The Knight Times

The

KNIGHT TIMES

Mount Vernon City School District Newsletter

Volume VIV: September 2016

HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGNALS A GREAT YEAR FOR MOUNT VERNON New principals take the helm at Williams and Grimes elementary schools

Students and staff returned from summer break to a momentous first day of school in the Mount Vernon City School District on Sept. 6.

Greeting students at Edward Williams and Grimes elementary schools were new principals waiting to oversee a great new year for them and their schools’ faculty.

Crystal Waterman is the new principal at Edward Williams Elementary School and Erik Van Gunten is Grimes Elementary School’s new principal. Both look forward to implementing the exciting new 20/20 Vision developed by Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton.

“There are positive changes taking place in Mount Vernon,” said Waterman. “I want to put my school on an upward trajectory by establishing a school culture that supports a rich learning environment. There needs to be a focus on high expectations and academic rigor.” continued on page 8

CONVOCATION READIES TEACHERS, STAFF AND ADMINISTRATORS The Mount Vernon City School District’s Journey to Greatness-themed 2016 convocation featured nationally renowned broadcast journalist Roland S. Martin, who reminded teachers, staff and administrators that every action they perform in front of a student needs to be intentional.

The annual convocation was the official launch of the school year and held before classes officially resumed on Sept. 6.

Broadcast Journalist Roland S. Martin

“We have such promise here,” said Board of Education President Lesly Zamor.

“Opportunity waits for us on the floor. We have to pick it up and run with it.”

As part of the presentation, Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton made a FOLLOW US ON

surprise appearance on stage singing in a Dreamgirls skit with district students.

In the spring, the district showcased the production with outstanding success.

“We chose a ‘Journey to Greatness’ theme for this convocation because this journey will bring us to new heights,” Hamilton said. “Like any journey, our journey will have highs and lows. There will be mountains too high and rivers too wide to cross, but we must continue to recognize that we are on the right track.” He mentioned many positive improvements in the district, such as the publishing of a new course guide so students can see the breadth of course offerings by the district.

Mount Vernon City School District Newsletter

SUPERINTENDENT, BOARD PRESIDENT LETTERS Dear Friends,

Dear Mount Vernon Residents,

The beginning of the school year is a time of renewal and hope for an amazing school year. New students, new grade levels, new books, new classrooms and even new teachers, principals and administrators symbolize the promise of a great year.

As we begin yet another school season, let me start by saying a word about the spirit of a “New Season” in the Mount Vernon City School District.

As our children grow, so too does our school district. June marked the end of an era of blight in Mount Vernon schools. With the closing of the school year, work began in earnest on the first phase of the 20/20 Vision. From science classrooms to new auditoriums, the transformation of our schools has begun. We look forward to providing you with regular updates on our progress throughout the course of construction. Keep an eye on our website for the latest news and developments on the implementation of the 20/20 Vision.

In addition to the 20/20 Vision projects, work has also taken place that will update our buildings with brand new state-of-the-art boilers, HVAC systems and lighting, funded through an energy performance contract. This project will save us millions of dollars in energy costs. These projects are 100 percent funded through the savings we will realize on our energy bills over the next 20 years.

So many great things are happening here in Mount Vernon. I am proud to continue to lead this district and our students through this time of profound change. Thank you for your continued support.

Yours for the sake of all children,

Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton Superintendent of Schools

Over the past few years, we began a movement of change in our district that has been reflected not only in our words, but through our actions. From the historic passing of our $108 million bond, to implementing our 20/20 Vision for academic excellence and infrastructure repair in our schools, to the passing of three consecutive balanced budgets resulting in “zero tax” increases, we can finally say that we are a district and community in transformation. Mount Vernon is on the rise!

We are not naïve in recognizing that there had been decades of neglect and misguided leadership throughout our schools at every level. However, we will not let ourselves be defined by mistakes of the past. Instead, we will use foresight and sound judgment to reshape our future and make our mark in history … indeed we are the only ones who can.

