Mount Vernon High School principal speaks with parents to dispel myths, answer

Mount Vernon High School Principal Nardos King visited Fort Belvoir Wednesday, for a meet-and-greet with families that have students attending the school for the first time this fall.

Dean Norton, Parent Teacher Student Association president, and Laurie Shellenberger, Fort Belvoir school liaison, accompanied King to the meeting to help answer any questions.

King answered questions from parents ranging from sports and activities participation, uniforms for physical education, tutoring, medical concerns, security issues, paperwork, schedules, bus routes and progress reports.

King said her reason for visiting the post was to answer questions and dispel rumors parents may have heard about the school.

"I wanted to come out to answer any questions and dispel any myths you may have," King said. "As long as your children come to school
ready to work, work hard and not get into any trouble, they are not going to have any problems with me."

However, she added, she won't tolerate misbehavior, so students displaying inappropriate behavior in the school will have problems.

Norton weighed in on his experiences with the school. He has two daughters currently enrolled in the school and one who has already graduated.

"I will be the first to tell you. Are there problems at Mount Vernon? Are their sometimes issues? Absolutely," Norton said. "There is no school in this county, there is no school in the private sector or anywhere else that doesn't have some.

"What is amazing to me, one thing our little group of schools does, is know how to handle problems and handle them quickly," Norton
said.

Norton and King advised the parents during the session to keep an open line of communication with their child and establish a line of communication with each of their teachers to keep up to date with the progress of their children.

"Don't ever be afraid to be an advocate for your child," King said. "Our teachers and administrators are very caring and are willing to help. You just need to coordinate with them so you can be regularly notified of any issues."