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.

Tuesday, March 21: Mustang Rally Sponsorship Window Closes

Friday, March 24: Upper School i-Learning Day
8:15 am – 3:15 pm
Upper School students may learn at home on this day. In response to student needs, teachers are piloting an i-Learning day in which we aim to meet students’ individual learning needs. For more information watch this short video or refer to the email sent by Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik on March 15.

Friday, March 24: Final Day of Mod 3
Grades will be viewable in the Parent Portal on Monday March 27 at Noon.

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.

Thursday, March 30: Tea With Trish
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper School Arts District: Room S102
Parents and grandparents are invited to join Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik for light refreshments while chatting about issues relevant to Upper School students. This month we will focus on grading.

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.

Thursday, March 30 & Friday, March 31: Interim Showcase Assemblies
9:30 – 10:00 am
Upper Campus Gym
Upper School students will share highlights and takeaways from their Interim experiences (Travel, CORE, and Internships). Parents are welcome to attend, more details to follow.

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.

Wednesday, April 5: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Upper School Café

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.

Tuesday, March 21: Mustang Rally Sponsorship Window Closes

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
Carpool: 9:10 am
Class Starts: 9:30 am

Thursday, March 30: Tea With Trish
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Arts District: Room S102
Parents and grandparents are invited to join Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik for light refreshments while chatting about issues relevant to Upper School students.

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 3: Upper School Interim

Wednesday, March 1: Financial Aid Applications for 2023-2024 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

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.

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

Wednesday, February 15: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 10
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theater
Grade 9 parents are invited to participate in an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grade 10. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

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.

Thursday, February 16: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 11 & 12
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theater
Grades 10 and 11 parents are invited to participate in an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grades 11 and 12. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

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

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, February 20: No School

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 3: Upper School Interim

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

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.

February 6 – 7: Little Shop of Horrors, Upper School Spring Play Auditions
3:30 – 6:00 pm
Black Box Theatre
Audition sign up for actors
Audition sign up for crew
If interested in auditioning, please fill the forms above.

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.

Thursday, February 9: Interim Pre-Departure Parent Meeting
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Upper School Building
Parents of students who are participating in trips abroad will meet with group chaperones to talk about logistical details and other relevant information prior to departure.

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, February 15: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 10
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theater
Grade 9 parents are invited to participate in an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grade 10. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

Thursday, February 16: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 11 & 12
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theater
Grades 10 and 11 parents are invited to participate in an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grades 11 and 12. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

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

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.

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.

Thursday, February 2: Tea With Trish
2:30 – 3:00 pm
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.

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

Saturday, February 4: Upper School Winter Dance
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper School Café
Buy tickets online

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.

Thursday, February 9: Interim Pre-Departure Parent Meeting
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Upper School Building
Parents of students who are participating in trips abroad will meet with group chaperones to talk about logistical details and other relevant information prior to departure.

Wednesday, February 15: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 10
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theater
Grade 9 parents are invited to participate in an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grade 10. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

Thursday, February 16: Parent University: Rise Up Grade 11 & 12
8:45 – 9:45 am
Black Box Theater
Grades 10 and 11 parents are invited to participate in an informational session regarding expectations and course information for Grades 11 and 12. No RSVP needed. Course Request Information

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.

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

Wednesday, January 25: Sunrise Senior Salute Rescheduled to Wednesday, March 29

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.

Thursday, February 2: Tea With Trish
2:30 – 3:00 pm
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.

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.

Saturday, February 4: Upper School Winter Dance
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper School Café
Buy tickets online

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.

Thursday, February 9: Interim Pre-Departure Parent Meeting
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Upper School Building
Parents of students who are participating in trips abroad will meet with group chaperones to talk about logistical details and other relevant information prior to departure.

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.

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.

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.

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: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to have breakfast together.

Wednesday, December 14: MV Serves Toys for Tots Chapel
9:30 – 10:00 am
Upper Campus Gym

Thursday, December 15: Upper School Holiday Assembly, Candle Ceremony
9:30 – 10:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
Upper School students will gather for a moment of community before the break. Parents are welcome to attend.

Friday, December 16: Early Dismissal 12:15 pm

SAVE THESE DATES

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

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.

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: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to have breakfast together.

Wednesday, December 14: MV Serves Toys for Tots Chapel
9:30 – 10:00 am
Upper Campus Gym

Thursday, December 15: Upper School Holiday Assembly, Candle Ceremony
9:30 – 10:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
Upper School students will gather for a moment of community before the break. Parents are welcome to attend.

Friday, December 16: Early Dismissal 12:15 pm

SAVE THESE DATES

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

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: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to have breakfast together.

Wednesday, December 14: MV Serves Toys for Tots Chapel
9:30 – 10:00 am
Upper Campus Gym

Thursday, December 15: Upper School Holiday Assembly, Candle Ceremony
9:30 – 10:15 am
Upper Campus Gym
Upper School students will gather for a moment of community before the break. Parents are welcome to attend.

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

Tuesday, November 29: Tea With Trish
8:30 – 9:00 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.

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.

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
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: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to have breakfast together.

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

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.

Monday, November 28: Milepost Grades Viewable in Veracross
12:00 pm
Mod 2: Milepost 2 grades will be viewable in Veracross. Mileposts are not final grades, but rather a snapshot of current progress. Robust student work and progress is found in Altitude Learning. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Tuesday, November 29: Tea With Trish
8:30 – 9:00 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.

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.

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
There will be no PlayMaker Classes or Extended Play on this day.

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 tops with uniform bottoms. Seniors can wear costumes (no dangerous props, no face masks).

Thursday, November 3: MV Studios Monthly Spotlight and Speaker Series
8:00 – 9:30 am
Join the MV Arts Alliance and Shay Jones, Director of Lower Campus Visual & Performing Arts and Middle School Dance Studio Manager 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
There will be no Extended Play or Playmaker on this day.

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
There will be no PlayMaker Classes or Extended Play on this day.

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.

Wednesday, October 26: Upper School Parent Interim Meeting
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Meet in Upper School Lobby
Parents will join their student’s respective trip chaperones to discuss details for their selected trip. Bring all of your questions, concerns, and your traveler’s updated passport.

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 invites all Lower Campus families to enjoy bouncy houses and participate in a costume contest on the Upper Campus during the football game. 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. Seniors can wear costumes (no dangerous props or face masks).

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

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

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, October 26: Upper School Parent Interim Meeting
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Meet in Upper School Lobby
Parents will join their student’s respective trip chaperones to discuss details for their selected trip. Bring all of your questions, concerns, and your traveler’s updated passport.

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. Seniors can wear costumes (no dangerous props or face masks).

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.

October 10: No School
Fall Break

Tuesday, October 11: Upper Campus Picture Retakes
10:15 – 11:45 pm
Middle School Roundabout
Students who were absent on their original picture day, or would like to have a retake, can sign up to have their portraits taken on Tuesday. 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. Please have your student bring their dress uniform shirts to change into before their picture.

Tuesday, October 11: Pink Out
Students are encouraged to wear pink tops, socks, and/or shoes with uniform bottoms in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students choosing not to participate should wear their regular uniform.

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.

Wednesday, October 12: Grade 10 & 11 PSAT
Upper School
Grades 10 & 11 will take the PSAT the morning of October 12. An email with details has been shared with parents.
Grades 9 & 12 will be learning virtually on Wednesday.

Thursday, October 13: Interim Travel Registration and Deposit due
Parents must complete registration via WorldStrides for Interim travel.

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 celebrate Home Team Pride together. 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. Pre-sale ticket registration has closed but walk-up tickets are available for $40 at the event. Admission fee includes food, two drink vouchers, 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.

SAVE THESE DATES

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

Wednesday, October 26: Upper School Parent Interim Meeting
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Meet in Upper School Lobby
Parents will join their student’s respective trip chaperones to discuss details for their selected trip. Bring all of your questions, concerns, and your traveler’s updated passport.

