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Vance County Schools Surpasses State Graduation Rate

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has surpassed the state graduation rate once again, while also posting the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.

We are pleased to report that our 2019-2020 graduation rate is 90.3%, compared to the state graduation rate of 87.6%. This represents an increase of 3.6% over the 2018-2019 4-year graduation rate of 86.7%. Seven years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% — the lowest in the state. We have improved our graduation rate by over 25% during that time, now surpassing the state graduation rate.

For the 2019-2020 year, Vance County Schools met or exceeded the state average in 8 of the 9 measurable subgroups. Those exceeding the state average included male, female, black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, English learner, and student with disabilities. The state and our district both measured greater than 95% for Academically and Intellectually Gifted students.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, is beginning his sixth year leading Vance County Schools. With each passing year, our graduation rate is improving. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our district. As our graduation rate continues to climb, it gives certainty that the strategies and programs we have in place are preparing our students for their future. It also reiterates that when we work together, progress is possible.”

Our district continues to make progress, bringing innovative programs, partnering with our students and families, and personalizing education options for our students. We have robust fine arts programs at every school in our district. Additionally, we offer an alternative pathway for grades 6-12, a K-5 year-round STEAM Academy, our 6-8 STEM Early High School, an Early College High School, and new this year, an entirely virtual K-12 school. With 16 schools in our district, we are working hard to ensure our students have a learning environment that fits what they are seeking.

We continue to extend our program offerings to our students, providing a variety of opportunities for them within our schools. We offer Career and Technical Education programs, providing 13 career pathways for our students. Our Early College has been named one of the Best High Schools in America and our district continues to thrive with digital convergence through Modern Teacher, having been recently recognized nationally for the progress in the strategic planning process.

The programs and digital resources available for our students, the personalized education available through school options, the relationships being built between our staff and families, and the efforts of our community partnering with us, continue to be at the forefront of our students’ success.

We are extremely proud of our district and all that has been accomplished. We still have room to grow and Dr. Jackson emphasizes that “we will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time; the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”

V3 Huskies

Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3) Unveils Mascot and Colors

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently added its sixteenth school to the district – Vance Virtual Village Academy, also known as V3. V3 is an entirely virtual school for students in grades K-12.

As the school year kicked off, the students of V3 worked to establish their identity relative to school colors and mascot. The students voted on their school colors and official mascot then participated in a school logo design contest.

Devin Crump, a sixth-grader at V3, designed the official logo for the school. The new mascot and colors were unveiled on September 1, 2020.

VCS is excited to reveal the Vance Virtual Village Academy Huskies. Their school colors are crimson and gray. The Huskies have an enrollment of over 200 students in their first year and look forward to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!

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Vance County Schools Makes America’s Best-in-State Employers List

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named to the annual list of America’s Best-in-State Employers. Forbes partnered with market research company Statista for its second annual ranking of America’s Best-in-State Employers.

Selections were based on an independent survey of more than 80,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people in their U.S. operations. The surveys were administered using a series of online panels and provide a representative sample of the U.S. workforce.

The America’s Best-In-State Employers 2020 title serves to reinforce VCS’s reputation as an employer of high quality. We are extremely proud of the continued progress of our district through the hard work and dedication of our employees. As one of only five school districts in the state to receive this honor, we are thankful for this prestigious recognition and truly Vance County Proud!

The Vance County Schools district is comprised of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and a K-12 virtual school. We serve over 5,000 students from Pre-Kindergarten through year 13 seniors at our Early College, committing to the success of every student.

The district is led by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson who is also the 2020 North Carolina A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year.

The ranking is live on the Forbes website and available by clicking here.

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Vance Co. Schools Asks Local Businesses to Serve as WiFi Hotspot Locations

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Letter to local businesses from Dr. Anthony Jackson, Vance County Schools Superintendent:

Vance County Schools values every partnership and, as we are facing unprecedented times, our needs within our school district are ever–changing. We strongly believe that working together is what allows our community opportunities for growth and to become stronger. 

Vance County Schools was able, through generous gifts and donations, to obtain a computer/device for every single student. This allows us to ensure our students have the technology they need as we begin instruction remotely. Our next focus is our commitment to having connectivity access for our students throughout Vance County. We have 85 internet hotspots that we are placing in area churches, businesses, and fire departments to ensure our students have the ability to access the internet near their homes. This is where we need you! 

If you want to know you are making a difference by opening up a world of learning for students throughout our community, you may be the perfect fit for one of our district WiFi hotspots. The hotspot devices require a standard electrical outlet and can be placed anywhere inside or outside of your facility. One of our district employees will set up a time with you to come out to the designated location and set up the device, which is about 10” x 10” in size. The entire installation process should only take a few moments and the device will be displayed on our district WiFi hotspot map, located at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Internet accessibility will be available to anyone within 200 yards, give-or-take based on the line of sight. You can also rest easy that internet filters are set on the devices for the safety of our students. Students accessing the internet will not require them to enter your facility, but your parking area would likely be utilized for those needing the connectivity. The unit will be in place until the district‘s need is no longer necessary. 

If you are able to partner with us, please reach out to Aarika Sandlin, Public Information Officer for Vance County Schools, at asandlin@vcs.k12.nc.us or by phone (252) 492-2127. We appreciate your support of Vance County Schools in making our community a better place! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Anthony Jackson

Superintendent/Vance County Schools

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC Vice President Levy Brown Appointed to Serve on National Commission

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023).

