Oxford Prep Lower School Students Win Diversity Essay Contest

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

For schools across the nation, February is a time to highlight important accomplishments by African-Americans with the nationally recognized observance of Black History Month. March brings about Women’s History Month, which seeks to do the same by highlighting important women in history.

Students at the current Oxford Preparatory Lower School, presently 5th and 6th grade, participated in a school-wide diversity essay contest. Contest winners, pictured left to right: Michael Cox, 5th grade; Bre’Niyah Purnell, 6th grade and Novina Williford, 6th grade) (OPS photo)

For cultures and peoples marginalized by a traditional curriculum, these months of observance bring about conversations on diversity and inclusion. Students at Oxford Preparatory School kicked off this discussion with an important question: why does diversity matter?

Students at the current Lower School, presently 5th and 6th grade, participated in a school-wide essay contest with that exact question in mind. The essay contest had few guidelines, encouraging students to utilize critical thinking skills and reflection on the topic.

After a guidance lesson on the definition of diversity and discussions with classmates on the topic, students went right into writing their reflections. Some chose to use the time to research important figures who fought for diversity, such as Martin Luther King Jr, while some reflected on their own experiences. Students reflected on times that they felt like the “odd one out,” and even came up with suggestions on how to better support diversity at their school.

Fifth-grader Lily Juntunen writes, “I also always felt singled out for how I looked because I would always get told how I’m too tall to do anything, that I should give up. That’s another reason why diversity matters. People should not feel like they need to change themselves because others aren’t happy with the way they look.”

The three winners – 5th-grader Michael Cox and 6th-graders Novina Williford and Bre’Niyah Purnell – were treated to a bagel breakfast with their friends and family members and bravely read their essays out loud.

For some, this was the first time they had to present their work to an audience. However, as a college preparatory school, these students are being prepared to present their work and discuss such topics.“I had a lot of fun researching for the essay,” shared Cox. “I was really nervous to read it out loud, but I felt a lot of relief after I did it.”

To quote 5th-grader Madelyn Reese, “Diversity does matter in our world today. Regardless of our talents, skin color, gender, language, and culture, we all need to be treated fairly.”

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools BOE Adopts Calendar Changes

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education approved several changes to the district’s academic calendars.

First, the Board approved changes to the current 2019-20 calendars as a result of the recent “snow day” which caused school to be canceled for students and staff on Friday, February 21. For students, that day was essentially “forgiven” as the district already had a surplus of instructional hours beyond the minimum the state requires in order to comply with calendar law. For staff, the missed day will now be replaced with an Optional Workday added to the end of the calendar in June.

These revised calendars are now posted to our district websites and will be made available in our schools as hard copies.

Next, the Board decided to discontinue the “dual-calendar” programs which are currently offered at Butner Stem Elementary School, Butner Stem Middle School and West Oxford Elementary School. These three schools currently offer both a traditional and a year-round calendar as options for students as part of the choice program. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, these schools will operate on the single, district-wide calendar.

In making their decision, the Board reviewed data about the program which showed declining enrollment, a lack of interest from parent surveys, increasing cost, and no clear changes in overall academic achievement for children.

Finally, the Board approved a NEW district-wide academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. This calendar differs from the current traditional calendar in that all students will report to school two weeks earlier than normal, with their first day back to school being Monday, August 10, 2020. The calendar also provides a longer winter break, with opportunities for students to participate in an “intersession” in early January. This optional intersession will provide students with innovative opportunities for enrichment, exploration and remediation, as well as clubs and extracurricular activities.

The calendar offers spring break right before Easter and ends with the last day for students occurring on Friday, May 26, 2021. An additional three-week intersession period is also offered for students in the month of June.

The Board cited several student-friendly features of this new calendar design, including finishing the first semester before the winter break, closer alignment with VGCC course schedules, intersession programs, better alignment with athletic programs, and more flexibility for offering professional development to improve teacher effectiveness.

The new calendar, dubbed an “innovative year-round” calendar, provides additional flexibility for the district in start and end dates, which makes many of these new features possible. The Board reviewed survey data to help inform their decision, which showed that of 1082 respondents, an overwhelming majority (644) chose this new calendar option as their first choice. Additionally, more respondents (415) chose the current traditional calendar design as their least favorite choice.

Board Chairman David Richardson commented, “I am pleased we can offer this new innovative approach that puts children first. The Board has made increasing academic performance its top priority, and we need to make sure our efforts focus on ways to best support our students and staff in this regard. We recognize there will be some adjustments to this new design and will work with families to help make the transition as smooth as possible.”

All schools except Granville Early College High School (GECHS) will follow this new, innovative calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. GECHS will follow a separate calendar mirroring that of its partner, Vance-Granville Community College.