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 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: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2024
Students will submit a google form via email to select their top three trips.
*If your family is observing Yom Kippur, your Grade 11 student can email [email protected] for individual arrangements.

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: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2025
Students will submit a google form via email to select their top three trips.
*If your family is observing Yom Kippur, your Grade 10 student can email [email protected] for individual arrangements.

Wednesday, October 5: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to attend a breakfast at which they are the guests of honor before school on Wednesday, October 5.

Wednesday, October 5: College Panel Night
6:00 pm
Upper School, 2 South
Register here to gain insight and candor on the college application process from admission representatives from Emory University, Georgia College & State University, Purdue University, and George Washington University. This event is ideal for families of juniors and sophomores, but all members of the Mount Vernon community are welcome. We will address topics like demonstrated interest, standardized tests, application essays, parent involvement in the college process, early action/early decision, and much, much more. The dress is casual and there will be plenty of time for open Q&A.

Thursday, October 6: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2026
Students will submit a google form via email to select their top three trips.
*If your family is observing Yom Kippur, your Grade 9 student can email [email protected] for individual arrangements.

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

Sunday, October 9: Interim Term Rosters Released
Students and parents will receive trip rosters via email.

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.

Wednesday, October 12: Grade 10 & 11 PSAT
Upper School
Grades 10 & 11 will take the PSAT. An email with details has gone out to parents. Grade 9 & 12 will be learning virtually on this day.

Thursday, October 13: Interim Travel Registration and Deposit due
Parents must complete registration via WorldStrides for Interim travel.

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
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

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: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2023
Students will submit a google form via email to select their top three trips.

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: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2024
Students will submit a google form via email to select their top three trips.

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: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2025
Students will submit a google form via email to select their top three trips.
*If your family is observing Yom Kippur, your Grade 10 student can email [email protected] for individual arrangements.

Wednesday, October 5: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to attend the second of four breakfasts at which they are the guests of honor before school on Wednesday, October 5.

Thursday, October 6: Interim Term Trip Selection – Class of 2026
Students will receive a google form via email to select their top three trips.

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

Sunday, October 8: Interim Term Rosters Released
Students and parents will receive trip rosters via email.

Wednesday, October 12: Grade 10 & 11 PSAT
Upper School
Grades 10 & 11 to participate in PSAT. A logistics email has gone out to parents. Grade 9 & 12 to virtually learn, more information to come via email.

Thursday, October 13: Interim Travel Registration and Deposit due
Parents must complete registration via WorldStrides for Interim travel.

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.

Tuesday, September 20: College Financial Aid Night
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Upper School Learning Stairs and Café
Upper School families are invited to this informational event, which is most relevant to families with Junior and Senior students. Please register here.

Wednesday, September 21: Interim Travel Meeting for Families
6:00-7:00 pm
Upper School
Upper School students interested in traveling for interim are invited with their families to an in-person meeting at the Upper School to discuss trip details, payment arrangements, refund policy, Covid restrictions, and other important concerns.

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

Wednesday, September 21: Final Day For AP-Exam Opt-Ins
More information and Opt-In Form

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.

Saturday, September 24: Senior Casual Photo Day
8:00 am
Lenox Park
As a convenience to Seniors, Clicks of Love and Mount Vernon have teamed up to provide an off-site, one-day senior casual portrait shoot. RSVP to schedule your appointment. Please send your Senior Casual Photos to Helen Hudgens, Yearbook Advisor, by November 7.

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: Interim Term Trip Selection – SENIORS
Students will receive a google form via email to select their top three trips.

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.

Tuesday, October 4: Interim Term Trip Selection – JUNIORS
Students will receive a google form via email to select their top three trips.

Tuesday, October 4: Open Mic Night
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Upper School students and families are invited to attend Upper School Open Mic Night. Students in Grades 9 – 12, please sign up by Tuesday, September 27 for a chance to perform. Performers can attend for free. $5 tickets sold on Veracross.

Wednesday, October 5: Interim Term Trip Selection – SOPHOMORES
Students will receive a google form via email to select their top three trips.

Wednesday, October 5: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:20 am
Seniors are invited to attend the second of four breakfasts at which they are the guests of honor before school on Wednesday, October 5.

Thursday, October 6: Interim Term Trip Selection – FRESHMEN
Students will receive a google form via email to select their top three trips.

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.

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

Sunday, October 8: Interim Term Rosters Released
Students and parents will receive trip rosters via email.

Thursday, October 13: Interim Travel Registration and Deposit due
Parents will receive an email with deposit links after rosters are released.

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
Upper School themed dress up days are as follows:
Monday: Music Genre
Tuesday: Star Wars
Wednesday: Holidays
Thursday: Baby’s First Halloween
Friday: Disco Fever
No weapons or face masks should accompany outfits throughout the week.

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 9 – 10
Grades 11 – 12

Saturday, September 17: Upper School Homecoming DISCO Dance
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Cafe/Patio (Gym in case of inclement weather)
Dress is semi formal, tickets can be purchased for $25 in the Veracross portal or in person at lunch using cash. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Approved non-MV guests are allowed by submitting this form by September 15 at the front desk. The theme is Disco. 

SAVE THESE DATES

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

Wednesday, September 21:Final Day For AP-Exam Opt-Ins
More information and Opt-In Form

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: Interim Term Senior Trip Selection
Students will receive a google form via email to select their top three trips.

Thursday, September 29: Tea With Trish
2:30 – 3:00 pm
US Arts District: Room S102
Upper School parents are invited to join Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik for light refreshments while chatting about learning, assessments and reassessments in the Upper School. Registration is not required. Please drop in.

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.

Tuesday, October 4: Open Mic Night
6:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
Upper School students and families are invited to attend Upper School Open Mic Night. Upper School students, please sign up by Tuesday, September 27 for a chance to perform. Performers can attend for free. $5 tickets sold on Veracross, link coming soon.

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.

Wednesday, September 7: Interim Travel Information Meeting
6:00 pm
Zoom Link
Join DeShawn Jenkins, Director of Interim & Global Impact via zoom for an informational session to learn more about Interim opportunities. The session will be recorded and shared afterwards.

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
Upper School themed dress up days are as follows:
Monday: Music Genre
Tuesday: Star Wars
Wednesday: Holidays
Thursday: Baby’s First Halloween
Friday: Disco Fever
No weapons or face masks should accompany outfits throughout the week.

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

Saturday, September 17: Upper School Homecoming Dance
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Cafe/Patio (Gym in case of inclement weather)
Dress is semi formal, tickets can be purchased for $25 in the Veracross portal or in person at lunch using cash. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Approved non-MV guests are allowed by submitting this form by September 15 at the front desk. The theme is Disco.

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.

Tuesday, August 30: Interim Term Trip Reveal
9:30 – 10:00 am
Upper Campus Gym
Students will compete in a trivia game to unlock the locations to this year’s Interim travel options. Families are welcome to join in the gym.

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: 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.

Wednesday, September 7: Intro to Interim Travel Information Meeting
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Please look out for more information coming soon.

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
Upper School themed dress up days are as follows:
Monday: Music Genre
Tuesday: Star Wars
Wednesday: Halloween
Thursday: Holidays
Friday: Disco Fever

Saturday, September 17: Upper School Homecoming Dance
7:00 – 10:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym

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

Wednesday, August 24: Upper School Fall Mainstage Auditions
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Upper School Blackbox
The Fall Performance will be Sense & Sensibility by Bedlam Theatre member, Kate Hamill. No theater experience is required to audition. Please complete the audition registration and information form for actors and technical support.

Thursday, Aug 25: Upper School Dance Tryouts
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Under the direction of Ms. Jasmine Gray, the team will perform at sporting events, compete in organized competitions, and develop relationships they’ll always remember. Please prepare a choreographic number for this tryout.

