Granville County Public Schools

Academic Performance Topic of Upcoming Granville BOE Subcommittee Meeting

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education Academic Subcommittee will meet virtually on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. to discuss information related to academic performance.

For more information or to receive a link to the virtual meeting, please contact Dr. Michael A. Myrick, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at myrickm@gcs.k12.nc.us or Mrs. Alston Shave at shavea@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Operations Committee to Discuss Renovation of GC Hawley Middle School

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Public Schools Operations Committee will meet on Monday, September 28, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, NC 27565.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss potential approaches regarding the renovation of GC Hawley Middle School.

For more information, please contact Dr. Stan Winborne, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Human Resources at winbornes@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Seeks Substitute Teachers

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

Do you love children? Would you like some steady part-time work that pays well? Would you like to make a difference in our community?

Then consider becoming a SUBSTITUTE TEACHER today! 

Interested candidates must pass a criminal background check and be at least 18 years old. Candidates must also complete a comprehensive training session prior to starting work. Granville County Public Schools will work with individuals on preferences for grade levels and/or particular schools.

Please visit the GCPS website HERE for more information and then begin the process by emailing Kathy Bradley at bradleyk@gcs.k12.nc.us

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Addresses Governor’s ‘Plan A’ Announcement

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Statement from Granville County Public Schools

On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Governor Cooper announced that NC Public Schools will have the option to allow all students to return to school under Plan A as soon as October 5, 2020. This announcement aligns with the current Granville County Public Schools’ plan to bring students back to school physically in a gradual, staggered entry progressing over time.

Having the option for K-5 students to return on Plan A provides the next step in the GCPS district’s goal of having all students able to return to school when it is safe to do so. Our Board of Education and administration will continue to closely monitor the readiness indicators for our district and community.

Currently, GCPS will shift to students physically reporting to school on alternating days of the week under Plan B beginning on September 28 for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and special education students who receive instruction in a separate setting. All other grades will return on October 12.

The district will continue to include stakeholders in the planning and decision-making of safely bringing our children back to school.  GCPS is thankful for the continued patience, grace and support during this time.

For more information, please visit our website at www.gcs.k12.nc.us.

NC Governor Logo

Public Schools Now Able to Implement Plan A for Elementary Schools

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

After several weeks of stable COVID-19 trends and continued low virus spread in school settings, Governor Roy Cooper today announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5).

Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom.

“We are able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians are doing the hard work to improve our numbers and trends. Many people are wearing masks, keeping social distance and being careful to protect others as well as themselves. We have shown that listening to the science works. And I’m proud of our resolve.”

As the Governor announced in July, every district will continue to have the flexibility to select Plan A, B or C based on their unique needs. In addition, districts should still provide an option for families to select all remote learning for their students. Read the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit to learn more about the requirements under each plan.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen a sustained leveling or decrease of key metrics.

“Our trends show that we are on the right track. It’s up to all of us to protect our progress. Our individual actions like those 3 Ws will help keep our school doors open.,” said Secretary Cohen.

Dr. Cohen also explained that as schools have opened, the current science shows that younger children are less likely to become infected, have symptoms, experience severe disease or spread the virus.

“It’s great news today that we are a step closer to providing the option of in-person learning to families who want their children to return to school,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. “While the Governor, the State Board of Education, and I have our differences, I join with them today to encourage local school board members to take advantage of this change and open all schools safely. I thank the many parents and teachers across North Carolina who have been vocal advocates on this important issue.”

“For the past six months, superintendents, principals, teachers and local BOE have worked diligently to care for the safety of our students and staff while educating our children. While we are anxious to return all students, we know that teachers, principals, and students need a gradual transition over the next three months. I ask our parents to remain patient, knowing that we are moving as quickly as is safely possible. And I ask our teachers to continue to assist our students by supporting this deliberate, thoughtful transition,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is declining.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is declining.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is declining.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • Access to testing has expanded. No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times have improved.

