Grade 8 Bridge Ceremony Slideshow

Rise Up! Grades 6 – 8 Meeting Slides Available

Now – Thursday, August 3: 2023 Fall Sports Tryouts
Check out the Athletics Website for details on tryout dates and coach contact information.

Monday May 15: Thespian Inductions Ceremony
Theatre students have been invited to join the Jr Thespian Society. See Mr. Spencer Stephens for more details.

Tuesday, May 16: MV All-Stars Thespian Banquet
MV Thespians and their families are invited to join in the banquet celebrating a fantastic year of theatre. Register here. See Mr. Clark Taylor or Mr. Spencer Stephens for more details.

Wednesday, May 17: Grade 6 Future Cities Summit
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, 147 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Parents are invited to join Grade 6 students at the Curiosity Lab, where they are presenting their sustainable cities for the future designs. Students have chosen physical or digital builds to design an innovative and impactful city to wrap up their study of ancient to modern civilizations. Students will be transported to the site via school bus. We look forward to seeing parents there.

Wednesday, May 17: Grade 8 Global Awareness Symposium
Morning Session: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Upper Campus Gym, MS Building
Parents are invited to join Grade 8 students while they present their final products from their UN Sustainability Goals project. Students were able to dive deep into a goal and find a topic they were passionate about to raise awareness and reflect on what it means to be a global citizen. We look forward to seeing parents there hope.

Friday, May 19: Mount Vernon Online Summer Health Course Registration Closes
There is still time to register for the rising Grade 9 (current Grade 8) Summer Online Health Course. For more information and registration, click here.

Save These Dates

Summer Basketball Camp Registration Open, All Athletes Ages 7 – 14 Welcome
Registration is open for the 9th Annual Inspire Atlanta Summer Basketball Camp. Two sessions will be led by Mount Vernon Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach Tarrik Mabon in the Upper Campus Gym. Learn more and register here.

Thursday, May 25: Middle School Yearbook Distribution Day
Make sure students bring a special pen! They will be given time to write in each other’s books. Students are expected to be kind and thoughtful when writing their notes.

Friday, May 26: Early Dismissal and Last Day of School
PK3 – Grade 1: 11:15 am
Grades 2 – 5: 11:30 am
Middle School: 11:45 pm
Upper School: 12:00 pm
There will be no Extended Day on this day.

Rise Up! Grades 6 – 8 Meeting Slides Available

Now – Thursday, August 3: 2023 Fall Sports Tryouts
Check out the Athletics Website for details on tryout dates and coach contact information.

Monday, May 8 – Friday, May 12: Teacher Appreciation Week
We are excited to dedicate an official week to celebrating MV’s hard-working teachers! The Mount Vernon Parent Network Appreciation Committee has a fun-filled week of events planned. We need your help with providing some items and volunteers to cover lunch periods to ensure every teacher has lunch break this week. Please note the dates of the sign up slots as we’re intentionally collecting some items the week prior. Be on the lookout for information from your room parent detailing how your individual classroom will celebrate your teacher during the week in conjunction with the school-wide events.

Monday, May 8 & Thursday, May 11: MV Dance Company Auditions (Rescheduled from May 1)
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Contact Jasmine Gray with any questions.

Wednesday, May 10: Middle School Honors Assembly and Grade 8 Bridge Ceremony
8:15 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus Gym
Families are encouraged to join for the 2023 Middle School Honors Assembly. During this program, MV Middle will recognize and celebrate students who embody the Mount Vernon Mindsets and the Fruits of the Spirit as well as all-season theater artists, artisans of the year, three, four, and five sport athletes, and Junior Prefects. Additionally, this will be a time to celebrate Grade 8 students as they transition to the Upper School. All students will stay in School for the remainder of the day. Grades 6 – 7 students will wear their chapel uniform.
*Grade 8 families please refer to the recent email re: Letter to Grade 8 Families for additional details.

Wedesday, May 10 – Friday, May 12: Newsies Jr. Musical Performances
Wednesday: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Friday: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Disney’s NEWSIES JR is inspired by a real-life two-week strike by newsboys in 1899 against the powerful newspaper publishers of the time. Including songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” NEWSIES JR is a timeless story full of spirit and heart. Reserve your tickets here.

Friday, May 12: Grades 6 and 7 Spring Social
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Middle School Building & Upper Campus Green
Students will enjoy games, activities, food, drinks, and treats in and around the Middle School Building.

Save These Dates

Monday May 15: Thespian Inductions Ceremony
Theatre students have been invited to join the Jr Thespian Society. See Mr. Spencer Stephens for more details.

Tuesday, May 16: MV All-Stars Thespian Banquet
MV Thespians and their families are invited to join in the banquet celebrating a fantastic year of theatre. Register here. See Mr. Clark Taylor or Mr. Spencer Stephens for more details.

Wednesday, May 17: Grade 6 Future Cities Summit
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, 147 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Parents are invited to join Grade 6 students at the Curiosity Lab, where they are presenting their sustainable cities for the future designs. Students have chosen physical or digital builds to design an innovative and impactful city to wrap up their study of ancient to modern civilizations. Students will be transported to the site via school bus. We look forward to seeing parents there.

Wednesday, May 17: Grade 8 Global Awareness Symposium
Morning Session: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Upper Campus Gym, MS Building
Parents are invited to join Grade 8 students while they present their final products from their UN Sustainability Goals project. Students were able to dive deep into a goal and find a topic they were passionate about to raise awareness and reflect on what it means to be a global citizen. We look forward to seeing parents there hope.

Friday, May 19: Mount Vernon Online Summer Health Course Registration Closes
There is still time to register for the rising Grade 9 (current Grade 8) Summer Online Health Course. For more information and registration, click here.

Summer Basketball Camp Registration Open, All Athletes Ages 7 – 14 Welcome
Registration is open for the 9th Annual Inspire Atlanta Summer Basketball Camp. Two sessions will be led by Mount Vernon Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach Tarrik Mabon in the Upper Campus Gym. Learn more and register here.

Friday, May 26: Early Dismissal and Last Day of School
PK3 – Grade 1: 11:15 am
Grades 2 – 5: 11:30 am
Middle School: 11:45 pm
Upper School: 12:00 pm
There will be no Extended Day on this day.

Monday, April 24: Mustang Rally T-Shirt Swap & Sponsorship Package Pick-Up
7:30 – 9:30 am
Lower Campus Courtyard
All students received a Mustang Rally t-shirt. If they need a different size, parents may bring the shirt to swap sizes. Parents, please pick up sponsorship packages, family bundles, or any carnival tickets ordered during this time.

Wednesday, April 26: Late Start For Students

Wednesday, April 26: Student Share Conferences
All Day
Registration is open now until April 26. This is an opportunity for families to hear the tremendous growth and learning from your child’s perspective. There will be no school and no extended day as students will need to attend their conference.

Thursday, April 27: Art of Design Gallery Opening, Featuring MV String Ensemble
4:30 – 6:00 pm
MS Art Gallery
Featuring work from Upper Campus Maker, Design, and Engineering and Podcasting courses, with performances by MV Strings.

Friday, April 28: Mustang Rally
Mustang Rally is Mount Vernon’s biggest community event of the year, and it directly supports student programming, making an impact on every Mustang’s experience. This springtime tradition is something our students, parents, and faculty/staff embrace and look forward to each year. The day begins with a student parade leading into a family picnic and an over-the-top carnival as well as a silent auction with amazing opportunities and experiences. The Office of IDEA is hosting a community tent. Grab a drink, have a snack, and connect with Mustangs from all divisions. Stay all afternoon or for a moment. See the Mustang Rally page on our website for a detailed schedule.

 

Save These Dates

Monday, May 1: Middle School Rise Up! Meetings
Middle School Overlook
The Middle School Leadership Team will host Rise Up! meetings to provide an overview of the Middle School program including curricular, social-emotional, and operational details. The team will be joined by members of the Collaborative Care, Visual and Performing Arts, and Athletics teams. Please fill out this form if you have any questions about next year for us to address at the Rise Up! Meeting.
Rising Grade 8 (current Grade 7): 8:00 – 8:50 am
Rising Grade 7 (current Grade 6): 9:00 – 9:50 am
Rising Grade 6 (current Grade 5): 10:00 – 11:00 am

Friday, May 5: Grade 8 Spring Dance
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper School Cafe Outdoor Patio
To celebrate their near completion of Middle School, Grade 8 students are invited to enjoy dancing and light refreshments. Attire for this event is semi-formal, age appropriate in terms of style and length, must be Family and Student Handbook approved.
Girls – Dresses, including spring-style dresses and sundresses, pants, or skirts and tops.
Boys – Nice slacks with a collared shirt, blazers optional.
Students from other schools or other Mount Vernon Grades are not permitted to attend.
Parent Volunteers Needed

Monday, May 8 – Friday, May 12: Teacher Appreciation Week
We are excited to dedicate an official week to celebrating MV’s hard-working teachers! The Mount Vernon Parent Network Appreciation Committee has a fun-filled week of events planned. We need your help with providing some items and volunteers to cover lunch periods to ensure every teacher has lunch break this week. Please note the dates of the sign up slots as we’re intentionally collecting some items the week prior. Be on the lookout for information from your room parent detailing how your individual classroom will celebrate your teacher during the week in conjunction with the school-wide events.

Monday, May 8 & Thursday, May 11: MV Dance Company Auditions (Rescheduled from May 1)
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Contact Jasmine Gray with any questions.

Wednesday, May 10: Middle School Honors Assembly and Grade 8 Bridge Ceremony
8:15 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus Gym
Families are encouraged to join for the 2023 Middle School Honors Assembly. During this program, MV Middle will recognize and celebrate students who embody the Mount Vernon Mindsets and the Fruits of the Spirit as well as all-season theater artists, artisans of the year, three, four, and five sport athletes, and Junior Prefects. Additionally, this will be a time to celebrate Grade 8 students as they transition to the Upper School. All students will stay in School for the remainder of the day. Grades 6 – 7 students will wear their chapel uniform.
*Grade 8 families please refer to the recent email re: Letter to Grade 8 Families for additional details.

May 10 – May 12: Newsies Play Performances
Wednesday: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Friday: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Upper Campus Gym

Tuesday, April 18: Uniform Resale (last of the year)
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Lightbox
Volunteer to help

Wednesday, April 19 & Thursday, April 20: Middle School ERB Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am
This assessment furnishes the School with a baseline of individualized data about student growth to help guide instruction. Students should bring their fully-charged iPad. Those without a charged iPad may be asked to complete ERB testing during make-up testing days. Students should bring a book to read when they finish testing.
Wednesday: Math
Thursday: Reading Comprehension

Thursday, April 20: Upper School Student Created Film Festival
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper School Learning Stairs
Reserve your tickets to the second annual Mount Vernon Film Festival to watch original Upper School student films and documentaries.

Save These Dates

Monday, April 24: Mustang Rally T-Shirt Swap & Sponsorship Package Pick-Up
7:30 – 9:30 am
Lower Campus Courtyard
All students received a Mustang Rally t-shirt. If they need a different size parents may bring the shirt to swap sizes. Parents will also be asked to pick up sponsorship packages, family bundles, or any carnival tickets ordered.

Wednesday, April 26: Late Start For Students

Wednesday, April 26: Student Share Conferences
All Day
Registration is open now until April 26. This is an opportunity for families to hear the tremendous growth and learning from your child’s perspective. There will be no school and no extended day as students will need to attend their conference.

Thursday, April 27: Art of Design Gallery Opening, Featuring MV String Ensemble
4:30 – 6:00 pm
MS Art Gallery
Featuring work from Upper Campus Maker, Design, and Engineering and Podcasting courses, with performances by MV Strings.

Friday, April 28: Mustang Rally
See the Mustang Rally page on our website for a detailed schedule.

Monday, May 1: Middle School Rise Up! Meetings
Middle School Overlook
The Middle School Leadership Team will host Rise Up! meetings to provide an overview of the Middle School program including curricular, social-emotional, and operational details. The team will be joined by members of the Collaborative Care, Visual and Performing Arts, and Athletics teams. Please fill out this form if you have any questions about next year for us to address at the Rise Up! Meeting.
Rising Grade 8 (current Grade 7): 8:00 – 8:50 am
Rising Grade 7 (current Grade 6): 9:00 – 9:50 am
Rising Grade 6 (current Grade 5): 10:00 – 11:00 am

Monday, May 1: MV Dance Company Auditions
3:30 – 6:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Contact Jasmine Gray with any questions.

Friday, May 5: Grade 8 Spring Dance
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Cafe Outdoor Patio
To celebrate their near completion of Middle School, Grade 8 students are invited to enjoy dancing and light refreshments. Attire for this event is semi-formal, age appropriate in terms of style and length, must be Family and Student Handbook approved.
Girls – Dresses, including spring-style dresses and sundresses, pants, or skirts and tops.
Boys – Nice slacks with a collared shirt, blazers optional.
Students from other schools or other Mount Vernon Grades are not permitted to attend.
Parent Volunteers Needed

Monday, April 10: No School for Students/Staff

Tuesday, April 11: Grandparents Virtual Coffee Via Zoom
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom Link

Thursday, April 13: Deadline to Purchase Mustang Rally Family Lunch & Carnival Tickets

Save These Dates

Tuesday, April 18: Uniform Resale (last of the year)
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Lightbox
Volunteer to help

Wednesday, April 19 & Thursday, April 20: Middle School ERB Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am
This assessment furnishes the School with a baseline of individualized data about student growth to help guide instruction. Students should bring their fully-charged iPad. Those without a charged iPad may be asked to complete ERB testing during make-up testing days. Students should bring a book to read when they finish testing.
Wednesday: Math
Thursday: Reading Comprehension

Thursday, April 20: Upper School Student Created Film Festival
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper School Learning Stairs
Reserve your tickets to the second annual Mount Vernon Film Festival to watch original Upper School student films and documentaries.

Monday, April 24: Mustang Rally T-Shirt Swap & Sponsorship Package Pick-Up
7:30 – 9:30 am
Lower Campus Courtyard
All students received a Mustang Rally t-shirt. If they need a different size parents may bring the shirt to swap sizes. Parents will also be asked to pick up sponsorship packages, family bundles, or any carnival tickets ordered.

Wednesday, April 26: Late Start For Students

Friday, April 28: Mustang Rally
See the Mustang Rally page on our website for a detailed schedule.

Monday, April 3: Parent Share Conference Sign-Up Opens
10:00 am
Go to the Veracross Parent Portal to register for a time-slot for the Parent Share Conferences, to be held on April 26. There will be no school and no after school care on April 26.

Wednesday, April 5: Atlanta Hawks Mount Vernon School Spirit Night
7:00 pm
State Farm Arena
Watch the US Dance Company perform before the game at the Atlanta Hawks Mount Vernon School Spirit Night. Mount Vernon section seating (Section: 219) is sold out, but families are welcome to purchase seating elsewhere. We recommend being seated before 6:30 pm.

Thursday, April 6: Open Parent Q&As with Head of School Kristy Lundstrom
Join Kristy to get your questions answered live, in a group environment, either in-person in the morning, or via Zoom in the evening. At Mount Vernon, we believe that relationships and trust are foundational to our community. We grow, fail, and progress together. Let’s do this!

Friday, April 7 & Monday, April 10: No School for Students/Staff

Save These Dates

Tuesday, April 11: Grandparents Virtual Coffee Via Zoom
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom Link

Thursday, April 13: Deadline to Purchase Mustang Rally Family Lunch & Carnival Tickets

Wednesday, April 19 & Thursday, April 20: Middle School ERB Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am
This assessment furnishes the School with a baseline of individualized data about student growth to help guide instruction. Students should bring their fully-charged iPad. Those without a charged iPad may be asked to complete ERB testing during make-up testing days. Students should bring a book to read when they finish testing.
Wednesday: Math
Thursday: Reading Comprehension

Thursday, April 20: Upper School Student Created Film Festival
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper School Learning Stairs
Reserve your tickets to the second annual Mount Vernon Film Festival to watch original Upper School student films and documentaries

Now – April 1: Week of Impact MV FUND 300 for 50,000
Increase your impact. Now through April 1, make a gift to the MVFund to be one of the 300 donors needed to unlock a generous gift of $50,000.

Monday, March 27: Mustang Golf Tournament
8:00 am until Tournament Completion
White Columns Country Club, 300 Clubhouse Dr, Milton, GA 30004
Parents, grandparents, businesses, and corporate partners are invited to participate in the inaugural Arrow Exterminators Mustang Golf Tournament. All proceeds going to the MVFund benefiting MV Athletics. Purchase brunch tickets, sponsorships, and foursomes here. Registration begins at 8:00 am, with a shotgun start at 10:00 am.

March 27 – 31: Week of Impact Solidarity Food Pantry Collection Drive
Morning & Afternoon Carpool Collection
During the Week of Impact, the School will collect individual pantry items in support of Solidarity Sandy Springs. Students and families are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, personal hygiene supplies, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Items will be sorted and delivered on Friday, March 31.

Wednesday, March 29: Late Start
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Thursday, March 30: Parent University: Innovation Flash Lab Hosted by MV Ventures
8:30 – 9:30 am
Studio(i) on Lower Campus
Want to explore Design Thinking? Join Mount Vernon faculty and experience a Design Thinking Flash Lab. This interactive and invigorating session will immerse you in the fundamental learning approach of the School. Please RSVP here.

Friday, March 31: Deadline To Purchase Additional Mustang Rally Shirts
All students in Preschool – Grade 12 will receive a Mustang Rally t-shirt at no cost. Family members are invited to purchase additional shirts at $20 each.

Friday, March 31: Week of Impact Hands-on Service Day, Solidarity Sandy Springs Pantry
8:45 – 11:00 am
Help Solidarity Sandy Springs unload Mount Vernon buses full of items collected during the week along with the truck containing the weekly drop off from Atlanta Food Bank.

Save These Dates

Saturday, April 1: Week of Impact Hands-on Service Day, Solidarity Sandy Springs Pantry
8:15 am – 12:30 pm
Solidarity Sandy Springs, 86 Mount Vernon Highway
Kick off Mount Vernon’s inaugural Week of Impact with a community-wide day of service. Volunteers will help sort, pack, and shop for pantry items with families in need. Sign up here. Minimum age to serve is five years old.

Saturday, April 1: Mount Vernon Arts Alliance Build Event
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Little Shop of Horrors show. Volunteer here.

Thursday, April 6: Open Parent Q&As with Head of School Kristy Lundstrom
Join Kristy to get your questions answered live, in a group environment, either in-person in the morning, or via Zoom in the evening. At Mount Vernon, we believe that relationships and trust are foundational to our community. We grow, fail, and progress together. Let’s do this!

Friday, April 7 & Monday, April 10: No School for Students/Staff

Tuesday, April 11: Grandparents Virtual Coffee Via Zoom
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom Link Coming Soon

Thursday, April 13: Deadline to Purchase Mustang Rally Family Lunch & Carnival Tickets

Now – April 1: Week of Impact MV FUND 300 for 50,000
Increase your impact. Now through April 1, make a gift to the MVFund to be one of the 300 donors needed to unlock a generous gift of $50,000.

March 20 – 24: Middle School Newsies Workshops & Auditions in Middle School Blackbox
Performer’s Workshop: Monday, March 20, 3:30 – 4:00 pm
Tech Team workshop: Tuesday, March 21, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Auditions: Wednesday, March 22, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Callbacks: Thursday, March 23, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Audition information packets will be available on March 15. If your student would like a packet, please email Caroline Sandrew, Director of Upper Campus Visual and Performing Arts.

Tuesday, March 21: Mustang Rally Sponsorship Window Closes

Wednesday, March 22: Special Solidarity Sandy Springs Food Pantry Chapel Service
Parents are invited to join their students to hear from Solidarity Sandy Springs Volunteers, on how our MV community can impact local families with food insecurities.

Friday, March 24: Coffee With Leah Nestor
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
On Thursday students will engage the five senses, focusing on positive experiences, and compiling a list of healthy coping skills. During this session, we will replicate the experience for parents. Join Leah Nestor, Max Hanson, and Lycedia Gasaway for an opportunity to talk about engaging the 5 senses to foster stress and anxiety coping strategies for students.

Friday, March 24: Parent University: Setting the Conditions for Students’ Online Safety
8:15 – 9:30 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents of students in Kindergarten – Grade 12 are invited to attend this informational session about Bark, a tool to monitor online content, manage screen time, and filter websites. Renee Abrams, a representative from Bark, and Katie Cain, Lower School Director of Instructional Technology will lead the session. Please RSVP here.

Save These Dates

Saturday, March 25: Week of Impact Hands-on Service Day, Solidarity Sandy Springs Pantry
8:15 am – 12:30 pm
Solidarity Sandy Springs, 86 Mount Vernon Highway
Kick off Mount Vernon’s inaugural Week of Impact with a community-wide day of service. Volunteers will help sort, pack, and shop for pantry items with families in need. Sign up here. Minimum age to serve is five years old.

Sunday, March 26: Week of Impact Soup Supper
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Upper School Cafe
Families are invited to come together in fellowship for a soup supper in support of the Week of Impact. Each participant will select and receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by a MV Upper School student. $25 per person, with all proceeds going to the MVFund benefiting MV Studios. Space is limited. Register here.

Monday, March 27: Mustang Golf Tournament
8:00 am until Tournament Completion
White Columns Country Club, 300 Clubhouse Dr, Milton, GA 30004
Parents, grandparents, businesses, and corporate partners are invited to participate in the inaugural Arrow Exterminators Mustang Golf Tournament. All proceeds going to the MVFund benefiting MV Athletics. Purchase brunch tickets, sponsorships, and foursomes here. Registration begins at 8:00 am, with a shotgun start at 10:00 am.

March 27 – 31: Week of Impact Solidarity Food Pantry Collection Drive
Morning & Afternoon Carpool Collection
During the Week of Impact, CGI (Community, Giving, & Impact) will collect individual pantry items in support of Solidarity Sandy Springs. Students and families are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, personal hygiene supplies, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Items will be sorted and delivered on Friday, March 31.

Wednesday, March 29: Late Start
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Saturday, April 1: Week of Impact Hands-on Service Day, Solidarity Sandy Springs Pantry
8:15 am – 12:30 pm
Solidarity Sandy Springs, 86 Mount Vernon Highway
Kick off Mount Vernon’s inaugural Week of Impact with a community-wide day of service. Volunteers will help sort, pack, and shop for pantry items with families in need. Sign up here. Minimum age to serve is five years old.

Saturday, April 1: Mount Vernon Arts Alliance Build Event
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Little Shop of Horrors show. Volunteer here.

Thursday, April 6: Open Parent Q&As with Head of School Kristy Lundstrom
Join Kristy to get your questions answered live, in a group environment, either in-person in the morning, or via Zoom in the evening.

In Person: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Fellowship Hall on Lower Campus
Coffee will be served.

Virtual: 6:00 – 7:00 pm (via Zoom)
RSVP here for either or both. A zoom link will be sent to those that RSVP for the virtual Q&A.

Friday, April 7 & Monday, April 10: No School for Students/Staff

March 1 – April 1: Week of Impact MV FUND 300 for 50,000
Increase your impact. Now through April 1, make a gift to the MVFund to be one of the 300 donors needed to unlock a generous gift of $50,000.