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: 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

Tuesday, August 30: Interim Reveal
9:30 – 10:00 am
Upper Campus Gym
Students will compete in a trivia game to unlock the locations to this year’s Interim travel options. Families are welcome to join us in the gym.

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

Wednesday, September 7: Senior Breakfast
7:30 – 8:15 am
Upper School Cafe
Seniors are invited to attend the first of four breakfasts at which they are the guests of honor before school on Wednesday, September 7.

Tuesday, August 16: First Day of School
Doors are open at: 7:15 am
School starts at: 8:15 am

Wednesday, August 17: Upper School Portraits
Students will report to GTD classes as usual. GTD teachers will lead students by class to picture taking locations. Students should wear their dress uniform (MV button down shirt).

Wednesday, Aug 17: Senior Formal Portraits
Students will report to GTD classes as usual. GTD teachers will lead students by class to picture taking locations. Students should wear their dress uniform with the appropriate undergarments per the “Senior Picture Day” communication sent via email.

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

Thursday, August 18 – Friday, August 19: Freshman Retreat
The details of this overnight event were shared with Freshman families via email. Please return your permission form prior to the retreat.

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

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

Thursday, Aug 25: Upper School Dance Tryouts
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio
Under the direction of Ms. Jasmine Gray, the team will perform at sporting events, compete in organized competitions, and develop relationships they’ll always remember. Please prepare a choreographic number for this tryout.

Friday, August 26: Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) Volunteer Fair
8:00 – 8:45 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: 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 8: Uniform Resale
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Second Administration Building (HQ2) Upper Campus
Volunteer for a one-hour shift at the Uniform Resale Shop.
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

Tuesday, August 9: Dance Team Tryouts
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Upper School Dance Studio

Friday, August 12: Upper School Orientation
8:30 – 9:30 am Grade 10
9:30 – 10:00 am Grade 10 – 12 (New Students)
10:00 – 11:00 am Grade 11 and 12
12:30 – 2:00 pm Grade 9
Orientation schedule and details

Saturday, August 13 – Monday, August 15: Senior Retreat
College Counseling has shared details with Senior families.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Tuesday, August 16: First Day of School
Carpool starts at: 7:45 am
School starts at: 8:15 am

Wednesday, August 17: Upper School Portraits
Students will report to GTD classes as usual. GTD teachers will lead students by class to picture taking locations. Students should wear their dress uniform.

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.

Thursday, August 18: Freshman Retreat
Details were shared with Freshman families via email.

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.

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

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
8:00- 8:45 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: 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.” 

Thursday, May 26: Last Day of School
Noon Dismissal

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 UPPER 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, Coach T talked about Distractions that Lead to Destruction. Reading from Romans 8:37-38, he reminded all of us that even in moments of distraction nothing can separate us from the love of God. He then went on to talk about how we can be bold and take control of what might distract us. Together we talked about the positive and the negative influences of our telephones. He challenged us to look up and engage with people IRL (in real life). We all set a reminder in our phones to take time out this summer and just “look up.” I share this message because I believe this gives you a great connection point to what is being discussed in school.

Last week was full of celebrations for our Class of 2022. We are now looking ahead to final advisory, yearbook signing and the last day of school. What a pleasure it has been to serve the Class of 2023, 2024, and 2025. Here’s to a great last week of school!

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

Wednesday, May 18: Last Day of School for Seniors, Senior Painted Uniform Day

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

Saturday, May 21: Commencement Ceremony
10:00 am
Upper Campus
General Seating is in the home stands

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.” 

Thursday, May 26: Last Day of School

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Last week, Upper School students took 549 AP Exams, crashed carpool at the Lower Campus, ran in the finals of the State Track & Field Competition, and finalized many assessments. We celebrated student athletes at the MVEES and student artists at our Thespian banquet. We also celebrated the MVPN (outgoing) volunteers who have helped to support our events this year.

Next week, we are looking forward to all of our graduation week activities from the Senior Salute to Baccalaureate to Commencement. Innovation Diploma students are hosting an Education Conference for more than 125 guests and there will be a Ceramics “throw-down” exhibition. In the midst of all that excitement, we are also looking forward to the final Chapel of the year.

In the final two weeks of this MOD, we will be engaging in lots of feedback and reflection exercises. A great question that you could ask at the dinner table: What has been your biggest success and what has been your biggest stretch?

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

Monday, May 9: MVEE Awards
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
The MVEES highlight the best Mount Vernon Athletics sports stories throughout the year in one amazing night of celebration. Join us to recognize and award outstanding sports performances, best plays, male and female athletes of the year, and best team performance of the year, just to name a few. All Junior Varsity and Varsity athletes and parents are invited to attend. You don’t want to miss out on this spectacular event for Mount Vernon Student-Athletes!

Friday, May 13: Yearbook Distribution

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Wednesday, May 18: Last Day of School for Seniors, Senior Painted Uniform Day

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.” 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

It’s a busy time in the MOD with three weeks left. Our second 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.

Best of luck to our Track & Field athletes who will be competing in the Regional Competition this weekend. Like many other 21-22 sports teams, both our men’s and women’s track teams have advanced further than ever before. We look forward to celebrating all of our athletes at the MVEEs on Monday evening. Check your email for the invite and the details.

Finally, join me in applauding the efforts of all students involved in making Spongebob the Musical the “best day ever”! Attention to detail in the tech and costumes, stage performances, and behind-the-scenes support made for an incredible show! This performance was full of joy and important messages about sustainability, friendship, and resilience. Thanks, too, to our MVArts’ parents who supported this inclusive project from staging to rehearsals to set building to snacks – the entire experience was impactful.

I am grateful for the inquiry that students bring to their work. And, the constant nurturing our teachers bring each day when we ask “how are you today?”

I am grateful for the innovation that occurs in the small settings of iterating a poem or a design to grow into a better version and in the larger moments where parents come to meetings at school to help us think through our programs so that we can better serve our kids.

I am grateful for the impact shaped by our community whether by sharing virtual reality experiences with elderly friends or by joining together to renew a field that will serve students in many sports for years to come.

I am grateful to partner with you to support all Mount Vernon students.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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.

Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 13: AP Exam Administration

Thursday, May 5: Coffee with Kristy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe
Join Kristy Lundstrom for a morning coffee and conversation as we talk all things Athletics. Brad Dehem, our Athletics Director, will join us.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, May 9: MVEE Awards
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
The MVEES highlight the best Mount Vernon Athletics sports stories throughout the year in one amazing night of celebration. Join us on to recognize and award outstanding sports performances, best plays, male and female athletes of the year, and best team performance of the year, just to name a few. All Junior Varsity and Varsity athletes and parents are invited to attend. You don’t want to miss out on this spectacular event for Mount Vernon Student-Athletes!

Friday, May 13: Yearbook Distribution

Wednesday, May 18: Last Day of School for Seniors, Senior Painted Uniform Day

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 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.” 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022-23 PREFECTS

Head: Lindsey Franklin
Ambassador: Mary Fuentes
Student Events: Campbell Bruening
Academic: Bennett Bogdanchik
Community: Taylor Keller
Sustainability: Autumn Kelley
Wellness/Spiritual Life: Joe Srinivasan
Student Life/Culture: Daniel O’Keefe
Outreach: Cate Jacobsen

NEW DEAN AND ASSOCIATE HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL, 2022-23

We are excited to announce that Brad Droke will be our new Dean of Students. Brad has been at Mount Vernon serving as Director of our Innovation Diploma Program since 2017. Brad is a familiar face to many of our families, and we are excited for him to take on a new leadership role. His experience leading the Innovation Diploma program will benefit students, staff, and parents as he focuses on the culture and overall experience of our entire Upper School student body.

We are also excited to announce the appointment of Abraham “Abe” Pachikara as the Associate Head of Upper School. Abe brings many years of teaching and leadership experience within the realms of both public and independent education. Abe is joining us from Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC, where he most recently served as a Dean of Students and taught history. In his free time, Abe loves spending time with his wife and son along with regularly training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). He is very excited to join this community; please welcome him!