Both the new 2020-2021 district calendar and the 2020-2021 GECHS calendar are posted on the district website and available in hard copy at schools.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Working to Keep Students & Staff Healthy

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the GCPS District Safety Task Force convened for their regular monthly meeting. This group of approximately +/- 40 members has a laser focus on improving and protecting the safety, health and welfare of students and staff in our school district.

Superintendent McLean created the District Safety Task Force shortly after arriving in the district more than two years ago. Since that time, it has been extremely successful in addressing areas of concern with rapid and effective solutions. The Safety Task Force consists of a wide variety of stakeholders, including board members, law enforcement officers, first responders, health care officials, local elected officials, faith-based leaders, district administrators, school nurses, principals and, of course, parents.

At this recent meeting, one of the agenda items was COVID-19, or the “Coronavirus,” and how the district should plan and prepare for its potential threat. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in North Carolina, and the threat of the virus remains very low. In fact, the district has recently been more focused on absenteeism and illnesses caused by the common cold and influenza viruses. In just the past two weeks, some schools have had nearly 1/3 of students and staff out as a result.

The district’s immediate response to those outbreaks, as recommended by the CDC and the Departments of Health, largely focused on the following three tactics:

  • Practicing and encouraging good personal hygiene (Frequent and proper handwashing, coughing or sneezing in the bend of elbow or sleeve, using tissues, just being “courteous” with your space, etc.).

  • Thoroughly cleaning frequently touched surfaces or high traffic areas using Lysol or similar products which are highly effective at killing the viruses.

  • Staying home when sick, and avoiding people who are sick.

These three main tactics are highly effective against the spread of any such contagions and should be practiced by all, especially when considering the potential future threat of COVID-19.

One additional item of consideration is the use of facemasks. According to the CDC, the use of facemasks is NOT recommended for use by people who are well. Instead, only those who show symptoms should wear them, but ideally, those individuals should stay home and be isolated if possible.

Dr. McLean has already begun close dialogue and scheduled meetings with our local Health Department officials, school nurses and healthcare experts. “We are certainly not attempting to create a scare or undue alarm. Just like we drill, practice and prepare with any other potential threats, we are simply doing what is needed to keep our children and staff safe. After all, if you are ready, then you don’t have to get ready.”

The district continues to work with the Health Department and other experts to create action plans for the district. GCPS would like to thank everyone in the community in advance for their attention to this matter. The safety, health and well-being of everyone in our community is the top priority for GCPS!

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education to Meet March 2

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) on this evening.

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

Granville Co. Elementary Students to Compete in District Spelling Bee

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Ten students from elementary schools around Granville County will compete for the Local Spelling Bee Trophy in two weeks. “All of these children are already winners,” stated Dr. Tonya Thomas, Director of Student Services for GCS, “and we know they are going to succeed!”

The 3rd Annual Granville County District Spelling Bee for third, fourth, and fifth-grade students will take place on March 10, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose hall at Tar River Elementary with a reception to follow provided by the office of Granville County’s Superintendent, Dr. Alisa McLean. The public school system is sponsoring the Spelling Bee again this year.

Families, friends and the community are invited to come out and show their support for these excellent students!

Four fourth graders will be representing their elementary school at the Bee:

Joel Jose, winner from C.G. Credle Elementary; Aubrey Canada, winner from Mt. Energy Elementary; Jasper Luffman, winner from Stovall-Shaw Elementary; and Bree Blackley, winner from Wilton Elementary.

Six fifth graders will round out the competition:

Cayden Middleton, winner from Butner-Stem Elementary; Belen Elizarraras, winner from Creedmoor Elementary; Payton Gary, winner from Falls Lake Academy Charter School; Jordan Hershberger, winner from Granville Academy; Morgan Congleton, winner from Tar River Elementary School; and Dacari Burrell, winner from West Oxford Elementary School.

Two of our spellers are return competitors from last year’s bee – Dacari Burrell and Joel Jose. Joel took the winner’s trophy home at the 2019 District Bee. He then went on to represent Granville County at the Nationals. He is hoping for a return trip this year.

For the District Bee, these students are studying 1,200 words from the Scripps Spelling Bee list. Each one has a chance to move on to the National Spelling Bee in May if they can out spell the others!

Joel Jose, winner from C.G. Credle Elementary

Aubrey Canada, winner from Mt. Energy Elementary

Jasper Luffman, winner from Stovall-Shaw Elementary

Bree Blackley, winner from Wilton Elementary

Cayden Middleton, winner from Butner-Stem Elementary

Belen Elizarraras, winner from Creedmoor Elementary

Payton Gary, winner from Falls Lake Academy Charter School

Jordan Hershberger, winner from Granville Academy

Morgan Congleton, winner from Tar River Elementary School

Dacari Burrell, winner from West Oxford Elementary School

James Allred Accepted Into NCSSM Summer Accelerator Program

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School 

James Allred, a 7th grader at Oxford Preparatory School, has been accepted into the summer accelerator program with the North Carolina School of Science and Math. James is the son of Todd and Julie Allred of Oxford, NC.

