MSD of Mount Vernon

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Wednesday, Sep 4, 2024-Maroon Day

To the STUDENTS:

Altered Chime Schedule dates for the month of September
Friday, Sept 6th - Football Homecoming Pep Session
Wednesday, Sept 18th - Half Day School 

• Show your school spirit for Homecoming with a Glitter Paw Print Tattoo! Art Guild will be selling glitter paw print tattoos during lunch on Friday before the pep session for $1.

• Art Guild and Comic Co members: plan to meet after school Friday in Mrs. Glaser's art room to set up for the Homecoming Festival. Plan to stay the duration of the festival to help man the booth and clean up but we will take turns having free time to walk around and buy from other booths. See Mrs. Glaser if you have any questions.

• The theme for the game is USA Olympics (Wear red, white, and blue)

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, Sep 3, 2024-Gray Day

To the STUDENTS:
Altered Chime Schedule dates for the month of September

• Friday, Sept 6th - Football Homecoming Pep Session

• Wednesday, Sept 18th - Half Day School 

• Show your school spirit for Homecoming with a Glitter Paw Print Tattoo! Art Guild will be selling glitter paw print tattoos during lunch on Friday before the pep session for $1.

Principal's Perspective

“When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.”
— Jacob Riis, Late 1800s

As I reflect on my accomplishments in athletics and education, I am reminded of the Stonecutter’s Credo. The pinnacle of my athletic career came with a National Championship in 1995, and in 2023, I was honored as District 11 Middle School Principal of the Year. What I’ve realized is that these successes were not the result of a single, defining moment. Rather, they were the culmination of countless daily efforts—like the stonecutter, each blow led me closer to breaking the rock. Success came after thousands of small efforts: thousands of hours in the gym, and thousands of decisions made as a principal.

In education, we may never see the full impact of our efforts. As teachers, we work with students for just a year, and they spend only a few years in our buildings. Our role is to plant seeds that will grow over time. We strive to inspire our students to become lifelong learners, teaching them how to learn through our daily actions. The Stonecutter’s Credo is deeply relevant in education—we, as educators, must pound the rock every single day.

The Stonecutter’s Credo also resonates with us as parents and guardians, especially during the middle school years. At this age, our children are still far from fully formed. Our goal is to guide them into becoming productive members of society, though we may not see the results for years. All we can do is pound the rock each day. By setting an example with our actions, establishing expectations, setting limits and boundaries, supporting their interests, and loving them unconditionally, we actively “parent.” Parenting is a verb—it requires daily action.

At Mt. Vernon Junior High, we’ve placed a rock, hammer, and chisel in our teachers' lounge as a reminder of the Stonecutter’s Credo. We want to pound the rock each day, knowing that each blow, though it may not crack the rock immediately, brings us closer to our goals. Together, we aim to inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves, making a positive impact in our students’ lives through our daily actions.

Marc Hostetter
MVJHS Principal

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Wednesday, Aug 28, 2024-Maroon Day

To the STUDENTS:

• NO SCHOOL Monday - Labor Day

• Altered Chime Schedule dates for the month of September

• Friday, Sept 6th - Football Homecoming Pep Session

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, August 23, 2024 - Gray Day 

To the STUDENTS:

• Altered Chime Schedule dates for the month of September

• Friday, Sept 6th - Football Homecoming Pep Session

• Wednesday, Sept 18th - Half Day School 

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Thursday, August 22, 2024 - Maroon Day 

To the STUDENTS:

• Altered Chime Schedule dates for the month of September

• Friday, Sept 6th - Football Homecoming Pep Session

• Wednesday, Sept 18th - Half Day School 

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Maroon Day 

• Altered Chime Schedule Dates for the month of September:

STUDENTS:

• The Homecoming Dance will be Saturday, Sept 7, 8-11pm in MVHS cafeteria. Tickets will be on sale starting during lunch periods starting Wednesday, Sept 4. $15 each. It is open to all high school students and their guests. See guidance office for a form to be filled out for any guests - form must be completed to purchase a ticket. No tickets sold at the door. Photo Booth, snacks and drinks included with ticket purchase.