Thursday, March 16: MVGlobal Affinity Group Launch Event
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Fostering connections between families with strong international interests MVGlobal will create a vibrant space to celebrate Mount Vernon’s rich cultural diversity. The whole family is invited to participate in this collaborative event featuring international and cultural experiences through music, displays, food, and more. If you are interested in showcasing a culture important to your family, sign up here.

Friday, March 17: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group meeting to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Save These Dates

March 20 – 24: Upper Campus Arts Madness Week
During Community each day, students will make and appreciate art through featured performances, ceramics, drawing, and conclude the week with a fashion show.

March 20 – 24: Middle School Newsies Workshops & Auditions in Middle School Blackbox
Performer’s Workshop: Monday, March 20, 3:30 – 4:00 pm
Tech Team workshop: Tuesday, March 21, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Auditions: Wednesday, March 22, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Callbacks: Thursday, March 23, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Audition information packets will be available on March 15. If your student would like a packet, please email Caroline Sandrew, Director of Upper Campus Visual and Performing Arts.

Tuesday, March 21: Mustang Rally Sponsorship Window Closes

Friday, March 24: Coffee With Leah Nestor
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
More information to come.

Friday, March 24: Parent University: Setting the Conditions for Students’ Online Safety
8:15 – 9:30 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents of students in Kindergarten – Grade 12 are invited to attend this informational session about Bark, a tool to monitor online content, manage screen time, and filter websites. Renee Abrams, a representative from Bark, and Katie Cain, Lower School Director of Instructional Technology will lead the session.

Saturday, March 25: Week of Impact Hands on Service Day at Solidarity Food Pantry
8:15 am – 12:30 pm
Solidarity Sandy Spring, 86 Mount Vernon Highway
Kick off Mount Vernon’s inaugural Week of Impact with a community-wide day of service. Volunteers will help sort, pack, and shop for pantry items with families in need. Sign up here. Minimum age to serve is five years old.

Sunday, March 26: Week of Impact Soup Supper
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Upper School Cafe
Families are invited to come together in fellowship for a soup supper in support of the Week of Impact. Each participant will select and receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by a MV Upper School student. $25 per person, with all proceeds going to the MVFund benefiting MV Studios. Space is limited. Register here.

Monday, March 27: Mustang Golf Tournament
8:00 am – Tournament Completion
White Columns Country Club, 300 Clubhouse Dr, Milton, GA 30004
Parents, grandparents, businesses, and corporate partners are invited to participate in the first annual Arrow Exterminators Mustang Golf Tournament. All proceeds going to the MVFund benefiting MV Athletics. Purchase brunch tickets, sponsorships, and foursomes here. Registration begins at 8:00 am, with a shotgun start at 10:00 am.

March 27 – 31: Week of Impact Solidarity Food Pantry Collection Drive
Morning & Afternoon Carpool Collection
During the Week of Impact, CGI (Community, Giving, & Impact) will collect individual pantry items in support of Solidarity Sandy Springs. Students and families are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, personal hygiene supplies, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Items will be sorted and delivered on Friday, March 31.

Wednesday, March 29: Late Start
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Thursday, March 30: Parent University: Innovation Flash Lab Hosted by MV Ventures
8:30 – 9:30 am
Studio(i) (Lower School)
Want to explore Design Thinking? Join Mount Vernon faculty and experience a Design Thinking Flash Lab. This interactive and invigorating session will immerse you in the fundamental learning approach of the School.

Sunday, April 1: Mount Vernon Arts Alliance Build Event
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Little Shop of Horrors show. Volunteer here.

February 27 – March 2: Grade 7 Class Trip to Boston & Grade 8 Class Trip to Washington, D.C.
There will be no Extended Day on these days.

February 28 – March 2: Grade 6 Class Trip to Mount Trail Outdoor School
There will be no Extended Day on these days.

Wednesday, March 1: Financial Aid Applications Due
Create your Clarity account here.

Thursday, March 2: MV Studios Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Black Box Theatre (Upper School)
Join the MV Arts Alliance and special guest Director of Lower Campus Visual & Performing Arts/Middle School Dance Studio Manager Shay Jones, for coffee and community to learn more about the transition from Lower to Middle School Art programs.

Friday, March 3: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School: 12:00 pm
Upper School: 12:15 pm
There will be no Extended Day on this day.

Save These Dates

March 6 – 10: No School
Spring Break

Thursday, March 16: MVGlobal Launch Event
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
MVGlobal facilitates connections between families with strong international links and interests to create a vibrant space in which we share Mount Vernon’s rich cultural diversity. The launch is an MVGlobal family collaborative event for the whole community to enjoy. If you are interested in participating or contributing to the event, sign up here.

Friday, March 17: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group meeting to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Monday, February 20: No School

Thursday, February 23: Coffee With Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Leah Nestor, Head of Middle School and Jared Colley, Upper Campus Head of Learning and Innovation for a Competency-Based Education conversation. The session will provide clarity in The School’s grading and assessment practices by answering questions such as: What do I do when my child has a C? What does Novice and Emerging mean? Where do I look in Altitude Learning to determine my child’s progress?

Friday, February 24: MVGlobal Affinity Group Meeting
8:15 – 9:30 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
The MVGlobal Affinity Group welcomes parents and grandparents with international backgrounds to connect around sharing rich cultural diversity within the MV Community and have a chance to discuss the upcoming MVGlobal event and cultural celebration on March 16, 2023. Should you wish to know more about the March 16 event, click here or contact MV Global Affinity Group parent members Lejla Ibrahimbegovic, Vanita Vaswani, Laura Von Vieregge, and/or Christine Gilmour.

Friday, February 24: Inclusion Network BIPOC Family Affinity Excursion
8:15 – 10:00 am
Cafe I Am, 5825 Mount Creek Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) families are invited for a morning of connection and conversation at Cafe I Am. This affinity group is open to all BIPOC members of the MV community, including parents of BIPOC children.

Save These Dates

February 27 – March 2: Grade 7 Class Trip to Boston & Grade 8 Class Trip to Washington, D.C.

February 28 – March 2: Grade 6 Class Trip to Mount Trail Outdoor School

Wednesday, March 1: Financial Aid Applications Due
Create your Clarity account here.

Thursday, March 2: MV Studios Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Black Box Theatre (Upper School)
Join the MV Arts Alliance and special guest Director of Lower Campus Visual & Performing Arts/Middle School Dance Studio Manager Shay Jones, for coffee and community to learn more about the transition from Lower to Middle School Art programs.

Friday, March 3: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School: 12:00 pm
Upper School: 12:15 pm
There will be no PlayMaker Classes or Extended Play on this day.

March 6 – 10: No School
Spring Break

Tuesday, February 14: Valentine’s Spirit Day
Students are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day by wearing a red/pink shirt with uniform bottoms.

Tuesday, February 14: Girl Talk Meeting
7:20 – 8:00 am
Middle School Cafeteria
Students in Grades 6 – 8 are invited to join Director of Counseling Services Kelli Bynum to build a supportive network and learn valuable skills in a safe environment with peers who understand daily difficulties and challenges.

Tuesday, February 14: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 9
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theatre
Grade 8 (Class of 2027) parents are invited to an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grade 9. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

Wednesday, February 15: Jazz Night
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Café
Celebrate Mardi Gras with Middle and Upper School music students as they perform with professional musicians! Enjoy food, drinks, and activities such as a dance lesson, mask-making and more. Guest appearances from Lower School Performing Arts Teacher Amanda Lower and other talented faculty members.
Reserve your tickets.

Friday, February 17: No School For Students
Faculty/Staff Professional Development

Save These Dates

Monday, February 20: No School

Thursday, February 23: Coffee With Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Leah Nestor, Head of Middle School and Jared Colley, Upper Campus Head of Learning and Innovation for a Competency-Based Education conversation. The session will provide clarity in The School’s grading and assessment practices by answering questions such as: What do I do when my child has a C? What does Novice and Emerging mean? Where do I look in Altitude Learning to determine my child’s progress?

Friday, February 24: MVGlobal Affinity Group Meeting
8:15 – 9:30 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
As the MVGlobal Affinity Group continues to be developed as a new addition to the IDEA Affinity and Alliance program at the School, parents and grandparents with international backgrounds are invited to design connections that increase the rich cultural diversity within the MV Community.

Friday, February 24: Inclusion Network BIPOC Family Affinity Excursion
8:15 – 10:00 am
Cafe I Am, 5825 Mount Creek Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) families are invited for a morning of connection & conversation at Cafe I Am. This affinity group is open to all BIPOC members of the MV community, including parents of BIPOC children.

February 27 – March 2: Grades 7 – 8 Class Trips

February 28 – March 2: Grade 6 Class Trip

Wednesday, March 1: Financial Aid Applications Due
Create your Clarity account here.

Thursday, March 2: MV Studios Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Black Box Theatre (Upper School)
Join the MV Arts Alliance and special guest Director of Lower Campus Visual & Performing Arts/Middle School Dance Studio Manager Shay Jones, for coffee and community to learn more about the transition from Lower to Middle School Art programs.

Friday, March 3: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School: 12:00 pm
Upper School: 12:15 pm
There will be no PlayMaker Classes or Extended Play on this day.

Monday, February 6: Perennial Enrollment Period Ends

Monday, February 6: Parent University: Virtual Lunch & Learn, Partnering to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Development
12:00 – 1:00 pm
The Mount Vernon experience is one of partnership in which there is a shared understanding of how to best support the social and emotional development of your children, our students. Join this session to hear from local healthcare experts Dr. Cecilia Williams Durden of TLC Psychology and Dr. Shayna Smith of Flourish Pediatrics. This presentation is intended to provide further understanding on social-emotional development and how best to support your child. Register to attend here.

Wednesday, February 8: Grandparent Tour, Bingo & Hot Chocolate
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Upper School Tour With Head of School Kristy Lundstrom
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Hot Chocolate and Bingo in Upper School Café
The MVPN Grandparent Committee welcomes Grandparents of students in Grades 6 – 12 for an afternoon of conversation, hot chocolate, and bingo. The event will kick off at 4:00 pm with an Upper School tour led by Kristy Lundstrom, the Head of School. Following the tour, guests will gather in the Upper School Café for hot chocolate and bingo from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Please register for the event using this link or email Jenn Brown if you plan to attend.

Save These Dates

Wednesday, February 15: Jazz Night
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Café
Celebrate Mardi Gras with Middle and Upper School music students as they perform with professional musicians! Enjoy food, drinks, and activities such as a dance lesson, mask-making and more. Guest appearances from Lower School Performing Arts Teacher Amanda Lower and other talented faculty members. Reserve your tickets.

Tuesday, February 14: Class Valentine Parties

Wednesday, February 15: Upper Campus Jazz Night
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Cafe
Join Middle and Upper School students for dinner and show with special guest appearances from Lower School Performing Arts Teacher Amanda Lower and others. Buy tickets here.

Friday, February 17: No School For Students

Monday, February 20: No School

Thursday, February 23: Coffee With Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Leah Nestor, Head of Middle School, Max Hanson, Associate Head of Middle School, and Jared Colley, Upper Campus Head of Learning and Innovation for a Competency-Based Education conversation. The session will provide clarity in The School’s grading and assessment practices by answering questions such as: What do I do when my child has a C? What does Novice and Emerging mean? Where do I look in Altitude Learning to determine my child’s progress?

Friday, February 24: MVGlobal Affinity Group Meeting
8:15 – 9:30 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to join in conversation to design connection opportunities among Mount Vernon families with strong international ties as we build the Global Affinity Group.

Wednesday, March 1: Financial Aid Applications Due
Create your Clarity account here.

Tuesday, January 31: Grade 8 Innovation Diploma Informational Session
10:15 – 11:15 am
Black Box Theater (Upper School)
Grade 8 parents who want to learn more about Upper’s School signature program, Innovation Diploma (iD) are invited to attend this information session with Associate Director of Innovation Diploma Krista Fancher, iD Teacher Emily Wilcox, and students.

Wednesday, February 1 – Friday, February 3: Middle School’s Mount Vernon Live
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Introducing Mount Vernon Live, a night of laughter, music, and entertainment produced by the Middle School theatre students. Come for the scripted scenes, improv, musical theatre, and more. Don’t miss out on the fun. Reserve your tickets today.

Friday, February 3: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Save These Dates

Monday, February 6: Perennial Enrollment Period Ends
Information on Financial Assistance can be found here.

Monday, February 6: Parent University: Virtual Lunch & Learn, Partnering to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Development
12:00 – 1:00 pm
The Mount Vernon experience is one of partnership in which there is a shared understanding of how to best support the social and emotional development of your children, our students. Join this session to hear from local healthcare experts Dr. Cecilia Williams Durden of TLC Psychology and Dr. Shayna Smith of Flourish Pediatrics. This presentation is intended to provide further understanding on social-emotional development and how best to support your child. RSVP here.

Wednesday, February 8: Grandparent Tour, Bingo & Hot Chocolate
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Upper School Tour With Head of School Kristy Lundstrom
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Hot Chocolate and Bingo in Upper School Café
The MVPN Grandparent Committee welcomes Grandparents of students in Grades 6 – 12 for an afternoon of conversation, hot chocolate, and bingo. The event will kick off at 4:00 pm with an Upper School tour led by Kristy Lundstrom, the Head of School. Following the tour, guests will gather in the Upper School Café for hot chocolate and bingo from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Please register for the event using this link or email Jenn Brown if you plan to attend.

Tuesday, February 14: Class Valentine Parties

Wednesday, February 15: Upper Campus Jazz Night
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Cafe
Join Middle and Upper School students for dinner and show with special guest appearances from Lower School Performing Arts Teacher Amanda Lower and others. Buy tickets here.

Friday, February 17: No School For Students

Monday, February 20: No School

Monday, January 23 – Monday, February 6: Perennial Enrollment Period
More information to come.

Tuesday, January 24: Uniform Resale
7:45 – 9:15 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers are needed to prepare and help with sales and breakdown. Sign up to help.

Tuesday, January 24 & Thursday, January 26: Middle School ERB Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am
This assessment furnishes the School with a baseline of individualized data about student growth to help guide instruction. Students should bring their fully-charged iPad. Those without a charged iPad may be asked to complete ERB testing during make-up testing days (week of January 30). Students should bring a book to read when they finish testing.
Tuesday: Math
Thursday: Reading Comprehension

Wednesday, January 25: Late State For Students
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Wednesday, January 25 – Saturday, January 27: 39 Steps Theater Performances
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Black Box Theater (Upper School)
39 Steps is entirely run by senior theatre students. The show set in interwar Europe blends comedy with thrills and action, and features countless laughs, romance, and over 100 characters, played by a tremendously talented four-person cast. There is limited seating in the theater so reserve your tickets today.

Thursday, January 26: Towson University Choral Performance
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Lower Campus Sanctuary
Maryland’s Towson University Chorale is a mixed-voice ensemble dedicated to the performance of choral music from all styles and historical periods. No reservation or ticket required.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, February 1 – Friday, February 3: Middle School Winter Show
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Introducing Mount Vernon Live, a night of laughter, music, and entertainment produced by the Middle School theatre students. Come for the scripted scenes, improv, musical theatre, and more. Don’t miss out on the fun. Reserve your tickets today.

Friday, February 3: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Monday, February 6: Parent University: Virtual Lunch & Learn, Partnering to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Development
12:00 – 1:00 pm
The Mount Vernon experience is one of partnership in which there is a shared understanding of how to best support the social and emotional development of your children, our students. Join this session to hear from local healthcare experts Dr. Cecilia Williams Durden of TLC Psychology and Dr. Shayna Smith of Flourish Pediatrics. This presentation is intended to provide further understanding on social-emotional development and how best to support your child. RSVP here.

Wednesday, February 8: Grandparent Tour, Bingo & Hot Chocolate
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Upper School Tour With Head of School Kristy Lundstrom
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Hot Chocolate and Bingo in Upper School Café
The MVPN Grandparent Committee welcomes Grandparents of students in Grades 6 – 12 for an afternoon of conversation, hot chocolate, and bingo. The event will kick off at 4:00 pm with an Upper School tour led by Kristy Lundstrom, the Head of School. Following the tour, guests will gather in the Upper School Café for hot chocolate and bingo from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Please register for the event using this link or email Jenn Brown if you plan to attend.

Monday, January 16: No School for Students/Staff

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, January 23 – Monday, February 6: Perennial Enrollment Period
More information to come.

Tuesday, January 24: Uniform Resale
7:45 – 9:15 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers are needed to prepare and help with sales and breakdown. Sign up to help.

Tuesday, January 24 & Thursday, January 26: Middle School ERB Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am

Wednesday, January 25: Late State For Students
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Wednesday, January 25 – Saturday, January 27: 39 Steps Theater Performances
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Black Box Theater (Upper School)
39 Steps is entirely run by senior theatre students. The show set in interwar Europe blends comedy with thrills and action, and features countless laughs, romance, and over 100 characters, played by a tremendously talented four-person cast. There is limited seating in the theater so reserve your tickets today.

Wednesday, January 11: Virtual Coffee for Grandparents
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Community Giving and Impact for a moment of connection. Join via Zoom.

Friday, January 13: Parent University: Trends In College Counseling
8:15 – 9:15 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Join MV’s College Counseling Team, Dr. Erin McCubbin, Ryan May, Aerial Dickerson, and Alejando Ramirez to learn more about the added advantage to a Mount Vernon education. The team looks forward to sharing what they have learned about the shift in education through COVID19 and how The School is uniquely prepared to be competitive even in the most uncertain times. RSVP here.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, January 16: No School for Students/Staff

Monday, January 23 – Monday, February 6: Perennial Enrollment Period
More information to come.

Tuesday, January 24: Uniform Resale
7:45 – 9:15 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers are needed to prepare and help with sales and breakdown. Sign up to help.

Tuesday, January 24 & Thursday, January 26: Middle School ERB Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am

Wednesday, January 25: Late State For Students
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Wednesday, January 25 – Saturday, January 27: 39 Steps Theater Performances
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Black Box Theater (Upper School)
39 Steps is entirely run by senior theatre students. The show set in interwar Europe blends comedy with thrills and action, and features countless laughs, romance, and over 100 characters, played by a tremendously talented four-person cast. There is limited seating in the theater so reserve your tickets today.

Tuesday, January 3: Students return from holiday break

Friday, January 6: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Save these dates

Wednesday, January 11: Virtual Coffee for Grandparents
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Community Giving and Impact for a moment of connection via Zoom.

Friday, January 13: Parent University: Trends In College Counseling
8:15 – 9:15 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Join MV’s College Counseling Team, Dr. Erin McCubbin, Ryan May, Aerial Dickerson, and Alejando Ramirez to learn more about the added advantage to a Mount Vernon education. The team looks forward to sharing what they have learned about the shift in education through COVID19 and how The School is uniquely prepared to be competitive even in the most uncertain times. RSVP here.

Monday, January 16: No School for Students/Staff

December 7 – 14: Winter Impact Drive Benefiting Toys for Tots
In partnership with the United States Marine Corps, Mount Vernon is hoping to collect 3,000 new, unwrapped toys throughout the week in carpool and in classrooms. This collection drive will culminate in Chapel on both campuses on Wednesday, December 14.

December 11 & 12: Mount Vernon Arts Alliance Build Event
Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Christmas Arts Showcase. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested.

December 12 – 16: Winter Dress-Out
Monday – Wacky Winter
Funny holiday outfits such as: Hanukkah onesies, Kwanzaa socks, Santa hats etc. – onesie or uniform bottoms
Tuesday – Winter Wonderland
Wear blue, white, and silver clothing and accessories – uniform bottoms
Wednesday – Christmas Morning
Wear winter pajamas – long pajama pants or uniform bottoms (Toys for Tots Chapel)
Thursday – Candy Cane
Red and white clothing and accessories – uniform bottoms
Friday – Holiday Team Competition
Wear your team color top to get a point for your grade – uniform bottoms
Team Colors: Grade 8/Red, Grade 7/Green, Grade 6/White

Tuesday, December 13: Upper Campus Christmas Arts Showcase
4:00 pm or 6:00 pm
Parents, grandparents, and special friends are invited to attend one of the most magical afternoons of the year. The Christmas Arts Showcase is a time for students to show off their artistic talents in the spirit of the holidays. Reserve your tickets today.

Wednesday, December 14: MV Serves Toys for Tots Chapel
8:00 – 8:30 am
Upper Campus Gym
Grade 8 is joining Grades 2 – 5 chapel at 8:05 – 8:35 in the Sanctuary on Lower Campus.

Thursday, December 15: Coffee With Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Leah Nestor, Head of Middle School, Max Hanson, Associate Head of Middle School, and David Ayers, Dean of Student Life for a discussion about social pressures that affect middle school students. These pressures can be manifested socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Friday, December 16: Grade 6 PBL Showcase
9:45 – 10:45 am
Middle School Lightbox
Grade 6 is excited to present their home prototypes for their PBL: “What’s Shakin’? How Might We Design a House to Withstand an Earthquake?”. Their families are invited to visit with the students and learn about their intentionally designed homes.

Friday, December 16: Middle School Holiday Assembly
11:00 – 11:50 am
Upper Campus Gym
Middle School families are invited to attend this assembly for an opportunity to pause and reflect on the school year. With an overarching message of appreciation, students will leave ready to gracefully receive friends and family over the holiday season.

Friday, December 16: Early Dismissal 12:00 pm
 

SAVE THESE DATES

December 19 – January 2: Holiday Break – No School
Classes resume on Tuesday, January 3.

Monday, December 5: Rising Upper School Walk & Talk
9:30 – 10:30 am
Upper School Lobby
Have you wondered what life will be like for your student when they continue to Upper School at Mount Vernon? Join us for a walk and talk to see MV Upper in action. RSVP here.

Tuesday, December 6: MVPN Steering Committee Office Hours
8:00 – 9:30 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents are invited to sign up to speak with Jenn Brown, MVPN Chairman about committee-specific questions, event planning, newsletter help, or post-event after-action reviews.

Tuesday, December 6: Christmas Arts Showcase Volunteer Meeting & Prop Build Event
3:30 – 6:30 pm
Middle School Cafeteria
Families are invited to support MV Studios and the upcoming Christmas Arts Showcase by volunteering to help build and paint props. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested in participating at any capacity.

Wednesday, December 7: Late Start For Students
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Wednesday, December 7: Gently Worn Uniform Collection
During Carpool, gently worn uniforms will be collected for the uniform resale on January 10.

Wednesday, December 7: Middle and Upper School Faculty Appreciation Luncheon
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Middle School Lightbox
Parents are invited to show appreciation for Mount Vernon Faculty and Staff on this special day. Sign up for one or two hours.

December 7 – 14: Winter Impact Drive Benefiting Toys for Tots
In partnership with the United States Marine Corps, Mount Vernon is hoping to collect 3,000 new, unwrapped toys throughout the week in carpool and in classrooms. This collection drive will culminate in Chapel on both campuses on Wednesday, December 14.

SAVE THESE DATES

December 11 & 12: Mount Vernon Arts Alliance Build Event
Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Christmas Arts Showcase. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested.

Tuesday, December 13: Upper Campus Christmas Arts Showcase
4:00 pm or 6:00 pm
Parents, grandparents, and special friends are invited to attend one of the most magical afternoons of the year. The Christmas Arts Showcase is a time for students to show off their artistic talents in the spirit of the holidays. Reserve your tickets today.

