I have had the fortune to visit our schools and spend time in many classrooms in the last month. In my visits, I read to classes, practiced math facts, reviewed spelling, and observed projects from gingerbread houses to computer coding. I even enjoyed participating in a “snowball” fight in our preschool. In all of these instances, I came away with two things. It is evident in the smiles on our students’ faces that they take joy in learning. Even the sophomores in Mrs. Huth’s honors biology class mixed in wide smiles with some other facial expressions as they dissected chicken wings. The other takeaway for me is that our teachers are amazing at finding engaging activities and creative methods for interacting with our students.
The labor and teacher shortages are hitting all schools, and while these challenges still exist, we have amazing professionals showing up every day and working with our students at an incredible level. The time and effort being put into making learning meaningful is extraordinary. Just last Friday, I covered Mrs. Goff’s resource class and when we scheduled time for me to come to her class at the middle school, she insisted that I come early so that she could get me up to speed on every child in her class. Her passion and genuine care for each of her students is an example of what our faculty and staff do day in and day out for our students.
I am exceptionally grateful to serve the many wonderful educators in Mt. Vernon and through them our students. If you have a moment, please take time to thank the wonderful educators teaching our children and consider sending our staff a "Because of You" staff appreciation card. They do amazing work!
MVMS 8th Graders Participate in Walk on Water Experiment
Our Mt. Vernon Middle School (MVMS) eighth graders were put to the test when they were challenged to create a device that would travel from one end of the pool to the other, using materials from home (excluding styrofoam). This STEM project has been a capstone project for years and is always an engaging and enriching activity for the students. Learn more about the Walk on Water Experiment through the article on our website.
Fortville Elementary Created a Gingerbread Replica of Fortville
Fortville Elementary School (FES) fourth graders were assigned a company in downtown Fortville to research. Students interviewed business owners and prepared a report before the creativity began. Special thanks to the parents who volunteered to come in and use a glue gun to attach the graham crackers to boxes, as well as our business owners who spoke to classes.
All buildings were then connected to create a delicious replica of Main Street along with various parks and Mt. Vernon schools in Fortville.
This festive research project was a fun way for the students to expand their knowledge in social studies, language arts, science, math, and art. Social studies was the main area of content covered by the project; students learned about Fortville’s development in Indiana, how to locate features on a map and the impact Fortville businesses have on the local economy.
Business owners and parents were invited to view the display and see all of the creations. Business owners enjoy this community connection each year as they see their business from the eyes of a fourth grade student.
Learn more about the sweet project-based learning Gingerbread Town of Fortville and check out a short video on our website.
Calendar
- December 19 - 30, 2022 - Winter Break
- January 2, 2023 - First Day of Second Semester for Students & Staff
- January 16, 2023 - Martin Luther King Day - No School
Mt. Vernon would like to thank our community, staff, students and families for a wonderful first semester full of promise and student growth. We hope you recognize how truly special each of you are and how much you are appreciated. Together, we become a family that supports one another. This, this... is what makes our Marauder family special. Enjoy your two weeks with your family and friends. We will see you on January 2!
Sincerely,
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MVCSC, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040 ~ (317) 485-3100