Mount Vernon Schools Remedy: A Super Health & Wellness Block Party

MOUNT VERNON, NY — At a very special event, the Mount Vernon School District was able to successfully help connect the families it serves to resources that can help protect the health of students and their loved ones.

From the Mount Vernon City School District.

Children ran around the field at Mount Vernon Honor Academy playing games, as their families gathered information from various community organizations at the Mount Vernon City School District’s Super Health and Wellness Block Party on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Several children wore superhero costumes, the theme of the day.

The wellness party, which is held annually, was organized and run by the Office of School Improvement and the district’s parent liaisons. Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith addressed the crowd and urged families to utilize the resources available to assist with their children’s and their own wellbeing.

"This is a lovely day," said Dr. Smith. "I’m so glad to see so many people here today. I want you all to have a wonderful time. Today is all about our children, and we need to teach them about wellness at a very young age. Enjoy!"

Organizations such as the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, Mount Vernon Police Department Wellness Division and Westchester Community Health Center shared information about how they can support families within the community.

"We have over 27 vendors today," said Dr. Beverley Jones, Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. "We want to make sure the community is aware these resources are in their community and where to find them. We also have information about all these resources in our Parent Resource Center at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. Everything that is here today, there is also a corner for them in our Parent Resource Center."

The district also donated over 40 bags of groceries to families who were in attendance. Several vendors, such as the Girl Scouts, had free gifts such as books to give to community members. Parent liaisons donated several children’s books as well.

Dr. Jones also made announcements throughout the day to direct people to resources such as the Mount Vernon Health Center, Chase Bank and Fidelis Insurance. Raffles were also announced throughout the party, with winners claiming various prizes.

"I think today, and all the days the District has these programs, is really good for the community," said Marian Telpha, mother of students Triston and Thomas Taylor. "There are a lot of programs that are free, very helpful and very educational. I’m a parent in the community, and all the programs that are here, I have personally used for my children, and they are great. I would recommend all of them."

Families received important resources to assist them with various aspects of their lives such as health coverage, special education and finances. Several students also volunteered to assist in managing the wellness party.

"This is a good event to communicate with people," said Alicia Barton, 11th grade student and volunteer from Rebecca Turner Academy. "It’s very helpful, especially for kids that don’t have siblings; they can come out, meet new people and have fun."

Children had a variety of games to play, including frisbee, Jenga and various options of sports. There were bouncy houses and slides set up across the field, as well as a "tumble bus" with gymnastics equipment for children to play with and a petting zoo with a variety of animals. The Denzel Washington School of the Arts Hip Hop Club also performed a dance midway through the party for the crowd of families. Upbeat music filled the air throughout the entire day.

"I think it’s really important to do things for the community and have this celebration on this beautiful day," said Alistair Bell, a ninth grade student and volunteer from Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. "It’s a great thing for all the people in this school and throughout the District. It’s also a great way to have fun this weekend. I think the organizers did a great job, and the slides and games that were set up were fantastic."

Families enjoyed a lunch of burgers, hot dogs and snacks. They were also treated to a dessert of sherbet cones at the end of the day and left with a wealth of knowledge about what is available to them throughout the community.