Wednesday, December 14: MV Serves Toys for Tots Chapel
8:00 – 8:30 am
Upper Campus Gym

Thursday, December 15: Coffee With Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Leah Nestor, Head of Middle School, Max Hanson, Associate Head of Middle School, and David Ayers, Dean of Student Life for a discussion about social pressures that affect middle school students. These pressures can be manifested socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Friday, December 16: Middle School Holiday Assembly
11:00 – 11:50 am
Upper Campus Gym
Middle School families are invited to attend this assembly for an opportunity to pause and reflect on the school year. With an overarching message of appreciation, students will leave ready to gracefully receive friends and family over the holiday season.

December 19 – January 2: Holiday Break – No School
Classes resume on Tuesday, January 3.

Tuesday, November 29: Mount Vernon Celebrates #GivingTuesday
Giving Tuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of impactful generosity around the world and reimagines a world built upon shared humanity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help. Every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. Have an impact on Mount Vernon this #GivingTuesday by making a commitment to Learn, Serve, and Give.

Wednesday, November 30: Admissions for MV Siblings – Informational Meeting
8:15 – 8:45 am
Fellowship Hall
Are you considering submitting an admissions application for a current Mount Vernon student’s sibling this year? Mount Vernon values keeping families and siblings together when it is the right educational choice. Join the Admissions Team for an informational session where they will review the application process and share helpful tips as well as all the ways to visit campus. RSVP here.

SAVE THESE DATES

Saturday, December 3: Clark Taylor’s One-Man Performance of A Cherry Log Christmas Carol
Black Box Theater (Upper School)
2:00 – 3:30 pm & 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Mount Vernon’s annual holiday performance features Clark Taylor who brings his one-man performance to the stage. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol has a ghostly twist this year. Local Atlanta professional actors and musicians take the stage for this amazing and moving evening of storytelling. Reserve your ticket today.

Monday, December 5: Rising Upper School Walk & Talk
9:30 – 10:30 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Have you wondered what life will be like for your student when they continue to Upper School at Mount Vernon? Join us for a walk and talk to see MV Upper in action.

Tuesday, December 6: Christmas Arts Showcase Volunteer Meeting & Prop Build Event
3:30 – 6:30 pm
Middle School Cafeteria
Families are invited to support MV Studios and the upcoming Christmas Arts Showcase by volunteering to help build and paint props. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested in participating at any capacity.

Wednesday, December 7: Late Start For Students
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Wednesday, December 7: Middle School and Upper School Faculty Appreciation Luncheon
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Middle School Lightbox
Parents are invited to show appreciation for Mount Vernon Faculty and Staff on this special day. Sign up for an hour or two time slot.

Monday, December 7 – 14: Winter Impact Drive Benefiting Toys for Tots
In partnership with the United States Marine Corps, Mount Vernon is collecting new, unwrapped toys throughout the week in carpool and in classrooms. This collection drive will culminate in chapel on both campuses on Wednesday, December 14.

December 11 & 12: Mount Vernon Arts Alliance Build Event
Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Christmas Arts Showcase. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested.

Tuesday, December 13: Upper Campus Christmas Arts Showcase
Two start times: 4:30 and 6:30 pm
Parents, grandparents, and special friends are invited to join their students for one of the most magical afternoons of the year. The Christmas Arts Showcase is a time for students to show off their artistic talents in the spirit of the holidays. Reserve your tickets today.

Wednesday, December 14: MV Serves Toys for Tots Chapel
Details will be coming soon.

Thursday, December 15: Coffee With Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am

Wednesday, November 16: MVXchange: Fostering Community, a Q&A with Kristy
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Parents and grandparents are invited to this event to foster community and learn more about how students learn at Mount Vernon. Beginning with an interactive hands-on activity, Mount Vernon will model experiential learning for you and with you. Following, Kristy Lundstrom will host a Q&A session. RSVP here.

Friday, November 18: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School: 12:00 pm
Upper School: 12:15 pm

 

SAVE THESE DATES

November 21 – 25: Thanksgiving Break
No school for students/staff.

November 25 – 27: Men of Valor (MOV) Thanksgiving Break Basketball Camp
9:00 – 11:30
Upper Campus Gym
All Lower and Middle School students are invited to join Coach T and Coach Reed Dungan for a character-building weekend with instruction on the “Basketball 7”: Character, Shooting, Dribbling, Passing, Rebounding, Defense, and Basketball IQ. Register for $100/Mustang.

Wednesday, November 30: MV Sibling Admissions Information Meeting
8:15 – 8:45 am
Fellowship Hall
Are you considering submitting an admissions application for a current Mount Vernon student’s sibling this year? Mount Vernon values keeping families and siblings together when it is the right educational choice. Join the Admissions Team for an informational session where they will review the application process and share helpful tips as well as all the ways to visit campus. RSVP here.

Saturday, December 3: Christmas Carol Showtimes
Black Box (Upper School)
2:00 – 3:30 pm & 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Mount Vernon’s perennial holiday event, featuring Clark Taylor bringing his one-man performance to the stage, this year with a ghostly twist. Local Atlanta professional actors and musicians take the stage for this amazing and moving evening of storytelling. Ticket information is coming soon.

Monday, December 7 – 14: Winter Impact Drive Benefiting Toys for Tots
In partnership with the United States Marine Corps, Mount Vernon is collecting new, unwrapped toys throughout the week in carpool and in classrooms. This collection drive will culminate in chapel on both campuses on Wednesday, December 14.

Tuesday, November 8: Uniform and Spirit Wear Resale
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, polo dresses, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers will be needed to set up, help with sales, and break down. Volunteers are needed, sign up to help.

Wednesday, November 9: IDEA Global Affinity Meeting
8:00 – 10:00 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to join in conversation to design connection opportunities among Mount Vernon families with strong international ties as we build the Global Affinity Group.

November 9 – 11: Middle School Mainstage Performances
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Black Box Theater (Middle School)
Families are invited to join Mount Vernon’s young thespians as they perform The Great Middle School Poe-A-Thon & Peter And The Starcatcher. Purchase tickets here.
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SAVE THESE DATES

Saturday, November 12: MV Inclusion Network: Affinity & Alliance Celebration Brunch
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hotel Avalon 9000 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 30009
Mustangs of all ages are welcome to join in celebration as Mount Vernon strides towards inclusion & the diversity of the community. A short program will be followed by brunch and fellowship as we welcome the season of thanksgiving.

Saturday, November 12: MV Arts Alliance Build Event
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Christmas Arts Showcase. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested.

Wednesday, November 16: MVXchange: Fostering Community, a Q&A with Kristy
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Parents and grandparents are invited to this event to foster community and learn more about how students learn at Mount Vernon. Beginning with an interactive hands-on activity, we will model experiential learning for you and with you. Following, Kristy Lundstrom will host a Q&A session. RSVP here.

Friday, November 18: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School: 12:00 pm
Upper School: 12:15 pm

November 21 – 25: Thanksgiving Break
No School for students/staff.

Monday, October 31: Halloween Spirit Day
Students are invited to wear orange or Halloween themed shirts with uniform bottoms.

Thursday, November 3: MV Studios Monthly Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Join the MV Arts Alliance for coffee, community and classwork to learn more about the Arts program, student creativity, and insight from MV Studios artists.

Friday, November 4: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School 12:00 pm
Upper School 12:15 pm

Friday, November 4: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, November 8: Uniform and Spirit Wear Resale
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, polo dresses, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers will be needed to set up, help with sales, and break down. Volunteers are needed, sign up to help.

November 9 – 11: Middle School Mainstage Performances
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Black Box Theater (Middle School)
Families are invited to join Mount Vernon’s young thespians as they perform The Great Middle School Poe-A-Thon & Peter And The Starcatcher. Ticket reservation information coming soon.

Sunday, November 12: MV Arts Alliance Build Event
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Families are invited to support MV Studios as they build the set for the upcoming Senior Theatre Project, 39 Steps. Contact Desiree Vogt if you are interested.

Wednesday, November 16: MVXchange: Fostering Community, a Q&A with Kristy
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Parents and grandparents are invited to this event to foster community and learn more about how students learn at Mount Vernon. Beginning with an interactive hands-on activity, we will model experiential learning for you and with you. Following, Kristy Lundstrom will host a Q&A session. RSVP here.

Friday, November 18: Early Dismissal
Preschool 11:15 am
Lower School 11:30 am
Middle School: 12:00 pm
Upper School: 12:15 pm

Tuesday, October 25: Girl Talk Meeting
7:20 – 8:00 am
Middle School Cafeteria
Students in Grades 6-8 are invited to join Director of Counseling Services Kelli Bynum to build a supportive network and learn valuable skills in a safe environment with peers who understand daily difficulties and challenges.

Tuesday, October 25: Parent University: Spiritual Life at Mount Vernon
8:15 – 9:15 am
Fellowship Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents are invited to join Chief of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action) Stacey Lee to explore the ties between Mount Vernon’s expressed Christian values and its commitment to IDEA. RSVP here.

Thursday, October 27: Middle School Family Night (for Grade 7 and 8 families only)
6:00 – 7:15 pm
Middle School Building
Grades 7 and 8 families are invited to learn more about the innovative teaching and learning experiences happening in the Middle School. Teachers will share details about their courses. This is a great opportunity to connect with each other and exchange stories. This is not an event for students. More details coming soon. Please note: Grade 6 Family Night was held on August 29.

Friday, October 28: Home Varsity Football Game With Lower Campus
3:30 – 6:00 pm
The Upper Campus Green (between Middle and Upper School buildings)
The Mustang Athletic Club has invited all Lower Campus students and families to the Upper Campus to enjoy bouncy houses and participate in a costume contest. Concessions will be open. Don’t forget to wear a costume!

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, October 31: Halloween Spirit Day
Students are invited to wear orange or Halloween themed shirts with uniform bottoms.

Thursday, November 3: MV Studios Monthly Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Join the MV Arts Alliance for coffee, community and classwork to learn more about the Arts program, student creativity, and insight from MV Studios artists.

Friday, November 4: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Friday, November 4: Early Dismissal
11:30 am – LC
12:00 pm – MS
12:30 pm – US
There will be no Extended Play or Playmaker on this day.

Tuesday, November 8: Uniform and Spirit Wear Resale
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, polo dresses, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers will be needed to set up, help with sales, and break down. Volunteers are needed, sign up to help.

November 9 – 11: Middle School Mainstage Performances
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Black Box Theater (Middle School)
Families are invited to join Mount Vernon’s young thespians as they perform The Great Middle School Poe-A-Thon & Peter And The Starcatcher. Ticket reservation information coming soon.

Wednesday, October 19: Late Start
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

October 20 – 22: Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility Events
Thursday, October 20:
4:30 – 5:00 pm: Fall Arts/Theatre Showcase in MS Art Gallery
5:00 – 6:00 pm: Grandparents Reception in MS Art Gallery
6:00 – 9:00 pm: Sense & Sensibility performance in Upper School Black Box Theatre
Friday, October 21:
4:00 – 6:00 pm: Sense & Sensibility performance in Upper School Black Box Theatre
Saturday, October 22:
2:00 – 4:00 pm: Sense & Sensibility performance in Upper School Black Box Theatre
6:00 – 9:00 pm: Sense & Sensibility performance in Upper School Black Box Theatre

Friday, October 21: Middle School Halloween Bash
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Middle School Cafeteria
Students in Grades 6 – 8 are invited to dress up in costume (appropriate for a school setting) to celebrate Halloween. This bash will feature games and activities in the Upper Campus Gym and surrounding hallways. Food and drinks will be provided while a DJ plays music. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the MS Carpool Circle. Sign Up to bring snacks and games. Please note: Regular spirit wear should be worn during the school day.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, October 25: Girl Talk Meeting
7:20 – 8:00 am
Middle School Cafeteria
Students are invited to join Director of Counseling Services Kelli Bynum to build a supportive network and learn valuable skills in a safe environment with peers who understand daily difficulties and challenges.

Thursday, October 27: Middle School Family Night (for Grade 7 and 8 families only)
6:00 – 7:15 pm
Middle School Building
Grades 7 and 8 families are invited to learn more about the innovative teaching and learning experiences happening in the Middle School. Teachers will share details about their courses. This is a great opportunity to connect with each other and exchange stories. This is not an event for students. More details coming soon. Please note: Grade 6 Family Night was held on August 29.

Friday, October 28: Home Varsity Football Game With Lower Campus
3:30 – 6:00 pm
The Upper Campus Green (between Middle and Upper School buildings)
The Mustang Athletic Club has invited all Lower Campus students and families to the Upper Campus to enjoy bouncy houses and participate in a costume contest. Concessions will be open. Don’t forget to wear a costume!

Monday, October 31: Halloween Spirit Day
Students are invited to wear orange or Halloween themed shirts with uniform bottoms.

Thursday, November 3: MV Studios Monthly Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Join the MV Arts Alliance for coffee, community and classwork to learn more about the Arts program, student creativity, and insight from MV Studios artists.

Friday, November 4: MV Cares Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall (Lower Campus)
Parents and grandparents are invited to attend this monthly prayer group to lift up those in our MV community through care and prayer.

Monday, October 3: Parent University: John Trautwein, Will to Live Foundation
9:30 – 10:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
Families, faculty/staff, and Upper School students are invited to join former MLB pitcher and MV guest John Trautwein as he shares his story and reminds us how essential belonging is for the well-being of our students. John’s message is motivated by the loss of his son to suicide, illustrating the critical nature of showing and sharing care on a daily basis. This is a moment of encouragement as we bolster our commitment to talk about mental health and create an environment that supports openness and normalizes the use of resources. RSVP HERE.

Tuesday, October 4: Fall Arts and Music Festival & Open Mic Night
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Café and Learning Stairs
All families are invited to attend. There is no charge for admission for performers and Grandparents.
$5 tickets sold on Veracross.

Wednesday, October 5: Grade 7 Boston Trip Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
Grade 7 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Boston, Massachusetts in the spring.

Thursday, October 6: Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Trip Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
Grade 8 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring.

Thursday, October 6: Tea With Trish
9:30 am
Upper School Arts District: Room S102
Families are invited to join Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik for light refreshments while chatting about issues relevant to Upper School students.

Thursday, October 6: Final Day to Register For Rock the Block

October 7 – 10: No School
Fall Break

SAVE THESE DATES

October 11 & 12: Fall Decor Carpool Collection
Morning Carpool
Fall decorations will be collected during morning carpool on both campuses on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12. Sign up to contribute by donating decorations, setting up for the event, and/or breaking everything down. All decor will be placed throughout both campuses to be enjoyed for the rest of fall.

Thursday, October 13: Grade 6 Mountain Trail Outdoor School Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
Grade 6 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Mountain Trail Outdoor School, North Carolina.

Friday, October 14: Rock the Block Community Social
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Green
All families and alumni who are over 21, are invited to join together for a celebration of Home Team Pride. Dress in your favorite “Home Team” gear, whether it’s the MV Mustangs, World-Champion Atlanta Braves, the National Champion Dawgs, or any other team. Tickets are $25 per person and available for purchase until Thursday, October 6. Admission fee includes two drink vouchers, food, and live music by The Rainmen, who cover hits from the 60’s and 70’s. Some seating will be available and tailgating chairs are welcome. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

Wednesday, October 19: Late Start
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Thursday, October 20: OPENING NIGHT: Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility
4:30 – 6:00 pm – Fall Arts/Theater Showcase in MS Art Gallery
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Grandparents Reception in MS Art Gallery
6:00 – 9:00 pm – Doors Open in Upper School Black Box Theatre
Ticket info coming soon

Friday, October 21: Middle School Halloween Bash
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Middle School Cafeteria
Students in Grades 6 – 8 are invited to dress up in costume (appropriate for a school setting) to celebrate Halloween together. This bash will feature games and activities in the Upper Campus Gym and surrounding hallways. Food and drinks will be provided while a DJ plays music. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the MS Carpool Circle. Please note: Regular spirit wear should be worn during the school day.

Monday, September 26: Parent Admissions Ambassadors Kick-Off Meeting (virtual)
12:00 – 12:30pm
Zoom Link
The Mount Vernon Admissions Team is looking forward to partnering with parents. There are three ways to get involved as a Parent Admissions Ambassador throughout this school year: follow along on a guided tour at an Open House, share stories online, or reach out to prospective families who request a call from a current parent. Join this virtual information session to learn how to participate. If you are not able to join, and want to get involved, sign up here.

Tuesday, September 27: Made in MV Spirit Shop
7:45 – 9:00 am
Gear up for fall at the Made in MV Spirit Shop, with sweatshirts, long sleeve tees, and brightly colored tees available in youth and adult sizes, bags, bows, and LOTS of hats. Stop by Tuesdays/Wednesdays from 7:45-9:00 am or Thursdays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Or, go behind the scenes by signing up to work in the store, at a Pop Up Shop during varsity home football games, or help with the Uniform Resale (next one is on Tuesday, November 8).

Thursday, September 29: Coffee With Middle School Leaders
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Families of students in Grades 6-8 are invited to join Head of Middle School Leah Nestor, Associate Head of Middle School Max Hanson, and Dean of Students David Ayers to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with these developmental years. Please take a moment to read Middle School is Just Plain Hard for the discussion.

Friday, September 30: Parent University: Maker, Design & Engineering at Mount Vernon
9:45 – 10:45 am
Studio(i), Lower Campus
Families are invited to join Jim Tiffin, Director of MV’s Maker, Design & Engineering (MDE) to dig in and tinker while learning more about one of the School’s signature programs. Put your maker mindset to work to achieve the call for Inquiry, Innovation, and Impact. RSVP here.

Friday, September 30: Upper Campus Picture Retakes
9:00 – 10:15 am
Middle School Roundabout
Students who were absent on their original picture day can have their make-up portraits taken on this one day only. Retakes will also take place on this day. If you have not received picture proofs from Clicks of Love via email, please check your spam folder. If they are not there, please email Helen Hudgens, Communications and Content Strategist. Since Friday is a spirit day, please have your student bring their dress uniform shirts to change into before their picture. Please sign up if you would like your child to participate.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, October 3: Parent University: John Trautwein, Will to Live Foundation
9:30 – 10:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
Families, faculty/staff, and Upper School students are invited to join former MLB pitcher and MV guest John Trautwein as he shares his story and reminds us how essential belonging is for the well-being of our students. John’s message is motivated by the loss of his son to suicide, illustrating the critical nature of showing and sharing care on a daily basis. This is a moment of encouragement as we bolster our commitment to talk about mental health and create an environment that supports openness and normalizes the use of resources. RSVP HERE.

Tuesday, October 4: Fall Arts and Music Festival & Open Mic Night
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Café and Learning Stairs
All families are invited to attend. There is no charge for admission for performers and Grandparents.
$5 tickets sold on Veracross.

Wednesday, October 5: Grade 7 Boston Trip Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
Grade 7 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Boston, Massachusetts in the spring.

Thursday, October 6: Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Trip Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
Grade 8 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring.

Thursday, October 6: Tea With Trish
9:30 am
Upper School Arts District: Room S102
Families are invited to join Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik for light refreshments while chatting about issues relevant to Upper School students.

October 7 – 10: No School
Fall Break

Thursday, October 13: Grade 6 Mountain Trail Outdoor School Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
Grade 6 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Mountain Trail Outdoor School, North Carolina.

Friday, October 14: Rock the Block Community Social
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Green
Register by October 6
All families and alumni who are over 21, are invited to join together for a celebration of Home Team Pride. Dress in your favorite “Home Team” gear, whether it’s the MV Mustangs, World-Champion Atlanta Braves, the National Champion Dawgs, or any other team. Tickets are $25 per person and available for purchase until Thursday, October 6. Admission fee includes two drink vouchers, food, and live music by The Rainmen, who cover hits from the 60’s and 70’s. Some seating will be available and tailgating chairs are welcome. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

Tuesday, November 8: Uniform and Spirit Wear Resale
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, polo dresses, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear (including athletics) are available for purchase at $5 and $10. Volunteers will be needed to set up, help with sales, and breakdown. Sign up to help.

September 19 – 23: Junior Prefect Interviews
Upon invitation, candidates will sit before an interview panel consisting of administrators, teachers, and Upper School Prefects. Interviews will focus on the students’ history of community service, their goals as a Junior Prefect, and their overall interests. Junior Prefect announcements will be announced Friday, September 30.

September 20 & 22: Middle School Testing – Educational Records Bureau (ERB)
8:00 – 9:30 am
Middle School students will participate in fall math and reading comprehension ERB standardized testing on the mornings of September 20 and 22. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Allyson Campbell, Middle School Learning Coach, if you have any questions.

Wednesday, September 21: Late Start For Students
Childcare is not provided before school.
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

SAVE THESE DATES

Saturday, September 24: MV Arts Alliance Build Event
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Middle School Cafeteria Patio
All students and parents are invited to build Christmas Arts Showcase props.

Monday, September 26: Parent Admissions Ambassadors Kick-Off Meeting (virtual)
12:00 – 12:30pm
Zoom Link
The Mount Vernon Admissions Team is looking forward to partnering with parents. There are three ways to get involved as a Parent Admissions Ambassador throughout this school year: follow along on a guided tour at an Open House, share stories online, or reach out to prospective families who request a call from a current parent. Join this virtual information session to learn how to participate. If you are not able to join, and want to get involved, sign up here.

Thursday, September 29: Coffee With Middle School Leadership
8:15 – 8:45 am
MS Art Gallery
Families of students in Grades 6-8 are invited to join Head of Middle School Leah Nestor, Associate Head of Middle School Max Hanson, and Dean of Students David Ayers to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with these developmental years. Please take a moment to read Middle School is Just Plain Hard for the discussion.

Friday, September 30: Parent University: Maker, Design & Engineering at Mount Vernon
9:45 – 10:45 am
Studio(i), Lower Campus
Parents and grandparents are invited to join MV’s Maker community to learn more about the School’s Maker, Design & Engineering (MDE) program, while using a maker mindset to achieve the call for Inquiry, Innovation, and Impact. RSVP here.

Monday, October 3: Parent University: John Trautwein, Will to Live Foundation
9:30 – 10:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
Parents, grandparents, faculty, and Upper School students are invited to listen to guest speaker John Trautwein remind us how essential belonging and well-being is to supporting ourselves and our students. John’s message is motivated by the loss of his son to suicide, and brings to life the critical nature of showing and sharing care on a daily basis. This is a moment of encouragement as we bolster our commitment to talk about mental health and create an environment that supports openness and normalizes use of resources.

Wednesday, October 5: Grade 7 Boston Trip Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Grade 7 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Boston, Massachusetts.

Thursday, October 6: Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Trip Parent Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Grade 8 parents are invited to attend this informational meeting about the class trip to Washington, D.C.

Thursday, October 6: Parent University: MV Studios
8:00 – 9:30 am
Mount Vernon families are invited to enjoy coffee, community and classwork with the MV Studios staff. Each month an MV staff artist is featured, as well as student-created work. Find out more on the Arts Alliance website.

