is appreciated as MVCSC prepares for the forthcoming IDOE audit of students' proof of residency files. Wishing you a restful and enjoyable two-week spring break!
Solar Eclipse ~ eLearning on April 8, 2024
At the December MVCSC board meeting, there was a discussion on school arrangements for the day of the eclipse. With our region falling in the path of totality, Hancock County emergency response leaders are recommending that schools refrain from holding classes in their building on April 8 due to anticipated traffic congestion and possibly gridlocked streets. Consequently, the MVCSC board of trustees has resolved not to conduct school in the buildings on that day.
Since we are at the end of the winter season and have two remaining eLearning days (out of the three we are allotted), Mt. Vernon will have eLearning on the day of the eclipse, April 8.
No students or staff will be on campus on April 8 except for a few essential positions.
We want to give a special shout-out of gratitude to Greenfield Dental Health Care who has generously provided all MV students and staff with glasses to view the eclipse!
Teacher Recruitment Event this Tuesday!
Coming up on Tuesday, March 5 at 6 p.m., MVCSC is holding a Teacher Recruitment Event. Teachers interested in working at Mt. Vernon are asked to join us to learn more about Mt. Vernon schools and enjoy a guaranteed interview with the administration! No RSVP is needed; licensed teachers should bring their resumes and a cover letter. The presentation that begins at 6 p.m. will include a new teacher panel, videos and student speakers. The event will be located at the MVCSC Administrative Service Center, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040.
Our current open positions are listed at www.mvcsc.k12.in.us/Employment. Keep checking back as additional positions will be posted throughout the spring and summer.
Join us for this event and learn more about why Mt. Vernon has had the highest teacher retention in the county according to the IDOE!
Spring Traveling Talks
This semester I have scheduled three “Traveling Talks” throughout the Mt. Vernon community in 2024. These “Traveling Talks” are an opportunity for any community member to communicate and share their hopes, questions, and/or concerns about Mt. Vernon schools.
Anyone in the community is welcome to attend. Grab a chair and a sweet treat or lunch and be ready for a great discussion! No RSVP is necessary; just show up and look for the “Traveling Talks” table toppers. We hope to see you there!
- Tuesday, March 5 - 7:00 a.m.: Tim’s Bakery- McCordsville -have a donut on us!
- Thursday, March 28 - Noon: Sero’s Restaurant - Cumberland
- Thursday, April 18 - 7:00 p.m.: Libby’s Ice Cream & Gifts - Fortville - have a free cookie or $1 off ice cream on us!
Preschool Registration
It’s time! Preschool enrollment for the 2024-25 school year will be open on Monday, March 4 for in-district preschool students (or preschool siblings of MV students). The Mt. Vernon Early Learning Academy Mini-Marauder Preschool enrolls children ages 3-5 in prekindergarten. The Mini-Marauder Preschool follows the MVCSC school calendar. The academic day runs from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. A limited number of aftercare spots are available from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enrollment information can be found at www.preschool.mvcsc.k12.in.us or reach staff via email – Hunter Eineman, Preschool Coordinator at hunter.eineman@mvcsc.k12.in.us or 317-485-3100 x5335.
Kindergarten Roundup
It's time to mark your calendars for Kindergarten Roundup! Visit the MV elementary school your child will attend (based on where you live) on Tuesday, April 2 or Thursday, April 4 between 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
It is imperative to have all kindergarten students attend so schools may prepare enough teachers to continue to keep MV class sizes low. MVCSC will have full-day kindergarten only and students eligible for kindergarten registration must have attained the age of five (5) on or before August 1st. Th
FES Recognized by IDOE for 95% Pass Rate on ISTEP
Fortville Elementary School (FES) was recently recognized by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) for their third-grade students achieving a 95% pass rate on the IREAD test. FES is one out of 242 Indiana elementary schools and one out of three Hancock County schools to receive this recognition. IDOE recently held a celebration at the State House to honor FES and schools that received the IREAD Literacy Honor. Congratulations FES staff and students!
State of the Corporation
If you haven't already watched Dr. Parker’s 15-minute State of the Corporation video to learn about MV’s enrollment, Future Growth Plan, employee compensation trends, referendum expenditures, student behaviors and our PLCs, it will be worth your time! If you would rather read the updates, select the button below.
NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS!
MVHS Mandarin Class Develops International Friendships through Pen Pal Letters
Haley Frischkorn, MVCSC ENL Coordinator, is awarded Lilly Teacher Creativity Grant
Empowering MV's Growing ENL Community
Essential Skills Students Shine in Community Work-Based Learning
Eighth Grade Students Walk on Water & Defy Gravity
Gingerbread Fortville: A tasty tribute by fourth-grade builders!
Touchdown to knowledge: Mt. Comfort Elementary 4th grade students score big in skill-building with Super Bowl-inspired learning
On the Friday before the Super Bowl, 4th grade students dove into creativity, teamwork and learning through the excitement of football. Staff turned touchdowns into teachable moments. Learning can be so fun...especially when you have amazing teachers!
Mini-MD's in action: McCordsville Elementary 2nd grade students learn through a medical adventure
Students answered questions about their patients' illnesses, performed surgery on numbers, sorted medicine by comparing numbers, analyzed X-rays and more. MV teachers craft innovative learning experiences, making education an enjoyable journey!
Out-of-District/Transfer Student Application Windows
The out-of-district/transfer student application to attend MV in 2024-2025 will be live during two upcoming windows. Window 1 will be Friday, April 12 at 4 p.m. through Monday, April 22 at 8 a.m. and window two will be Friday, May 3 at 4 p.m. through Monday, May 13 at 8 a.m.
All students who live out-of-district and are currently attending or interested in attending a Mt. Vernon school are required to apply during either of these selected windows to attend a Mt. Vernon school during the 2024-2025 school year.
Once you are a Mt. Vernon student/family, those students who apply will remain part of the Mt. Vernon family unless the student has major discipline or attendance issues.
Because of You...
MV Community! Take a moment to send a personal note of thanks to ANY Mt. Vernon employee by filling out a simple “Because of You…” form! This free opportunity lets community members share a positive message with bus drivers, instructional assistants, food service staff, SROs, teachers, administrators or ANY MV employee. On www.mvcsc.k12.in.us under the “community” tab, click on “Staff Appreciation Cards” for details. Make a hardworking staff member's day with a thoughtful message from YOU!
CALENDAR
- Saturday, March 9 - 24 ~ Spring Break - No School
- Monday, April 8 ~ Solar Eclipse - eLearning Day
- Tuesday, May 23 ~ Last Day of School
Sincerely,
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MVCSC, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040 ~ (317) 485-3100