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Bye-bye April! Starting with our Honors Celebration on Thursday morning, followed by the senior moment where all students wore the shirts of their colleges of choice, to the Tennis Elite 8 match to Mustang Rally – last week ended on a high note! 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.Even though MOD 4 is passing quickly, taking time to pause, gather, and celebrate is important.

Hello May! Next week, we are back to the grind with a renewed focus. AP Exams begin. We are halfway through the MOD, and students are busy with projects, formative assessments, and reassessments. As a reminder, teachers are available for tutorial sessions before and after school if arranged in advance. I hope you can join us for the last Coffee with Kristy of the year on Thursday. We will focus on Athletics in the Upper School. Our guest will be Brad Dehem, Mount Vernon’s Athletic Director.

Less than 20 school days left; let’s make them count!

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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!!!

SAVE THESE DATES

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 5: Coffee with Kristy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe
Join Kristy Lundstrom for a morning coffee and conversation as we talk all things Athletics. Brad Dehem, our Athletics Director, will join us.

Monday, May 9: MVEE Awards
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym
The MVEES highlight the best Mount Vernon Athletics sports stories throughout the year in one amazing night of celebration. Join us on to recognize and award outstanding sports performances, best plays, male and female athletes of the year, and best team performance of the year, just to name a few. All Junior Varsity and Varsity athletes and parents are invited to attend. You don’t want to miss out on this spectacular event for Mount Vernon Student-Athletes!

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.” 

AN ATTENDANCE UPDATE

You will notice a new button in your Veracross Parent Portal labeled – Student Attendance Notice. The purpose of this function is for parents to notify the School in advance when your child will miss school. This allows us to better prepare and provide support in their absence. We also hope that directly sending this via Veracess will streamline the process of how you report family absences. The Upper School will be piloting this function to test processes and then give feedback. In true Mount Vernon fashion, we will test the prototype, hear your feedback, and iterate to ready us for an all-School launch in August 2022.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

In chapel this week, Coach T shared a touching tribute to our seniors, the Class of 2022. This is truly a special time of year and we are so honored to celebrate with them every step of the way. As we get closer to graduation, it is more important than ever to make sure that we are partnering and supporting students to do their very best. Being on time, in uniform, and ready to learn will lead to a more successful experience.

One of the ways that we support students is through our advisory program. This unique opportunity allows us to provide students with a small group of peers and an advisor for four continuous years. In advisory this week our grade 9 through 11 students gave feedback to help shape advisory next year. Student voice and empowerment are an important part of the learning process and valuing students’ opinions makes the experience better for them.

We are gearing up for Mustang Rally next week; we hope to see your family enjoying the fun, welcoming community that we are so proud of!

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

Monday, April 18: No School for Students and Faculty

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: 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!!!

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.

Thursday, May 5: Coffee with Kristy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe
Join Kristy Lundstrom for a morning coffee and conversation as we talk all things Athletics. Brad Dehem, our Athletics Director, will join us.

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.” 

AN ATTENDANCE UPDATE

You will notice a new button in your Veracross Parent Portal labeled – Student Attendance Notice. The purpose of this function is for parents to notify the School in advance when your child will miss school. This allows us to better prepare and provide support in their absence. We also hope that directly sending this via Veracess will streamline the process of how you report family absences. The Upper School will be piloting this function to test processes and then give feedback. In true Mount Vernon fashion, we will test the prototype, hear your feedback and iterate to ready us for an all-School launch in August 2022.

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

We are partners in your student’s learning journey, and often rich feedback and information can be found in your inbox. These emails come from [email protected] and often have the Subject line: “Today’s post for (Student Name) in Stream.”

We are partners in your student’s character journey. In Chapel this week, we talked about remembering the great story of love and sacrifice in our Easter story. This is the reason for our days off this weekend. We encouraged the students to look up and appreciate the opportunity to have time to hear, appreciate and lean into the message together with loved ones.

We are partners in your child’s wellness journey. I wish all of you a restful long weekend where we can recharge and recommit to finishing strong. For more on wellness at the School, check out a recent episode of the Made in MV Podcast featuring two of our counselors, Dr. Kelli Bynum and Stephanie Corbett.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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

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: 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 UPPER SCHOOL

In Chapel this week, Coach T led us through a discussion of being a transactional vs a transformational friend. He reminded us that:

-we never know what another person may be going through so we must be mindful of our actions and words
-life is precious: we should appreciate each other and the moments we share, and
-may our greatest legacy be how we treated one another.

We all agreed that the most important value in these moments is love.

Seeing the students at Prom last night was a reminder of these precious moments. Dressed up in their finest, students danced and ate and enjoyed each other’s company. We were proud of how they included each other and represented Mount Vernon well.

As we enter Holy Week, I wish every Upper School family peace during the long Easter weekend.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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.

Wednesday, April 6: Senior Breakfast
7:45 – 8:15 am

Thursday, April 7: Coffee with Kristy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe
Join Kristy Lundstrom for a morning coffee and conversation as she shares a look ahead to the 2022-23 school year.

Saturday, April 9: Junior and Senior Prom
7:00 – 11:00 pm
The Fox Theater
Tickets are now on sale for Prom. Tickets can be purchased in Veracross until April 6 at 1:00 pm and cost $100 per person (dinner included!). Prom is for Juniors and Seniors only – outside guests must be preapproved before attending. Picture parties (not school sponsored) will be held by parents in each grade. For more information, please refer to the email sent from Associate Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik on March 21.

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

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

PROM is this week! Remember, students must purchase a ticket to attend.

As we finish up the first week of MOD 4, I want to share with you what we are reminding students:

• How we show up for school sets the conditions for a successful day – be on time, be in dress code and be prepared and ready to participate fully.
• Formative assessments are very important – that is when we practice and learn.
• If a student does not complete a summative assessment, a grade of Novice will be assigned as a placeholder. This “Novice” can be removed when the student completes the assessment successfully. This distinction is being added to hold students accountable for deadlines and “keeping up” with current work.
• Every Friday, students should reflect on “what have I learned, what do I still need to do, and what is my next step?” These reflections can be streamed home.
• Use your GTD to actually get.things.done.
• If you need help, ask for it. Don’t wait, advocate (for yourself)!

We have high expectations and high levels of support. Every student has unique gifts and needs. We are working to support their development. I would be grateful if you would reinforce these messages at home.

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.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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 Upper School lunchroom or to help with luncheon set up, tear down, or serving lunch to the teachers.

Sign-up to help cover G9 – G12 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 our wonderful Mount Vernon teachers. A table will be set up in the main entryway of the Upper 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.

Wednesday, April 6: Senior Breakfast
7:45 – 8:15 am

Thursday, April 7: Coffee with Kristy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe
Join Kristy Lundstrom for a morning coffee and conversation as she shares a look ahead to the 2022-23 school year.

Saturday, April 9: Junior and Senior Prom
7:00 – 11:00 pm
The Fox Theater
Tickets are now on sale for Prom. Tickets can be purchased in Veracross until April 6 at 1:00 pm and cost $100 per person (dinner included!). Prom is for Juniors and Seniors only – outside guests must be preapproved before attending. Picture parties (not school sponsored) will be held by parents in each grade. For more information, please refer to the email sent from Associate Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchik last week.

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

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

When some of our students were getting some extra rest or finishing assignments on Wednesday, the school was buzzing with excitement. Staff gathered in an RDI session to give input into our Foresight & Strategic Planning process. We are eager to hear from you as well in this process, you can give your input via this survey. Our BIPOC Affinity Group for students gathered for the first time for a supportive time together. At the same time, more than a dozen students finalized their dialogue-facilitation training with Essential Partners. Equipping these young people to lead and facilitate challenging conversations provides a powerful resource for our school and a lifelong, transferable leadership skill to them for many years to come. Utilizing this out-of-schedule time is an efficient and effective way to accelerate the work of the Upper School.