Friday, October 14: Rock the Block
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Green
All families and alumni who are over 21, are invited to join together for a celebration of Home Team Pride. Dress in your favorite “Home Team” gear, whether it’s the MV Mustangs, World-Champion Atlanta Braves, the National Champion Dawgs, or any other team. Tickets are $25 per person and available for purchase until Thursday, October 6. Admission fee includes two drink vouchers, food, and live music by The Rainmen, who cover hits from the 60’s and 70’s. Some seating will be available and tailgating chairs are welcome. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

September 12 – 14: Fall Impact Service Drive Individually Packaged Snack Collection
Morning Carpool
In partnership with Atlanta Mission, The School will be collecting individually packaged (nut-free) snack items during morning carpools on September 12, 13 and 14. On September 15, students in every division will pack 3 – 4 snack items into paper bags that they will decorate with encouraging pictures and notes. In addition, the MV Grandparents Committee invites grandparents to help by donating snack items and/or by helping Lower School students assemble the snack bags on September 15. Contact Andrea McGrath, MV Serves Co-Chair, for more information.

Tuesday, September 13: Altitude Learning Parent University
9:00 – 10:00 am
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 820 4039 5516
Passcode: h2s97V
All Middle and Upper School parents are invited to attend this virtual informational session on Altitude Learning, Mount Vernon’s Upper Campus Learning Management System. Although letter grades are periodically reported using Veracross, Altitude Learning is the platform that contains the most robust data about course materials, assignments, and most importantly, your child’s academic growth and progress. In this session, parents will learn how to access and navigate the platform as well as how to make sense of a student’s progress in relation to assessment results.

September 12 – 16: Homecoming Spirit Week
Middle School dress up days are as follows:
Monday: Red, White, and Blue Day
Tuesday: College Day
Wednesday: Yellow for Childhood Cancer Day
Thursday: Holiday Day
Friday: Tropical Day
Uniform bottoms are to be worn every day. Please do not send hats or other accessories

Friday, September 16: Homecoming Game And Field Dedication
3:45 pm: Dedication to the Ron Hill Field, in memory of our beloved coach, teacher, and friend
4:00 pm: New Family Reception. Please register here.
4:15 pm: Kickoff
Halftime: Homecoming Court ceremony
A parent/guardian should remain with student(s) at all times after carpool and during the homecoming game.
Families are invited to join the festivities under Grade level tents.
Sign up to bring munchies and drinks to your tent below.
Grades 6 – 8 

SAVE THESE DATES

September 19 – 23: Jr. Prefect Interviews
Junior Prefect applications are due on Thursday, September 8. Once all applications are in, students will be invited for an interview. The interview panel will consist of administrators, teachers, and Upper School prefects. The interviews will focus on the students’ history of community service, their goals as a Junior Prefect, and their overall interests. Junior Prefect announcements will be announced soon after.

September 20 & 22: Middle School Educational Records Bureau (ERB) Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am
Details via email on ERB locations coming soon.
Middle School students will participate in fall math and reading comprehension ERB standardized testing on the mornings of September 20 and 22. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Allyson Campbell if you have any questions.

Wednesday, September 21: Late Start For Students
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am
All School

Saturday, September 24: MV Arts Alliance Build Event
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Middle School Cafeteria Patio
Come join the fun and help build the Christmas Arts Showcase props for the Lower and Upper Campuses, all ages and all skills welcome.

Monday, September 26: Parent Admissions Ambassadors Kick-Off Zoom Meeting
12:00 – 12:30pm
Zoom Link
The Mount Vernon Admissions Team is looking forward to partnering with parents. There are three ways to get involved as a Parent Admissions Ambassador throughout this School year: follow along on a guided tour at Open Houses, share stories online, or reach out to prospective families who request a call from a current parent. Join this virtual information session to learn how to get involved.

Thursday, September 29: Coffee With Middle School Leadership
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Middle School parents are invited to join: Head of Middle School, Leah Nestor, Associate Head of Middle School, Max Hanson, and Dean of Students, David Ayers, to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the Middle School years. Please take a moment to read Middle School is Just Plain Hard for the discussion.

Friday, September 30: Parent University: Maker, Design, Engineering at MV
9:45 – 10:45 am
Studio(i), Lower Campus
All parents (and grandparents) are invited to join MV’s community of makers to learn more about the School’s Maker, Design & Engineering (MDE) program and use a maker mindset to achieve the call for Inquiry, Innovation, and Impact.

Friday, October 14: Rock the Block
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Green
All families and alumni, over 21, are invited to celebrate Home Team Pride. Dress in your favorite “Home Team” gear, Whether it’s the MV Mustangs, World-Champion Atlanta Braves, the National Champion Dawgs, or any other team. Tickets are $25 per person and available for purchase until October 6. Admission fee includes two drink vouchers, food, and live music by The Rainmen. Some seating will be available and tailgating chairs are welcome. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

Monday, September 5: No School

Tuesday, September 6: Uniform Resale
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear are available for purchase from $5 – $10. Volunteers are needed during this busy back-to-school season. Sign up to help.

Friday, September 9: MV Cares Group Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe Outdoor Patio
All parents and grandparents are welcome to attend this monthly prayer group. MV Cares strives to exemplify The School’s foundational bedrock of the fruit of the Spirit by lifting up our students, families, faculty/staff, and greater community through prayer and caring actions.

SAVE THESE DATES

September 12 – 14: Fall Impact Service Drive Individually Packaged Snack Collection
Morning Carpool
In partnership with Atlanta Mission, The School will be collecting individually packaged (nut-free) snack items during morning carpools on September 12, 13 and 14. On September 15, students in every division will pack 3 – 4 snack items into paper bags that they will decorate with encouraging pictures and notes. In addition, the MV Grandparents Committee invites grandparents to help by donating snack items and/or by helping Lower School students assemble the snack bags on September 15. Contact Andrea McGrath, MV Serves Co-Chair, for more information.

Tuesday, September 13: Altitude Learning Parent University
9:00 – 10:00 am
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 820 4039 5516
Passcode: h2s97V
All Middle and Upper School parents are invited to attend this virtual informational session on Altitude Learning, Mount Vernon’s Upper Campus Learning Management System. Although letter grades are periodically reported using Veracross, Altitude Learning is the platform that contains the most robust data about course materials, assignments, and most importantly, your child’s academic growth and progress. In this session, parents will learn how to access and navigate the platform as well as how to make sense of a student’s progress in relation to assessment results.

September 12 – 16: Homecoming Spirit Week
Middle School dress up days are as follows:
Monday: Red, White, and Blue Day
Tuesday: College Day
Wednesday: Yellow for Childhood Cancer Day
Thursday: Holiday Day
Friday: Tropical Day
Uniform bottoms are to be worn every day. Please do not send hats or other accessories

Friday, September 16: Homecoming Game And Field Dedication
3:45 pm: Dedication to the Ron Hill Field, in memory of our beloved coach, teacher, and friend
4:00 pm: New Family Reception. Please register here.
4:15 pm: Kickoff
Halftime: Homecoming Court ceremony

Families are invited to join the festivities under Grade level tents.
Sign up to bring munchies and drinks to your tent below.
Preschool – Grade 1
Grades 2 – 5
Grades 6 – 8
Grades 9 – 10
Grades 11 – 12

September 19 – 23: Jr. Prefect Interviews
Junior Prefect applications are due on Thursday, September 8. Once all applications are in, students will be invited for an interview. The interview panel will consist of administrators, teachers, and Upper School prefects. The interviews will focus on the students’ history of community service, their goals as a Junior Prefect, and their overall interests. Junior Prefect announcements will be announced soon after.

September 20 & 22: Middle School Educational Records Bureau (ERB) Testing
8:00 – 9:30 am
Details via email on ERB locations coming soon.
Middle School students will participate in fall math and reading comprehension ERB standardized testing on the mornings of September 20 and 22. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Allyson Campbell if you have any questions.

Wednesday, September 21: Late Start For Students
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am
All School

Saturday, September 24: MV Arts Alliance Build Event
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Middle School Cafeteria Patio
Come join the fun and help build the Christmas Arts Showcase props for the Lower and Upper Campuses, all ages and all skills welcome.

Friday, October 14: Rock the Block
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Green
Welcoming all families and alumni, 21 and over. This year’s theme is Home Team Pride. Come dressed in your favorite “Home Team” swag. It could be The MV Mustangs, the World-Champion Atlanta Braves, and the National Championship-winning Bulldogs, or any other collegiate or professional team. Tickets are $25 per person and available to reserve until October 6. Tickets include 2 drink vouchers, food and live music by The Rainmen. Some seating will be available. Tailgating chairs are welcome. Additional drinks are available for purchase. More info via email to come.

Monday, August 29: Grade 6 Family Night
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Students, parents, and grandparents are invited to learn more about the expectations in Middle School for the year. Hear from teachers about the curriculum, and gain a better understanding of the developmental philosophies behind our methodologies.

Wednesday, August 31: Middle School Fall Mainstage Auditions
3:15 – 5:30 pm
Middle School Black Box
The Middle School Fall Mainstage performances will be The Great Middle School Poe-A-Thon & Peter And The Starcatcher. No theater experience is required to audition.

Wednesday, August 31: Chapel
PK3 – Grade 1: 8:45 – 9:05 am, Lower Campus Sanctuary Building
Grade 2 – 5: 8:05 – 8:35 am, Lower Campus Sanctuary Building
Middle School: 8:00 – 8:25 am, Upper Campus Gym
Upper School: 9:30 – 10:00 am, Upper Campus Gym
Parents are welcome to join chapel services throughout the year.

Thursday, September 1: Middle School Fall Mainstage Callbacks
Students will be invited back via email.

Thursday, September 1: Family-Share Conference Sign Up Closes
Middle School Family-Share Conferences can be scheduled in Veracross through September 1. The purpose of this conference is to strengthen the partnership between home and school during this critical stage of child development. It is a time for you to share your thoughts and concerns with your child’s Community Leader, who will then cascade the information to their respective grade-level team of teachers.

Thursday, September 1: BIPOC Family Welcome and Orientation
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Lower Campus Fellowship Hall
All students, parents, and grandparents are welcome to attend this Inclusion Network meeting with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity group to learn about the group’s impact on campus.

Thursday, September 1: MV Studios Parent University
8:00 – 9:00 am
Upper School Blackbox
All families of Kindergarten – Grade 12 students are welcome to join this informational event held by the Tri-M Society, an organization focused on creating future music education and music advocacy.

Friday, September 2: Early Release For Students & Staff
Preschool – Grade 1: 11:15 am
Grades 2 – 5: 11:30 am
Middle School: 11:50 am
Upper School: 12:15 pm
There will be no Extended Play classes.
Middle School siblings are welcome to wait in the Upper School lobby until 12:15 pm for their siblings. If an Upper School sibling needs to pick up their younger sibling at the Preschool or Lower School, parents must submit a Student Attendance Notice in the Veracross Parent Portal to request early dismissal. Older siblings in Lower School will be dismissed at 11:15 am to join their Preschool siblings for carpool.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, September 5: No School

Tuesday, September 6: Uniform Resale
7:45 – 9:00 am
Middle School Overlook
New and gently worn polos, dress shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and spirit wear are available for purchase from $5 – $10. Volunteers are needed during this busy back-to-school season. Sign up to help.

Friday, September 9: MV Prayers Group Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am
Upper School Outdoor Cafe Patio
All parents and grandparents are welcome to attend this monthly prayer group. MV Prayers strives to exemplify the school’s foundational bedrock of the fruit of the Spirit by lifting up our families, staff, faculty and greater community through prayer and caring actions.

Monday, September 12: MV Serves Atlanta Mission Service Project Begins
In partnership with Atlanta Mission, the School will be collecting individually wrapped snack items during morning carpools on September 12, 13 & 14, to be packed by students in every division and delivered on Thursday, September 15. Additional details will be shared soon.

September 12 – 16: Homecoming Spirit Week
Stay tuned for Middle School dress up days.

Friday, September 16: Spirit Day
Students and teachers have the option of wearing a Mount Vernon spirit shirt and uniform bottoms or jeans.

Monday, August 22-September 1: Middle School Family-Share Conference Registration Opens
​​Be on the lookout for an email with a Veracross link to sign up to meet with your child’s Community Leader. The Middle School Family-Share Conference can be scheduled in Veracross between August 22 and September 1. The purpose of this conference is to strengthen the home/school partnership during this critical stage of child development. It is a time for you to share your thoughts and concerns with your child’s Community Leader, who will then cascade the information to their respective grade-level team of teachers.

Tuesday, August 23: Middle School Dance Team Tryouts
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Under the direction of Ms. Shay Jones, the team will perform at sporting events and compete in organized competitions, and develop relationships they’ll always remember. Prepared choreography for this tryout is not required.

Wednesday, August 24: Middle School Student Portraits
Attire: Dress Uniform. Students will be taken by class to have their portrait taken during recesses.

Wednesday, August 24: MV Grandparents Committee Movie Outing
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
The Springs Cinema And Taphouse
All MV Grandparents are invited to attend this free event. Sign Up Here

Friday, August 26: Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) Volunteer Fair
9:30 – 10:15 am
Outside by the entrance of the Middle School
Parents are invited to meet/talk to all of the MVPN Steering Committee on their way into Convocation. Come and learn how to get involved with Mount Vernon through the Mount Vernon Parent Network.

Friday, August 26: Upper Campus Convocation
10:15 – 11:00 am
Upper Campus Gym
An all-community annual gathering where we come together to recognize our students and share our hopes for the year to come. Speakers include Mount Vernon CEO, Head of School, and Head Prefect.

Friday, August 26: First Varsity Home Football Game BBQ
4:30 – 6:30 pm
The Ron Hill Field
The entire MV community is invited to cheer on our Mustangs and enjoy a BBQ dinner at the first home Varsity Football game of the season on the new Ron Hill Field on Upper Campus. The admission fee for the game is waived and there is no charge for the BBQ. The concession stand will be open for refreshments and snacks.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, August 29: Grade 6 Family Night
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Grade 6 families are invited to learn more about Middle School. Please join us for an evening of introductions and information. You will learn about your student’s day, meet their teachers, hear about the curriculum, and learn the developmental philosophies behind our methodologies.

Wednesday, August 31: Middle School Fall Mainstage Auditions
3:15 – 5:30 pm
Middle School Black Box
The Middle School Fall Mainstage performances will be The Great Middle School Poe-A-Thon & Peter And The Starcatcher. No theater experience is required to audition. Detailed information will be shared at MV Studios Boot Camp Day 1 & 2.

Thursday, September 1: Middle School Fall Mainstage Callbacks

Friday, September 2: Early Release for Students & Staff
Preschool – Grade 1: 11:15 am
Grades 2 – 5: 11:30 am
Middle School: 11:50 am
Upper School: 12:15 pm
There will be no Extended Play classes.

Monday, September 5: No school

Sunday, Aug 14: Middle School New Student Team Building
4:30 – 6:30 pm
Middle School Art Gallery
New students will have the opportunity to connect with other new students as well as members of the faculty and administration. Students will also receive their locker assignments. There will be an event for parents/guardians following drop-off. More detailed information will follow.

Monday, August 15: Middle School Orientation
8:30 – 9:30 am Grade 6
10:30 – 11:30 am Grade 7
1:00 – 2:00 pm Grade 8
Orientation Schedule And Details

Monday, August 15: Rescheduled Girls Volleyball Tryouts
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Upper Campus Gym

Tuesday, August 16: First Day of School
Carpool starts at 7:30 am
School starts at 8:00 am
Afternoon Carpool starts at 3:00 pm

Wednesday, August 17: Made in MV Spirit Store Open
7:45 – 9:00 am
Upper School Building
The store is stocked with new MV spirit wear. Come by and see for yourself. The Store experiences high traffic during this time of year as families are stocking up on all the latest MV spirit wear. Please consider volunteering for a one-hour shift to work in the Made in MV School Store.
Regular store hours are:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 7:45 – 9:00 am
Thursday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Friday, August 19: MV Studios Launch Party
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Cafe
Enjoy refreshments and entertainment while learning about MV Arts clubs, productions and activities available to Grades 6 – 12.

SAVE THESE DATES

Saturday, August 20: MV Studios Boot Camp Day 1
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Activities include Drumline, Theater, and Visual Arts workshops.
Grades 6 – 12 welcome. Sign Up Here

Sunday, August 21: MV Studios Boot Camp Day 2
12:30 – 5:00 pm
Activities include Film, Jazz Band, Rock Band, and Strings workshops.
Grades 6 – 12 welcome. Sign Up Here

Monday, August 22-September 1: Family-Share Conference Sign Up Opens
​​Be on the lookout for an email with a Veracross link for the opportunity to sign up with your child’s Community Leader.
The Middle School Family-Share Conference can be scheduled in Veracross between August 22 and September 1. The purpose of this conference is to strengthen the home-school partnership during this critical stage of child development. It is a time for you to share your thoughts and concerns with your child’s Community Leader, who will then cascade the information to their respective grade-level team of teachers.

Tuesday, August 23: Middle School Dance Team Tryouts
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Under the direction of Ms. Shay Jones, the team will perform at sporting events and compete in organized competitions, and develop relationships they’ll always remember. Prepared choreography for this tryout is not required.

Wednesday, August 24: Middle School Student Portraits
Students will be led to picture locations as a class throughout the day during recess times.
Students should wear their dress uniform (white or light blue button down with MV embroidered).

Wednesday, August 24: MV Grandparents Committee Movie Outing
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
The Springs Cinema And Taphouse
All MV Grandparents are invited to attend this free event. Sign Up Here

Friday, August 26: Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) Volunteer Fair
9:30 – 10:15 am
Outside by the entrance of the Middle School
Parents are invited to meet/talk to all of the MVPN Steering Committee on their way into Convocation. Come and learn how to get involved with Mount Vernon through the Mount Vernon Parent Network.

Friday, August 26: Upper Campus Convocation
10:15 – 11:00 am
Upper Campus Gym
All-community event. Mount Vernon CEO, Head of School, Head Prefect, and others will speak and set the tone for the 2022 – 2023 school year.

Friday, August 26: First Varsity Home Football Game BBQ
4:30 – 6:30 pm
The Ron Hill Field
BBQ will be outside on the Upper School Cafe Patio. All are welcome. No RSVP required.

Monday, August 29: Grade 6 Family Night
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Grade 6 Parents/Guardians are invited to learn more about Middle School. Please join us for an evening of introductions and information. You will learn about your student’s day, meet their teachers, hear about the curriculum, and learn the developmental philosophies behind our methodologies.

Wednesday, August 31: Middle School Fall Mainstage Auditions
3:15 – 5:30 pm
Middle School Black Box
The Fall performance will be The Great Middle School Poe-A-Thon & Peter And The Starcatcher. No theater experience is required to try out. More detailed information will be shared at MV Studios Boot Camp Day 1 & 2.

Thursday, September 1: Middle School Fall Mainstage Callbacks

Friday, September 2: Early Release for Students & Staff
11:50 am
End-of-day carpool will begin at 11:50 am.

Monday, Aug 8: Uniform Resale
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Second Administration Building (HQ2) Upper Campus
The Uniform Resale will be held on the first Tuesday of every month.

Tuesday, August 9: MV Parent Portal Zoom Tutorial For All New Families
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Zoom Meeting Link
ID: 393 948 3946
Password: MVMustangs
Join us for a live Zoom session. Kirsten Beard, Chief Admissions Officer, will lead a virtual tour through the MV Parent Portal illustrating where and how to access all the features and information you might need.

Tuesday, August 9: Student Schedules Shared With Families

SAVE THESE DATES

Sunday, Aug 14: Middle School New Student Team Building
4:30 – 6:30 pm
Middle School Art Gallery

Monday, August 15: Middle School Orientation
8:30 – 9:30 am Grade 6
10:30 – 11:30 am Grade 7
1:00 – 2:00 pm Grade 8
Orientation Schedule And Details

Tuesday, August 16: First Day of School
Carpool starts: 7:30 am
School starts: 8:00 am

Wednesday, August 17: Made in MV Spirit Store Open
7:45 – 9:00 am
Upper School Building
The store is stocked with new MV spirit wear come by and see for yourself. The Store experiences high traffic during this time of year as families are stocking up on all the latest MV spirit wear. Please consider volunteering for a one-hour shift to work in the Made in MV School Store.

Friday, August 19: MV Studios Launch Party
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper School Cafe
Enjoy refreshments and entertainment while learning about MV Arts clubs, productions and activities available to Grades 6-12.

Tuesday, August 23: Middle School Dance Team Tryouts
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio

Wednesday, August 24: Middle School Student Portraits
Students will be led to picture locations as a class throughout the day during recess times.
Students should wear their dress uniform (white or light blue button down with MV embroidered).

Wednesday, August 24: MV Grandparents Committee Movie Outing
11:00 am – 1:30pm
The Springs Cinema And Taphouse
All MV Grandparents are invited to attend this free event. Sign Up Here

Friday, August 26: Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) Volunteer Fair
9:30- 10:15 am
Outside by the entrance of the Middle School
Parents are invited to meet/talk to all of the MVPN Steering Committee on their way into Convocation. Come and learn how to get involved with Mount Vernon through the Mount Vernon Parent Network.

Friday, August 26: Upper Campus Convocation
10:15 – 11:00 am
Upper Campus Gym
All-community event. Mount Vernon CEO, Head of School, Head Prefect, and others will speak and set the tone for the 2022 – 2023 school year.

Friday, August 26: First Varsity Home Football Game BBQ
4:30 – 6:30 pm
The Ron Hill Field
BBQ will be outside on the Upper School Cafe Patio. All are welcome. No RSVP required.

Monday, May 23: Parent University: Strong is the New Pretty with Kate Parker
9:00 – 10:00 am
Upper School, Learning Stairs
Kate T. Parker, a professional photographer with two daughters at MV, was fed up with the media’s prevailing imagery of girls as demure and overly feminine. “I wanted to show my girls that beauty isn’t about being a certain size or having your hair done (or even brushed, in their cases), or wearing a fancy outfit. I wanted to combat the messages the media sends to women every day. I wanted my girls to know that being themselves is beautiful and that being beautiful is about being strong.” But what about boys? Kate soon realized that their voices needed to be heard as well – not just fearless and confident and wild but also curious and kind and vulnerable. The Heart of A Boy, published in 2019, was a New York Times bestseller and shows the richness and diversity of boyhood from all across the country. “It’s time to discuss how to raise our sons to become good people and to talk about defining masculinity in a way that is less narrow and limiting.”

Tuesday, May 24: iPad Collection
iPad collection for all students will take place on Tuesday, May 24, in Community. Students are required to bring their iPad, case/keyboard, and charger. All iPads will be reimaged, meaning that all files that aren’t backed up to the cloud will be erased.

Wednesday, May 25: MS Derby Day and Yearbook Distribution
We are excited to end the year with a day of learning, trivia, games, and fun. The entire Middle School will have the opportunity to compete and team up with classmates from different grade levels. They will also complete learning walks to explore and learn about what peers in other classes have been learning.

During yearbook distribution, we ask that students be kind and thoughtful in their writing responses to classmates.

Thursday, May 26: Last Day of School
Students will be dismissed from class starting at 11:50 am. There will be no extended day offered.

Dress Down Days: May 23 – 26
May 23: Marvel Monday (Students should wear marvel tops and uniform bottoms.)
May 24: 70’s Tuesday (Students should wear 70’s related tops and uniform bottoms.)
May 25: Wednesday Spirit Wear OR Derby Day Colors (Students should wear MV spirit top and athletic bottoms or Derby Day color top and athletic bottoms.)
May 26: Wacky Thursday (Students can dress in their wackiest tops and bottoms. All bottoms should be appropriate in length. No holes or inappropriate language.)

SAVE THESE DATES

Week of June 6: Summer ePacket Information
Be on the lookout for an email with links to important information including summer learning, uniform requirements, medical forms and summer workouts.