“I am excited and humbled to have been appointed to AACC’s Commission on Student Success. It is a fantastic opportunity that provides a space for exchanging ideas, connecting, and learning with some of the brightest leaders who champion the success of students,” Brown said. “Community colleges such as Vance-Granville are continuing to positively impact the lives of our students. My goal is to partner with highly motivated professionals from across the country to eliminate barriers that keep our students from being successful. This includes those from underrepresented and marginalized populations. Finally, I am appreciative to work at an outstanding college, and with a supportive president who supports this type of work.”

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Dr. Brown serves as the Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success (Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer) for VGCC. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with credit faculty and staffers in the areas of academic programs, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Prior to joining VGCC, Brown served as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Lenoir Community College and has been engaged in higher education work for nearly two decades. Brown is an active member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and other local boards. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas including, but not limited to, degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer programs. In addition, the commission focuses on AACC’s 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, to showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and improve student success; and to provide affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support student success.

“At VGCC, Dr. Brown has been an active champion of changing institutional mindset, structures and supports to encourage all students to achieve their best success,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “I am proud that he will be representing our college successes on the AACC Commission and look forward to what he is able to glean from the collective wisdom of this national panel.”

Best Colleges 2020

VGCC Ranked Sixth-Best Community College in the Nation

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized as one of the top ten community colleges and trade schools in the nation for 2020. VGCC came in at number six on the rankings published by “Best Colleges” (www.bestcolleges.com), a leading provider of independent college rankings and higher education research. The college was also the third-highest-ranked school from North Carolina.

“We are pleased to see this national recognition for Vance-Granville, which we attribute to the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our faculty and staff every day,” Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the college, said. “VGCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training that is affordable and accessible for the people of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.”

Best Colleges noted that the college has extended its reach by providing career-oriented programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs include Supply Chain Management, Medical Office Administration, IT/Business Support, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students can also complete the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science programs online, which prepares them for transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities.

“VGCC boasts strong graduation rates and small class sizes,” the website also noted. “The school’s 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention.”

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Enrollment is currently ongoing for eight-week curriculum credit classes that begin on October 14, and for the spring semester that starts in January 2021. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

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Vance County Schools Provides Quick Links for Most Requested Info.

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Vance County Schools has provided quick online links with additional information to assist in locating some of the most requested items.

2020-2021 School Calendars: https://bit.ly/VCScalendarinfo

The Latest on ReOpening Our Schools: https://bit.ly/ReOpenPlans

Remote Learning Information and Help: https://bit.ly/VCSremotesupport

Laptop Request Form: https://bit.ly/needlaptop

Locate Free Spectrum Wifi: https://www.spectrum.com/wifi-hotspots

Bus Hotspot Information: https://bit.ly/VCSwifi

Latest Meal Distribution Information: https://bit.ly/VanceMeals

Dr. Jessica Perry

Dr. Jessica Perry Named Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3)

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Dr. Jessica Perry has been selected as the Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). She began with Vance County Schools as the Director of Testing and Accountability in 2018.

She has been in public education for 19 years serving as an administrator in Franklin County Schools, as well as Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator, Assistant Instructional Management Coordinator and Business teacher for Wake County Public Schools. Dr. Perry is also an adjunct professor at Wake Tech Community College. 

Jessica Perry

Dr. Jessica Perry has been selected as the Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). She began with Vance County Schools as the Director of Testing and Accountability in 2018. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Bringing a wealth of knowledge to this role, we are certain Dr. Perry will be a tremendous asset to Vance County Schools and our community, leading Vance Virtual Village Academy.

With the launch of this new, innovative school in Vance County, we know that we have an amazing leader paving the way! Dr. Perry will assume her new role effective immediately.

WIZS Note: Responding to an inquiry regarding the announcement on July 2, 2020, that Nathan Currie was named the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy, VCS stated Mr. Currie is no longer employed with the school district. 

VCS August Meal Pick-Up

Vance Co. Schools Continues Free Meal Box Distribution With Weekly Pick-Up

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools will offer free meal boxes for drive-thru style pick-up every Monday in August from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Vance County Middle School (293 Warrenton Road, Henderson).

The meal box will contain five breakfasts, five lunches and 10 milk containers.

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Vance Co. Schools to Begin School Year Under Fully Remote ‘Plan C’

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The Vance County Board of Education met on July 17, 2020, in a special called meeting to consider options for the reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year. By a vote of 5 – 2, the board accepted the Superintendent’s recommendation to begin the year under the state’s Plan C fully remote option for the first nine weeks of the school year, with plans to implement Plan B at the start of the second nine weeks.

The district has aspirations to begin option A at the start of the second semester in January. Staff will continue to evaluate data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as well as guidance from the Granville Vance Public Health to ensure that we are making decisions in the best interest of our students and staff. 

As we work to implement our plans over the next few months, we are committed to ensuring that every student is equipped for success in whatever format we choose to operate. Very soon, we will begin sharing information with all families in preparation for the beginning of the school year.

As we continue working to navigate these uncharted waters, please know that we remain committed to ensuring that our decisions are supportive of providing the safest environment possible for our students, families and community. For that reason, all athletics and extracurricular events are currently suspended until further notice. 

The 2020-2021 school year promises to be one of tremendous transitions for our school system and community. As we work through our responses to COVID-19, we ask for your patience, your support and your grace.