Mount Vernon High School prepares its culturally diverse student body for the future through a rigorous course of study in a positive and supportive environment.

Focusing on the Achievement Gap

Mount Vernon, VA, June 15, 2009:  Closing the achievement gap requires several ingredients including providing extracurricular activities that align students learning goals with real world experience.  This year students at Mount Vernon High School have been involved in various outside activities that have enriched their educational experiences.  These activities involve higher level thinking and collaborative problem solving.   For example, fourteen students placed in the Regional Science Fair, including Alexander Weinberg who placed first in the Environmental category.  A MVHS alumnus Tony Perkins invited the MVHS news crew to spend a day at the WTTG, Fox News Channel 5.  Several students also attended the National Future Educators Conference in Denver, Colorado.  Finally students competed in Its Academic correctly answering every question presented to them.

Role models are also a factor to look at when addressing the achievement gap in school.  Students who are exposed to more positive role models are more likely to succeed.  Throughout the year several prominent guests visited the school to share their wisdom with the students.  Former Representative Tom Davis spoke to the senior class in October.    Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, joined a distinguished panel of lawyers and judges to discuss careers in the legal profession.   At the request of Michelle Obama, Fran Drescher, star of the Nanny, and Broadway star and Helen Hayes Award recipient Sara Jones spoke to the students about career goals and achieving their dreams.

Educators, especially teachers, play a large role in closing the achievement gap. Good teachers are the key to improving student performance.  All schools in Fairfax County have accomplished teachers including MVHS.  Currently there are eleven National Board Certified Teachers at MVHS.  National Board Certified Teachers are highly accomplished educators who have met high and rigorous standards.   Roxie V. Godfrey, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher was selected as the Virginia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year.

 Together We’re the Answer Education Committee is a volunteer organization consisting of community leaders and concerned citizens.  The group was formed to assist with closing the achievement gap and to empower parents and the community to help increase college matriculation rates for Black students.  The committee works in collaboration with the Black Student Achievement Council (BSAC) at Mount Vernon High School to ensure that every mind achieves its greatest potential. For additional information on the organization, please contact Avis Catchings at douknohem@yahoo.com or Martha Coleman at marthadcoleman@yahoo.com.

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