Mid- Late July: 22/23 ePacket Information
Be on the lookout for an email with links to orientation information and other back to school information.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Yet again, we find ourselves processing the news of traumatizing events that are happening in our own country and paying careful attention to our students who may have seen or heard of the tragic shootings. I am grateful to be part of a faith-based community who will pause and pray through these times. We don’t have all the answers, but we are here to partner with you and your family.

This week in chapel, our Grade 8 students led us through Romans 8:37-38. No better way to end the year than by talking about the love of God. Grateful to our students who were eager to step up and lead chapel.

We are looking ahead to dress down days, Derby Day, yearbook distribution, and the last day of school. What a pleasure it has been to serve the Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028. Here’s to a great last week of school!

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Thursday, May 19: Upper Campus Spring Instrumental Concert
4:30 – 5:30 pm
US Cafe
MS Music Department (strings, band, and drums) will be performing their final concert for the 2021-2022 school year in the US Cafe beginning at 4:30 pm. Families and friends are invited to join us to enjoy the continued work of our young musicians.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, May 23: Parent University: Strong is the New Pretty with Kate Parker
9:00 – 10:00 am
Upper School, Learning Stairs
Kate T. Parker, a professional photographer with two daughters at MV, was fed up with the media’s prevailing imagery of girls as demure and overly feminine. “I wanted to show my girls that beauty isn’t about being a certain size or having your hair done (or even brushed, in their cases), or wearing a fancy outfit. I wanted to combat the messages the media sends to women every day. I wanted my girls to know that being themselves is beautiful and that being beautiful is about being strong.” But what about boys? Kate soon realized that their voices needed to be heard as well – not just fearless and confident and wild but also curious and kind and vulnerable. The Heart of A Boy, published in 2019, was a New York Times bestseller and shows the richness and diversity of boyhood from all across the country. “It’s time to discuss how to raise our sons to become good people and to talk about defining masculinity in a way that is less narrow and limiting.”

Tuesday, May 24: iPad Collection
iPad collection for all students will take place on Tuesday, May 24, in Community. Students are required to bring their iPad, case/keyboard, and charger. All iPads will be reimaged, meaning that all files that aren’t backed up to the cloud will be erased.

Wednesday, May 25: MS Derby Day and Yearbook Distribution
We are excited to end the year with a day of learning, trivia, games, and fun. The entire Middle School will have the opportunity to compete and team up with classmates from different grade levels. They will also complete learning walks to explore and learn about what peers in other classes have been learning.

During yearbook distribution, we ask that students be kind and thoughtful in their writing responses to classmates.

Thursday, May 26: Last Day of School
Students will be dismissed from class starting at 11:50 am. There will be no extended play offered.

Dress Down Days: May 23 – 26
May 23: Marvel Monday (Students should wear marvel tops and uniform bottoms.)
May 24: 70’s Tuesday (Students should wear 70’s related tops and uniform bottoms.)
May 25: Wednesday Spirit Wear (Students should wear MV spirit top and athletic bottoms.)
May 26: Wacky Thursday (Students can dress in their wackiest tops and bottoms. All bottoms should be appropriate in length. No holes or inappropriate language.)

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

This week in Middle School was filled with opportunities to celebrate our students. On Wednesday, we celebrated our students for their outstanding achievements at the Middle School Honors Celebration. On Friday, we had a great night of fun and games with our Grade 6 and 7 students. Students enjoyed silent disco, laser tag, board games, a movie on the big screen and more. We are so grateful for these moments of community and connection. Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Wednesday, May 11: Middle School Honors Celebration
8:15 am – 9:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
We encourage families to join us for the 2022 Middle School Honors Celebration. During this program, we will recognize and celebrate students who embody the Mount Vernon Mindsets and the Fruits of the Spirit as well as three-performance artists, three-sport athletes, and Junior Prefects. Additionally, this will also be a time when we celebrate our Grade 8 students as they transition to the Upper School. Students will stay in school for the remainder of the day. Students will also wear their chapel uniform.

Friday, May 13: Grade 6 & 7 Spring Social
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus, MS Building & Greenspace
We are excited to announce our Spring Social for Grade 6 & 7 students on Friday, May 13. Students will enjoy a movie, games, activities, food, drinks, and treats in and around the Middle School Building. We look forward to a fun night with our Grade 6 & 7 students on May 13.

We are asking for support from our families to make this night happen! Please reach out to Christine Gilmour if you’d like to help: [email protected].

SAVE THESE DATES

Thursday, May 19: Upper Campus Spring Instrumental Concert
4:30 – 5:30 pm
US Cafe
MS Music Department (strings, band, and drums) will be performing their final concert for the 2021-2022 school year in the US Cafe beginning at 4:30 pm. Families and friends are invited to join us to enjoy the continued work of our young musicians.

Monday, May 23: Parent University: Strong is the New Pretty with Kate Parker
9:00 – 10:00 am
Upper School, Learning Stairs
Kate T. Parker, a professional photographer with two daughters at MV, was fed up with the media’s prevailing imagery of girls as demure and overly feminine. “I wanted to show my girls that beauty isn’t about being a certain size or having your hair done (or even brushed, in their cases), or wearing a fancy outfit. I wanted to combat the messages the media sends to women every day. I wanted my girls to know that being themselves is beautiful and that being beautiful is about being strong.” But what about boys? Kate soon realized that their voices needed to be heard as well – not just fearless and confident and wild but also curious and kind and vulnerable. The Heart of A Boy, published in 2019, was a New York Times bestseller and shows the richness and diversity of boyhood from all across the country. “It’s time to discuss how to raise our sons to become good people and to talk about defining masculinity in a way that is less narrow and limiting.”

Wednesday, May 25: Yearbook Distribution

Thursday, May 26: Last Day of School, No Extended Day 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

With only three weeks left of school, milepost grades will be posted in Veracross on Monday. While these are only a snapshot of the progress your child has made so far, it is a good indicator of where their grade is currently. The rich and specific feedback from teachers is in Altitude Learning. I advise you to ask to “see their cards” to gain a better overview of what assignments are coming up.

This week we have lived into our design around flexible and interactive spaces. We held Chapel outside on the football field and Coach T delivered a powerful message about how distractions can lead to destruction. We can use our phones and social media for good or it can destroy us. We read II Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” It was a great reminder for all of us to reflect on when, how and what we are doing to contribute to positive communication and interactions with each other.

Thank you for attending the MS Rise Up Meetings. Click here to access the slides. Please note that the Middle School schedule section has been updated. You will see a modified schedule and sample schedules for Grade 6, 7, and 8.

Finally, join me in applauding the efforts of all students involved in Spongebob the Musical! It was incredible to see the middle school students involved in tech, stage setup, stage management and acting. This performance was full of joy and important messages about sustainability, friendship, and resilience. Thank you to our MV Arts’ Parents for supporting behind the scenes with rehearsal snacks, concession stand, programs, prop set up and more. Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Monday, May 2: Middle School Rise Up! Parent Meetings

Middle School Overlook
The MS Leadership Team will host Rise Up meetings to provide an overview of the Middle School program including curricular, social-emotional, and operational details. They will be joined by members of the Collaborative Care, Visual and Performing Arts, and Athletics staff. We will host the Rise Up meetings in person. Please join us in the area overlooking the Middle School gym at the following times:

Rising Grade 8: 8:00 am – 8:50 am
Rising Grade 7: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Rising Grade 6: 10:00 am- 11:00 am

Monday, May 2 – Saturday, May 7: MV Allstars Presents: The Spongebob Musical
All are invited to join Spongebob and all his friends in this musical phenomenon! With five chances to catch the show, you don’t want to miss out! Reserve your tickets here.

Wednesday, May 4: Dress Down Day
We are eager to celebrate The Spongebob Musical. Students are welcome to dress down in a Hawaiian top and uniform bottoms.

Friday, May 6: Grade 8 Spring Dance
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus, US Building Cafe & Cafe Patio
Dear Grade 8 Families,
We are excited to host the Spring Dance on Friday, May 6. This week our students have advocated for a later start time to the Spring Dance. The request allows students more time to get dressed and attend the picture and dinner party. We are making this change, and it will adjust a few times listed below. Please let us know if you have any questions. Please note that the Picture and Dinner Party are not sponsored by the school. 

5:00 pm – Doors open at Dunwoody CC for Picture and Dinner Party (You May Eat Anytime)
6:30 PM – Group Picture at Dunwoody CC
7:00 PM – Drop-Off: Dance begins at MV
9:00 PM – Pick-Up: Dance Ends at MV

Grade 8 students will enjoy dancing, food and a photo booth “under the stars” as we near the culmination of their Middle School experience. Mount Vernon faculty members are excited to chaperone the dance on what promises to be a “star-filled night.”

Attire for this event is semi-formal.
Girls – Dresses, including spring-style dresses and sundresses, pants, or skirts and tops are acceptable.
Boys – Some boys are planning to wear blazers and that’s fine, but nice slacks with a collared shirt are acceptable as well.

We ask that all clothing choices be age-appropriate in terms of style and length. The Honor Code and all policies in the Student Handbook apply at this event. We look forward to a fun evening with our Grade 8 students on May 6.

As always, we will need parent volunteers to make this a special night for our 8th Grade “Stars.”
Please reach out to Chrsitine Gilmour if you’d like to help: [email protected]

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, May 11: MS Honors Celebration
8:15 am – 9:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
We encourage families to join us for the 2022 Middle School Honors Celebration. During this program, we will recognize and celebrate students who embody the Mount Vernon Mindsets and the Fruits of the Spirit as well as three-performance artists, three-sport athletes and Junior Prefects. Additionally, this will also be a time when we celebrate our Grade 8 students as they transition to the Upper School. Students will stay in school for the remainder of the day. Students will also wear the chapel uniform.

Friday, May 13: Grade 6 & 7 Spring Social
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus, MS Building & Greenspace
We are excited to announce our Spring Social for Grade 6 & 7 students on Friday, May 13. Students will enjoy a movie, games, activities, food, drinks, and treats in and around the Middle School Building. We look forward to a fun night with our Grade 6 & 7 students on May 13.

We are asking for support from our families to make this night happen! Please reach out to Chrsitine Gilmour if you’d like to help: [email protected].

Thursday, May 19: Upper Campus Spring Instrumental Concert
4:30 – 5:30 pm
US Cafe
MS Music Department (strings, band, and drums) will be performing their final concert for the 2021-2022 school year in the US Cafe beginning at 4:30 pm. Families and friends are invited to join us to enjoy the continued work of our young musicians.

Wednesday, May 25: Yearbook Distribution

Monday, May 23: Parent University with Kate Parker
9:00 – 10:00 am
Lower Campus, Fellowship Hall Quad B
Kate T. Parker, a professional photographer with two daughters at MV, was fed up with the media’s prevailing imagery of girls as demure and overly feminine. “I wanted to show my girls that beauty isn’t about being a certain size or having your hair done (or even brushed, in their cases), or wearing a fancy outfit. I wanted to combat the messages the media sends to women every day. I wanted my girls to know that being themselves is beautiful and that being beautiful is about being strong.” But what about boys? Kate soon realized that their voices needed to be heard as well – not just fearless and confident and wild but also curious and kind and vulnerable. THE HEART OF A BOY, published in 2019, was a New York Times bestseller and shows the richness and diversity of boyhood from all across the country. “It’s time to discuss how to raise our sons to become good people and to talk about defining masculinity in a way that is less narrow and limiting.”

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

We are excited to announce the appointment of David Ayers as the Middle School Dean of Student Life starting in the 2022-2023 school year. David is a veteran teacher with a background in middle school and upper elementary education. He has been teaching at Mount Vernon for the past four years and has served as the Head of Grade Four in the Mount Vernon Lower School for the past three years. Previously in his career, he has served as an 8th grade English teacher, middle school team leader, department chair, and building teacher leader. David understands and embraces the early adolescent journey and is eager to serve the Middle School alongside myself and Associate Head of Middle School, Max Hanson.

This week in Middle School our students told the story of their learning journey in Student Share Conferences. Students used portfolios to share a story about their favorite project, the song they created, solving systems of equations, the stop motion they just finished, their cardboard shoe challenge, storytelling what home means, the heart dissection lab, the pink panther mystery they solved in Science and more. In highlighting a learning progression, a Grade 6 student shared, “I got an emerging on this assignment and then I reviewed my teacher’s feedback and was able to get proficient”. This week was a moment to allow students to reflect on how far they have come this year.

I want to share a big thank you to our community teachers for the support and guidance they gave to students as they curated and arranged their portfolios. I’d also like to thank Katie Cain, Director of Instructional Technology, for her support in teaching students how to manage their portfolios in Altitude Learning.

Lastly, thank you for an amazing Mustang Rally on Friday! We are so thrilled to have this Mount Vernon tradition back, and we are so grateful for all our community did to make it happen.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Wednesday, April 27: Middle School Student-Share Conferences
As we near the end of the third trimester, we look forward to the opportunity for you to learn how your child has grown in their learning over the course of the year. There is no school for students on this day. Conferences are in person and students will attend their conference. We are excited for your students to present their portfolios of the work they have been doing this year in their classes. They will have the opportunity to highlight areas of improvement and showcase the work of which they are most proud. Conference sign-ups will open in Veracross on April 19 and close on April 25.

Wednesday, April 27: All-School Late Star
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins
*Childcare is not available before school begins

Wednesday, April 27: Mustang Rally T-Shirt Swaps and Sale
9:10 – 10:10 am
Lower Campus Courtyard
If you received a Mustang Rally shirt and need to exchange it for another size, you may do so during this time. Additionally, if you did not purchase a shirt, all extras will be on sale for $20.00 per shirt.

Friday, April 29: Mustang Rally
Check out the Rally schedule, fun facts, and frequently asked questions here. Let’s get ready to Rally!!!

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, May 2: Middle School Rise Up! Parent Meetings

Middle School Lightbox
The MS Leadership Team will host Rise Up meetings to provide an overview of the Middle School program including curricular, social-emotional, and operational details. They will be joined by members of the Collaborative Care, Visual and Performing Arts, and Athletics staff. We will host the Rise Up meetings in person. Please join us in the Middle School Lightbox at the following times:
Rising Grade 8: 8:00 am – 8:50 am
Rising Grade 7: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Rising Grade 6: 10:00 am- 11:00 am

Monday, May 2 – Saturday, May 7: MV Allstars Presents: The Spongebob Musical
All are invited to join Spongebob and all his Bikini Bottom friends in this musical phenomenon! With five chances to catch the show, you don’t want to miss out! Reserve your tickets here.

Thursday, May 4: Dress Down Day
We are eager to celebrate The Spongebob Musical. Students are welcome to dress down in a Hawaiian top and uniform bottoms.

Friday, May 6: Grade 8 Spring Dance
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper Campus, US Building Cafe & Cafe Patio
We are excited to share details about the Grade 8 Spring Dance, which is three years in the making! Grade 8 students will enjoy dancing, food and a photo booth “under the stars” as we near the culmination of their Middle School experience. Mount Vernon faculty members are excited to chaperone the dance on what promises to be a “star-filled night.”

Attire for this event is semi-formal.
Girls – Dresses, including spring-style dresses and sundresses, pants, or skirts and tops are acceptable.
Boys – Some boys are planning to wear blazers and that’s fine, but nice slacks with a collared shirt are acceptable as well.

We ask that all clothing choices be age-appropriate in terms of style and length. The Honor Code and all policies in the Student Handbook apply at this event. We look forward to a fun evening with our Grade 8 students on May 6.

As always, we will need parent volunteers to make this a special night for our 8th Grade “Stars.” Please click on the link to the SignUpGenius and let us know how you are able to contribute.

Grade 8 Dance Sign-Up Genius

Wednesday, May 11: MS Honors Celebration
8:15 am – 9:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
We encourage families to join us for the 2022 Middle School Honors Celebration. During this program, we will recognize and celebrate students who embody the Mount Vernon Mindsets and the Fruits of the Spirit as well as three-performance artists, three-sport athletes and Junior Prefects. Additionally, this will also be a time when we celebrate our Grade 8 students as they transition to the Upper School. Students will stay in school for the remainder of the day.

Friday, May 13: Grade 6 & 7 Spring Social
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus, MS Building & Greenspace
We are excited to announce our Spring Social for Grade 6 & 7 students on Friday, May 13. Students will enjoy a movie, games, activities, food, drinks, and treats in and around the Middle School Building. We look forward to a fun night with our Grade 6 & 7 students on May 13.

We are asking for support from our families to make this night happen! Here’s where there are support opportunities:

1. Planning committee members, willing to take on this project, less than weeks away
2. Parent coordinators to volunteer at the event
3. Donations of games (TBD) drinks and treats

Please use the link below to get involved!
Grade 6/7 Spring Social Sign-Up Genius

Wednesday, May 19: End of Year MS Music Showcase
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Upper School Café
The MS Music Department (strings, band, and drums) will be performing their final concert for the 2021-2022 school year in the US Café beginning at 4:30 pm. Families and friends are invited to join us to enjoy the continued work of our young musicians.

Pending New Date in Late May: Parent University with Kate Parker
9:00 – 10:00 am
Lower Campus, Fellowship Hall Quad B
Kate T. Parker, a professional photographer with two daughters at MV, was fed up with the media’s prevailing imagery of girls as demure and overly feminine. “I wanted to show my girls that beauty isn’t about being a certain size or having your hair done (or even brushed, in their cases), or wearing a fancy outfit. I wanted to combat the messages the media sends to women every day. I wanted my girls to know that being themselves is beautiful and that being beautiful is about being strong.” But what about boys? Kate soon realized that their voices needed to be heard as well – not just fearless and confident and wild but also curious and kind and vulnerable. THE HEART OF A BOY, published in 2019, was a New York Times bestseller and shows the richness and diversity of boyhood from all across the country. “It’s time to discuss how to raise our sons to become good people and to talk about defining masculinity in a way that is less narrow and limiting.” 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In chapel this week, we heard a powerful message from one of our G7 teachers. Her message challenges students to live authentically and embrace their differences. Living authentically allowed her to begin sharing her learning challenge in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring others. Her message was grounded in Psalm 139:13, …for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. She encouraged students to be kind as you never know who is fighting a hard battle.

We have lots of exciting events and social opportunities for students in May. We are also looking forward to celebrating our students and their accomplishments. Save the dates are listed above!

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Monday, April 18: No School for Students and Faculty

April 19 and 21: ERB Testing
Middle School students will participate in spring ERB standardized testing on the mornings of April 19 and 21. Students will test in reading comprehension and math. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Jennifer Santi if you have any questions.

Thursday, April 21: Middle School Coffee and Conversation

Middle School Art Gallery
8:15 – 8:45 am
Grab a cup of coffee and join the Middle School team for the last Coffee and Conversation. We want to allow this time for you to mingle with other families. We will also provide a moment for you to share feedback about the Middle School program from your perspective.

Thursday, April 21: New Family Coffee
7:45 – 9:00 am
Upper Campus Green
MVPN’s New Family Chairs Amanda Woodall and Amanda Richmond invite new families who joined MV for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years to the Upper Campus Green to build community among our newest Mustangs. Come as you are, bring your morning caffeine or grab a cup from the Ground Floor coffee shop in the US Cafe. We can’t wait to see you! RSVP here.

Friday, April 22: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am
Upper Campus, Upper School Patio
All are welcome to attend the last Prayer Group gathering of the school year. We will be meeting on the Upper School Patio and take a walk around the football field as we pray for our School, students, and faculty. If the weather does not allow for an outdoor gathering, we will meet in the Church Sessions Room on Lower Campus. Prayer requests may be made here.

Saturday, April 23: Lower Campus PlayMaker Dance Recital
3:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Come support dancers from the PlayMaker program as they showcase their talents in the annual Dance Recital. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend. This year, dancers will be celebrating the past 50 years of music, performing to songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s, and now.

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, April 27: Middle School Student-Share Conferences
As we near the end of the third trimester, we look forward to the opportunity for you to learn how your child has grown in their learning over the course of the year. There is no school for students on this day. Conferences are in person and students will attend their conference. We are excited for your students to present their portfolios of the work they have been doing this year in their classes. They will have the opportunity to highlight areas of improvement and showcase the work of which they are most proud. Conference sign-ups will open in Veracross on April 19 and close on April 23.

Wednesday, April 27: All-School Late Start
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins
*Childcare is not available before school begins

Wednesday, April 27: Mustang Rally T-Shirt Swaps and Sale
9:10 – 10:10 am
Lower Campus Courtyard
If you received a Mustang Rally shirt and need to exchange it for another size, you may do so during this time. Additionally, if you did not purchase a shirt, all extras will be on sale for $20.00 per shirt.

Friday, April 29: Mustang Rally
Check out the Rally schedule, fun facts, and frequently asked questions here. Let’s get ready to Rally!!!

Monday, May 2: Middle School Rise Up! Parent Meetings

Middle School Lightbox
The MS Leadership Team will host Rise Up meetings to provide an overview of the Middle School program including curricular, social-emotional, and operational details. They will be joined by members of the Collaborative Care, Visual and Performing Arts, and Athletics staff. We will host the Rise Up meetings in person. Please join us in the Middle School Lightbox at the following times:
Rising Grade 8: 8:00 am – 8:50 am
Rising Grade 7: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Rising Grade 6: 10:00 am- 11:00 am

Tuesday, May 2 – Saturday, May 7: MV Allstars Presents: The Spongebob Musical
All are invited to join Spongebob and all his Bikini Bottom friends in this musical phenomenon! With five chances to catch the show, you don’t want to miss out! Reserve your tickets here.

Friday, May 6: Parent University with Kate Parker
9:00 – 10:00 am
Lower Campus, Fellowship Hall Quad B
Kate T. Parker, a professional photographer with two daughters at MV, was fed up with the media’s prevailing imagery of girls as demure and overly feminine. “I wanted to show my girls that beauty isn’t about being a certain size or having your hair done (or even brushed, in their cases), or wearing a fancy outfit. I wanted to combat the messages the media sends to women every day. I wanted my girls to know that being themselves is beautiful and that being beautiful is about being strong.” But what about boys? Kate soon realized that their voices needed to be heard as well – not just fearless and confident and wild but also curious and kind and vulnerable. THE HEART OF A BOY, published in 2019, was a New York Times bestseller and shows the richness and diversity of boyhood from all across the country. “It’s time to discuss how to raise our sons to become good people and to talk about defining masculinity in a way that is less narrow and limiting.” 

Friday, May 6: Grade 8 Spring Dance
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper Campus, US Building Cafe & Cafe Patio
We are excited to share details about the Grade 8 Spring Dance which is three years in the making! Grade 8 students will enjoy dancing, food and a photo booth “under the stars” as we near the culmination of their Middle School experience. Mount Vernon faculty members are excited to chaperone the dance on what promises to be a “star-filled night.”
Attire for this event is semi-formal.
Girls – Dresses, including spring-style dresses and sundresses, pants, or skirts and tops are acceptable.
Boys – Some boys are planning to wear blazers and that’s fine, but nice slacks with a collared shirt are acceptable as well.
We ask that all clothing choices be age-appropriate in terms of style and length. The Honor Code and all policies in the Student Handbook apply at this event. We look forward to a fun evening with our Grade 8 students on May 6.