I believe that we can only benefit from a strong sense of community. For as a community united with a common goal – a desire to provide for our children and families, a quality of life, education and opportunities for our citizens – we can succeed and reach our highest goals and our dream of dreams.

We have kicked off the infrastructure improvements that we have outlined in the bond with the site plan improvements at Graham School. This plan will allow for beautiful, childfriendly play areas and equipment, as well as a new parking lot behind the building with an entrance on Route 22. Along with this improvement, the Graham School will receive a new continued on page 7

ELA AND MATH STATE TEST SCORES IMPROVE Inroads are being made in student academic achievement in the Mount Vernon City School District, as evidenced by improved English Language Arts (ELA) and math state test scores.

initiative ensures all students receive a rigorous education and develop the necessary skills to prepare them to be model citizens capable of competing in a global society.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton cautioned that while he’s thrilled to see improvement, the district’s overall state test results for grades 3 to 8 are not anywhere near where they should be.

“Data has improved across the district,” Hamilton said. “We are correct to acknowledge this success as much as we are correct in saying the results are far from being acceptable. It is very important for us to begin upward movement, and the 2015-2016 results demonstrate that.”

Overall, ELA proficiency in the district jumped from 14 percent in the 2014-2015 school year to 23 percent in the 2015-2016 school year. In math, those proficiency levels rose from 13 percent to 16 percent for those same time periods.

Hamilton said these test results are the first tangible evidence of the importance of the rollout of the district’s 20/20 Vision. This 2

He added: “We know these current proficiency levels are not where we want them to be, but this is concrete evidence that we’re headed in the right direction for better student achievement. This data represents the first leg on this journey.

We know this journey to greatness is a marathon and not a sprint.”

Volume VIV: September 2016

RESOLUTION CALLS FOR ONE YEAR MORATORIUM ON PILOT AGREEMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES The Mount Vernon Board of Education unanimously “The Board of Education believes the approved and proposed approved a resolution calling upon the City of Mount Vernon residential projects, which receive tax incentives through to enact a moratorium, as soon as practicable, for PILOT PILOT agreements, will compromise the educational beneagreements involving the development of residential property fits and opportunities available to all students in the Mount located within the district for a period of one year.

Vernon City School District and cause an undue financial burden on Mount Vernon taxpayers,” he added. “We have an In the event the city continues to approve PILOT agreements obligation and resident mandate to provide the best possible involving residential property, the Board of Education will education to district students. At the same time, we have a direct the school district’s attorney to determine if a basis for responsibility to district taxpayers to be prudent overseers of legal challenge is present. their money. These PILOT agreements will hinder our ability “The reason for this resolution is because the City of Mount to do this and we do not want to see an unfair shift in the tax Vernon has approved plans and is contemplating additional burden to homeowners.” approvals for the construction of residential housing projects, which include several multi-family residential units which are Zamor asked for district residents’ support of the resolution expected to increase enrollment in the district’s schools,” said and for the city’s recognition of the need to enact the moratoBoard of Education President Lesly Zamor. “As part of this, rium. both the city and the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency are contemplating offering significant tax incentives “This moratorium is in the best interests of everyone. We need to housing projects and reducing the tax liability of such the time to do our due diligence with the first priority of alprojects by entering into agreements for Payments in Lieu of ways providing high quality educational benefits and opporTaxes, or PILOT.” tunities to our children and not having any undue financial Zamor said the PILOT agreements would reduce the tax liability of developers and shift the tax burden to homeowners.

DISTRICT HIRES WALDEN AS ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Mount Vernon City School District is proud to announce its hiring of Claytisha Walden as its new Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

Walden formerly worked for the New York State Education Department as an associate in the school improvement office of accountability “What better place to continue my career than at a place of rebirth,” said Walden. “Working in this district affords me the opportunity to be a partner in bringing about accountability and transformation to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

Walden will be working with administration, staff and teachers to implement the district’s new 20/20 Vision. Her role is to ensure that the academic improvement plan is data-driven and adheres to local and state standards. She will additionally be charged with actively monitoring student progress.

burden on Mount Vernon taxpayers.”