Exciting to see evidence of learning this week in the form of an iDiploma dinner where freshman students used their chemistry and digital design skills, the fashion show from the Fashion & Fibers course, cheering on the Lacrosse team in their win in overtime, and the (many) quiet conversations between student and teacher where formatives lead to summatives and students finalize their work. Careful planning, skill and determination, coupled with high expectations and high levels of support, yield amazing results. It is all really inspiring to see.

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.

As we prepare to start the final mod of the year, some of our rising juniors and seniors are eager to become a Prefect in the 2022-2023 school year. Applications went out this week and we are excited for the process to begin. The student leadership system at the Upper School plays an integral role in cultivating a positive environment.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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. Upper School specific collection: household and personal care items such as laundry pods, dish soap, shampoo, soap, diapers. 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

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 Upper School lunchroom or to help with luncheon set up, tear down, or serving lunch to the teachers.

Sign-up to help cover G9 – G12 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 our wonderful Mount Vernon teachers. A table will be set up in the main entryway of the Upper 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 Pati
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.

Thursday, April 7: Coffee with Kristy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Upper School Cafe
Join Kristy Lundstrom for a morning coffee and conversation as she shares a look ahead to the 2022-23 school year.

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

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

In Chapel this week, we watched a student-created video highlighting the influence and impact of the BIPOC community as a way of celebrating Black History Month. Lyndsey F, Keith W and Spencer S did a great job! It was powerful to hear the important message of love from within our own community.

We are all back now from our Interim 2022 experiences and have worked hard to gather feedback from students, staff and parents. This information will inform our planning as we move forward with Interim 2023.

Excited to continue to celebrate the successes of our seniors:

800+ Applications

187 Different Colleges

100% of students have been accepted by at least one school

$8.8 Million in Scholarships (excluding HOPE/athletic)

For our 9th – 11th graders, this week marks the start of one-on-one scheduling meetings for their academic classes next year. Students are highly engaged regarding the opportunities and classes available to them next year. The building is buzzing with excitement. This is just one of the ways we personalize the journey for each of them.

Remember, this is the last week of MOD 3.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

Wednesday, March 16: Senior Breakfast
7:45 – 8:15 am

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

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 UPPER SCHOOL

I hope you and your family had a wonderful spring break. Right before break, MV Upper students and teachers were immersed in learning experiences all over Georgia, DC, and beyond. Each experience was an opportunity for students to be solution seekers, communicators, collaborators, creative thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and innovators. Whether it was learning about American history through memorials and monuments in DC or on the beaches of Normandy, understanding art and engineering from Ancient Greece and Egypt, learning about the entertainment industry that is booming here at home or exploring climate and ecology from multinational perspectives. We even had students on important internships and leading younger students in how to start a business. Each student had the opportunity to explore their passions and learn something new while being guided by our amazing MV Upper teachers. Without their care and commitment, Interim would not be possible.

As we return to finish MOD 3, it is important that we all “land quickly” and finish strong. I need your help as we guide our students back into school mode. 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.

Partners in the process,
Kristy Lundstrom

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

	Upper School Students	Lower Campus & Upper Campus Employees
C19 Positive	7 out of 452	0 out of 265

 

February 28 – March 4: Interim Week and CORE

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 UPPER SCHOOL

We have an exciting week ahead of us with internships and relational experiences taking place here in Atlanta, and students and faculty traveling both domestically and internationally. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the many people who have worked so hard to make these experiences possible. From our administrators to our business office to our chaperones planning all of the details – please join me in thanking them for their continued commitment to making the learning at MV meaningful. Thanks to you, too, for partnering with us.

After this week, it will be Spring Break. This will be a much needed moment of recovery, rest and rejuvenation before we bounce back into school to finish MOD 3 and start our final MOD of the year. I wish every family peace and joyful time together.

Regards,
Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper 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.

Friday, February 25: MV Cares: MV Parent Prayer Group
8:00 – 9:00 am
Gailey Hall, Lower Campu
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

February 28 – March 4: Interim Week and CORE

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Upper School Rise Up Meetings
Thank you so much for joining us for Rise Up Meetings! If you missed your grade-level meeting, you can view the information on the slide decks below. With questions, please reach out to Upper School Head of Academic and College Counseling Erin McCubbin at [email protected]. For additional information, view the 2022-2023 Course Catalog here.

Classes of 2023 & 2024: Slide Deck
Class of 2025: Slide Deck
Class of 2026: Slide Deck

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Peer support is an important part of our learning environment. I see examples of this everyday. At basketball games, in the spirit tunnel wishing the theater troupe luck, or writing well-wishes cards on Random Acts of Kindness Day, our students seek opportunities to cheer on each other.

In Chapel this week, Coach T challenged us to be transformational friends as opposed to transactional friends. Specifically, he shared that transformational friends invest their time and energy, praise you behind your back, criticize you to your face, see the most in you, work to improve you and are trustworthy. Leaning on the story of Peter in Luke 22:54-62, we are in a three week study about how to bridge the gap between people and “be the bridge.” It was a powerful moment. Please ask your children about the message.

This long weekend hopefully provided some rest for students as we prepare for our upcoming 2022 Interim. We are so excited for students who will engage in internships in their chosen field, relational experiences in our community, and in international travel with rich cultural experiences. This is an opportunity to really lean in to being a globally competitive, engaged citizen leader.

We gathered as a faculty on Friday to engage in a full day workshop with Jennifer Klein to deepen our practices and commitment to project based learning. We know that authentic, relevant project work pushes our students to apply their learning and create meaningful products for the real world.

Regards,
Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School

Upper School COVID Landscape

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

	Upper School Students	Lower Campus & Upper Campus Employees
C19 Positive	0 out of 452	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.

Tuesday, February 15: Rising Grade 10 Parent Meeting
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus Black Box Theater
Learn more about the Upper School experience for Grade 10 students at this meeting for parents. At this time, Rise Up meetings are planned to take place in person.

Thursday, February 17: Rising Grade 11 & 12 Parent Meeting
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus Black Box Theater
Learn more about the Upper School experience for Grade 11 & 12 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

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: Interim Week and CORE

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

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

What an incredible night of community, fun, and dancing at the MVat50 Benefit Gala. Thank you for supporting the event and helping us reach our goal for brand new buses! This will allow our Upper School students to attend expeditions, community service, arts, and athletic events.

As I write this letter, we are still celebrating our fabulous MV ALL STARS who went to the state theatre festival performance at the Georgia Theatre Conference in Columbus, Georgia last weekend and knocked it out of the park. You can read about their success here. In addition, our US Mustangs have had great success in Swim & Dive, Wrestling, Tennis and Soccer. Friday, we were excited to kick-off our baseball season as well as celebrate the seniors on our basketball teams. With track & field getting underway as well, there are many opportunities for you to visit campus and support our students as they perform and excel both inside and outside of the learning studios.

Love is in the air. We had our Winter Formal on Saturday evening. It was a huge success. 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 Upper School to have on Valentine’s Day. We are incredibly thankful for our parent volunteers!

Don’t miss the upcoming Rise Up Meetings offer families an opportunity to hear more about next year’s Upper School experience for your student(s). Look for specific dates and times above. We look forward to seeing you on campus!

The MOD 3 Milepost grade will be live on February 14. As a reminder, the most complete and robust information about student learning continues to be archived on Altitude Learning.

Regards,
Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper 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

Saturday, February 12: US Dance “Lights, Camera, Action!”
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Upper Campus Gym, Middle School Building
At this time we will move forward with the scheduled dance on February 12, with the understanding that we may have to pivot depending on developing circumstances. Students will be required to follow the Covid protocols of the school during the dance. Due to the risk of unnecessary exposure, only current MV students will be allowed to participate. The dance will be held in the Upper Campus MS gym and Lightbox area from 7:00-9:00 pm. Student drop off will be in the Middle School carpool loop. Student parking will be in the Upper School parking lot and the Senior lot next to the baseball field. More details about ticket sales coming soon.