Friday, May 13: Grade 6 & 7 Spring Social
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus, MS Building & Greenspace
We are excited to announce our Spring Social for Grade 6 & 7 students on Friday, May 13. Students will enjoy a movie, games, activities, food, drinks, and treats in and around the Middle School Building. We look forward to a fun night with our Grade 6 & 7 students on May 13.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

This week in chapel Coach T continued our lesson around bridging the gap between transactional and transformational friendships grounded in Romans 8:28. We heard a vulnerable and powerful message from a Grade 7 student. She shared her life story about the passing of her father when she was 5. Her message was to be a transformational friend as that is what has been a part of her healing journey. She left us with the message, “Be there for others so that others will be there for you.” We could not be more proud of her for sharing her story as well as the support she received from students after chapel. We are truly better together.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

WEEK OF APRIL 11 – 15
Wednesday, April 13: Deadline to Purchase Mustang Rally Chick-fil-A Lunch
The deadline has passed for Mustang Rally t-shirts, but there’s still time to order your Chick-fil-A lunches and pre-sale carnival tickets. With just three weeks to go until this highly anticipated event, be sure to place your orders by Wednesday at noon. Parent volunteers are still needed to make Rally a success – learn more and sign up here.

Thursday, April 14: Parent University with Essential Partners Part 2: Dialoguing Across Difference
8:30 – 9:30 am
Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87140045705?pwd=SmQ3VTVLTkUyemNIb2h4U0ZvR2JSUT09
Meeting ID: 871 4004 5705
Passcode: D8nghL
Essential Partners returns in conjunction with Mount Vernon faculty/staff and students to share ways in which our community has absorbed and implemented learning connected to dialogue and effective communication. With the support of faculty facilitators, students will have had the opportunity to engage in the practice of dialogue through Upper School Advisory and Middle School Community gatherings to learn more about themselves and one another. This work reflects our belief that we are #bettertogether and directly supports the advancement of IDEA. Join us to hear stories of growth and curiosity as we share moments and ways in which we’ve achieved deeper understanding across differences.

Friday, April 15 – Monday, April 18: No School for Students and Faculty

SAVE THESE DATES

April 19 and 21: ERB Testing
Middle School students will participate in spring ERB standardized testing on the mornings of April 19 and 21. Students will test in reading comprehension and math. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Jennifer Santi if you have any questions.

Thursday, April 21: Middle School Coffee and Conversation

Middle School Art Gallery
8:15 – 8:45 am
Grab a cup of coffee and join the Middle School team for the last Coffee and Conversation. We want to allow this time for you to mingle with other families. We will also provide a moment for you to share feedback about the middle school program from your perspective.

Thursday, April 21: New Family Coffee
7:45 – 9:00 am
Upper Campus Green
MVPN’s New Family Chairs Amanda Woodall and Amanda Richmond invite new families who joined MV for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years to the Upper Campus Green to build community among our newest Mustangs. Come as you are, bring your morning caffeine or grab a cup from the Ground Floor coffee shop in the US Cafe. We can’t wait to see you! RSVP here.

Friday, April 22: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall on Lower Campus
MV parents and grandparents are invited to lift up our Mount Vernon community in prayer. Prayer requests

Saturday, April 23: Lower Campus PlayMaker Dance Recital
3:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Come support dancers from the PlayMaker program as they showcase their talents in the annual Dance Recital. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend. This year, dancers will be celebrating the past 50 years of music, performing to songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s, and now.

Wednesday, April 27: Middle School Student-Share Conferences
As we near the end of the third trimester, we look forward to the opportunity for you to learn how your child has grown in their learning over the course of the year. There is no school for students on this day. Conferences are in person and students will attend their conference. We are excited for your students to present their portfolios of the work they have been doing this year in their classes. They will have the opportunity to highlight areas of improvement and showcase the work of which they are most proud. Conference sign-ups will open in Veracross on April 19 and close on April 23.

Wednesday, April 27: All-School Late Start
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins
*Childcare is not available before school begins

Friday, April 29: Mustang Rally
Check out the Rally schedule, fun facts, and frequently asked questions here. Let’s get ready to Rally!!!

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

This week Grade 7 came together in Community to celebrate Isla Walker. To know Isla is to know grace, strength, and humor. We love to see her smiling face each day and we are so thankful for the community support of Isla and her family.

Milepost grades will be shared on April 14. Take a moment to log into Altitude learning and review the Progress tab with your child. As you review Altitude Learning, what areas are Proficient to Advanced? What areas are Novice to Emerging? What is the written feedback from their teacher? Are there any overdue cards? What plan does your child have for making up any missed work? Although students are encouraged to be agents of their own learning, it can be helpful for them to verbally share their plan with you.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Monday, April 4: Grandparent Reception & Tour
4:00 – 6:00 pm, Upper School Cafe Patio
Encourage your child’s grandparents to attend a reception and tour of the Upper Campus, led by incoming Head of School Kristy Lundstrom. Light refreshments will be served. Grandparents can RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 5: Last Uniform Resale of the Year
7:30 – 9:00 am
Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
Stop by for the last Uniform Resale of the year to purchase gently used uniform and spirit wear items: shirts/$5, bottoms/$10, sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters/$10. To donate gently used items, please drop off at the Administration Building on Upper Campus.

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, April 12: All-School Open Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) Meeting
The purpose of the MVPN is to build community through engagement and volunteerism, amplifying Mustang pride. The newest of the 15 committees, MV Connection, will focus on the full-circle relationships built at Mount Vernon School. Join us at either meet up to learn more about engaging in one or more of the 100+ opportunities and hear from Chief of Community Development Anne Katz and her special guest, Mustang Alum Alex Alba, Class of 2015.

Join us in person or via Zoom to learn more about the 15 committees that make up the MVPN.
In-person: 9:00 – 10:00 am, Lower Campus Fellowship Hall
Virtual: 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Zoom Link, ID: 89197797205, Passcode: Rxhcc8

Thursday, April 14: Parent University with Essential Partners Part 2: Dialoguing Across Difference
8:30 – 9:30 am
Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87140045705?pwd=SmQ3VTVLTkUyemNIb2h4U0ZvR2JSUT09
Meeting ID: 871 4004 5705
Passcode: D8nghL
Essential Partners returns in conjunction with Mount Vernon faculty/staff and students to share ways in which our community has absorbed and implemented learning connected to dialogue and effective communication. With the support of faculty facilitators, students will have had the opportunity to engage in the practice of dialogue through Upper School Advisory and Middle School Community gatherings to learn more about themselves and one another. This work reflects our belief that we are #bettertogether and directly supports the advancement of IDEA. Join us to hear stories of growth and curiosity as we share moments and ways in which we’ve achieved deeper understanding across differences.

Friday, April 15 – Monday, April 18: No School for Students and Faculty

April 19 and 21: ERB Testing
Middle School students will participate in spring ERB standardized testing on the mornings of April 19 and 21. Students will test in reading comprehension and math. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Jennifer Santi if you have any questions.

Thursday, April 21: Middle School Coffee and Conversation

Middle School Art Gallery
8:15 – 8:45 am
Grab a cup of coffee and join the Middle School team for the last Coffee and Conversation. We want to allow this time for you to mingle with other families. We will also provide a moment for you to share feedback about the middle school program from your perspective.

Wednesday, April 27: Middle School Student-Share Conferences
As we near the end of the third trimester, we look forward to the opportunity for you to learn how your child has grown in their learning over the course of the year. There is no school for students on this day. Conferences are in person and students will attend their conference. We are excited for your students to present their portfolios of the work they have been doing this year in their classes. They will have the opportunity to highlight areas of improvement and showcase the work of which they are most proud. Conference sign-ups will open in Veracross on April 19 and close on April 23.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

This week in chapel we had two Grade 8 students share about Holi as a part of their culture and heritage. We learned that the annual festival Holi celebrates the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Students were then recognized by their teachers and celebrated by their peers for embodying the fruit of the spirit: faithfulness. We read Proverbs 3:3, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart”. So proud of our students for continuing to exhibit the fruits of the spirit.

We ask for your partnership in ensuring students follow uniform expectations. Students should wear Mount Vernon outerwear in the building. As it warms up, please review the uniform guidelines found here.

Thank you for all the treats, kind notes, prizes, and delicious teacher appreciation luncheon. Our teachers enjoyed all of the special treats and really felt appreciated.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Monday, March 28 – Friday, April 1: Teacher Appreciation Week
MV’s Appreciation Committee has a baseball-themed week of events planned, culminating in a tailgate luncheon on Friday, April 1. Please sign up to monitor the Middle School lunchroom and/or recess. There are also volunteer spots to help with luncheon set up, tear down, and serving lunch to the teachers.

Sign-up to help cover G6 – G8 classes during the luncheon
Sign-up to help set, serve, and breakdown

This is a special week specifically designed to call out everything we appreciate about Mount Vernon teachers. A table will be set up in the main entryway of the Middle School building throughout the week with all the materials needed for students to write notes of thanks to their favorite teachers.

March 31: Deadline to Purchase Mustang Rally T-Shirts
*Sponsors Do Not Need to Order
T-shirts for Rally are now available for purchase. Additionally, Chick-fil-A lunches and carnival tickets are now available for purchase until Wednesday, April 13. Submit your Mustang Rally order here.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, April 4: Grandparent Reception & Tour
4:00 – 6:00 pm, Upper School Cafe Patio
Encourage your child’s grandparents to attend a reception and tour of the Upper Campus, led by incoming Head of School Kristy Lundstrom. Light refreshments will be served. Grandparents can RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 5: Last Uniform Resale of the Year
7:30 – 9:00 am
Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
Stop by for the last Uniform Resale of the year to purchase gently used uniform and spirit wear items: Shirts/$5, Bottoms/$10, Sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters/$10. To donate gently used items, please drop off at the Administration Building on Upper Campus.

Tuesday, April 12: All-School Open Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) Meeting
The purpose of the MVPN is to build community through engagement and volunteerism, amplifying Mustang pride. MVPN leads the charge to support learning, innovation, creativity, and fun for our entire community. From Special Events and MVXperts to Campus Engagement and MV Cares, there are 100+ ways for MV parents and grandparents to get involved at the School.

Join us in person or via Zoom to get a peek into next year and learn more about the 15 committees that make up the MVPN.
In-person: 9:00 – 10:00 am, Lower Campus Fellowship Hall
Virtual: 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Zoom Link, ID: 89197797205, Passcode: Rxhcc8

Friday, April 15 – Monday, April 18: No School for Students and Faculty

April 19 and 21: ERB Testing
Middle School students will participate in spring ERB standardized testing on the mornings of April 19 and 21. Students will test in reading comprehension and math. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Jennifer Santi if you have any questions.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

On Wednesday, March 23, the faculty and staff engaged in a Research, Design, and Iteration (RDI Late Start) session to further our foresight and strategic planning work around curriculum, instruction, and assessment. We are so grateful that families continue to support these monthly opportunities we have to work on professional learning and school innovation across divisions.

Also, thank you for attending the March 24 Coffee and Conversation. If you were unable to attend, we reviewed several enhancements for the next school year. Click here to see these upcoming changes for the 22-23 school year. We will share additional information about the upcoming year in our Middle School Rise Up meetings as follows:

G8 – May 2, 2022, 8:00 am – 8:50 am
G7 – May 2, 2022, 9:00 am – 9:50 am
G6 – May 2, 2022, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Please remember to order Chick-fil-A lunches for Mustang Rally, Friday, April 29. Lunch will not be served at the School that day. The deadline for purchase is April 13.

Next week is Teacher Appreciation week, and we have the most amazing team of MV Middle teachers and staff. In addition to the incredible luncheon you all are planning, let’s do all we can to show our Middle School teachers how much we value them this week. Happy emails and thank-you’s mean so much to the incredible staff that pour into your children each day.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Monday, March 21 – Friday, March 25: MV Serves Solidarity Pantry Food Drive
MV’s spring athletes will be at carpool this week to collect items for Solidarity Pantry. Middle School specific collection: cereal, pasta, pasta sauces, and peanut butter.. Sign up to help at carpool.

Tuesday, March 22: Deadline to Sponsor Mustang Rally
Mustang Rally (April 29) is a free family event, but there are extra perks for family/corporate sponsorships (unlimited wristbands, lunch, tshirts). Pre-sale of t-shirts, Chick-fil-A lunch tickets, and carnival tickets, will begin on March 23. Learn more here.

Wednesday, March 23: All-School Late Start
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins

*Childcare is not available before school begins

Thursday, March 24: Middle School Coffee and Conversation
8:15 – 8:45 am
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 966 4465 1722
Passcode: mvmiddle
Grab a cup of coffee and join the Middle School team via Zoom to talk about the 22-23 school year. We will discuss upcoming changes in the Middle School as we get excited for next year.

Friday, March 25: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am in Gailey Hall on Lower Campus
MV parents and grandparents are invited to lift up our Mount Vernon community in prayer. Prayer requests

Saturday, March 26: 1972 Society Appreciation Party
More than 200 Mount Vernon families and organizations have contributed to the 1972 Society in honor of the School’s founding year. Every family that makes an initial gift, or increases their gift, to the $1,972 level or above is invited to attend.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, March 28 – Friday, April 1: Teacher Appreciation Week
MV’s Appreciation Committee has a baseball-themed week of events planned, culminating in a tailgate luncheon on Friday, April 1. Please sign up to monitor the Middle School lunchroom and/or recess. There are also volunteer spots to help with luncheon set up, tear down, and serving lunch to the teachers.

Sign-up to help cover G6 – G8 classes during the luncheon
Sign-up to help set, serve, and breakdown

This is a special week specifically designed to call out everything we appreciate about Mount Vernon teachers. A table will be set up in the main entryway of the Middle School building throughout the week with all the materials needed for students to write notes of thanks to their favorite teachers.

Monday, April 4: Grandparent Reception & Tour
4:00 – 6:00 pm, Upper School Cafe Patio
Encourage your child’s grandparents to attend a reception and tour of the Upper Campus, led by incoming Head of School Kristy Lundstrom. Light refreshments will be served. Grandparents can RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 12: All-School Open Mount Vernon Parent Network Meeting
Connect with fellow MV Parents during our next All-School Open MVPN Meeting. We look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings.

In-person: 9:00 – 10:00 am, Lower Campus Fellowship Hall

Virtual: 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Zoom Link, ID: 89197797205, Passcode: Rxhcc8

April 19 and 21: ERB Testing
Middle School students will participate in spring ERB standardized testing on the mornings of April 19 and 21. Students will test in reading comprehension and math. Students who qualify for accommodations will receive them accordingly. Please reach out to Jennifer Santi if you have any questions.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In chapel this week, Coach T shared a message from Psalm 119:113. Students were encouraged to allow themselves to be guided by The GPS (God’s Positioning System) through faith and devotional practice.

We hope you will join us for the MS Coffee and Conversation on March 24th. We will share the upcoming changes for the 22-23 school year.

This is the last week before Milepost Grades are posted.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Thursday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
Students are invited to wear green tops with uniform bottoms.

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, March 23: All-School Late Start
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins
*Childcare is not available before school begins

Thursday, March 24: Middle School Coffee and Conversation
Zoom Information to Come
8:15 am – 8:45 am
Grab a cup of coffee and join the Middle School team via Zoom to talk about the 22-23 school year. We will discuss upcoming changes in the Middle School as we get excited for next year. Zoom link to come.

Friday, March 25: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall, Lower Campus
Our MV community is invited to lift up our students and others who have needs, in prayer. At this meeting, we will reflect on our community, and pray for individuals – students and staff members by name – offering gratitude for where we are as a school and ask for grace as we build something exceptional, together. Prayer requests may be made here.

Saturday, March 26: 1972 Society Appreciation Party

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

I hope you and your family had a wonderful spring break. Right before break, MV Middle students and teachers were immersed in learning experiences all over Georgia, DC, and Boston. Each experience was an opportunity for students to be solution seekers, communicators, collaborators, creative thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and innovators. Whether it was paying tribute to family members and veterans at memorials and monuments, watching the changing of the guard, sitting in a ballpark learning about American history, using Computer-aided design to fly helicopters, learning the science of hydro-dipping art, or exploring pond ecology. Each student had the opportunity to explore their passions and learn something new while being guided by our amazing MV Middle teachers.

As we return to finish out Trimester 3, milepost grades will be shared on March 28. This would be a great week to log into Altitude learning and review the Progress tab. As you review Altitude Learning, what areas are Proficient to Advanced? What areas are Novice to Emerging? What is the feedback from their teacher? Are there any overdue cards? What plan does your child have for making up any missed work? Although students are encouraged to be agents of their own learning, it can be helpful for them to verbally share their plan with you.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Middle School COVID Landscape
The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, February 25.

	Middle School Students	Lower Campus & Upper Campus Employees
C19 Positive	0 out of 292	0 out of 265

 

March 1 – March 4: Grade-Level Class Trips
Due to Class Trips there will be no Middle School Extended Play Tuesday, March 1 – Friday, March 4, 2022.

Tuesday, March 1: Uniform Resale
7:30 – 9:00 am
Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
Stop by the Uniform Resale to purchase gently used uniform and spirit wear items: Shirts/$5, Bottoms/$10, Sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters/$10. The Uniform Resale is open the first Tuesday of each month. If you are able and interested, please consider becoming a Uniform Resale volunteer. Bring your friends or make new ones at this fun and easy one-time volunteer opportunity. As a bonus – parent volunteers will have the first pick of inventory! Sign up here.

SAVE THESE DATES

March 7 – March 11: Spring Break, No School

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

We have an exciting week ahead as our students explore Georgia, Boston, DC, and enjoy MVPhoenixfest. Please follow the middle school students and chaperones at the following hashtags on twitter:

Grade 6 Georgia: #mv6explores

Grade 7 Boston, MA: #mvboston

Grade 8 Washington, DC: #mvdc

Grade 7/8 MVPhoenixfest: #mvphoenixfest

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Middle school team for making these trips and experiences possible. From our administrators to our business office to our chaperones planning all of the details – we could not be more grateful for their continued commitment to making the learning at MV meaningful. Thank you to our families for partnering and entrusting us with your children.

In partnership,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Engage as an MVPN Parent Volunteer in 2022-23
The Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) relies on family volunteers to help the School build connections through community, while enhancing the student experience. Make a school-wide impact through athletics, arts, social events, service, MVXperts, and more, from home or on campus. Sign up for specific positions/committees for the 2022-2023 school year. Please contact Director of Community Impact Hunter Pierce for more information – [email protected].

Made in MV Spirit Shop
Engage in the Upper School with students, teachers, and other parents by volunteering for a short shift in the Made in MV Spirit Shop. Be some of the first to see the newest spirit wear and gear. Training is quick and easy! Contact Teresa Campbell at [email protected] with questions.

• Tuesday mornings, 7:30 – 9:00 am
• Wednesday afternoons, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
• Thursdays at lunch, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Monday, February 21: No School 

Tuesday, February 22: Jazz Night, All Ages Welcome
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Upper School Cafe
Join us for Jazz Night featuring live music, dancing, and food. This event is free to all. Swing dance lessons begin at 6:30 pm with live music from Middle School students, the Upper School Fabulous Mustangs, and professional jazz musicians starting at 7:00. Reserve your free tickets here.

Thursday, February 24: Middle School Coffee & Conversation, IDEA and Middle School Development
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Stacey Lee, Chief of IDEA, to explore the ties between IDEA and healthy cognitive development for Middle School children through participation in a hands-on activity designed to support self-awareness and empathy development.

Friday, February 25: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall, Lower Campus
Our MV community is invited to lift up our students and others who have needs, in prayer. At this meeting, we will reflect on our community, and pray for individuals – students and staff members by name – offering gratitude for where we are as a school and ask for grace as we build something exceptional, together. Prayer requests may be made here.

SAVE THESE DATES

March1 – March 4: Grade-Level Class Trips 

March 1-4: Due to Class Trips there will be no Middle School Extended Play Tuesday, March 1 – Friday, March 4, 2022.

Tuesday, March 1: Uniform Resale
7:30 – 9:00 am
Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
Stop by the Uniform Resale to purchase gently used uniform and spirit wear items: Shirts/$5, Bottoms/$10, Sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters/$10. The Uniform Resale is open the first Tuesday of each month.

March 7 – March 11: Spring Break, No School for Students

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In chapel this week we continued our series on bridging the gap in Luke 22:54-62 with a focus on friendships. Students were encouraged to reflect on whether their friendships were transactional or transformational. Transformational friendships praise you behind your back, allow you to be yourself, make you a better person, and they are trustworthy. Transactional friendships judge everything you do, feed your distractions, support negative behaviors, share personal information with others, and are only your friend when there is a benefit.

We are looking forward to Jazz Night where our Middle School band students will perform with Upper School students and outside guests. It’s sure to be a night full of dancing, good music, and food. I hope to see you there!

In partnership,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Middle School COVID Landscape

The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, February 11.

	Middle School Students	Lower Campus & Upper Campus Employees
C19 Positive	0 out of 292	0 out of 265

As a reminder, effective February 14, the School will shift the face covering protocol from required to recommended for all students and faculty/staff members in Preschool through Grade 12. While not required, the School will recommend wearing a face covering, in classrooms and hallways. Supporting all members of our community, we will continue to have available KN95 face coverings and will offer vaccine clinics on both campuses at periodic times throughout the spring.

Monday, February 14: Valentine’s Day
Students are invited to wear a Valentines top with uniform bottoms or jeans.

Monday, February 14, Trimester 2 Milepost Grade/Start of Trimester 3
8:00 am
As students near the end of the Trimester, they will receive the second of three, official trimester grades that will post permanently on report cards and student transcripts. Students in Humanities, Write Minded, and Arts and Design classes will rotate at the start of Trimester 3 and will continue to master their learning outcomes throughout the trimester.

Additional Resources:

• For an instructional video about how to access the Milepost letter grades in Veracross, please see “Veracross Parent Portal: Viewing Milepost Grades” from Director of Instructional Technology Katie Cain.
• As previously shared in these Weekly Updates, Parents can find a brief handout linked here to read more and review how to login to the Parent Portal of Altitude Learning.
• Submit a Family Tech Ticket to Mount Vernon’s Instructional Technology (IT) department
• On Wednesday, August 25, the School offered a Parent University focused on “Competency-based Education (CBE) and Altitude Learning.” Review the slide deck from that session.

Monday, February 14: Rising Grade 9 Parent Meeting
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper School Black Box Theater
Learn more about the Upper School experience for Grade 9 students at this meeting for parents. At this time, Rise Up meetings are planned to take place in person.

Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21: No School for Students

SAVE THESE DATES

Thursday, February 24: Middle School Coffee & Conversation, IDEA and Middle School Development
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Stacey Lee, Chief of IDEA, to explore the ties between IDEA and healthy cognitive development for Middle School children through participation in a hands-on activity designed to support self-awareness and empathy development.

Friday, February 25: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall, Lower Campus
We invite all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to help lift up our Mount Vernon community in prayer. At each meeting, we reflect on a very relevant and timely devotion and pray for different MV students, faculty, and staff members by name. Prayer requests may be made here.

February 28 – March 4: Grade-Level Class Trips 

March 7 – March 11: Spring Break, No School for Students

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

What an incredible night of community, fun, and dancing at the MVat50 Benefit Gala. We heard from our incoming Head of School Kristy Lundstrom and our auction host and Mount Vernon Alumni Eric Irvin. Thank you for supporting the event and helping us reach our goal for brand new buses! This will allow our Middle School students to attend expeditions, community service, arts, and athletic events.