LESLY ZAMOR ELECTED NEW BOARD PRESIDENT Longtime Mount Vernon resident Lesly Zamor has been elected president of the Mount Vernon Board of Education.

Zamor, who has served on the board since 2015, replaces former president Adriane G. Saunders, who now assumes the position of board vice president.

“My broad knowledge of the complex issues that face this great city and school district will provide a useful perspective as president of the school board,” said Zamor. “I’m a visionary who has a track record of bringing people together to get things done and plan to bring that vision to this exciting new role.”

Zamor, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from New York University, has lived in Mount Vernon with his wife and two school-aged daughters for the past decade. He has worked as an investment broker and owned three businesses.

In the community, Zamor serves as the Mount Vernon Planning Board Commissioner and president of the Chester Hill Park Neighborhood Association.

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Mount Vernon City School District Newsletter

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION AND STUDENTS AND FACULTY AT 20/20 VISION WEBCAMS

Visit the district website and click on 2016 BOND to view progress of 20/20 Vision construction projects in real time and time-lapse video. www.mtvernoncsd.org

Construction schedule Phase 1 Summer 2016: Graham site work, corridor ceiling and lighting at Traphagen, A.B. Davis and Hamilton, Thornton roof Phase 2 Summer 2017: Parker, Graham, Pennington, Grimes, Thornton, Mount Vernon High School fields, district technology Phase 3 Summer 2018: Holmes, Hamilton, Columbus, Lincoln, A.B. Davis, district technology Phase 4 Summer 2019: Traphagen, Williams, Rebecca Turner, Benjamin Turner, A.B. Davis fields, Mount Vernon High School, district technology

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When Mount Vernon students and faculty returned to classes earlier this month, many saw the results of summer construction or renovation work, all part of Phase 1 of the Mount Vernon City School District’s 20/20 Vision bond.

The work, financed through the bond that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in March, is the first physical evidence of the rollout of the $108 million project. The work is designed to improve the quality of instruction, enhance programs and services and close achievement gaps, which includes creating a safe environment conducive to learning. This initiative ensures all students receive a rigorous education and develop the necessary skills to prepare them to be model citizens capable of competing in a global society.

This summer saw significant site work at Graham and Traphagen elementary schools. A.B. Davis Middle School and Hamilton Elementary School saw new corridor lighting installed. Thornton High School has a new roof.

“While the work at Graham addresses aesthetics and safety, the work at Traphagen, A.B. Davis, Hamilton and Thornton focuses on safety and replacing or upgrading areas in need of repair,” said Ken Silver, the district’s assistant superintendent for business. “We’re right on schedule with our timeline for Phase 1 project completion.”

Graham Elementary School parking lot construction.

Volume VIV: September 2016

D RENOVATION WORK GREET T MOUNT VERNON SCHOOLS The summer work at Graham is part of a $3,377,980 investment, which will convert the school to a K-8 school.

Future work will include the creation of new science labs and technology wiring retrofitting. New play areas and fields will be created. The parking lot and other paved areas were also resurfaced.

The work at Traphagen is also part of a $4,049,364 investment, which eventually will convert this school to a Pre-K-8 school.

Like Graham, future work includes new science labs and wiring retrofitting.

The work at A.B. Davis is part of the launch to transform this school into a general studies and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) school.

Areas of specialty will include forensics, art, architecture, engineering, web design, robotics and energy systems.

Additional work, as part of the $19,557,009 to be invested, includes new science labs, replacement of the football field with artificial turf, and replacement of the track and outdoor basketball court. Like other schools, wiring enhancements will be made in addition to asbestos abatement.

Traphagen Elementary School’s sidewalk work.

And at Hamilton, which has a $2,142,860 investment which will eventually convert the building to a K-8 school, the balance of work also includes creation of new science labs and wiring retrofitting in addition to roof repair and replacement of the parking area, walkways, steps and curbs.