James Allred, a 7th grader at Oxford Preparatory School, has been accepted into the summer accelerator program with the North Carolina School of Science and Math. (OPS photo)

For the past several years James has been highly interested in microbiology as a potential career, so he’s excited to get some hands-on experience, especially the experiments with DNA. He will be staying in the dorm at Brevard College with like-minded students from all over the globe.

NCSSM Summer Accelerator courses are for exceptional rising 7th through 12th graders who must apply for admissions into this competitive program. Student applications are scored by a committee that considers many factors in order to admit students who will succeed in the program. The reviewers look at GPA, passion for the subject area, quality of writing, behavior and conduct, and experience in the subject area (if opportunities are available).

During this experience, students will explore the world of biotechnology, including the technology involved, importance to society, careers, and hands-on laboratory exercises. Over the course of the week, students will engage in hands-on exploration of the many areas of biotechnology, such as food and fuel production, restriction enzymes and recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, GMOs and their uses, forensic biotechnology and genomics.

Students will examine basic cellular structure, conduct environmental sampling for microbes, examine enzyme structure and function, engage in several fermentation activities including food and fuel production, extract DNA, digest it with restriction enzymes, conduct gel electrophoresis to separate and examine DNA fingerprinting, copy DNA through polymerase chain reaction and explore other DNA manipulation techniques.

Iannuzzi, Oxford Prep Senior, Selected as National Merit Scholarship Finalist

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Emily Iannuzzi, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. She is the daughter of Chris and Marisol Iannuzzi from Franklinton, NC.

Emily Iannuzzi, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. (OPS photo)

Emily plans to major in Materials Engineering and is considering research into orthotic equine device development.

During her time at Oxford Prep, Emily has earned a number of academic distinctions including being named a member of the High Flyers Club, earning the distinction of Marshal, earning membership in Beta Club and named a Director’s list recipient every quarter. Emily is a leader in the Equestrian Club and has been recognized at local, national and state levels. She is an active member of Interact Service Club. She is a talented cross country runner and gourmet cook.

National Merit Finalists are chosen from among Merit Semi-Finalists. Students who earn this distinction have exhibited consistent high performance throughout all high school coursework in every year. They have attained exceptional scores on the nationalized PSAT test.

Students who reach the finalist stage are now eligible for a variety of National Merit and private scholarships only available to this select group of determined students.

Dr. Gregory McKnight Appointed to Vacant Granville BOE Seat

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At a special work session on Monday, February 17, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Greg McKnight to the vacant seat for District 5. This seat became vacant when Mr. Ed Mims resigned in December of 2019.

The Granville County Board of Education has appointed Dr. Greg McKnight to the vacant seat for District 5. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

As directed by Board policy, the vacancy was filled through a selection process, which included the submission of an application, followed by an interview process. Three applicants were interviewed for this seat.

Board Chair Mr. David Richardson commented on the decision to appoint Dr. McKnight, stating, “We are very pleased to have someone with Dr. McKnight’s depth of experience in public education, and passion for educating children. We believe his presence on our Board will be a huge asset.”

Dr. Gregory McKnight’s career in public education spans more than 15 years. Some of his previous roles in the field of education are middle school teacher, elementary principal, and professional development consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In his current role, Dr. McKnight is an Educator Support Specialist for SAS EVAAS.

Dr. McKnight holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from North Carolina Central University, a master’s degree in School Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNC-Chapel Hill. McKnight and his wife Latisa have a daughter Gabrielle, who is a student at G.C. Hawley Middle School.

Wilton Elementary to Hold Annual Quarter Auction; Business Donations Requested

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-Information courtesy Crystal Beard, Wilton Elementary PTO

Wilton Elementary School’s Annual Quarter Auction will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020, at 6 p.m. Wilton Elementary is part of the Granville County Public Schools system and is located at 2555 NC-96 in Franklinton, NC.

Tickets to enter and bid in the auction are available for $10 in the school office. You will also need quarters to play. Most auctioned items are valued between $10-$100.

Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment such as educational electronics to enhance learning for students.

Wilton Elementary is asking local, state and national businesses to support this event with donations for the auction. Items, services or monetary donations, including gift cards, are welcomed. The school’s PTO is designated as a public charity 501 (c)(3), so donations are tax-deductible.

If you are able to assist or need more information, please email WiltonWildcatsPTO@gmail.com.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville School Board to Interview District 5 Candidates at Special Meeting

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, February 17, 2020, at 5 p.m. at The Mary Potter Center of Education, 200 Taylor Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The purpose of this meeting is to interview candidates for the District 5 vacancy and to consider the additional agenda items.

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