Rising Grade 9 families have an opportunity to hear more about the Upper School experience for your student(s) on Monday, February 14 from 8:30-9:30 am in the Upper School Blackbox Theater.

We look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14. Students can wear a Valentines top with uniform bottoms or jeans. Thank you to our Mount Vernon Parent Network for providing treats for every student in the Middle School to have on Valentine’s Day. We are incredibly thankful for our parent volunteers!

The Trimester 2 Milepost grades will be live on February 14, at 8:00 am. As a reminder, the most complete and robust information about student learning continues to be archived on Altitude Learning.

In partnership,
Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN)
As members of the Mount Vernon community – parents and grandparents are automatically a part of the MVPN, which works to promote a strong sense of community by encouraging MV families to Learn, Serve and Give. We provide our families the opportunity to support each other, as well as faculty and staff in an informed, welcoming environment. Our success is grounded in a shared mission, supportive community and strong parent participation.

Please complete this form to indicate your interest in getting more involved in the MVPN next school year. Please contact Director of Community Impact Hunter Pierce – [email protected] – with any questions.

Made in MV Spirit Shop
Located in the Upper School Building

Store Hours:

• Tuesday, 7:30 – 9:00 am
• Wednesday, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
• Thursday, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Apple Pay, Credit Card, or electronic invoice via email available. In the Made in MV shop you can find men’s and women’s apparel, youth and toddler apparel, winter hats, leather goods, water bottles, umbrellas, aluminum MV car badges, and more.

Contact Teresa Campbell at [email protected] with any questions.

Uniform Resale
Located in Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
First Tuesday of every month, 7:30 – 9:00 am

Purchase gently used uniform and spirit wear items:

• Shirts/$5
• Bottoms/$10
• Sweatshirts, Jackets, Sweaters/$10

Wednesday, February 9: Virtual Grandparent Coffee
10:00 – 11:00 am
Zoom Link
ID: 87266610410
Passcode: wCDk9c
Please invite your students’ Grandparents & Special Friends to join us from the comfort of their own homes for this virtual event. Director of Visual and Performing Arts Matt Neylon will be joining the call to share more about the School’s integrated art strategy across all four divisions.

Wednesday, February 9 – Friday, February 11: Middle School Sketch Show
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Middle School BlackBox
The Mustang Musical Sketch Show is a hilarious mash-up of short student-written comedy sketches and some musical numbers – it’s like “Saturday Night Live” meets “Studio C” meets “Glee.” Don’t miss out!

Thursday, February 10: All-School Open Mount Vernon Parent Network Meeting
Two opportunities to participate – in person or virtual
Connect with fellow MV Parents during our All-School Open MVPN Meeting.
Our incoming Head of School, Kristy Lundstrom will share her vision for next year, and Chief Community Development Officer Anne Katz will update us on our growing community and share more about how to get involved. You will also hear from several of the School’s most engaged parent volunteers who inspire us to Learn, Serve, and Give every day. From boots on the ground to behind the scenes support, MV parents are the core of our community. We look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings. Please RSVP for the meeting(s) that you will attend.

IN PERSON
9:00 – 10:00 am
Lower Campus Fellowship Hall

VIRTUAL
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Zoom Link, ID: 89972634786 / Passcode: 806488

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, February 14: Valentine’s Day
Students are invited to wear a Valentines top with uniform bottoms or jeans.

Monday, February 14, Trimester 2 Milepost Grade/Start of Trimester 3
8:00 am
As students near the end of the Trimester, they will receive the second of three, official trimester grades that will post permanently on report cards and student transcripts. Students in Humanities, Write Minded, and Arts and Design classes will rotate to at the start of Trimester 3 and will continue to master their learning outcomes throughout the trimester. The Trimester 2 Milepost grade will be live on February 14, at 8:00 am. The most complete and robust information about student learning continues to be archived on Altitude Learning.

Additional Resources:

• For an instructional video about how to access the Milepost letter grades in Veracross, please see “Veracross Parent Portal: Viewing Milepost Grades” from Director of Instructional Technology Katie Cain.
• As previously shared in these Weekly Updates, Parents can find a brief handout linked here to read more and review how to login to the Parent Portal of Altitude Learning.
• Submit a Family Tech Ticket to Mount Vernon’s Instructional Technology (IT) department
• On Wednesday, August 25, the School offered a Parent University focused on “Competency-based Education (CBE) and Altitude Learning.” Review the slide deck from that session.

Monday, February 14: Rising Grade 9 Parent Meeting
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper School Black Box Theater
Learn more about the Upper School experience for Grade 9 students at this meeting for parents. At this time, Rise Up meetings are planned to take place in person.

Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21: No School for Students

RECAP

PARENT UNIVERSITY RECAP: Courage, Connection, and Resilience with Rachel Simmons
Watch the full recording in the Veracross Parent Portal. Rachel is a bestselling author, educator and executive coach helping people to be more authentic, assertive and resilient. As a regular on Good Morning America, she shares her expertise with MV families on how to navigate parenting tweens and teens through times that are more turbulent than ever.

“Great insights on how parents can help their children develop resilience skills. Another highly relevant and useful session from the MV Parent University.” – Grade 8 parent Chris Hooper

PARENT UNIVERSITY RECAP: Trends in College Counseling
In case you missed it, you can learn more about Mount Vernon’s College Counseling program here. In this Parent University, the College Counseling team shared what they have learned during the unprecedented shift in the educational landscape since March 2020, additionally sharing the ways that Mount Vernon students are uniquely prepared to be competitive even in the most uncertain of times.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Thank you for joining the last Coffee and Conversation in the Middle School on January 20 as we explored what developmental patterns we see at school and what developmental patterns you see at home. We continued the conversation from Dr. Lisa Damour around cognitive and social development and focused on the middle school years. In this week’s Parent University we heard from Rachel Simmons. I’d like to share a few takeaways that tied in nicely with the conversations around the middle school development years.

5 Truths about Friendship to Convey to your Child:

• There is no such thing as a perfect friendship
• You will be left out and excluded
• Friend divorce happens
• No matter how hard you try, your apology may not be accepted
• Friendships ebb and flow

What can we as parents do about these truths? Dr. Lisa Damour says that 2% curiosity and empathy is sometimes all that you need. Rachel Simmons continues this theme by giving helpful responses in these moments of curiosity and empathy:

1. It’s not always going to feel this way but I understand why you feel this way
2. If I were you, I would feel that way too
3. It’s okay to feel this way

In this time of development students are sometimes behaving unpredictably, challenging rules, learning how to negotiate and push boundaries, navigating friendship challenges, and may consider quitting activities when they are challenging. They are also inquisitive, funny, empathetic, and resilient.

These are pivotal and transformative years. Max Hanson, Associate Head of Middle School ([email protected]), Lycedia Gasaway, ([email protected]) and I are here to partner with you through the middle school years.

In chapel this week, we heard from Ms. Campbell and focused our time on one of the fruits of the spirit: joy. Using John 15:10-12, Ms. Campbell shared the positive impacts of being intentional about our decision making and finding ways to fill the community with joy. Joy is contagious and you never know who may benefit or who may need a good dose of joy.

On Wednesday, the School celebrated three student athletes as they officially signed athletic scholarships on #NationalSigningDay. Coaches spoke to the character, the effort and the heart that these young people have brought to our school, their teams and themselves. Then the students themselves thanked all who have supported them during their journey.

It is re-enrollment time at Mount Vernon. Thank you for entrusting your child(ren) with us. It is an honor to be a part of shaping their learning journey as well as cultivating students who have an impact inside and outside of the classroom. Not only are we excited about the moments of impact today, we also look forward to partnering with you on what opportunities we are able to accomplish in the future. Re-enrollment forms can be found on the Veracross Parent Portal.

In partnership,

Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

COVID LANDSCAPE
The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, December 3, 2021.
Middle School COVID Positive: 0 out of 295
Lower & Upper Campus Employees: 0 out of 257

Monday, December 6 – Wednesday, December 15: Toys for Tots Drive
Students are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots in partnership with the United States Marine Corps. On Wednesday, December 15, the drive will culminate with a special Toys for Tots chapel on each campus where members of the USMC are expected to be present to accept the donated toys. Lower Campus toy collection will take place in each classroom, while Upper Campus collections will take place at each respective front desk.

Tuesday, December 7: Uniform Resale
7:30 – 9:00 am
Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
Stop by Uniform Resale on the first Tuesday of each month to pick up lightly used uniform and spirit wear items.

Wednesday, December 8: All-School Late Start
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins
*Childcare is not available before school begins 

Thursday, December 9: Parent University – Parenting in a Tech World: Live Q&A
8:15 – 9:15 am
Fellowship Hall, Lower Campus
Please join Chief Parent Officer Titania Jordan and Vice President of Business Development Matt McKee, co-authors of Parenting in a Tech World and leaders at Bark.us, as they answer families’ questions live and in-person. Although Preschool through Upper School families are invited to attend, this event is most applicable for families of children in grades 4-12.

Friday, December 10: Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic for ages 5-11
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Fellowship Hall
MV has partnered with a local pediatrician’s office and pediatric nurses from CHOA to offer a Pfizer COVID vaccine clinic for students ages 5 – 11. Prior to the clinic, please sign up here.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, December 14: Christmas Arts Showcase
6:00 – 9:30 pm
Upper Campus
Join us for our 10th Annual Christmas Arts Showcase on Tues, Dec 14. Visitors will be guided on a 90-minute immersive tour with short performances, visual art installations, showcases of learning, virtual reality, hot cocoa and more. Mount Vernon’s creativity will be on full display as our instrumental and vocal ensembles, dance teams, theatre troupes, VR club, and iDiploma programs join forces to create a truly unforgettable experience. Get your tickets today here.

Wednesday, December 15: Rising Upper School Walk & Talk
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus, Upper School Cafe
Have you wondered what life will be like in a few years when you have an Upper Schooler at Mount Vernon? Join us for a walk and talk on December 15 at 8:30 am to see MV Upper in action! We will meet in the Upper Campus Cafe to begin the Walk & Talk. Register here to reserve your space.

Wednesday, December 15: MV Cares, Parent Prayer Group
8:45 – 9:30 am
Gailey Hall, Lower Campus
We invite all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to help lift up our Mount Vernon community in prayer. At each meeting, we reflect on a very relevant and timely devotion and pray for different MV students, faculty, and staff members by name. Prayer requests may be made here.

Friday, December 17 – Monday, January 3: School Break

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: LEARN, SERVE, GIVE

Volunteers Needed: Faculty Appreciation Lunch
Thursday, December 9
Upper Campus, Middle School Building
Help is needed for the annual Faculty Appreciation Lunch, a moment faculty and staff look forward to each year. Volunteers can sign up to help serve lunch or to provide student coverage during lunch and recess. With questions, please contact Hunter Pierce, [email protected].

Make an End-of-Year Impact: MVFund
With the end of the calendar year fast approaching, we invite you to make an impact with a year-end gift! Thank you to these 400+ families that have already contributed to the MVFund, the School’s annual giving campaign.

Please make a gift or pledge to the MV Fund to provide additional learning opportunities and expedite key projects. As a reminder, you have until June 30, 2022, to fulfill your pledge for 2021-22. Thank you in advance for your generosity and participation!

The MVat50 Benefit
Tickets and sponsorships are going fast for the MVat50 Benefit – be sure to reserve yours today. You can find more detailed information about the Benefit here, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Proceeds from ticket sales, as well as both the silent and live auctions, will benefit our entire community by providing the opportunity to purchase a new fleet of buses for the School. Don’t miss your chance to attend this event!

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

We were so thankful to see you at MS Family Night. Our families were able to meet teachers, immerse themselves in a student activity, and fellowship with one another. This event provided an opportunity for parents to ask questions of teachers, administrators, and peers, providing space for connection.

The first day of December was a timely message in chapel about friendships and forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 talks about the power of forgiveness and how when we forgive, God forgives us. Forgiveness can be hard in Middle School as friendships ebb and flow and feelings are hurt. It is a great reminder for us to guide, support, and help students find peace and power in forgiveness.

We look forward to celebrating these next few weeks of holiday cheer and festivities with you.

In partnership,

Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Thursday, January 13: Parent University with Dr. Lisa Damour: Helping Children and Teenagers Manage Challenging Emotions in Challenging Times
9:00 – 10:00 am
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85081015382?pwd=cytxT1N3Z1VmNm03U1FsTXI2Y3VXUT09
Meeting ID: 850 8101 5382
Passcode: GiN3Hf
Dr. Lisa Damour explains the psychological science key to understanding how stress and anxiety operate, both under everyday conditions and at times of heightened concern and disruption. Join us to learn more about how we can:

• cultivate and protect kids’ psychological health
• help kids develop adaptive strategies for managing intense emotions
• address the specific challenges which come with each stage of development

Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association for her work on stress and anxiety, Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of two New York Times best-selling books, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, January 17: No School for Students

Tuesday, January 18: Bone Cancer Awareness Day

Wednesday, January 19: MV Cares, Parent Prayer Group
8:45 – 9:30 am
Gailey Hall, Lower Campus
We invite all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to help lift up our Mount Vernon community in prayer. At each meeting, we reflect on a very relevant and timely devotion and pray for different MV students, faculty, and staff members by name. Prayer requests may be made here.

Thursday, January 20: Coffee and Conversation with Head of Middle School
8:15 – 8:45 am
Middle School Art Gallery
Join Leah Nestor for Coffee and Conversation from 8:15 am – 8:45 am in the Middle School Art Gallery.

Monday, January 24 – Monday, February 7: Perennial Enrollment Period
More information to come.

Thursday, January 27, 2022: Parent University- Trends in College Counseling, 2022 for K-8 families
9:00 – 10:00 am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86181980265?pwd=RnVFWEFYWStvc3BJTWNDUmlNZy9tdz09
Meeting ID: 861 8198 0265
Passcode: 877s0G

Please join us to learn more about Mount Vernon’s College Counseling – an added advantage to the Mount Vernon education. Since March 2020, all schools (high schools, K12 schools, and colleges) have been dealing with an unprecedented shift in the educational landscape due to the impacts of COVID19. We look forward to sharing with you what we’ve learned through this admissions cycle and highlighting the ways that Mount Vernon students are uniquely prepared to be competitive even in the most uncertain of times.

Your MV College Counseling Team of Erin McCubbin, Ryan May, Aerial Dickerson, and Alejandro Ramirez are excited to meet with you! Feel free to submit any specific questions or topic requests in advance here. Sample topics:

• The current structure and goals of the MV college counseling program
• How MV’s grading and assessment philosophy (Altitude and CBE) align with today’s shifting college admission landscape
• Statistics and outcomes from previous graduating classes
• What the person who reads your child’s college application is looking for in a future student

Saturday, February 5: The MVat50 Benefit
7:00 – 11:00 pm
Guardian Works
755 Echo St NE

The MVat50 Benefit Gala will be here before we know it on Saturday, February 5 at Guardian Works in Midtown. Volunteers are planning a spectacular night for our community and you will not want to miss it – dress is cocktail attire. Dance to live music by the band Yacht Rock Schooner, enjoy heavy appetizers followed by dinner, and bid on unique experiences and items through both a silent and live auction. Get your tickets now! 

More event information.

Wine/Bourbon Drive for MVat50 Benefit Gala

The MVat50 Benefit event Parent Co-Chairs are looking for donations of high-end quality bottles of bourbon and/or wine for the MVat50 Benefit Gala. The donations will be used at the event in the Wine/Bourbon Toss game.

If you would like to donate a bottle of wine or bourbon they are looking for a variety of labels that range at $50/bottle and above.

The event chairs will be at the morning and afternoon carpools on Lower Campus on Thursday, January 13 to collect any donated bottles. On Upper Campus they will be at morning and afternoon carpool on Friday, January 14 to collect donations.

Please reach out to the co-chairs with questions:
Ashley Giardino
Marci Ehrlich
Ashly Cox 

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Welcome back! We are thrilled to have students back in the building. The second trimester continues with new Choice Connections classes and a new Arts & Design mod. We started the year with new Covid protocols, and I remain grateful to our students for the care they show one another in adhering to the face covering requirement. Committing to the protocols helps us tremendously to stay in a face-to-face, on-campus setting. We are looking forward to a great year full of exciting opportunities from class trips to social events.

On January 18, the middle school will show support by going yellow for Grade 7 student, Isla Walker. We will distribute yellow wristbands to all of our students and wear yellow attire. We are so blessed to see our students rally around one of their classmates through an incredibly challenging time. We are truly stronger together.

In partnership,

Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School

Tuesday, November 2: School Portrait Makeup Date
Due to the forecast for rain, we will be moving Retake Picture Day to Tuesday, November 2. School Portrait Retakes will be taken on Upper Campus from 8:20 am – 3:30 pm. If you would like your student to retake their photo, sign up here. If your student was absent on the original Portrait Day, you should have received a separate email from the School and do not need to sign up using the above form. Should you have any questions, please contact Reagan Langston at [email protected].

Tuesday, November 2 – Uniform Resale
7:30 – 9:00 am
Administration Building 2, Upper Campus
Stop by Uniform Resale on the first Tuesday of each month to pick up lightly used uniform and spirit wear items.

Thursday, November 4 – Saturday, November 6: Middle School Production of Puffs
The School of Magic is coming to Mount Vernon – Don’t miss an opportunity to see PUFFS or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Reserve your tickets here. 

Friday, November 5: Early Dismissal
The Mustang Varsity Football Team is hosting their final regular season game of the year. Since we don’t have field lights, games typically start earlier, later in the season. With a 3:00pm start time, carpool, parking, guests, and other logistics impact both campuses. On November 5, the Middle School will have an early dismissal at 2:00 pm. Extended Play will run 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

• 1:30 Preschool and Lower School Dismissal
• 1:45 Upper School Dismissal
• 2:00 Middle School Dismissal

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, November 10: MS Community Teacher Share Conferences
We are looking forward to MS Community Teacher Share Conferences on Wednesday, November 10. The Community Teacher Share Conference serves two primary purposes: 1) for your child’s Community Leader to share with you their observations and perspectives about the work your child is doing in Community, and 2) for the Community Leader to review the importance and methods of regular review of Altitude Learning, so that you have the most complete view of your child’s learning and progress in each of their courses. To prepare for the Community Teacher Share Conference, please be aware of the following:

1. Appointments will be 15 minutes long, and you can reserve a meeting time through the MV Parent Portal on Veracross.
2. Appointments may be in person or via Zoom, depending on your preference. We just ask that you indicate your preference when scheduling a time.
3. By bringing a device such as a laptop or iPad, you can access the Altitude Learning parent portal and receive support about accessing the vital information that is available on Altitude (this review in Altitude can be more challenging on a phone-sized screen).
4. Please make sure you can login to the Altitude Learning parent portal before the conference. There are additional resources below, if you need a refresher. Additionally, Mrs. Katie Cain will be available in the MS Art Gallery on the day of conferences, should you need additional technical assistance with logging into Altitude Learning.
5. If you’d like to discuss more course-specific information about your child’s learning and progress, as always, please contact your child’s specific teacher to arrange a time to talk.

In years past, a scheduled conference day was a very efficient way for parents to get a glimpse into a child’s school experience. Now, of course, the combination of a learning management system like Altitude Learning, as well as access to teachers via email and mutually convenient times throughout the year, allow for a much more complete picture of your student’s learning and progress.

Additional Resources:

• For an instructional video about how to access the Milepost letter grades in Veracross, please see “Veracross Parent Portal: Viewing Milepost Grades” from Director of Instructional Technology Katie Cain.
• As previously shared in these Weekly Updates, Parents can find a brief handout linked here to read more and review how to login to the Parent Portal of Altitude Learning.
• Submit a Family Tech Ticket to Mount Vernon’s Instructional Technology (IT) department
• On Wednesday, August 25, the School offered a Parent University focused on “Competency-based Education (CBE) and Altitude Learning.” Review the slide deck from that session.

Thursday, November 11: Vaccine Clinic

Friday, November 12: Managing and Monitoring K-12 Children’s Online Presence
9:00 – 10:00 am
Hosted by Katie Cain and Bark
Register for webinar here
Back by popular demand, Katie Cain and our partners at Bark will share strategies and resources for managing children’s online presence. From school-issued iPads to personal cell phones, from web filters to parental controls, we aim to equip families with resources to confidently approach technology use with their children/teenagers.

November 29: Authentic Connections: Virtual Lunch and Learn
11:45am – 12:45pm
Join Zoom Here
The Mount Vernon School is advancing its mission by engaging all students – through stories, experiences, data, and research serving as guides. As a result of the pandemic, MV students have had to adjust to a variety of circumstances, learn to be agile, and develop resilience. Partnering with Authentic Connections to collect and analyze data, we will be able to strengthen our focus on supporting well-being and resilience within our students. Join us virtually to hear from experts regarding trends and best practices for supporting adolescents through these unique times.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: LEARN, SERVE, GIVE

Connect to and with our MV Community through volunteer engagement, impact projects, and service learning. The Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) works to promote a strong sense of community by encouraging families to Learn, Serve and Give. Our success is grounded in a shared mission, supportive community, and strong parent participation.

The MV Fund: Make a significant impact in the School’s 50th year by supporting our annual giving campaign, Mount Vernon Fund, with a gift or pledge. Your contribution helps the School provide additional learning opportunities, while accelerating key projects this school year.

In honor of the School’s 50th year, please consider contributing a $5050 anniversary gift. Learn more about how to make an impact in our 50th year.

The MVat50 Benefit
Plan to join us on Saturday, February 5, for an evening of fellowship with a purpose. Tickets will go on sale next week. All proceeds from sponsorships and auctions will benefit our entire community by providing the School the ability to purchase a new fleet of buses, allowing students to take advantage of expeditionary learning, athletes to travel to away games, and artists to take shows on the road. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities for The Benefit here.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In a recent MS Coffee and Conversation session, I was able to share through images and stories the many ways our students show up as collaborators, creative thinkers, solution seekers, communciators, innovators, and ethical decision makers. Though all of the mindsets are important, ethical decision maker can sometimes not shine as brightly because it isn’t easily captured in a picture. Below are a few ways you can inquire (and then celebrate!) the mindset of an ethical decision maker in your child. Here are a few questions you can ask: What choices did you make today that had a positive impact on a peer? Did you lend a helping hand today? What were some ways you used technology for good? What opportunities were there to show empathy for someone?

In chapel this week, we learned about the importance of understanding the journey of faith through prayer and Bible reading. It’s in these moments that we can hear the message God has for us and the fullness of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).

In partnership,
Leah Nestor

COVID LANDSCAPE
In case you missed it, be sure to review November 3 COVID letter to PS-Grade 6. The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, November 5.
Middle School COVID Positive: 0 out of 295
Lower & Upper Campus Employees: 0 out of 257

Wednesday, November 10: MS Community Teacher Share Conference (Signups are live in MV Parent Portal on Veracross)
No School for Middle School students
We are looking forward to MS Community Teacher Share Conferences on Wednesday, November 10. The conference signup is now live in the MV Parent Portal on Veracross.