 

SAVE THESE DATES

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

Tuesday, February 15: Rising Grade 10 Parent Meeting
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus Black Box Theater
Learn more about the Upper School experience for Grade 10 students at this meeting for parents. At this time, Rise Up meetings are planned to take place in person.

Thursday, February 17: Rising Grade 11 & 12 Parent Meeting
8:30 – 9:30 am
Upper Campus Black Box Theater
Learn more about the Upper School experience for Grade 11 & 12 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.

“Once again, Mount Vernon has brought us a nationally renowned author/speaker to share her expertise on what our children are facing in today’s environment and how we can best support them. I truly value the commitment of our school to sharing such valuable resources with our parent community and encourage everyone to take advantage of this session, as well as all of the programs offered through Parent University.” – Grade 9 parent Terri Badour

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.

COFFEE WITH KRISTY RECAP: Building a Transcript to Reflect Students’ Passions & Strengths
If you missed Coffee with Kristy this week, you can view the slidedeck here, which includes a slide highlighting graduation requirements for students.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

As a school of inquiry, innovation and impact, we are always looking for ways to highlight the impact students can make right now. During Chapel this week, Coach Lamar Howardled us in a message about “bridging the gap”. Leaning on Ezekiel 22:30, “I sought a man that should stand in the gap,” Coach Howard talked about the ways we can bridge the gaps in our families, our school community and beyond. He shared four ways that we can prepare ourselves: approach situations with understanding, be active listeners versus responsive listeners, express gratitude and to love. He challenged us all to seek ways to use our open and grateful hearts to have an impact that just might make the difference for someone around us.

After the message, we 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 was an impactful moment.

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 personal learning story. 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.

Regards,

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School

COVID Landscape

Due to the current COVID surge present in the Mount Vernon community, all faculty/staff members and students are required to wear face coverings, as the School temporarily shifts the protocols for the health and well-being of our entire community. For more information, be sure to read the email from December 28.

Monday, January 3: No School for Students
MOD 2 grades published

Wednesday, January 5: Senior Breakfast
7:45 – 8:15 am
Upper School Cafe

Thursday, January 6: Coffee with Kristy, 8:30 – 9:00*
Every month, I will present a topic for 7 minutes and then we can discuss it for 7 minutes. Then, we can have a free discussion for 14 minutes about life in Upper School. I know everyone has very busy lives, so I promise to keep the session to 30 minutes. January’s theme: Assessment in the Upper School – How we measure learning.

Following the session, parents are invited to stay and chat with one another. *(9:00-9:30)

 

SAVE THESE DATES

Thursday, January 13: Parent University with Dr. Lisa Damour: Helping Children and Teenagers Manage Challenging Emotions in Challenging Times
8:30 – 9:30 am
*Zoom Information to come
Upper School Blackbox Theater
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.

Monday, January 17: No School for Students

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: LEARN, SERVE, GIVE

MVFund
Through the month of December, more than 250 families answered the call to contribute to the MVFund, joining the 450 families already participating in the School’s annual giving campaign. All families are asked to participate to help the School meet its commitment to enhance the experience for every student at MV through a variety of projects to improve the fields our students compete on, the stages they perform on, the unique spaces they learn in, and even the buses they travel in. Every student on both campuses benefit from this year’s Mount Vernon Fund.

MV Impact
Did you know that if each MV Family serves at least 50 hours, we will exceed our goal of 50,000 volunteer hours during our 50th anniversary of Mount Vernon School! To date, the heart of service in our MV Community has reached individuals and organizations in Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, and California and have accumulated 32,081.75 of volunteer impact hours! Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and treasure with worthy causes all over the world.

Engagement
There are many opportunities to get involved throughout the second half of this school year. Volunteer your time and talent while you make new friends! View all of our current volunteer opportunities or contact Hunter Pierce at [email protected] to learn more.
Currently, we are looking for volunteers to help in Lower School through the end of the year, weekly or bi-weekly. The teachers could use a break at lunchtime and parents could join their children in the cafeteria. This is a great way to show appreciation to our teachers…just a short block of time per week! Lunchtime Support for LS Teachers

Events

Thursday, February 10: Open Mount Vernon Parent Network (MVPN) meeting
9:00 – 10:00 am in person
7:00 – 8:00 pm on Zoom
All MV community members including parents, grandparents, faculty, and staff are invited to join this open meeting to hear from existing Network Chairs to learn how the Parent Network operates, how to get involved and engaged from helping at events to participating in the MVXperts program, and what the Network with look like in the 2022-2023 school year.

Saturday, March 26: 1972 Society Appreciation Social
In honor of Mount Vernon’s founding year, those families who contribute gifts of $1,972 and higher to the MVFund become members of the 1972 Society, reflecting our Mount Vernon community’s strong legacy of giving. We look forward to celebrating all 1972 Society members at the 1972 Society Appreciation Social on Saturday, March 26.

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

This gala event will feature both a live and silent auction. To learn more about how you can donate an item or experience, please contact Amanda Richmond at [email protected] or Carrie Patrick at [email protected].

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a restful and meaningful time making memories with family and friends.

As a reminder, there is no school for students tomorrow. Teachers will be back on campus engaged in foresight and strategic planning work as well as making exciting plans to welcome students back and capitalize on the routines and foundations that were established in the first semester.

MOD 2 grades will be published on Monday.

MOD 3 begins on Tuesday.

The new year brings new opportunities for inquiry, real world connections, and collaboration for our students. I am excited to include you in our plans for MOD 3. We will resume Coffee with Kristy on the first Thursday of every month – January theme: Assessment in Upper School. Thank you for sharing your child with us and allowing us to be a part of their learning journey.

Partners in the process,

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper 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

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.

Monday, January 24 – Monday, February 7: Perennial Enrollment Period

More information to come.

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 

 

INTERIM UPDATE

Reminder: All travelers must be fully vaccinated by February 1.

We currently have no updates on travel status for our planned trips. Right now, we are proceeding as planned. As we near departure dates or if we get any new information regarding protocols, we will inform families immediately.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Welcome back! We are all excited to be back together and starting MOD 3. Students have begun their new schedules and met their new classmates. Yes, we do have additional Covid protocols in place, but our community is strong and supportive. Committing to these protocols helps us remain in a face-to-face, on-campus setting.

We have a lot to look forward to this spring: February dance, Interim, art showcases, sporting events and extra curricular activities such as service opportunities, book clubs, pick-up sports and more. If your child is looking for a club to join or an activity to try-out, remind them to read the Sunday update email from Ms. Bogdanchik to see what is planned for the week to come.

Inspired by our National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman’s New Day’s Lyric Poem:

“ …Tethered by this year of yearning,

We are learning

That though we weren’t ready for this,

We have been readied by it.”

We are ready to embrace 2022. I admire and applaud our students’ ability to listen, understand and adapt to the situations that come before them. We will continue to focus on health, wellness and balance. We will continue to hold high expectations matched with high commitments of support. Thanks for partnering with us on this journey.

All the best,

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School

COVID LANDSCAPE
The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, December 3, 2021.
Upper School COVID Positive: 0 out of 454
Lower & Upper Campus Employees: 0 out 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.

Monday, December 6: Interim Travel Parent Meeting
6:00 – 6:45 pm
Upper School Learning Stairs
Join us for a general information meeting, as well as a specific trip meeting. Meet your trip leaders and get details regarding travel requirements, packing, preparations and more.

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.