While Thornton High School had its roof replaced, future work will include restoration of the turn-of-the-century auditorium and creation of a dance studio. Additionally, there will also be wiring retrofitting and asbestos abatement. This is all part of $18,848,886 worth of work to this building.

The next three phases of work will take place during the summers of 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The Graham Elementary School Auditorium is being transformed.

Work at A. B. Davis will transform the school into a general studies and STEAM school.

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Mount Vernon City School District Newsletter

The cornice is being replaced at Graham Elementary School.

Science labs are being created at Graham Elementary School.

A METAMORPHOSIS IS IN THE WORKS AT GRAHAM ELEMENTARY A transformation is taking place at Graham Elementary, all part of the of the Mount Vernon City School District’s $108 million 20/20 Vision.

When students, faculty and staff arrived on opening day, they saw the beginnings of this metamorphosis with the results of nearly completed site work on the grounds.

A ceremonial groundbreaking in early July marked the beginning of that work and the 20/20 Vision.

“Our goal is not just to renovate our buildings but also to improve what happens behind the walls in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton to the crowd who was gathered just before the first shovel was set in the ground. “We’re taking instructional programs and matching them with the facilities so our children have the full benefit of a quality instructional program and facilities that will bring about results.”

For the short-term, they’ll see the resurfacing of the parking lot, explained Michael Tribe, an architect with Peter Gisolfi Associates of Hastings-on-Hudson, whose firm is overseeing the project.

“There are three phases of mostly site work,” Tribe said.

“Right now, it’s the resurfacing of the parking lot, which we know isn’t the most exciting thing. But, the parking lot

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north of the school is being rebuilt to include playgrounds, basketball courts and new community gardens. It’s going to give the school grounds an entirely new look, an entirely new vibe. This is really going to change the way the community looks at this school and, we hope, make it an attractive and revitalized landscape within Mount Vernon.”

The new area will be analogous to a community park, said Tribe, with walkways, lighting and park benches. Also part of that will be multiple play areas for different age groups.

“Kids will see the results of this work this fall, when all of these areas will be open,” he said. “We are looking forward to seeing happy faces on kids, and to seeing happy teachers and parents watching their children playing in a beautiful, redesigned area. We want this to be a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation that supports the education taking place in the building.”

The school’s transformation will continue with additional phases of site work, including the front entrance to the school, which will require some relocation of interior offices.

Additional work will begin next summer, with Phase 3 concluding in summer 2018.

“After these next two summers, it’s going to feel like a different school,” added Tribe.

Volume VIV: September 2016

BOARD ADOPTS SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY Another first for the Mount Vernon City School District was the introduction of school uniforms at several schools.

Following requests from district families and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the Mount Vernon Board of Education unanimously supported a school uniform policy at its July meeting. Board members cited a districtwide survey in which more than 80 percent of the over 1,000 responders supported the measure.

“Approximately 90 percent of our students wore uniforms today (the first day of school), and I expect that percentage to grow,” said Pennington Elementary School Principal Danielle Davis-Marrow. “Uniforms are easier for parents, and the children seem better behaved.”

According to the adopted board policy, the intent is not to inhibit or prohibit any student who is not in uniform from receiving the education to which he or continued on page 8 continued from page 2

BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT LETTER main entrance on Bedford Avenue, new science classrooms, dance room, music room and will debut a newly renovated auditorium this fall.

We have just returned from Albany to make our case for the planned 7th and 8th grade classroom addition at Pennington School. This new wing will host new science classrooms, a new library and student center along with many other educational amenities for our children to excel and achieve.

The planned pre-K learning center at Parker School will demonstrate our dedication and responsibility that we have for our children, as well as our commitment to support them academically by making an early investment in creating an adaptive educational and social environment to acclimate them into a learning setting. Studies immeasurably prove that this approach is highly effective and instrumental to the long-term success of students throughout school and well into their careers.

