Superintendent's Summary August 31, 2024

Dr. Jack Parker

Mt. Vernon Schools: Embracing Growth and Planning for the Future

As we embark on a new school year, we are excited to share that Mt. Vernon Schools continue to grow and thrive. Our district is expected to welcome approximately 150 new students for the current school year, bringing our total K-12 enrollment to around 4,800. This steady growth reflects the vibrant community we serve and our ongoing commitment to providing excellent educational opportunities for every student. Our enrollment growth continues to be slow, steady, and predictable, allowing us to carefully plan for future phases of increased capacity.

While our middle school is nearing its capacity, we are fortunate that our other buildings still have room to accommodate this growth. Looking ahead, our capacity will further expand when we transition the 5th grade out of our elementary schools and the 6th grade out of our middle school. The reintroduction of Mt. Vernon Intermediate School as a dedicated level in our district in the near future will be a significant step forward, benefiting students, teachers, and our entire community.

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that in the 2025-2026 school year, the K-4th graders at Fortville Elementary will move into their brand-new building. This state-of-the-art facility is designed with our students' needs in mind, and we are already planning a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours before the next school year begins, allowing everyone to experience this exciting new chapter in our district's history.

As our community continues to flourish, Mt. Vernon Schools remains committed to collaborating with our stakeholders to ensure that we provide the best learning environments for our students. We are excited about the future and look forward to working together to support the success of our growing school community. ~ Dr. Parker

A Strong Start to the School Year

The start of the 2024-2025 school year was filled with energy and enthusiasm from students, staff, and many parents as well!

Many activities led up to the start of school, including an extra day of professional development for teachers, and McCordsville Elementary Assistant Principal, Brady Edwards, hosted a virtual read-aloud live on Facebook. In addition, Mt. Vernon High School cheerleaders welcomed elementary students at their Back-to-School nights, and on the first day, Dr. Parker rode an elementary bus route welcoming students and connecting with a few parents. It was an enjoyable and positive start to the school year!

Over the past month, teachers and staff have been working diligently to ensure every student feels supported and encouraged to embrace new challenges and opportunities that come from meaningful learning experiences.

The commitment to safety and well-being continues to be Mt. Vernon’s number one priority. MVCSC appreciates the partnership with parents/guardians and encourages families to stay involved.

With continued collaboration and dedication, MVCSC is confident this school year will be one of growth, achievement and memorable experiences for all!

Strategic Plan

A community-wide survey, launched in August 2023, initiated the strategic plan development with the question, "What do you value most about MVCSC, and what can we do better to prepare our students for the future?" Stakeholder focus groups, including students, shared additional thoughts about our growth. Next, an advisory committee, comprised of parents, community members and staff, distilled over 815 thoughts about Mt. Vernon's future.

Through these detailed discussions, MVCSC’s Values, Vision and Mission Statement were drafted. The draft of the Mission Statement was so similar to the existing mission, it was recommended to keep the same one, demonstrating the relevance and future-forward thinking of previous leadership.

Following that discovery, the advisory committee landed on three goals for the strategic plan. Learn more about the Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Values and 2024-2029 Strategic Plan below.

Congratulations to all five Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation schools for earning a Highly Effective Schools Accreditation from Solution Tree. This accreditation is a significant achievement that reflects the commitment of all five schools to reaching and maintaining the highest levels of educational quality. Mt. Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon Middle School, Fortville Elementary School, McCordsville Elementary School, and Mt. Comfort Elementary School have permanent, positive, and significant impacts on student achievements. Read more about this wonderful accolade for our schools in the website article.

"SOAR" Celebration Event for Staff

The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation partnered with MVCSC to celebrate Mt. Vernon staff by hosting the “SOAR Into a New Year” event at the Indianapolis Regional Airport hanger. Many generous community businesses contributed to the event by providing food and prizes for MV staff.

Time seemed to fly by with live music, engaging activities that encouraged staff to connect, and the unique opportunity to try a flight simulator to experience landing a plane.

MVCSC appreciates our supportive community partners, the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation and their board for their endless support of our students and staff. Be sure to follow MVEF on Facebook or see mtvernonfoundation.org for details on future events.

Calendars

Wednesday, September 18 is Parent/Teacher Connection Day. The preschool and elementary schools will host parent-teacher conferences, and our secondary schools will work to connect with parents in many ways; more information will be coming from your principals. There will be no instruction for students on this day.

Sincerely,

MVCSC Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker

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MVCSC, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040 ~ (317) 485-3100