We have all heard that it takes a village to raise a child; however, I believe that it takes much more than that. A village is just a place where people live in close proximity to one another. What I believe is that it takes a community to raise a child. A community is a unified body of individuals sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. Educating our youth is a collaborative effort. It’s not just up to individual teachers or schools to educate our children, it’s up to all of us to work together toward a common goal. We all have a stake in educating our Marauders.
This weekend, the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation is sponsoring their annual Black and Gold Gala at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Hundreds of our community members will attend to celebrate and support our schools through many recognitions and donations. It truly is an amazing night! Our education foundation exists to support our students and staff in furthering their goals. Through many creative partnerships, they have provided unique opportunities to get programs off the ground or to provide that bit of “special sauce” to significantly impact experiences for our students and staff. We are all fortunate to have such amazing community members working toward the betterment of our schools.
Whether you serve on the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation board, as a PTO or booster member, or even in a carpool, you are making a difference. We have an amazing community who support one another and our schools. Through this support, our children learn the true spirit of community. If you see an opportunity to get involved, jump in! If you are seeking opportunities, ask a Mt. Vernon School staff member. There is always something to do!
MVHS Gold Intensity Dance Earns Another State Title for Pom
The Mt. Vernon High School Gold Intensity Dance Team has been named pom state champions for the sixth time and for the second consecutive year. The team was recognized at the March MVCSC Board of Trustees meeting for their accomplishment.
The team practices from May through March, including summer efforts to learn competition choreography, improv dance techniques, routines and acrobatic skills. The team trains three to five days a week to prepare for basketball and football performances, as well as for their seven-eight competitions throughout the year. Competing at the AA level with schools that have student enrollments of 1001-2000 students, our MVHS Gold Intensity Dance Team has seven total state titles including one hip hop state championship in 2015. Let’s take a moment to recognize and congratulate these incredibly dedicated and motivated performers for achieving another state title in pom!
Mrs. Lisa Heitman, MVCSC Treasurer, was named the Region 8 District Treasurer of the Year from the Indiana Association of Business Officials. Read the article HERE.
Mr. Brandon Ecker, MVHS was awarded the Indiana Basketball Coaching Association’s District 2 Administrator of the Year. Read the article HERE.
Ms. Yi-Fan Lin, MVHS Mandarin Teacher, was one of two educators in Hancock County to receive a Lilly Fellowship Grant. Ms. Lin will be traveling to a variety of cities learning about their Chinese culture and bringing her experiences back to her classrooms. Read more about her upcoming educational adventures HERE.
Ms. Leah Perry, MVHS Dual Credit Biology & Forensics Teacher, was selected as the Ivy Tech Anderson Campus’s recipient of the 2nd annual Ivy Tech President’s Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction.
Brooke Tharp Selected for MVHS Principal
The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation has selected Mrs. Brooke Tharp to be the Mt. Vernon High School principal. After being approved by the MVCSC Board of Trustees at the March meeting, Mrs. Brooke Tharp will begin this new contract on July 1, 2023. Tharp’s educational career brings over 29 years of experience to this leadership position with over 20 of them as a special education and English teacher.
Mrs. Tharp is currently serving in her second year as the Mt. Vernon Middle School principal. During this tenure, she led the school through an expansion of Professional Learning Communities, the implementation of Trust-Based Relational Intervention, and supported high-value instructional strategies and initiatives to retain staff and hire the best candidates. Prior to becoming MVMS principal, she served as an Assistant Principal at Mt. Vernon High School.
Tharp shares, “I am focused on transformational and servant leadership, combined with a collaborative, team-centered approach. Building and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders is a priority for me, as well as supporting a shared vision for high student achievement and growth that fosters a supportive environment for students.” She continued, “As a Mt. Vernon parent, community member and administrator, having the opportunity to be a part of Mt. Vernon High School’s success is very exciting and I look forward to serving our community in this new role.”
Read the article HERE.
Community Connections: Walmart Dept. Heads Volunteer at MV
On Read Across America Day, thanks to the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation, nearly 100 department leads from the new Walmart Distribution Center in our district volunteered in Mt. Vernon Schools. At some of the schools, they helped with lunch and recess, played dodgeball, danced in music class and more. Read the full article HERE.
"Sweet" Traveling Talks with Superintendent Dr. Parker at Tim's Bakery
Join Dr. Parker in this sweet session of "Traveling Talks" beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 20 at Tim's Bakery in McCordsville.
No RSVP is needed; please join us for a donut and some great conversation. Anyone in the community is welcome!
Attendees can just stop by and say hello or have a conversation about their hopes, dreams, questions or concerns about Mt. Vernon schools.
Fortville-Vernon Township Library Cards
Mt. Vernon parents, did you know that all Mt. Vernon students are eligible for the always-free public library card at the Fortville-Vernon Township Public Library?
These cards allow your child to access not only a variety of great literature but also resources for projects and assignments. This includes books from FVTPL, as well as free eBooks and audiobooks. Cards will be distributed to students at school after parents register each child.
(Library cards are also available for community members who are not students and live in Vernon Township; visit fvtpl.org/get-a-card for more information.)
April Calendar
- April 4 & 6 - Kindergarten Roundup at all Three Elementary Schools
- April 5 - Two-Hour Early Release Day (PRESCHOOL - Dismissed @ 12:00 p.m., ELEM - Dismissed @ 12:15 p.m., MVHS - Dismissed @ 1:30 p.m., MVMS - Dismissed @ 1:45 p.m.)
- April 14-24 and May 5-15 - Windows for Out-of-District/Transfer Students to Apply to Attend a MV School in the 2023-2024 School Year
Sincerely,
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MVCSC, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040 ~ (317) 485-3100