MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Monday, January 27, 2025 - Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Students - The Homecoming dress up days for this week are:
Monday: Partner in Crime - Twin with your friends!
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, January 24, 2025 - Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
ATHLETIC EVENTS 01/20/25 - 01/25/25:
Date |
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Wesley Hoehn has been nominated for Student of the Week! Vote for him through Thursday at 9am.
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2025/01/20/whos-this-weeks-courier-press-student-of-the-week/77775941007/
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
- Professional Development Day Schedule - Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - School will be dismissed at 1:10 p.m.
Period 1/5 8:05 - 9:10
Period 2/6 9:15 - 10:20
The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.
For me, the New Year is more about reflection than resolutions. This year, that sentiment feels stronger than ever. Maybe it’s because I’m turning fifty, or perhaps it’s the result of spending three days stuck in our house without power. While we scrambled to heat our home, I had a conversation with a friend—the kind of friend who makes you think. He’s quite a bit younger than I am, so while he’s looking for advice and confirmation, I’m drawing inspiration from his ideas and growth mindset.
Out of the blue, he asked me, “Do you know when the best time to plant a tree was?” As someone who considers himself an outdoorsman, I was surprised to realize I didn’t know the answer, nor did I understand where he was going with the question. He answered, “Ten years ago. Do you know when the second-best time to plant a tree is?” Again, I was stumped. With a single word, he gave me the answer: “Today.”
There it was—a simple truth that became my New Year’s resolution. This idea resonates with every aspect of my life: family, career, and friendships. The best time to start anything is today. Whether you want to get in better shape, read more books, or create meaningful change in your workplace, the key is to figure out what you want and just begin. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you might not even know what the second step looks like.
Starting is what matters. By taking that first step, you’re planting the seeds for future growth. Even more importantly, by embracing this mindset, you set an example for your children. They learn from watching you that it’s never too late to start, and they see the value of perseverance and action. In doing so, you’re not just planting trees for yourself but nurturing a legacy for the next generation. And who knows? Ten years from now, you might look back and be amazed at the forest you’ve created.
Marc Hostetter
MVJHS Principal
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, January 17, 2025 - Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
Reminder Professional Development Day - Early Dismissal on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Students will be dismissed at 1:10 p.m.
EVENTS:
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
- Volleyball open gym is beginning tomorrow Thursday from 6:30-8pm in the HS Aux Gym for all current 7th-11th grade girls who are interested in playing. Can email Coach Newcomb with any questions.
EVENTS:
- "Winter Formal is this Saturday, Jan 18th. Tickets will be sold during lunch. No tickets will be sold at the door."
Weekly Schedule |
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - Maroon Day
TODAY: Regular Chime Schedule
To the STUDENTS:
- Check the student Google Classroom for January’s Lunch Menu
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Today is the deadline for students to drop and add a class
Check the student Google Classroom for January’s Lunch Menu
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Monday, January 13, 2025 - Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
Check the student Google Classroom for January’s Lunch Menu
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024-Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
When you return for Tuesday, January 7, 2025 for 2nd semester it will be a MAROON DAY.
EVENTS:
12/20/2024
4:00 PM Wrestling (Boys V-1) @ Ev. Harrison 10-way
6:00 PM Basketball (Boys JV) vs Wood Memorial
7:30 PM Winter Cheer (V) vs Wood Memorial
7:30 PM Basketball (Boys V) vs Wood Memorial
7:30 PM Gray Band
END OF 1ST SEMESTER
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024-Gray Day
EVENTS:
Date Time Team
12/19/2024
5:00 PM Swimming & Diving (Boys V) @ Castle High School - Boonville/Castle/MV
5:00 PM Swimming & Diving (Girls V) @ Castle High School - Boonville/Castle/MV
5:30 PM Wrestling (Girls V) @ Southridge
12/20/2024
4:00 PM Wrestling (Boys V-1) @ Ev. Harrison 10-way
6:00 PM Basketball (Boys JV) vs Wood Memorial
7:30 PM Winter Cheer (V) vs Wood Memorial
7:30 PM Basketball (Boys V) vs Wood Memorial
7:30 PM Gray Band
END OF 1ST SEMESTER
12/21/2024
8:30 AM Wrestling (Boys V-1) @ Ev Harrison 10-way
11:00 AM Basketball (Girls JV) vs Washington - 1/2 Only
12:00 PM Basketball (Girls V) vs Washington - Washington, IN
5:30 PM Basketball (Boys JV) vs Gibson Southern High School
7:00 PM Winter Cheer (V) vs Gibson Southern
7:00 PM Basketball (Boys V) vs Gibson Southern High School
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024-Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
Final Exams Thurs. 12/19 & Fri. 12/20
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IGvoGCnup8rrv5ohmSVkvL3hu6dG5DqOywndopN5aHs/edit?usp=drive_link","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.kix","type":"first-party-link"}">Final Exam Schedule 2024-2025
EVENTS:
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024-Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Final Exams Thurs. 12/19 & Fri. 12/20
A Christmas Coat Drive is happening now through the end of the semester. New and gently used winter gear (coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves) will be accepted in the boxes in the front of the media center and donated locally.
