Last week, I attended the graduations of the two high schools in my delegate seat - Mount Vernon High School and West Potomac High School.Recent news articles have focused on how these two schools have some of the steepest challenges in the County due to the economic demographics in our part of Fairfax County. According to the 2000 Census, my delegate seat's median income was $7,500 per year lower than any other delegate district in Fairfax County. It was even almost $60,000 per year lower than the 34th in Great Falls.
Families with lower incomes have less time to assist children with homework and focus on learning. When I was knocking doors in Hybla Valley, Woodlawn, and Huntington, I could see this first hand when parents were still out working at 8 p.m. or even 9 p.m. as I was wrapping up.
Families with lower incomes have less time to assist children with homework and focus on learning. When I was knocking doors in Hybla Valley, Woodlawn, and Huntington, I could see this first hand when parents were still out working at 8 p.m. or even 9 p.m. as I was wrapping up.
Last week, Newsweek Magazine released its annual survey of the best high schools in the United States featuring the top 6% of all high schools in the country. It included the following:
These rankings are based on Newsweek's Challenge Index that looks at how hard the faculty and administration challenges students with number of Adavanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams. And in case you are asking - yes there were schools in Fairfax County that did not make the list.
Our community should be proud of these accomplishments. These results show that our faculty and children and taking some of the most challenging courses in the United States and competing. Mount Vernon's schools are places that students can be challenged if they want to be. Our schools should be proud of their accomplishments.
Thank you Delegate Surovell.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to remember the hard work that our school administrators, teachers and students do in the Mt. Vernon District all the while facing tougher challenges.
Too often the news headlines and political bantor through teacher and administrator bashing often become the focus of our schools, when we should focus on the successes that are acheived through hard work and constant challenges with tighter and tighter financial stresses.
Thank you to our Principals, Nardos King (MVHS), Cliff Hardison (WEPO), School Board Representative, Dan Storck and Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D), Senator Toddy Puller(D) and of course, you Delegate Scott Surovell (D)for continuing to fight for great education in a great place to live.
Janet Myhre