Thursday, November 09, 2006

New principal has military roots

By Stacy Sneed
Staff writer

When life becomes hectic for students of military parents, Mount Vernon High School’s new principal Nardos King is there with a shoulder to lean on and an understanding of their military lifestyle.

As the wife of a Soldier, King has a leg up on familiarizing herself with the difficulties military transfer students may face. Not only is King married to someone in the military, but she also has two children who attend the high school as well.

So, she’s always felt inclined to stay connected with her students to make sure they’re on the right track. 

“The most challenging thing I deal with has to be meeting with all the people I need to meet with and still keeping in touch with the students, because that’s what I enjoy the most,” said King. “And I know it can be especially tough for those students with parents in the military, for those students transferring in. But the kids who grew-up here know and understand the routine. So, we’ve learned to assist those [transfer] students any way we can.”

One way Mount Vernon High School is assisting transfer students is through their buddy system. The program is designed to help students adjust socially, so they won’t feel isolated or alone when beginning the school semester. The buddy system is still a work in progress, but King says it’s a step in the right direction.

“It’s all about the awareness. Knowledge is power and it’s something powerful to be able to help a student,” King emphasized.
“So, I do whatever I can to keep the connection between the Fort Belvoir Public Affairs Office and the school. I want to continue having direct dialogue with military parents who’ll have children attending the school.

“This is a great school system, that’s why I think it’s important to stay here if you can. We’re one of the leading school systems across the country. So, once you get into a Fairfax County school, you get hooked.”

Adjusting educationally could be another downfall for some transfer students. King says some students may require six to nine Standards of Learning Tests — six verified credits will be needed to receive a standard high school diploma and nine verified credits are needed for an advanced high school diploma.

“I don’t necessarily see it as a problem, but a concern,” King said. “Most students who transfer in don’t seem to have much of a problem catching up on standardized tests and such. However, I feel bad for the kids because some may need to take several standardized tests before graduating. But that’s just the system and how it works. We work with the students who may have any difficulties or concerns about the tests.”

King said that while transfer students may face some challenges, being a transfer student also has its perks in and out of the classroom.

“Any time the student gets to see the world, they get an opportunity to appreciate different educational systems,” she said.
“In addition, they bring a wealth of knowledge to our classroom with first-hand experience. I’m grateful that we have the military kids here.”

For more information about Mount Vernon High School, visit the Web site at http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/MtVernonHS/ or call (703) 619-3100.