In addition, the improvements under the new energy performance contract that were awarded to the district by New York State are well under way, making districtwide improvements including new boilers, windows, doors, lights and more! Other projects at Traphagen, Hamilton and A.B. Davis have begun with newly renovated hallways and lighting. While at Columbus, Grimes, Holmes, Lincoln, the Turners, Mandela and Williams, improvements on the building façades, grounds, cafeterias and bathrooms will soon begin. I can easily go on about all the improvements that we are making in each school, about our planned high school at A.B. Davis for STEAM academic excellence, performing arts at Thornton, and career, technical, vocational and general studies at Mount Vernon High School, however that would not be practical for this letter. Instead, I

implore you to follow our progress on all of the schools through our website, at school board meetings and on work progress boards that will be posted at all schools, at PTA meetings and so forth.

Quality in education will improve the lives of our children and will positively change this community forever. The time has come for all of us to do our part. Parents, teach your children to respect their place of learning and participate in your child’s education as you become a stronger partner in their future. A successful school does not happen by itself. Parent participation is a critical component of a school’s success. The role of teachers and administrators is limited to academic development, however social development begins and ends in the home. We have your back, but we desperately need your support. Together we will make certain that your child has access to all of the opportunities that other schools provide, in a clean, safe and nurturing environment that is conducive to learning. Communicate with us; whether to commend, support or comment on issues, we all need to speak up and work together. Mount Vernon is on the rise!

I leave you with this quote: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Thank you for your time,

Lesly Zamor, President Mount Vernon City School District

­— Harriet Tubman

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Board of Education Mount Vernon City School District 165 N. Columbus Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10552 Board of Education Lesly Zamor, President Adriane G. Saunders, Vice President Charmaine Fearon Serigne M.Gningue Rosemarie Jarosz Omar McDowell Micah J.B. McOwen Darcy Miller Wanda White

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 5140 White Plains, NY

***ECRWSS*** Postal Patron Mount Vernon, NY

continued from page 7

BOARD ADOPTS SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY she is entitled. No student will be subject to disciplinary actions for not complying with the policy.

Students were given input on uniform selection and can receive uniform waivers for reasons of health or religious freedom. The district will offer assistance in purchasing uniforms to families facing financial hardship.

For more information: The Board of Education’s full adopted policy is available at www.mtvernoncsd.org.

Pennington, Columbus and Hamilton Schools are expected to adopt the uniform policy in September based on existing parental support. continued from page 1

HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE FIRST DAY student outcomes,” said Waterman. “I believe that all children deserve an opportunity to meet their highest potential of excellence.”

Van Gunten previously worked as assistant principal at PS 16 in New York City and as dean at PS 83, struggling schools he helped turn around by implementing a new school vision centered around community building.

Crystal Waterman

Erik Van Gunten

Waterman previously worked as principal at Poughkeepsie Middle School and assistant principal at PS 181 in Brooklyn.

Under Waterman’s leadership at Poughkeepsie Middle School, student achievement scores rose 20 points in 201415 while suspension rates were reduced by 56 percent.

Suspension rates fell again by 50 percent last year. At PS 181, more than 90 percent of her students were proficient or advanced proficient on their 6th grade ELA and math test scores in 2011. Waterman hopes to bring those same results to Edward Williams.

“I’m really looking forward to working with a strong team of professionals who have a laser-like focus on improving

Under his leadership, PS 83 won a 2009 “Dispelling the Myth Award,” given by the Education Trust to five schools from across the country that have had exceptional success in educating low-income students and minority students. Van Gunten hopes to use similar community vision principles in his leadership role at Grimes Elementary School.

“I cannot wait to get to know our talented students and their supportive families,” said Van Gunten. “I like to use art and sports to motivate students to thrive in school. I believe in the growth mindset. Every child can succeed, no matter what. Teachers need to be open to learning and growing as professionals. My teachers believe that each child can grow, can progress and learn. With everyone having that mindset, it will lead to positive change.”