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Monday, August 19, 2024 - Gray Day 

• Altered Chime Schedule Dates for the month of September:

STUDENTS:

• The Homecoming Dance will be Saturday, Sept 7, 8-11pm in MVHS cafeteria. Tickets will be on sale starting during lunch periods starting Wednesday, Sept 4. $15 each. It is open to all high school students and their guests. See guidance office for a form to be filled out for any guests - form must be completed to purchase a ticket. No tickets sold at the door. Photo Booth, snacks and drinks included with ticket purchase.

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, August 16, 2024 - Maroon Day 

• Altered Chime Schedule Dates for the month of September:

STUDENTS:

• Congratulations to the Lady Cat Golfers for their win against Evansville North last night.. Mt. Vernon - 198 Libby Reese - 43 (medalist) Emily Jones - 47 Shelby Lang - 51 Attalia Wolf - 57 Jaley Hamilton - 60 Elise Williams - 62 Joslyn David - 67 Evansville North - 208 Carly Caswell - 52 Jozie Wells - 47 Mykah Brown - 55 Ripley Anderson - 54 Makinley Orcutt - 68 Emerie Vaught - 66 Lillian Connelly - 69 Kylee Fee - 65 Brooklyn Cleveland - 59

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - Gray Day 

Alter Chime Schedule Dates for the month of September:

STUDENTS:

• This Thursday's NHS meeting will be held in Mr. Bethel's room at 7:30am, this is a change in location from the media center.

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Monday, August 12, 2024 - Maroon Day

•  Alter Chime Schedule Dates for the month of September:

STUDENTS Information:

• The National Honor Society reminds all students you only get one chance to start your year off right... today is that day!  Also, the first meeting for all NHS members will be Thursday, August 15th, at 7:30 am sharp, in the media center.  Any student unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts must contact Mr. Bethel or Mr. Bacon prior to next Thursday for any absence approval.

MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN

Friday, August 9, 2024 - Gray Day 

•  Alter Chime Schedule Dates for the month of August:

Friday, August 9th - Club Schedule - During club time Class Meeting in PAC w/11th & 12th grades

STUDENTS Information:

Principal's Perspective

No more pencils, no more books.  No more teacher’s dirty looks.  For those of you who are familiar with 1970’s Rock and Roll, you’ll recognize those lyrics.  School is almost out for Summer.  

For students, the final days of school are often a whirlwind of emotions. There's a sense of accomplishment in completing another chapter of their educational journey, yet there's also a twinge of sadness as they bid farewell to friends, teachers, and familiar routines. The classroom, once a sanctuary of learning and laughter, now stands as a silent witness to the memories created over the past year.

For teachers, the end of the school year brings a mix of exhaustion and fulfillment. They've poured their hearts and souls into shaping young minds, guiding students through challenges, and inspiring them to reach for the stars. There's pride in seeing how much their students have grown in the last 10 months, but there's also a sense of melancholy in saying goodbye to a class they've grown to love. 

For Parents and Guardians; tag, you’re it.  Junior High aged students need you more now than ever before.  Encourage your student to get involved in all that the school and community has to offer over the summer.  Encourage them to pick up a book and read about something they are passionate about.  Encourage them to get outside and play.  My personal belief is that students this age need to play without using technology.  Set aside some time for you and your student to do something, anything together.  As a father of two boys who are 16 and 20, time goes by quickly, so don't take this summer break for granted.  

Whether we're students bidding adieu to familiar faces, teachers imparting their final lessons, or parents guiding the next steps, let's seize the summer ahead as a time for growth, connection, and making memories.

