Mount Vernon Schools Remedies: Super Health & Wellness Block Party

The annual wellness party was organized and hosted by the School Improvement Office and the district’s parent liaison. Acting Superintendent K. Veronica Smith spoke to the audience, encouraging families to take advantage of available resources to benefit their children’s and their own health.

“It’s a great day,” said Dr. Smith. “I’m so glad to see so many people here today and I hope you all have a great time. This is a day for kids, and we need to teach kids about health from an early age. Have fun!”

Organizations such as the Mount Vernon Youth Agency, the Mount Vernon Police Department Health Division and the Westchester Community Health Center shared information on how they can support families in their community.

“We have over 27 vendors participating today,” said Dr. Beverly Jones, vice chancellor for school improvement and secondary curriculum instruction. “We want the community to know that these resources exist in their community and where they can find them. We also have information about these resources in the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Parent Resource Center. Everything that is listed here today will also be listed in our Parent Resource Center section.”

The district also donated more than 40 bags of food to the families in attendance. Several vendors, including the Girl Scouts, provided free gifts, such as books, for area residents. Parent liaison officers also donated several children’s books.

Dr. Jones also made announcements throughout the day directing attendees to resources such as Mount Vernon Health Center, Chase Bank, Fidelis Insurance, etc. Raffles were also announced during the party, with winners receiving a variety of prizes.

“I think today and every day the district has these programs is a really good thing for the community,” said Marianne Telfa, 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 I’ve personally taken advantage of all the programs that are implemented here with my own children and they’re great. I would recommend them all.”

Families received important resources to help with many aspects of their lives, including health insurance, special education and finances, and several students offered to help run wellness parties.

“It’s a good event to connect with people,” said Alicia Burton, an 11th grader at Rebecca Turner Academy and a volunteer. “It’s really helpful, especially for kids who don’t have siblings. They get to go out and meet new people and have fun.”

Children played a variety of games, including Frisbee, Jenga, and various sports. The field was equipped with jump houses and slides, a “tumble bath” with gymnastics equipment for children to play in, and a petting zoo with a variety of animals. In the middle of the party, the Denzel Washington School of the Arts hip-hop club performed a dance for the family audience. Upbeat music was played throughout the day.

“I think it’s really important to do something for the community and celebrate on this beautiful day,” said Alistair Bell, a ninth-grader and volunteer at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. “It’s great for everyone in the school and across the district, and it’s also a great way to enjoy the weekend. I thought the organizers did a great job and the slides and games they set up were great.”

Families enjoyed a lunch of burgers, hot dogs, snacks and, at the end of the day, a sherbet cone for dessert, and left with a wealth of knowledge about what is available throughout the area.