Families tour Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School ahead of student transfers
![Mrs. Marrow and Assistant principal.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":2200}])
Families tour Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School ahead of student transfers
Parents got their first look at their new school Wednesday morning, as Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School hosted a tour for families of students transferring into the school for the 2025-2026 school year as a result of the building reorganization. They also met the incoming principal, Danielle Davis-Marrow, who welcomed families to the school. NMHZ will be a grades preK-6 school in the upcoming school year.
“I want parents to know that my philosophy of education is centered around student success – supporting teachers, a positive learning environment, academic success and safety,” said incoming Principal Marrow. “I want parents to know that when they turn their children over to us, they’re in good hands. We’re supporting their children; we’re supporting their needs, and I look forward to working with every single family in the fall when they arrive.”
Families received folders with information about the school as well as a small gift bag with contact information for the parent liaison, Pamela Valdovinos, who supports parents throughout the school year.
Parents asked questions about the school after meeting their new principal, learning about what they should expect at NMHZ next school year.
Eighth grade student ambassadors then led the families on a tour, showing them around the entire school and answering questions. Assistant Principal Tanganyika Linder-Brown joined in on the tours and even entered a classroom with parents to demonstrate a math game with current NMHZ students.
The tour served as an initial welcome for families, who will be invited back for orientation at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
Schedule of remaining school tours:
Graham School: 9 a.m. on Friday, June 13
Lincoln School: 9 a.m. on Friday, June 13
Denzel Washington School of the Arts: Auditions at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. Tour at 9 a.m. on Monday June 16
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy: 9 a.m. on Monday, June 16
Grimes School: 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17
Pennington School: 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18
Rebecca Turner Academy: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Hamilton School: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Traphagen School: 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Benjamin Turner Academy: 9 a.m. on Monday, June 23
Edward Williams School: 1 p.m. on Monday, June 23
![People gather around a long table filled with food in a brightly decorated room with windows and colorful banners in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791571714/mtvernoncsdorg/whrenzv28clmzgrfcqsh/NMHZ-LoteriaNIght-10.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791571714/mtvernoncsdorg/whrenzv28clmzgrfcqsh/NMHZ-LoteriaNIght-10.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791571714/mtvernoncsdorg/whrenzv28clmzgrfcqsh/NMHZ-LoteriaNIght-10.jpg","width":600}])
The Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer school community came out for a night of fun at Lotería Game Night on Thursday! This special event was a part of the school’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and provided an opportunity for the school community to come together to learn about and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Families enjoyed an evening of Lotería, prizes, refreshments, and community building in a fun and welcoming environment.
![Woman with curly hair and glasses smiles for head shot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783955676/mtvernoncsdorg/slloumj4fawgap3thtrd/BarbaraAbbey-NM.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783955676/mtvernoncsdorg/slloumj4fawgap3thtrd/BarbaraAbbey-NM.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783955676/mtvernoncsdorg/slloumj4fawgap3thtrd/BarbaraAbbey-NM.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1783955676/mtvernoncsdorg/slloumj4fawgap3thtrd/BarbaraAbbey-NM.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783955676/mtvernoncsdorg/slloumj4fawgap3thtrd/BarbaraAbbey-NM.jpg","width":1534}])
Barbara Abbey is proud to serve as Principal of Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, bringing more than 30 years of educational experience — including more than two decades in the Mount Vernon City School District — to the role. Ms. Abbey is excited to return to the school and build on the strong relationships she has established with students, families and staff. She believes every child can succeed when supported by caring educators, engaged families and a school community that fosters high expectations, belonging and opportunity.
![Five adults sit on stools in front of a large screen and whiteboards in a classroom, while students are seated at desks in the foreground.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782225492/mtvernoncsdorg/xlhkbclcrl0ffhdpck9j/NMHZ-CareerSpeakers-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782225492/mtvernoncsdorg/xlhkbclcrl0ffhdpck9j/NMHZ-CareerSpeakers-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782225492/mtvernoncsdorg/xlhkbclcrl0ffhdpck9j/NMHZ-CareerSpeakers-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782225492/mtvernoncsdorg/xlhkbclcrl0ffhdpck9j/NMHZ-CareerSpeakers-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1782225492/mtvernoncsdorg/xlhkbclcrl0ffhdpck9j/NMHZ-CareerSpeakers-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1782225492/mtvernoncsdorg/xlhkbclcrl0ffhdpck9j/NMHZ-CareerSpeakers-2.jpg","width":2200}])
Nelson Mandela / Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School welcomed Junior Achievement (JA) and several guest professionals last week to speak with sixth-grade students for their Junior Achievement Career Speakers Panel Series.
![Two young boys in the foreground smile at the camera, with a woman behind them, as other people and desks fill the classroom background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781807483/mtvernoncsdorg/shfrlt9ggxk3obltvzon/NMHZ-Writing-Celebration-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781807483/mtvernoncsdorg/shfrlt9ggxk3obltvzon/NMHZ-Writing-Celebration-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781807483/mtvernoncsdorg/shfrlt9ggxk3obltvzon/NMHZ-Writing-Celebration-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781807483/mtvernoncsdorg/shfrlt9ggxk3obltvzon/NMHZ-Writing-Celebration-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1781807483/mtvernoncsdorg/shfrlt9ggxk3obltvzon/NMHZ-Writing-Celebration-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1781807483/mtvernoncsdorg/shfrlt9ggxk3obltvzon/NMHZ-Writing-Celebration-2.jpg","width":2200}])
Ms. Lindsay Vetere’s fourth-grade class at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School recently held an end-of-year writing celebration to recognize the amazing work and growth of the students throughout the year! Families were invited to visit the classroom and enjoy a showcase of the students’ writing accomplishments.