Marc Hostetter
Principal, MVJHS

Principal's Perspective

"Nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm," claimed Ralph Waldo Emerson, and he couldn't have been more right. In previous Principal Perspectives, we delved into industriousness and the growth mindset, two crucial elements for success. Yet, there's a vital catalyst that propels our efforts into the realm of the extraordinary: enthusiasm.

Let's face it, we don't wake up each day in a fairy tale world, singing praises about work or school. Challenges, stress, and deadlines are part of our daily landscape. But amidst this reality, cultivating enthusiasm becomes our secret weapon.

Enthusiasm infuses hard work with an inspired power, essential for individual success. Imagine this: your attitude can be as contagious as the common cold. Greeting peers or colleagues with positivity becomes a daily habit that sets the tone for you and everyone around you. Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable problems, approach them as opportunities waiting to be conquered. Even a simple adjustment in posture can transform a defeated mindset into one that's inspired—try striking a Superman pose and not feel a surge of empowerment!

Now, success isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. For me, it aligns with John Wooden's perspective: it's about finding peace of mind, knowing you've given your best to become the best you're capable of being.

But here's the kicker: success shies away from apathy and negativity like the plague. If you want success knocking on your door, exude excitement, radiate enthusiasm, and emit positivity. Enthusiasm, passion, and positivity—they're contagious. People gravitate toward these qualities, and success follows suit.

In the world of education, success is often associated with big milestones like high test scores and top rankings. At Marrs, we realize the value of celebrating both small and large successes in a student’s journey. 

Small successes, whether they involve a student mastering a challenging concept, improving their grades, or simply displaying kindness and leadership, are worth celebrating. These small wins often go unnoticed but play a pivotal role in a student's overall development. By acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, our goal is to create a  positive and nurturing environment that motivates students to strive for more.

Emphasizing small successes helps students build self-esteem and confidence. Students learn that progress and growth are valuable in and of themselves, regardless of the scale. This perspective shift encourages a growth mindset, where students are more inclined to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.

Large successes, such as winning a championship or achieving top academic honors, still have their place in the school environment. These accomplishments are important milestones that provide students with goals to work towards and reasons to persevere. However, celebrating small successes helps students build a foundation of resilience, determination, and a passion for learning that enables them to tackle more significant challenges.

Students at Marrs Elementary celebrate small successes through rewards such as Positive Office Referrals or Shop With the Principal. Shop with the Principal is a monthly citizenship reward program celebrated each month. Classroom teachers select one student from their room who has exhibited excellent citizenship or shown great improvement in their classroom work. These students are honored and recognized by receiving a classroom visit from the Principal and her shopping cart filled with treats and prizes. Students are also recognized on our school's Facebook page. Positive Office Referrals are “shoutouts” that any staff member can fill out and turn in! The idea is to replace the negative stigma associated with the visits to the principal with an opportunity for students to anchor positive outcomes from their “above and beyond” behavior choices. Students are recognized with a trip to the Principal’s office but for a good reason.

By acknowledging and encouraging students at every step of their journey, schools prepare them not only for academic success but for life as well. In the end, it's not just about reaching the finish line but also about savoring the entire race and the small victories that make it worthwhile.

Principal Perspective

All roads that lead to success have to pass through hard work boulevard at some point.

Are you a bit of a nerd?  I know I am.  I find myself drawn to straight lines, spreadsheets, and non-fiction books.  Do you share my fascination with what it takes to be successful?  Do you wonder how we can develop habits in our youth that lead them to success?  If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone.  Developing daily habits often leads to a lifelong quest for self-improvement and achievement.  

If you’re familiar with Indiana native and legendary basketball coach John Wooden, you might know about his Pyramid of Success.  Because I can’t help myself, I’ve crafted my own version, known as the Pyramid of Excellence.  Three foundational blocks in this pyramid are Enthusiasm, Growth Mindset and Industriousness.  In a previous Principal Perspective, I delved into Growth Mindset, and in the future, I’ll explore the realm of Enthusiasm.  Today, let’s focus on the cornerstone of Industriousness.  