EVENTS:
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Monday, Dec. 16, 2024-Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
- Final Exams Thurs. 12/19 & Fri. 12/20
- A Christmas Coat Drive is happening now through the end of the semester. New and gently used winter gear (coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves) will be accepted in the boxes in the front of the media center and donated locally.
- All students interested in participating in Track and Field in the Spring should plan to attend an informational meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, December 17 in the large gym before school at 7:40. Contact Coach Snodgrass or Coach Wheaton if you cannot attend.
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024-Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Final Exam 12/19 & 12/20 Schedule Chimes https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IGvoGCnup8rrv5ohmSVkvL3hu6dG5DqOywndopN5aHs/edit?usp=drive_link","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.kix","type":"first-party-link"}">Final Exam Schedule 2024-2025
A Christmas Coat Drive is happening now through the end of the semester. New and gently used winter gear (coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves) will be accepted in the boxes in the front of the media center and donated locally.
12/13/2024
5:00 PM Wrestling (Boys V-1) @ Tell City - PAC Duals (I)
5:30 PM Basketball (Boys JV) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Winter Cheer (V) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Basketball (Boys V) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Maroon Band - BBB
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024-Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DyJC5vadFM1jVud0PB1Avm_7PqCyeyF4Nip8pyRvc4U/edit#slide=id.g31633d2277a_0_0","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.punch","type":"first-party-link"}">Key Club Week
A Christmas Coat Drive is happening now through the end of the semester. New and gently used winter gear (coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves) will be accepted in the boxes in the front of the media center and donated locally.
12/12/2024
5:00 PM Swimming & Diving (Boys V) vs Evansville Christian School
5:00 PM Swimming & Diving (Girls V) vs Evansville Christian School
12/13/2024
5:00 PM Wrestling (Boys V-1) @ Tell City - PAC Duals (I)
5:30 PM Basketball (Boys JV) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Winter Cheer (V) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Basketball (Boys V) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Maroon Band - BBB
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024-Gray Day
CLUB Pictures Today at 11am
To the STUDENTS:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DyJC5vadFM1jVud0PB1Avm_7PqCyeyF4Nip8pyRvc4U/edit#slide=id.g31633d2277a_0_0","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.punch","type":"first-party-link"}">Key Club Week
Club Pictures TODAY at 11am
Club Schedule Chimes https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nb9CxmuZEBxeW7Sd5m1NjMtPhRgapPPwDGg1sFPJaak/edit?usp=drive_link","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.kix","type":"first-party-link"}">Club Schedule 2024-2025
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024-Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
- https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DyJC5vadFM1jVud0PB1Avm_7PqCyeyF4Nip8pyRvc4U/edit#slide=id.g31633d2277a_0_0","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.punch","type":"first-party-link"}">Key Club Week
- School Pictures today 10:30am - 2pm
- Club Pictures tomorrow at 11am
- Club Schedule Chimes https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nb9CxmuZEBxeW7Sd5m1NjMtPhRgapPPwDGg1sFPJaak/edit?usp=drive_link","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.kix","type":"first-party-link"}">Club Schedule 2024-2025
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IGvoGCnup8rrv5ohmSVkvL3hu6dG5DqOywndopN5aHs/edit?usp=drive_link","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.kix","type":"first-party-link"}">Final Exam Schedule 2024-2025
- A Christmas Coat Drive is happening now through the end of the semester. New and gently used winter gear (coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves) will be accepted in the boxes in the front of the media center and donated locally.
- Picture retakes will be today from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
- The NHS monthly membership meeting will be held this Thursday Dec 12th at 7:30am in Mr. Bethel's room. Any absences must be discussed prior to Thursday with Mr. Bethel or Mr. Bacon.
