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MVPD officers visit MVLA and read Thanksgiving themed books to students

MVPD officers visit MVLA and read Thanksgiving themed books to students
MVPD officers visit MVLA and read Thanksgiving themed books to students

On Monday, November 25, 2024, and throughout the week, officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department visited classrooms at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy and read to students in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Ms. Hogan, the MVLA library technician, invited officers to connect with students and teach them about doing the right thing for Thanksgiving!

Students were encouraged to ask the police officers about what it’s like to work in law enforcement. They asked questions such as “What do you do as a police officer?”, “What do you like about being on the job?”, and what the daily excitement and duties of the job. The officers answered every student’s question with enthusiasm. When asked if they would want to become a police officer, many students raised their hands to say yes.

The police officers read Thanksgiving-themed books, such as “Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano and “The Amazing Turkey Rescue” by Steve Metzger. Both of these books had students giggling and at the edge of their seats, rooting for the turkey to be saved!

“The youth are very inquisitive and influenced. If I can be a positive value added to them by coming in and taking time out to read to them, I find a lot of enjoyment in that,” said Officer Tiesha Heath. “I like reading with my third grader as well at home, so I know how inquisitive they are!”

Police officer reading to students
Police officer showing book to classroom
Students raising hands to ask officer question


 

Dr. Doggett, Dr. Jagnandan, Mr. Wilbekin, Ms. Guttierrez and a parent and student.
Mount Vernon Leadership Academy holds family game night

Mount Vernon Leadership Academy held a family game night on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Students played English language arts and math games with their families. There was a wide variety of games for them to choose from such as Jenga, dominoes, chess, Uno, Taboo, Trouble, Zingo, Hedbanz, Sorry, and Candyland. They also had a read-aloud corner and played a multiplication game. Dr. Jamal Doggett, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Administration, and Dr. Satish Jagnandan, Director of Assessment, Mathematics and Science, joined families at the educational game night as well. 

 
MVPD officers visit MVLA and read Thanksgiving themed books to students
MVPD officers visit MVLA and read Thanksgiving themed books to students

On Monday, November 25, 2024, and throughout the week, officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department visited classrooms at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy and read to students in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Ms. Hogan, the MVLA library technician, invited officers to connect with students and teach them about doing the right thing for Thanksgiving!

MVLA middle schoolers teach younger grades about democracy and civic duty
MVLA middle schoolers teach younger grades about democracy and civic duty

As the presidential election approaches, students at the Mount Vernon Leadership Academy are learning about the voting process and American democracy in their classrooms. In Robert Durante’s seventh-grade social studies class, students were tasked with creating a 10-minute presentation to teach the younger students about how to vote. To start the week of Monday, October 28, 2024, students will be casting their ballots and choosing who is the best candidate: Bluey or Clifford the Big Red Dog.

MVLA Librarian Lissa Hogan wins the Amazing Teacher Award
MVLA Librarian Lissa Hogan wins the Amazing Teacher Award

Lissa Hogan, a library media specialist at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, has been honored with the Amazing Teacher Award for the month of October by LoHud, sponsored by Fordham Preparatory School. The award is given each month to local teachers in the Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester and Putnam areas, who are nominated by others for their talent and passion for teaching grades K-8.