Tracing Capability

  • Contact tracers continue to be hired to bolster the efforts of local health departments. A new exposure notification app will be launched soon.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable
Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Votes to Return to Classroom This Fall

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education voted 5-2 to return to school this fall with a staggered, gradual entry under Plan B.

The Board received detailed information from senior staff on the readiness of the district to receive students. Also participating in the presentation were Lisa Harrison, Health Director of GVPH, and Dr. Shauna Guthrie, Medical Director of GVPH. The information presented included facts about the following: organizational readiness of the district; COVID data from the local Health Department and NCDHHS; student, parent and educator survey data; and, information about emerging research related to COVID.

The exact plan for when and how students will return was also approved by the Board. For those students whose parents did not commit to full virtual learning for the first semester, the 2-step process for a gradual, staggered return to school begins on September 28, 2020. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and students who receive special education services in a separate setting will return to school on September 28. All other grade levels will return on October 12.

For the first step, students will report to school divided into FOUR groups, each group attending school one day a week. Then, in as soon as two weeks, these same students will transition and begin to report to school divided into TWO groups, with each group attending school two days a week.

The chart below lists target dates and student groupings for a staggered, gradual return.

Pre-Kindergarten,

Kindergarten, &

Self Contained EC classes

(Special Education students who receive instruction in a separate setting)

Return to school the week of September 28

Grades 1-12

Return to school the week of October 12

STEP 1: PLAN B – Gradual, Staggered Entry

Only up to 25% of students return to school at the same time

ALL GRADES

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

GROUP A1

Up to 25% of Students

Face to Face

GROUP A2

Up to 25% of Students

Face to Face

ALL STUDENTS
REMOTE

Building Disinfecting

GROUP B1

Up to 25% of  Students

Face to Face

GROUP B2

Up to 25% of Students

Face to Face

STEP 2: PLAN B – Gradual, Staggered Entry

Only up to 50% of students return to school at the same time

ALL GRADES

Group A  Students

Face to Face

Group A Students

Face to Face

ALL STUDENTS REMOTE

Group B Students

Face to Face

Group B Students

Face to Face

Group B Students Remote

Group B Students Remote

ALL STUDENTS REMOTE

Group A  Students Remote

Group A Students Remote

Full-time virtual students will remain virtual

through 1st Semester

Families will begin to receive information about their child’s particular schedule in the coming days. Please be sure to check in regularly with your child’s teachers for important information that may be shared during this transition from Plan C to Plan B.

During this transition time back into our schools, it is very important for families to remember that new safety practices and procedures will be in place. All students and staff will be screened every time they enter GCPS campuses. Anyone with COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed in school. Also, face masks are required at all times while on GCPS property.

A supply of five reusable, cloth face masks will be provided to each student. Families are responsible for making sure students have a clean face covering each day. Face mask breaks will be provided during the school day. Also, every person must maintain proper social distancing while on school property. A minimum of 6’ should be maintained at all times.

Families and students will note many changes in how school ‘looks’ and ‘feels’ when they arrive back. First, no visitors will be allowed on any campuses unless it is an emergency. Movement in and around the school will be limited and structured. Meals will be served in the classrooms. On days when students are not in school, curbside and remote site meal service will continue. All meals are free to students aged 3-18 until December 31.

Students will be also asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer more frequently. Finally, students who ride the school bus will be required to present an “attestation” form prior to boarding the bus. This form, which will be provided by schools, should be signed by a parent or guardian each day indicating that the child is symptom-free and has not had exposure to COVID.

Students will be socially distanced while riding on the bus; however, family members will be allowed to sit together. Every student will be screened each day upon arrival at school after getting off the bus. All car riders will be screened before being allowed to exit their vehicles. All of these practices will be new to students, parents and staff, so please be patient and be sure to follow all processes as they will be strictly enforced.