![A large group of children and adults are gathered on a paved area in front of a brick school building, many holding flags and signs.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781802760/mtvernoncsdorg/c2o9zfvyrbicr7mgh1bc/NMHZ-Carribean-7.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781802760/mtvernoncsdorg/c2o9zfvyrbicr7mgh1bc/NMHZ-Carribean-7.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781802760/mtvernoncsdorg/c2o9zfvyrbicr7mgh1bc/NMHZ-Carribean-7.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781802760/mtvernoncsdorg/c2o9zfvyrbicr7mgh1bc/NMHZ-Carribean-7.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1781802760/mtvernoncsdorg/c2o9zfvyrbicr7mgh1bc/NMHZ-Carribean-7.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1781802760/mtvernoncsdorg/c2o9zfvyrbicr7mgh1bc/NMHZ-Carribean-7.png","width":2200}])
Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrates Caribbean Heritage Month with Parade of Flags
Students and staff had an amazing time celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer Elementary School this week! The entire school came alive with vibrant flags and colorful posters, all created by the talented staff and students at NMHZ. Everyone came together outside, enjoying lively music and dancing, and honoring the rich cultures and traditions of the Caribbean. The PreK - 6 grade Parade of Flags was a joyful highlight, making this a truly memorable celebration for the school community!
![Two children are engaged in a craft activity at a table, with a blurred background suggesting an indoor setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780325839/mtvernoncsdorg/lkmt07rag8uwrhrglwdl/NMHZ-Family-Carnival-20.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780325839/mtvernoncsdorg/lkmt07rag8uwrhrglwdl/NMHZ-Family-Carnival-20.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780325839/mtvernoncsdorg/lkmt07rag8uwrhrglwdl/NMHZ-Family-Carnival-20.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780325839/mtvernoncsdorg/lkmt07rag8uwrhrglwdl/NMHZ-Family-Carnival-20.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780325839/mtvernoncsdorg/lkmt07rag8uwrhrglwdl/NMHZ-Family-Carnival-20.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780325839/mtvernoncsdorg/lkmt07rag8uwrhrglwdl/NMHZ-Family-Carnival-20.jpg","width":2200}])
The carnival came to town at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School on Friday! The Student-Centered Activities Committee hosted the Family Carnival in the gymnasium to provide families with an opportunity to have fun and enjoy time with each other after a school year full of hard work.
![A group of students and adults pose for a photo in a classroom with a whiteboard and a large screen in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779384084/mtvernoncsdorg/hvnrlncub03z8zbln1jd/NMHZ-StockTrophy-11.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779384084/mtvernoncsdorg/hvnrlncub03z8zbln1jd/NMHZ-StockTrophy-11.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779384084/mtvernoncsdorg/hvnrlncub03z8zbln1jd/NMHZ-StockTrophy-11.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779384084/mtvernoncsdorg/hvnrlncub03z8zbln1jd/NMHZ-StockTrophy-11.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779384084/mtvernoncsdorg/hvnrlncub03z8zbln1jd/NMHZ-StockTrophy-11.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779384084/mtvernoncsdorg/hvnrlncub03z8zbln1jd/NMHZ-StockTrophy-11.jpg","width":2200}])
NMHZ sixth graders celebrate win of CTE Stock Market Challenge with trophy unveiling and pizza party
Vito DiMatteo’s sixth-grade class at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated their momentous win in the second annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Stock Market Challenge this Tuesday with the unveiling of their hard-earned trophy and a pizza party. The sixth graders managed to beat high school and middle school students before ever even taking a Career and Financial Management course!
Click here to view the top three schools in the CTE Stock Market Challenge.
![A classroom setting with a teacher in a cowboy costume engaging with a group of young students seated on the floor, surrounded by educational materials and displays on the walls.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776703150/mtvernoncsdorg/uuk3f4mhpywmycjqrmki/NMHZ-DinoLove-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776703150/mtvernoncsdorg/uuk3f4mhpywmycjqrmki/NMHZ-DinoLove-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776703150/mtvernoncsdorg/uuk3f4mhpywmycjqrmki/NMHZ-DinoLove-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1776703150/mtvernoncsdorg/uuk3f4mhpywmycjqrmki/NMHZ-DinoLove-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776703150/mtvernoncsdorg/uuk3f4mhpywmycjqrmki/NMHZ-DinoLove-5.jpg","width":1246}])
Social emotional learning was underway at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, as kindergarten and first-grade students learned about love and how to show love to themselves — with the help of dinosaurs. The School Counseling Department read "When I Feel Loved," by Paula Bowles and spoke to the students about how saying nice words and affirmations are beautiful ways of expressing love to themselves. The activity concluded with each student finding a dragon egg, and inside, was their own positive affirmation.