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Superintendent's Summary DR. JACK PARKER ~ 3.31.2022

As we approach the final month before our referendum on May 3, 2022, we are continuing to provide information related to the question on the ballot voters will see. The proposed $0.17 referendum is relatively very low in comparison to the 30 other school referenda from districts in Marion and surrounding counties. The reason we can be at this level is because a referendum will spread the school tax to all entities, even those not paying a school tax that are a part of a TIF. With $288,000,000 in new assessed valuation being captured in a TIF in the past 10 years, this will be the first time that many of these businesses will be contributing to a school tax.

To learn how this “ask” will impact you as a homeowner, please visit our website and use our tax calculator. If you are a homeowner in an average valued home in our district, the $0.17 rate would increase property tax by $14.02 per month. This would allow Mt. Vernon to continue our wonderful programs by maintaining our low class sizes, increase pay for all teachers and classified staff members bringing their compensation up to levels more comparable with other area schools, and will also provide for additional School Resource Officers ensuring that we have one at each school and two at the high school each day.

To learn more, I encourage you to sign up for one of my virtual or in-person Traveling Talks; details are on our website. Additionally, we have placed several short videos explaining answers to some frequently asked questions on our referendum facts website page. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at jack.parker@mvcsc.k12.in.us.

8th Grade "Walks on Water"

How many schools give their students a challenge to defy gravity and walk on water? At Mt. Vernon Middle School, the 8th grade challenges their students’ critical thinking skills by tasking them to build a piloted device that travels the length of the pool with one team member navigating on the float.

In teams of three or four, students use any materials they can obtain for one team member to cross the pool. If they sink, the team is out of the competition. Teams do not have an opportunity prior to the competition to test their floats.

The project is designed to test the students’ knowledge on issues of problem solving, the scientific method, planning a long-term project, teamwork, and writing a formal lab report. Students are encouraged to think outside of the box. Some of the scientific concepts the students have to consider are propulsion, density, energy, energy transfer, Newton’s Laws, and stability.

Stacy Griner, an 8th Grade Science Teacher and also Mt. Vernon’s “Walk on Water” creator states, “I am so very thankful that our students were able to participate in this project this year. It gives an exciting way for the students to engage in their learning. They have to work as a team, use critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge to choose their float and physically build the float. The kids love it and really get into the project and the secrecy of their construction.”

The Walk on Water event creates an atmosphere of excitement and friendly competition, as well as entertainment. This unique curriculum-based event is one of the capstone activities at Mt. Vernon Middle School.

TOY / SOY Building Winners

Each year Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation partners with the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation to recognize a Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Staff of the Year (SOY) in each building. Staff members rate those who they nominated on the qualities of dedication, team player, caring, student-centered, lifelong learner and innovative. We hope you join in congratulating these building winners who have exemplified the previously listed qualities. The district winners will be announced at the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation's Gala on April 23.

Mt. Vernon Education Foundation Gala

Join other Mt. Vernon supporters for the 2022 Black & Gold Gala on April 23 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, located at 10 S. West Street in Indianapolis. This is a chance to support students by participating in the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation’s (MVEF) annual signature fundraising event. Highlights include honoring Mt. Vernon’s Teachers/Staff of the Year and Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The cost is $99 a person. Tickets may be reserved at MtVernonFoundation.org. Since its founding in 2007, MVEF has awarded more than $900,000 in teacher grants and has proven itself adaptable in meeting current student needs.

Kindergarten Registration

MV Kindergarten Registration is April 5 & 7 from 3-6 p.m. at Fortville Elementary, McCordsville Elementary and Mt. Comfort Elementary Schools. Parents/guardians of incoming kindergarteners should visit mvcsc.k12.in.us for details on the three steps of Kindergarten Registration:

  1. Register student online
  2. Attend a Kindergarten Registration on April 5 or 7 & submit paperwork
  3. Attend their school’s Back-to-School Night in July

Visit mvcsc.k12.in.us for details on what paperwork is needed, links for the online registration and more!

Calendar Notes:

  • Friendly reminder - Wednesday, April 6 is a scheduled eLearning Day.
  • COMING SOON…. Staff & parents - Be on the lookout for the request for your vote on the 2023-2024 calendar!

I WANT TO KNOW...

Join an upcoming “Traveling Talks” with Dr. Parker and ask him any questions about Mt. Vernon Schools! "Traveling Talks" last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of people and questions. Have only 15 min? That'll be fine - join us!

To attend a Virtual "Traveling Talks," sign up online. To attend an In-Person "Traveling Talks," just show up, look for the table signs and grab your own food/beverage. We're looking forward to meeting YOU!

Are You SURE You're Registered to Vote?

Do you have kids in college or working during the election timeframe? If you want to request an absentee ballot, be sure to visit the Hancock County Election website to submit an absentee application by April 21.

Did you know over 700,000 voters were removed from the state’s 2017 voter database? Scan the QR code below or to go to www.indianavoters.in.gov to verify your voter registration.

Make your vote count! Scan the QR code above to go to www.indianavoters.in.gov

We're Hiring!

Join our Marauder team! MVCSC has a great need to fill full-time custodians ($15+/hr w/benefits), as well as food service positions, bus drivers and instructional assistants. Please visit mvcsc.k12.in.us/employment and consider making some great memories as you work with students, helping to provide a wonderful educational experience!

Sincerely,

MVCSC Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker

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