The Community Teacher Share Conference serves two primary purposes: 1) for your child’s Community Leader to share with you their observations and perspectives about the work your child is doing in Community, and 2) for the Community Leader to review the importance and methods of regular review of Altitude Learning, so that you have the most complete view of your child’s learning and progress in each of their courses. To prepare for the Community Teacher Share Conference, please be aware of the following:

1. Appointments will be 15 minutes long, and you can reserve a meeting time through the MV Parent Portal on Veracross.
2. Appointments may be in person or via Zoom, depending on your preference. We just ask that you indicate your preference when scheduling a time.
3. By bringing a device such as a laptop or iPad, you can access the Altitude Learning parent portal and receive support about accessing the vital information that is available on Altitude (this review in Altitude can be more challenging on a phone-sized screen).
4. Please make sure you can login to the Altitude Learning parent portal before the conference. There are additional resources below, if you need a refresher. Additionally, Mrs. Katie Cain will be available in the MS Art Gallery on the day of conferences, should you need additional technical assistance with logging into Altitude Learning.
5. If you’d like to discuss more course-specific information about your child’s learning and progress, as always, please contact your child’s specific teacher to arrange a time to talk.

In years past, a scheduled conference day was a very efficient way for parents to get a glimpse into a child’s school experience. Now, of course, the combination of a learning management system like Altitude Learning, as well as access to teachers via email and mutually convenient times throughout the year, allow for a much more complete picture of your student’s learning and progress.

Additional Resources:

• For an instructional video about how to access the Milepost letter grades in Veracross, please see “Veracross Parent Portal: Viewing Milepost Grades” from Director of Instructional Technology Katie Cain.
• As previously shared in these Weekly Updates, Parents can find a brief handout linked here to read more and review how to login to the Parent Portal of Altitude Learning.
• Submit a Family Tech Ticket to Mount Vernon’s Instructional Technology (IT) department
• On Wednesday, August 25, the School offered a Parent University focused on “Competency-based Education (CBE) and Altitude Learning.” Review the slide deck from that session.

Thursday, November 11: Vaccine Clinic
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School Lightbox
The next vaccine clinic is scheduled for Thursday, November 11 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm located on the Upper Campus, MS Lightbox. This clinic will be available to employees and students ages 12+ wanting the Pfizer vaccine or booster.

 

Friday, November 12: Managing and Monitoring K-12 Children’s Online Presence
9:00 – 10:00 am
Hosted by Katie Cain and Bark
Register for webinar here
Back by popular demand, Katie Cain and our partners at Bark will share strategies and resources for managing children’s online presence. From school-issued iPads to personal cell phones, from web filters to parental controls, we aim to equip families with resources to confidently approach technology use with their children/teenagers.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, November 16 – 18: Upper Campus Production of Little Women the Musical
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Mount Vernon Studios is thrilled to bring you Little Women. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from her life experiences. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their lives growing up in Civil War America. Reserve your tickets here.

Thursday, November 18: MV Grandparents Reception at the Night of the Arts”
All Grandparents have received an invitation to a Grandparents only reception from 5:30-6:30. This will take place prior to the performance of Little Women. Please RSVP and reserve your tickets through the Paperless Post Invitation.

Friday, November 19: Early Release for Students
12:00 pm
All Middle School students will be released at noon on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving break. No extended play will be available.

November 29: Authentic Connections: Virtual Lunch and Learn
11:45am – 12:45pm
Join Zoom Here
The Mount Vernon School is advancing its mission by engaging all students – through stories, experiences, data, and research serving as guides. As a result of the pandemic, MV students have had to adjust to a variety of circumstances, learn to be agile, and develop resilience. Partnering with Authentic Connections to collect and analyze data, we will be able to strengthen our focus on supporting well-being and resilience within our students. Join us virtually to hear from experts regarding trends and best practices for supporting adolescents through these unique times.

Wednesday, December 1: Vaccine Clinic
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Middle School Lightbox

December 3: Babysitter Bootcamp Class
The Mount Vernon School is offering a Babysitter Boot Camp class to all Middle School and Upper School students through the CPR Training Center. View more information here.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In chapel this week, we heard from one of our teachers in our Bridging the Gap series where teachers have the opportunity to share their testimony. We were reminded that no matter what we go through, God will not give up on us. Matthew 14:31 tells us that we must keep the faith because He is always there for us.

Middle School Community Share Conferences will be held on November 10. You will have the opportunity to hear about the relationship building students are doing in Community. You will also have the opportunity to login and see the best way to view your child’s Altitude Learning progress. Community Share Conferences will not be an in depth look into a child’s progress in each class. Remember that Altitude Learning houses a great deal of information and evidence of student learning and progress. Please schedule a time to meet with the respective teacher for a deeper discussion into your child’s progress. Post your conference, a great conversation starter with your child could be: Where have your Glows & Grows been these first three weeks? Let’s look (together) for the evidence in your cards in Altitude.

Have a wonderful weekend.

In partnership,
Leah Nestor

COVID LANDSCAPE
As a reminder from the October 21 announcement, effective Monday, October 25, the School is shifting the face covering protocol from required to recommended for grades 7-12. The School recommends that students, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face covering in classrooms and hallways. However, all Upper Campus students and faculty/staff, regardless of vaccination status, will continue to be required to wear a face covering in confined spaces during larger divisional gatherings such as Chapel, assemblies, and pep rallies.

The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, October 22.
Middle School COVID Positive: 0 out of 295
Lower & Upper Campus Employees: 0 out of 257

Tuesday, October 26
Parent University, 8:30 – 9:30 am – Affinity and Alliance Program at Mount Vernon School (virtual only) Join via Zoom
Mount Vernon norms call upon community members to start with questions and to share the well. These actions make a difference for individuals, and research shows that when individuals are able to gather in groups where they see themselves reflected, the questions and sharing take on new meaning and deeper impact toward positive ends. In this academic year, the Mount Vernon School will begin hosting Affinity Group gatherings for members of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. As a school grounded in Christian values, we draw upon sound research, stories, and experiences of our students, alumni, and families in the action of convening these affinity groups. Join Stacey Lee, Mount Vernon’s Chief IDEA Officer to experience, first-hand, the ways in which the design of Affinity Groups will enhance our school community.

Wednesday, October 27
New Family Drop-In Coffee, 7:45 – 9:15 am
MVPN’s New Family Chairs Amanda Woodall and Amanda Richmond invite new families who joined MV in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to the Upper Campus Green to build community among our newest Mustangs. Come as you are, bring your morning caffeine, or grab a cup of coffee at the Ground Floor Coffee Shop in the US Cafe.

Thursday, October 28
Portrait Retakes RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
On October 28, School Portrait Retakes will be taken on Lower Campus from 8:20-11:20 am and on Upper Campus from 8:20 am – 3:30 pm. If you would like your student to retake photo, sign up at mountvernonschool.org/retakes. If your student was absent on the original Portrait Day, you should have received a separate email from the School and do not need to sign up using the above form. Should you have any questions, please contact Reagan Langston at [email protected].

Friday, October 29
No School for Students/Upper Campus Faculty RDI & Work Day
Trimester 1 and MS Mod 2 end
As students near the end of the Trimester, they will receive the first of three, official trimester grades that will post permanently on report cards and student transcripts. Students in Humanities and Write Minded classes will rotate to a new teacher for Trimester 2 and will continue to master their learning outcomes through the trimester. The Trimester 1 milepost grade will be live on November 1, at 8:00 am. The most complete and robust information about student learning continues to be archived on Altitude Learning.

Monday, November 1
Trimester 2 and MS Mod 3 begin

SAVE THESE DATES

Friday, November 5: Early Dismissal
The Mustang Varsity Football Team is hosting their final regular season game of the year. Since we don’t have field lights, games typically start earlier, later in the season. With a 3:00 pm start time, carpool, parking, guests, and other logistics impact both campuses. On November 5, the Middle School will have an early dismissal at 2:00 pm. Extended Play will also be available until 6:00.

• 1:30 Preschool and Lower School Dismissal
• 1:45 Upper School Dismissal
• 2:00 Middle School Dismissal

November 10, MS Community Teacher Share Conferences
We are looking forward to MS Community Teacher Share Conferences on Wednesday, November 10. The Community Teacher Share Conference serves two primary purposes: 1) for your child’s Community Leader to share with you their observations and perspectives about the work your child is doing in Community, and 2) for the Community Leader to review the importance and methods of regular review of Altitude Learning, so that you have the most complete view of your child’s learning and progress in each of their courses. To prepare for the Community Teacher Share Conference, please be aware of the following:

1. Appointments will be 15 minutes long, and you can reserve a meeting time through the MV Parent Portal on Veracross.
2. Appointments may be in person or via Zoom, depending on your preference. We just ask that you indicate your preference when scheduling a time.
3. By bringing a device such as a laptop or iPad, you can access the Altitude Learning parent portal and receive support about accessing the vital information that is available on Altitude (this review in Altitude can be more challenging on a phone-sized screen).
4. Please make sure you can login to the Altitude Learning parent portal before the conference. There are additional resources below, if you need a refresher. Additionally, Mrs. Katie Cain will be available in the MS Art Gallery on the day of conferences, should you need additional technical assistance with logging into Altitude Learning.
5. If you’d like to discuss more course-specific information about your child’s learning and progress, as always, please contact your child’s specific teacher to arrange a time to talk.

In years past, a scheduled conference day was a very efficient way for parents to get a glimpse into a child’s school experience. Now, of course, the combination of a learning management system like Altitude Learning, as well as access to teachers via email and mutually convenient times throughout the year, allow for a much more complete picture of your student’s learning and progress.

Additional Resources:

• For an instructional video about how to access the Milepost letter grades in Veracross, please see “Veracross Parent Portal: Viewing Milepost Grades” from Director of Instructional Technology Katie Cain.
• As previously shared in these Weekly Updates, Parents can find a brief handout linked here to read more and review how to login to the Parent Portal of Altitude Learning.
• Submit a Family Tech Ticket to Mount Vernon’s Instructional Technology (IT) department
• On Wednesday, August 25, the School offered a Parent University focused on “Competency-based Education (CBE) and Altitude Learning.” Review the slide deck from that session.

Thursday, November 11: Vaccine Clinic

Friday November 12: Managing and Monitoring K-12 Children’s Online Presence 
Hosted by Katie Cain and Bark
Registration to attend will begin next week.
From 9:00 – 10:0 am, Back by popular demand, Katie Cain and our partners at Bark will share strategies and resources for managing children’s online presence. From school-issued iPads to personal cell phones, from web filters to parental controls, we aim to equip families with resources to confidently approach technology use with their children/teenagers.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

This was my inaugural Middle School Halloween Bash and what a blast we had! Costumes, dancing, games, and food were all a hit. Thank you to our parent volunteers for planning, organizing, and decorating this event to ensure our students were able to #havefun on Friday.

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month. We celebrated our Hispanic teachers and students through music, dance, learning about Hispanic culture, and trivia throughout the month of October. In chapel, Senõr Freeman led us in The Lord’s Prayer in Español and the Middle School teachers and students performed Vivir Mi Vida. Vivir Mi Vida tells us to laugh, dance, and enjoy life. I was reminded of Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” How blessed we are to celebrate and rejoice with one another.

We are pleased to introduce Mount Vernon’s Middle School Counselor, Ms. Lycedia Gasaway. Ms. Gasaway started with us on October 20, and she has been a wonderful addition to the Mount Vernon Community. Read more about Ms. Gasaway here.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Leah Nestor

Coming Up This Week in Middle School: October 18 – 22

Monday, October 18

Tuesday, October 19

Veracross Parent Portal Hands-on Workshop for Upper Campus families
11:45 – 12:45 in the MAC on Upper Campus
Families are invited on-campus to learn more about the Veracross system, including a hands-on tutorial on the many capabilities of the platform: subscribe to your student’s class schedule, update your profile information, find families within a 10-mile radius, donate to the MV Fund, link to key resources, and much more.

Wednesday, October 20
Vaccine Clinic for Adults and Students who are 12 or older
11:00 -1:00 in the MS Lightbox – Required forms:
1) Briarcliff Health Mart Vaccine Immunization Form
2) MV School Consent, Waiver & Release Form

Thursday, October 21
8:15 – 8:45 am Coffee and Conversation with Leah Nestor
Relationships are foundational for learning and the success of our students comes in the partnership we build with each of our families. We will review Mount Vernon’s Continuum and discuss how the following Mindsets show up in the Middle School everyday: creative thinker, solution seeker, communicator, innovator, collaborator, and ethical decision maker. Join me from 8:15 – 8:45 am in the Art Gallery.

Upper School One-Act Play in the Upper School Black Box
6:00 pm
Don’t miss The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong this week in the Upper School. This super-hilarious one-act is a hilarious 75 minute comedy like you’ve never seen before. The actors are accident-prone, and everything that can go wrong…does! Reserve your tickets here.

Friday, October 22
MS Halloween Bash
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Middle School students at The Mount Vernon School are invited to the 2021 Halloween Bash on Friday, October 22. Students are encouraged to wear costumes to showcase their Halloween spirit. Costumes should be appropriate for a school setting. The evening will feature games and activities in the Upper Campus Gym and surrounding hallways, food and drinks, and a DJ playing music. The music and dancing will take place in an outdoor tent. The Halloween Bash begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 8:00 pm. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the MS Carpool circle.

Friday, October 22 at 6:00 pm and Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 pm
Upper School One-Act Play in the Upper School Black Box
Don’t miss The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong this week in the Upper School. This super-hilarious one-act is a hilarious 75 minute comedy like you’ve never seen before. The actors are accident-prone, and everything that can go wrong…does! Reserve your tickets here.

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, October 26: Parent University – Affinity and Alliance Program at Mount Vernon School (virtual only) Join via Zoom
8:30 – 9:30 am Mount Vernon norms call upon community members to start with questions and to share the well. These actions make a difference for individuals, and research shows that when individuals are able to gather in groups where they see themselves reflected, the questions and sharing take on new meaning and deeper impact toward positive ends. In this academic year, the Mount Vernon School will begin hosting Affinity Group gatherings for members of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. As a school grounded in Christian values, we draw upon sound research, stories, and experiences of our students, alumni, and families in the action of convening these affinity groups. Join Stacey Lee, Mount Vernon’s Chief IDEA Officer to experience, first-hand, the ways in which the design of Affinity Groups will enhance our school community.

Wednesday, October 27: New Family Drop-In Coffee
7:45 – 9:15 am MVPN’s New Family Chairs Amanda Woodall and Amanda Richmond invite new families who joined MV for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to the Upper Campus Green to build community among our newest Mustangs. Come as you are, bring your morning caffeine, or grab a cup of coffee at the Ground Floor Coffee Shop in the US Cafe.

MS Community Teacher Share Conferences
We are looking forward to MS Community Teacher Share Conferences on Wednesday, November 10. The Community Teacher Share Conference serves two primary purposes: 1) for your child’s Community Leader to share with you their observations and perspectives about the work your child is doing in Community, and 2) for the Community Leader to review the importance and methods of regular review of Altitude Learning, so that you have the most complete view of your child’s learning and progress in each of their courses. To prepare for the Community Teacher Share Conference, please be aware of the following:

1. Appointments will be 15 minutes long, and you can reserve a meeting time through the MV Parent Portal on Veracross.
2. Appointments may be in person or via Zoom, depending on your preference. We just ask that you indicate your preference when scheduling a time.
3. By bringing a device such as a laptop or iPad, you can access the Altitude Learning parent portal and receive support about accessing the vital information that is available on Altitude (this review in Altitude can be more challenging on a phone-sized screen).
4. Please make sure you can login to the Altitude Learning parent portal before the conference. There are additional resources below, if you need a refresher. Additionally, Mrs. Katie Cain will be available in the MS Art Gallery on the day of conferences, should you need additional technical assistance with logging into Altitude Learning.
5. If you’d like to discuss more course-specific information about your child’s learning and progress, as always, please contact your child’s specific teacher to arrange a time to talk.

In years past, a scheduled conference day was a very efficient way for parents to get a glimpse into a child’s school experience. Now, of course, the combination of a learning management system like Altitude Learning, as well as access to teachers via email and mutually convenient times throughout the year, allow for a much more complete picture of your student’s learning and progress.

Additional Resources:

• For an instructional video about how to access the Milepost letter grades in Veracross, please see “Veracross Parent Portal: Viewing Milepost Grades” from Director of Instructional Technology Katie Cain.
• As previously shared in these Weekly Updates, Parents can find a brief handout linked here to read more and review how to login to the Parent Portal of Altitude Learning.
• Submit a Family Tech Ticket to Mount Vernon’s Instructional Technology (IT) department
• On Wednesday, August 25, the School offered a Parent University focused on “Competency-based Education (CBE) and Altitude Learning.” Review the slide deck from that session.

Thursday, November 11: Vaccine Clinic

Wednesday, December 1: Vaccine Clinic

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

What an exciting short week in Middle School. We lived into our #havefun norm this past week. Including, but not limited to, dress up days, Upper and Middle School pep rally, and the mini-golf course. The fun continues as we host the Halloween Bash in Middle School on October 22 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

I look forward to seeing you at the October 21 Coffee and Conversation in the Middle School from 8:15-8:45 am where we will take a deep dive into the Mindsets and how they appear each day.

This is a great time to check your child’s progress in Altitude Learning. Questions to ask your child: How might we best support you in your courses? What is giving you pause? What are you hoping to accomplish over the next few weeks?

Thank you for partnering with us.

Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School l x2902

COMING UP THIS WEEK IN MIDDLE SCHOOL: September 27 – October 1

Monday, September 27
Student Portraits, Grades 6-11: Dress uniform
12:00 – 1:00 Parent Admissions Ambassadors – live webinar
Learn more about how you can be an extension of MV’s Admissions team and make an impact as a Parent Admissions Ambassador. Engagement opportunities include engaging with prospective families during admissions events, assisting with direct outreach, submitting online reviews, and discussing your creative ideas with us. Be an integral part of our School’s future.

Tuesday, September 28

Wednesday, September 29
8:00 – 8:20 Chapel: Dress uniform
11:00 -1:00 Vaccine Clinic for adults and students who are 12 or older. The clinic will be held in the MS Lightbox. Required forms to complete: 1) Briarcliff Health Mart Vaccine Immunization Form; 2) MV School Consent, Waiver & Release Form

Thursday, September 30

Friday, October 1: Spirit Day
Community: My experience with welcoming spaces
First Friday

COMMUNITY
In Community, students will be engaging in reflection and dialogue about the “spaces” we want to create as a community. After a year of being socially distanced from each other in all areas of our life, we are now in close proximity. The pandemic has redefined how we understand what it means to be together with others and offers an opportunity to reexamine what we want or need from the spaces we inhabit. Specifically, how do we create a “well being space” that supports our needs and where people feel welcome and included? How do we create “brave spaces” where we feel comfortable being ourselves and taking risks, or “engaged spaces” where we feel invited to share our unique perspectives and ask others about theirs? We are excited for this continued work with structured, reflective dialogue.
October 1: My experience with welcoming spaces
October 6: Making welcoming spaces

ATHLETIC TRYOUTS

Winter sports tryouts for Middle School have been published. Please reach out to the respective coaches for additional information.

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, October 5, 7:30 – 9:00 am: Uniform Resale in HQ2

Tuesday, October 5: Grade 7 Class Trip Parent Meeting
Class trip information meetings for Grade 7 families will be held in-person from 8:00 until 9:00 am in the MS Overlook.

Thursday, October 7: Grade 8 Class Trip Parent Meeting
Class trip information meetings for Grade 8 families will be held in-person from 8:00 until 9:00 am in the MS Overlook.

Friday, October 8 and Monday, October 11: No School

October 12 – 15: Homecoming Week Dress Up Days
Tuesday: Superhero Tuesday (wear superhero-themed shirt with uniform bottoms, no masks or accessories)
Wednesday: Jersey Wednesday (wear your favorite team’s jersey or tshirt with uniform bottoms)
Thursday: Tacky Thursday (wear mismatched clothing, fun patterns, turn things inside out or backwards)
Friday: Tropical Friday (wear island getaway gear with uniform bottoms)

Friday, October 15: Homecoming Game and Activities
Fourteen years of Alumni, New Mustang Families, Grandparents, and our entire MV community are invited to celebrate the School’s 50th year by drawing the largest collection of Mustangs in one place, ever. We will recognize past performers and athletes, active service members, and former Homecoming Kings and Queens, while honoring this year’s court and crowning our new King and Queen. Varsity football kicks off at 4:00 pm against Providence. Be there to participate in the festivities, meet up with long-term Mustangs, and continue the celebration of our School’s 50th year.

Monday, October 18: Grade 6 Class Trip Parent Meeting Note: The Grade 6 Class Trip Meeting has been postponed until further notice, while final details are being planned.

Thursday, October 21
8:15 – 8:45 am Coffee and Conversation with Leah Nestor
Relationships are foundational for learning and the success of our students comes in the partnership we build with each of our families. We will review Mount Vernon’s Continuum and discuss how the following Mindsets show up in the Middle School everyday: creative thinker, solution seeker, communicator, innovator, collaborator, and ethical decision maker. Join me from 8:15 – 8:45 am in the Art Gallery.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Are you curious what goes on at school on a late start day? Our teachers took off their teacher hats and put on their learner, thinker, and designer hats for a morning of rich professional learning and collaboration across grade levels. This year’s RDI focus is on foresight and strategic planning as well as the School’s four priorities: Competency-Based Education, Inquiry-Based learning, IDEA, and Wellness & Resilience.

Last week the mindset that continued to emerge over and over in the Middle School was Solution Seeker. Whether it was a problem to be solved in the classroom, a bump in the road with a friendship, or conflicting club proposals, our students leaned in and became solution seekers.

Lastly, thank you for joining me for coffee and conversation this week. I hope to see you at the next coffee and conversation on October 21.

Sincerely,

Leah Nestor
Head of Middle School l x2902

COMING UP THIS WEEK IN MIDDLE SCHOOL: September 20-24

Monday, September 20
Arts & Design Mod 2 Begins

View Milepost 2 Grades in Veracross

Tuesday, September 21
Student Portraits, Grades 6-11: Dress uniform (rescheduled to September 27 due to rain forecast)

Wednesday, September 22

All-School Late Start
9:10 am Carpool begins
9:30 am School begins

Thursday, September 23
8:15 – 8:45 am Coffee and Conversation with Leah Nestor
Relationships are foundational for learning and the success of our students comes in the partnership we build with each of our families. We will review Mount Vernon’s Continuum and discuss how the following Principles of Practice show up in the Middle School everyday: Relationships are Foundational for Learning, Curiosity and Passion Drive Learning, Learning Demands Interactive and Flexible Spaces, Empathy Influences Learning, and Learners Apply Knowledge to Make an Impact. Join me from 8:15 – 8:45 am in the Art Gallery.

Friday, September 24
Spirit Day

Second Friday

*Community
In Community, students will be engaging in reflection and dialogue about the “spaces” we want to create as a community. After a year of being socially distanced from each other in all areas of our life, we are now in close proximity. The pandemic has redefined how we understand what it means to be together with others and offers an opportunity to reexamine what we want or need from the spaces we inhabit. Specifically, how do we create a “well being space” that supports our needs and where people feel welcome and included? How do we create “brave spaces” where we feel comfortable being ourselves and taking risks, or “engaged spaces” where we feel invited to share our unique perspectives and ask others about theirs? We are excited for this continued work with structured, reflective dialogue.

September 24: Thinking about my favorite space
October 1: My experience with welcoming spaces
October 6: Making welcoming spaces

ATHLETIC TRYOUTS
Winter sports tryouts for Middle School have been published. Please reach out to the respective coaches for additional information.