 

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: 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, Upper 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. 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 UPPER SCHOOL

Often when we send kids off at a carpool or wish them well on a Friday afternoon, we say, “Make Good Choices!” Just how to do that was the topic of our Chapel message this week. Coach Dabbs led us all on a journey of different examples where good choices and less than good choices have been made. He referenced the biblical story of Abraham and Lot in the book of Genesis where one bad decision led to another and how easy it can be to “dig yourself into a hole.”

In addition, Coach Dabbs talked about the story of Elijah and how he was fed by a widow who had very little food. Yet, she followed her faith and served others. Her consistent commitment to faith and charity led to her food source never going dry.

These two stories were also related to our students’ everyday lives and the choices they are making. Students were given three tips on how to make better choices and reminded that when you serve others and give of your own resources and talents, abundance will come to your life. I share this so that you can ask your child – what were the three tips Coach Dabbs shared about how to make better choices?

Making choices is something we all face, making good ones is a constant challenge. We believe this is an important part of college readiness and character development.

Coach Dabbs ended this engaging talk with these phrases:

We believe in you.
We know you are destined for great things.
We love you.

I couldn’t have said it better myself, wish you could have been there. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your child’s life.

Partners in the process,

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School

COVID LANDSCAPE
The following reflects the COVID landscape as of Friday, November 5.
Upper School COVID Positive: 0 out of 454
Lower & Upper Campus Employees: 0 out 257

Sunday, November 7- International travel on Interim registration deadline!
Reminder: You must complete registration no later than Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 11:59 PM. To register interim trips with WorldStrides, go to www.worldstrides.com/register, and use Mount Vernon’s unique Trip ID number: 199698.You will be prompted to provide traveler/parent contact information and passport information. You will get a confirmation email when you have completed registration.

Wednesday, November 10: Grade 11 Parent Coffee
8:30 – 9:30 am
Lower Campus Fellowship Hall
Join the College Counseling Team as they discuss a timeline of the junior and senior year college process, their philosophy on writing preparation and strategy, how to create meaningful involvement in school and the community, college counseling events, and standardized testing. Please RSVP here.

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

CORE & INTERNSHIP Timeline:
Nov 12 Deadline to finalize choice for CORE or Internship
First meeting in cohorts (during Advisory)

Dec 20 Internship placements finalized

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
12:15 pm
All Upper School students will be released at 12:15 the Friday prior to Thanksgiving break. No students will be permitted on campus after this time.

November 29: Authentic Connections: Virtual Lunch and Learn
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
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.

NEW OPPORTUNITY – Math Labs
We now offer Math Labs during every period of the day. Students are allowed to sign out of their GTD to join a MV Math teacher to review, practice and extend their learning in math. These one-on-one tutorials are available to all students whether you are studying math this MOD or not. Math Labs are always available in the 2S Community Space.

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

At Mount Vernon, we work to infuse the MV Mindsets throughout all of our teaching and learning. In the weeks to come I will share examples of each one.

Solution Seeker: one who formulates meaningful questions, inquires, evaluates, synthesizes, and discerns cross-disciplinary knowledge and perspectives; additionally, sets goals, develops a plan of action, and tests solutions

I see examples of this mindset when Innovation Diploma students work through their design brief on the Future of Retail, the Forensic Science students investigate what we can learn from follicle cells as compared to hair strand cells, Pre-Calculus students estimate the length of treadmill bands using trigonometric ratios, Virtual Reality students design an interactive escape room to challenge perceptions and test problem solving skills, and involving students in feedback sessions for our strategic plan work. Answering real questions with transdisciplinary knowledge is one way we build our students’ “solution seeker” muscles.

While the plan of action of a solution seeker can differ from person to person, if we work together we will have a greater impact. As shared in chapel this week, G11 student, Keith Williams, challenged us all to:

• Take time to actually listen to each other’s problems
• Be honest with yourself and others
• Spread positivity and love

He shared his own personal journey and Psalm 147:3 as support when we seek solutions and support.

As always, grateful to partner with you on this journey!

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School

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.
Upper School COVID Positive: 0 out of 454
Lower & Upper Campus Employees: 0 out 257

Monday, October 25
October 25 and 26
US Student Audition for Fringe Theatre Festival (in Edinburgh, Scotland)
3:20 pm both days – All Upper School Students are invited to audition for the opportunity to perform at the Fringe Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland this summer with the American High School Theatre Festival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the world’s largest theatre festival so check out this information/audition packet.

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
CORE Interim Meeting for students and parents, 7:45 – 8:15 am
US Learning Stairs

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

Friday, October 29
INTERNSHIP Interim Meeting for students and parents, 7:45 – 8:15 am (Virtual)
The link will be distributed to all interested students via email.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, November 1: MOD 2
Milepost 1 grades will be published on Veracross.

Tuesday, November 2: Varsity Letter Jacket Fitting
On November 2, varsity athletes are invited to stop by the Made in MV School Store from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm to be fitted for a varsity letter jacket. Please send this completed form and payment with your student athlete to their fitting. If they have a varsity letter already, students may bring that to the fitting as well.

Thursday, November 4: Coffee with Kristy
Every month, I will present a topic for 7 minutes and then we can discuss it for 7 minutes. Then, we can have a free discussion for 14 minutes about life in Upper School. I know everyone has very busy lives, so I promise to keep the session to 30 minutes. November’s theme: What are we reading? Let’s talk about the role of reading in the Upper School and which books we recommend. Bring your favorite book right now – let’s share!

Following the session, parents are invited to stay and chat with one another.

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 Upper School will have an early dismissal at 1:45 pm. Extended Play will also be available until 6:00 pm.

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

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 UPPER SCHOOL

Thanks @MVArts for a hilarious play last week!

As we enter our third week of the MOD, I want to remind all students and parents that they have a choice of whether or not to take each course as an Honors Course. To review the requirements, please check the “Honors Card” in Altitude for that course. Students must sign an Honors contract indicating their intentions with their teachers. Another question I have received is how important is a “formative”? Formative assessment is the (low stakes) practice round for how students can test themselves and their knowledge to see how far they have come and what they need to improve on. These opportunities are essential to the learning process. Much like an olympic swimmer swims many practice laps before a race, formative assessments offer students the practice needed to master their skills and abilities before the “summative” assessment that really counts. A formative opportunity is very important.

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month. We celebrated with our teachers and students through music, dance, learning about Hispanic culture, and trivia throughout the month of October. In chapel this week, the fabulous Mustang Praise Band performed Corazon Espinado by Santana and we watched a video created by Ms Villafane and our students highlighting the many contributions of notable LatinX people to our daily lives.

And, as we enter next week, a special shoutout of “Good Luck” to our Varsity Softball Team who is headed to Columbus, GA to compete in the Elite 8 round of State playoffs. This is the first time this has happened at Mount Vernon!

As always, grateful to partner with you on this journey!

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School

Monday, November 1: MOD 2, Milepost 1
Milepost 1 grades will be published on MV Parent Portal (Veracross).

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.

Tuesday, November 2: Varsity Letter Jacket Fitting
On November 2, varsity athletes are invited to stop by the Made in MV School Store from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm to be fitted for a varsity letter jacket. Please send this completed form and payment with your student athlete to their fitting. If they have a varsity letter already, students may bring that to the fitting as well.

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].

Wednesday, November 3: Senior Breakfast
7:45 – 8:15 am
Upper School Cafe

Thursday, November 4: Coffee with Kristy
Every month, I will present a topic for 7 minutes and then we can discuss it for 7 minutes. Then, we can have a free discussion for 14 minutes about life in Upper School. I know everyone has very busy lives, so I promise to keep the session to 30 minutes. November’s theme: What are we reading? Let’s talk about the role of reading in the Upper School and which books we recommend. Bring your favorite book right now – let’s share!

Following the session, parents are invited to stay and chat with one another.

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 Upper School will have an early dismissal at 1:45 pm.