According to Dictionary.com, industriousness is defined as the constant, energetic, or devoted effort. It signifies hard work—very hard work. It's essential to understand that there's no substitute for extreme dedication and effort when it comes to achieving real success. From the grandest of achievements to the smallest of victories, it all starts with a strong work ethic.  I have not known any individual anywhere who achieved real success without working extremely hard.

As parents, we often wish for our children to lead better lives than we did. Sometimes, we mistakenly equate "easier" with "better." It's important to remind ourselves that allowing our kids to face and overcome challenges is a vital part of their growth. Productive struggle necessitates effort, and to surmount obstacles, industriousness is the key. It's an idea we can all agree upon: industriousness is a precursor to success. After all, why do all roads to success lead through Hard Work Boulevard?

Over the course of the past month our students have been blessed with many wonderful experiences at school and in our Mt. Vernon Community.

Many of these experiences have specifically honored Family, Community and Country.

During the first week of September our West Elementary School PTO invited Grandparents of our West students in for Breakfast before school.  Hundreds of students and their Grandparents attended the Grandparents Day Breakfast in our West Cafeteria enjoying donuts and pictures!

Also, towards the beginning of September our 4th Grade Students had the opportunity to learn more about local Indiana History during a Field Tript to River Days.  In addition, our West Student Council proudly represented our school in the River Days Parade.  We believe it is important for students to participate in local community traditions such as River Days to develop an understanding and appreciation of their own community.

On September 11th, our entire school - students and staff met at the flagpole to recite the Pledge of Allegiance together and have a moment of silence in honor of 9/11/01.  We were honored to be led by Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Hartmann of the United States Marines Corps.  Benjamin Hartmann is a former MVHS graduate and father of two current West Elementary students.  We appreciate his sacrifice for our safety and freedom and will keep him in our thoughts as he sets out on a two year call to duty in Japan this next month.

Another meaningful opportunity for our students was the Spirit Week we had at West to coincide with MVHS Homecoming Week.  We believe that encouraging our students to support and participate in community activities such as these add significant value and treasured memories to their K-12 Education in the MSD of Mt. Vernon.

As we rounded out the last month full of Family, Community and Country, our 9th Annual West Elementary School Family Picnic was a Huge Success again this year!  Over 500 West students, family members, and staff members thoroughly enjoyed our tradition of Food and Fun!

We are proud of the experiences our students have had during the first quarter of the school year and cannot wait to see what the rest of the fall semester brings!


Amanda Wilson

West Elementary School Principal

October Newsletter

As the days get shorter and the air becomes crisper, we know that we are settling into a new school year at Farmersville!  A new school year can mean changes, which bring a lot of new friends and faces into our school!  

This fall we have said goodbye to Mrs. Koressel and Nurse Dixon. They have both moved onto exciting new opportunities for them and we wish them the best!  That means we have said welcome to some new faces as well!  We have had a few weeks with Mrs. Denning as our new school secretary and she is settling in very quickly and learning her new job and all of the new faces.  We will welcome our new nurse in a few weeks when she finishes up her current job at a local hospital, but she is excited to be a falcon as well!  

Over the summer, we also welcomed some new teachers and had some teachers move to new roles within the building.  Mrs. Lefler left first grade and is now our RTI Interventionist.  Miss Wargel left STEM and is now a first grade teacher! They are both excited to be in their new classrooms this year.  In special education, we have welcomed Mr. Turner as a new teacher. We also welcomed Miss Hoehn as a new TA in our special education department. In STEM, we now have Mr. Weaver who has quickly adjusted to a brand new position. He is anxious to begin working with our high ability students as well.  Miss Mintner is our new PE teacher and has at least as much energy as the kids do! She has been a perfect fit for our Falcons. 

We look forward to settling into a new routine with our new Falcons and can’t wait to see what this year will bring!  

By: Kristen Dutkiewicz, Principal