GCPS is very excited to have students return to school this fall. We need everyone’s support to help ensure the process is safe and healthy for everyone. Your cooperation and communication will be very important to this process. Please be sure to reach out to your child’s school with any questions or concerns. Together, we can make this work!

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting Sept. 14

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular Board meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020, 6 p.m. at Tar River Elementary School, 2642 Philo White Road, Franklinton, NC.

Members of the public are invited to view livestream. To join the livestream meeting, please use the following link:
https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege.

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings, undergo health screenings before entering the building, and cooperate with social distancing requirements. There will be limited seating
available.

Individuals wishing to participate in public comment may do so in person. Those wishing to speak must provide their name and topic on a sign-up sheet to be posted in front of Tar River Elementary School from 5 – 6 p.m. on September 14.

Comments will be received by the Board in the order of sign up and will be limited to no more than five minutes per person. Board Policy 2310 allows for 30 minutes of public comment.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education Accepting Applications for Vacant District 3 Seat

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will continue with six members until a replacement for District 3 is appointed. Per Policy 2115 – Unexpired Term Fulfillment, the Granville County Board of Education will proceed with the process for filling the District 3 seat made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Rob Rivers effective September 30, 2020.

It is the intent of the Board to identify and appoint a suitable candidate for this position using the process outlined below, with the ultimate goal of serving the students of Granville County Public Schools.

Interested candidates should review the “Duties of the Board” guidelines issued by the NC School Board Association, which may be found at the NCSBA website:  https://www.ncsba.org/news-resources/board-member-knowledge-base/duties-of-the-board/

Candidates should submit a letter of interest, a C.V. or resume, and three letters of recommendation to Ms. Lynn Henderson, by the close of business, September 30, 2020. These documents should provide information that highlights the candidate’s ability and experiences related to education and service to children.

All candidates must reside in District 3 in order to be considered for this position. Proof of residency will be required. District 3 map and information may be found at the Granville County website:  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/county-commissioners/district-map/

During its regular scheduled meeting on October 5, 2020, the Board will review the documents submitted by each candidate and vote to issue invitations to those the Board wishes to interview.

During a special called meeting to be scheduled in October 2020, the Board will interview candidates (the Board will use a list of questions asked of each candidate, chosen at the beginning of the meeting).

At its regular scheduled meeting on November 2, 2020, the Board will vote on who will fill the unexpired term of District 3. Interviews and vote will take place in Open Session.

At a date to be determined, the chosen candidate will take the oath of office.

NOTE: If no suitable candidates are selected, the above process will be repeated as necessary, with new dates selected, until the position is filled.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS to Study, Share ‘Readiness Indicators’ Before Transitioning to Plan B

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools is committed to our students returning to school as soon as it is safe to do so. In order to begin a safe transition from Plan C (all remote) to Plan B (partial remote/partial face-to-face), the Board of Education and administration are closely monitoring a variety of “Readiness Indicators.” These indicators measure a variety of data points which include state and local COVID data trends, physical readiness of our facilities, and survey data from families and staff.

We will also be closely monitoring the ever-changing research as it relates to children and their exposure to and transmission of COVID.

In addition, the district has asked to join with Duke University in a clinical guidance research study with other public school districts in our area, the results of which may also help inform our reentry plans.

To track all of these data points, GCPS is developing a “Readiness Dashboard” that will be shared with the public in the coming weeks. This dashboard will list the data sets for each area and provide weekly trends and analysis.

The Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020. At that time, the Board will review the data for each of the readiness indicators and determine the next steps for reentry.

When the decision is made to shift toward Plan B, the district will implement a ‘staggered entry’ return in which certain groups of students and grade levels of students will return before others on certain days of the week. The staggered re-entry plan will be finalized soon and shared with all families prior to the September 14 Board Meeting.

GCPS believes strongly that school is the best place for our students to learn and thrive. We will continue to work towards getting our children back into classrooms when it is safe to do so.

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.”