12/10/2024
5:30 PM Basketball (Girls JV) 1/2 Game only vs Mater Dei
5:30 PM Wrestling (Boys V-1) vs PAC Dual Satellite (DH)
7:00 PM Basketball (Girls V) @ Ev. Mater Dei
12/12/2024
5:00 PM Swimming & Diving (Boys V) vs Evansville Christian School
5:00 PM Swimming & Diving (Girls V) vs Evansville Christian School
12/13/2024
5:00 PM Wrestling (Boys V-1) @ Tell City - PAC Duals (I)
5:30 PM Basketball (Boys JV) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Winter Cheer (V) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Basketball (Boys V) vs Ev. Central
7:00 PM Maroon Band - BBB
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024-Maroon Day
To the STUDENTS:
Key Club Spirit Days
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DyJC5vadFM1jVud0PB1Avm_7PqCyeyF4Nip8pyRvc4U/edit#slide=id.g31633d2277a_0_0","fple-mt":"application/vnd.google-apps.punch","type":"first-party-link"}">Key Club Week
Picture retakes will be Dec. 10th
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024-Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Students, you need to be checking the MVHS Student classroom and your email daily. Staff is communicating many important items through these 2 systems. This is an important habit to start now.
Picture retakes will be Dec. 10th
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024-Maroon Day
Altered Chime Schedule - 1st Club Cluster
To the STUDENTS:
Students, you need to be checking the MVHS Student classroom and your email daily. Staff is communicating many important items through these 2 systems. This is an important habit to start now.
Picture retakes will be Dec. 10th
Events: 12/2/24 - 12/7/24
12/04/2024
7:00 PM High School and Youth Choir Concert
12/05/2024
12:00 PM District X Welding Contest @ Vincennes University
4:00 PM Transition Fair
5:00 PM Posey County Special Olympics Banquet
5:30 PM Swimming & Diving (Boys V) @ Deaconess Aquatic Center vs. Ev. North and Central 5:30 PM Swimming & Diving (Girls V) @ Deaconess Aquatic Center vs. Ev. North and Central
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024-Gray Day
To the STUDENTS:
Students, you need to be checking the MVHS Student classroom and your email daily. Staff is communicating many important items through these 2 systems. This is an important habit to start now.
Club #1 – Dec. 4th – See MVHS classroom for an altered schedule.
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL DAILY BULLETIN - Monday, Dec. 2, 2024-Maroon Day
The Student Council is holding the cookie swap again this year! If you would like to participate, please see the Google Form below! If you have any questions, feel free to ask Ms. Burnett, Mrs. Block, or Alaina Allyn. https://forms.gle/A8V9w8xmmsdxAgp99
Everyone who is eligible for health insurance benefits through Lucent must complete, sign, and return this Election form by Dec. 6th. Forms can be returned via email, fax, or to Trina in the office. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dtbUE8fbV8x-pg8aqgLRwSrApDoIhgqm/view?usp=drive_link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sMAy-gd_8GYG83FL9smPpaLJsa2uWCrE/view?usp=drive_link
To the STUDENTS:
“All progress takes place outside of our comfort zone.” - Anonymous
Most inventions are designed to make life easier. Electricity simplified lighting, the telephone transformed communication, computers streamlined complex tasks, and the internet brought instant access to information. In my own lifetime, I’ve gone from sharing a party line (some of you might need to Google that) to carrying a phone in my pocket. We’ve progressed from conventional ovens to air fryers, an atlas to GPS apps, and encyclopedias to Google. This constant drive for efficiency has made nearly everything quicker and easier — but in the process, have we lost our resilience, determination and perseverance? Have we created a world where our kids miss out on learning how to improvise, adapt and overcome obstacles?
"Embrace the suck” is a saying originally made popular by the military during Operation Iraqi Freedom, capturing a truth about life’s challenges. At some point, everyone encounters responsibilities that are less than ideal. Not every job aligns with our dreams, and even dream jobs have tasks that can feel grueling. Personal growth requires us to face challenges head-on. Whether it’s pushing through tough workouts, dealing with difficult personalities, or tackling uncomfortable or exhausting tasks, we’re all presented with a choice. We can avoid these duties, building resistance, or we can choose to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
To parents, I would encourage this: let your children experience struggle and even failure. Let them wrestle with challenges without stepping in too soon. In trying to protect them, we sometimes mistake comfort and ease for true happiness. Yet, my most fulfilling moments were when I achieved something after failing more often than succeeding. School and life will have many uncomfortable moments. The sooner we get comfortable being uncomfortable, the sooner we’ll learn to overcome the obstacles ahead.
Marc Hostetter
MVJHS Principal
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.
“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:
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
"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.
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
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