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

 

SAVE THESE DATES

CORE & INTERNSHIP Timeline:
Nov 1 – 5 Student Information meetings and discussions regarding
CORE and Internship options

Nov 12 Deadline to finalize choice for CORE or Internship
First meeting in cohorts (during Advisory)

Dec 20 Internship placements finalized

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
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
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.

NEW OPPORTUNITY – Math Labs
We now offer Math Labs during every period of the day. Students are allowed to sign out of their GTD to join a MV Math teacher to review, practice and extend their learning in math. These one-on-one tutorials are available to all students whether you are studying math this MOD or not. Math Labs are always available in the 2S Community Space.

 

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 UPPER SCHOOL

This week in Chapel, our senior prefect, Kate Christian, talked about service as an integral part of learning. Currently, the students are collecting goodies for troops overseas as a way of working together to serve their greater community. In addition, Kate’s committee offers many other service opportunities during November and December. As a community, we are trying to serve more than 50,000 hours this year – how can your family get involved?

We also listened to a brave 10th grade student share his personal journey about what Christ teaches us to do with worry. Inspired by Philippians 4:6-7, we took time out of our busy week to focus on service and care for ourselves and for others.

Milepost grades will be posted on Monday. Please remember that this is only a snapshot of a moment in the course. The rich feedback is available in Altitude Learning. A great conversation starter could be: Where have your Glows & Grows been these first three weeks? Let’s look (together) for the evidence in your cards in Altitude.

As always, grateful to partner with you on this journey!
Kristy Lundstrom

Head of Upper School

COMING UP THIS WEEK IN UPPER 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
9:30 – 10:05 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
Interim Term Financial Aid application due

Friday, October 1: Spirit Day
Advisory: My experience with welcoming spaces
Interim 2022 initial deposits due (via the MV Parent Portal)
Interim 2022 trip preference form must be completed by 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 3 (via the MV Parent Portal)

ATHLETIC TRYOUTS

Winter sports tryouts for Upper 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

Thursday, October 7 at 8:30 am: Coffee with Kristy
Every month, I will present a topic for 7 minutes and then we can discuss it for 7 minutes. Then, we can have a free discussion for 14 minutes about life in Upper School. I know everyone has very busy lives, so I promise to keep the session to 30 minutes. October’s theme: Globally Competitive – what does that mean to the Upper School at Mount Vernon?

Thursday, October 7, from 6:00-7:00 pm: College Panel Night
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have all your questions about the college admissions process answered by admission representatives from SCAD, Georgia College, Purdue University, and the University of Kentucky. Reserve your spot today

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

October 12 – 15: Homecoming Week Dress Up Days
Tuesday: Superhero Tuesday (no masks or accessories)
Wednesday: MV Spirit Wednesday
Thursday: Tacky Prom Day
Friday: Tropical Getaway Friday 

Wednesday, October 13: PSAT
Grade 10 and Grade 11 will take the PSAT-NMSQT exam at Mount Vernon. This testing requires our entire building and entire staff.

Grade 9 and Grade 12 students will have asynchronous learning this day, and will not report to campus.

Friday, October 15: Homecoming
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, 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.

Saturday, October 16: Homecoming Dance
Tropical Getaway 2021 7:00-9:00 pm at the MV US Patio
Dress is semi-formal: pants (no jeans), jackets, party dresses

INTERIM 2022 INFO

September 24 Interim information letter
September 24 Parent information session video (Passcode: 6Rck.Yg%)
September 24 Parent information session digital presentation

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER 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 hats for a morning of rich professional learning and collaboration. 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.

An important part of our Wellness & Resilience Program is finding “Rest from our Work.” I recently asked a group of students, “How will you rest and recover this weekend?” They replied, “Ms L, we don’t have time to rest. We have too much work to do.” This definitely gave me pause. Is this something they just say? Or, is this something these students really feel is true? Either way, I want us all to continually remind our students that REST is key to achieving our best. One way to think of it is R = relaxing, E = exercise, S = silence/social media free and T = thankfulness. We have two weeks left in this MOD. Let’s make sure that REST is a regular part of our work week.

I hope everyone has seen the information for Interim 2022. The Deposit and Trip Preference form is available on the MV Parent Portal (Veracross). The registration form opens this Friday, Oct. 1, for students to confirm whether they want to travel, participate in CORE or do an internship.

Wishing you all a productive and learning-filled week,

Kristy Lundstrom
Head of Upper School | X2901

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

Monday, September 20
11:00 am – 12:45 pm Club Fair (Rescheduled from last Thursday)

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
6:15 – 7:30 pm US Theatre Student/Parent Informational Meeting for summer trip to Scotland. Learn about an opportunity to travel to Scotland to represent Georgia by performing at the world’s largest high school theatre festival, The Fringe, during the summer of 2022. The meeting is in-person in the US Café, via Zoom, and also being recorded. Decisions about this trip do not need to be made until mid-October, as families are currently weighing Interim Term opportunities. (Zoom meeting ID: 850 6600 2602 / Passcode: fp3m1N5U)

Friday, September 24: Spirit Day and Advisory*
Coach Ron Hill Day: In memory of beloved Coach Ron Hill, students are asked to wear their 03 Reunite spirit shirts. A moment of silence will be observed to start the day, his favorite meal (chicken fingers and french fries) will be served for lunch, and Coach Hill’s twin daughters will lead the football team out to the field for the home game against George Walton Academy at 4:15.

8:30 – 9:30 am Interim Term virtual information session and Q&A, via Zoom. Director of Interim Term and Global Impact DeShawn Jenkins will share a general overview of each of the interim programs along with registration process details. Time will be provided for questions. Parents were emailed details about Interim Term last Friday.

*ADVISORY
During the next three Advisory sessions, 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 Upper School have been published. Please reach out to the respective coaches for additional information.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday, September 27: Student Portraits, Grades 6-11: Dress uniform (rescheduled from September 21)

Thursday, October 7, from 6:00-7:00 pm: College Panel Night
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have all your questions about the college admission process answered by admission representatives from SCAD, Georgia College, Purdue University, and the University of Kentucky. Keep an eye on your inbox for registration information in the coming weeks.

Thursday, October 7 at 8:30: Coffee with Kristy
Every month, I will present a topic for 7 minutes and then we can discuss it for 7 minutes. Then, we can have a free discussion for 14 minutes about life in Upper School. I know everyone has very busy lives, so I promise to keep the session to 30 minutes. October’s theme: Globally Competitive – what does that mean to the Upper School at Mount Vernon?

Friday, October 15: Homecoming
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, 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.

Saturday, October 16: Homecoming Dance
Tropical Getaway 2021 7:00-9:00 pm at the MV US Patio
Dress is semi-formal (pants – no jeans/jackets, party dresses)

 

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MV Serves: Year of Impact
Year of Impact is a year-long integration of service. Beginning on September 11, our MV Community committed to logging 50,000 hours of selfless service through May 11, 2022. This impactful opportunity will give us the chance to collectively give back while commemorating Mount Vernon’s 50th year. We ask our community to log every hour served, to reach our goal of 50,000 hours this year. Together we give back. #MVImpact

 

A WORD FROM YOUR HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

On Monday, students and parents will be able to view Milepost #2 grades on Veracross. While each grade is important and tells the story of progress in an individual course, it is also important to zoom out and look for trends. Is your child happy and thriving at school? How is your child managing their workload? Are they making progress in the way that they had hoped? If yes, yeah! If not, here are a couple of ways you can support their learning during the last three weeks of MOD 1:

• encourage your child to talk directly to their teachers to craft a plan of action
• reach out and share concerns/ideas with your child’s advisor or teacher
• remind your child that G.T.D. (Get Things Done) is 70 minutes dedicated each day to managing their workload
• check in with them about which clubs/activities they are interested in to connect with peers
• help them plan their time outside of school to be able to meet deadlines

As always, we are here to partner with you in supporting our students and their continued success.

Sincerely,

Kristy Lundstrӧm
Head of Upper School | X2901

 

August 29, 2021