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.

Emiliano Dunton

VGCC Student Engages in Cutting-Edge COVID-19 Research

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford has faced challenges in his life, and now, he is involved in research related to what is perhaps the world’s biggest challenge today: the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Dunton, a VGCC Bioprocess Technology student, is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. Through the externship, he gets practical experience related to his studies. Specifically, Dunton works with a team led by Dr. Weifan Zheng, an award-winning professor of pharmaceutical sciences at NCCU’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) program, along with research scientists Xialan Dong and Zheng Huang. Zheng and his team are currently using computer programming to identify drugs that may be effective in attacking COVID-19.

Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“I am currently learning a new computer language called Python, which is the most used computer coding language of 2020,” Dunton explained. “Our plan is to use the computer language to search for articles pertaining to biopharma research and information regarding COVID-19.”

Currently, due to that same global pandemic, Dunton is working and learning remotely with the professors at NCCU, but he looks forward to making an on-site visit to the Durham campus in November.

Stewart Lyon, head of the Bioprocess Technology program at VGCC, said Dunton is perfect for this research opportunity because of his interest in not just biotechnology but computers. “Emiliano has found a niche in science in the growing field of bioinformatics,” Lyon said. “Bioinformatics essentially uses computer programming languages to analyze large biological data sets.”

Dunton recalled, “I enrolled at VGCC because I did some research on good biotechnology programs and found out VGCC had one of the best around.” He said that the Bioprocess program appealed to him “because I’ve always been intrigued with technology, and the ever-growing science/information-driven era we live in calls for that type of background.”

Dunton said his excitement about learning a new computer language led him to participate in the NCCU externship program. “I also want to inspire more minority youth in my community to strive for excellence and let them know that no matter where you’re from, or what type of background you came up from, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to,” he added.

Lyon said that Dunton is an inspiration to his instructors and classmates because of his determination to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success. Due to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound years ago, Dunton uses a wheelchair. Though he has use of his arms, Dunton also relies largely on touch-screen computers and has recently learned to code using speech-recognition software.

“After I’ve completed my studies at VGCC, my goal is to continue my education and obtain a bachelor’s of science degree,” Dunton added. He has an interest in the intersection of pharmaceuticals and agriculture and would like to learn more about North Carolina’s growing hemp industry and related pharmaceutical extracts. “I also would like to empower and educate people on methods to generate generational wealth for minority youth in the surrounding communities, as well as inspire academic excellence,” Dunton said.

According to Lyon, Dunton “serves as an example of resilience and that great opportunities in life are available.” He recalled seeing how excited the student was “to find out that he was going to be actively contributing to a research team with the goal of helping to resolve a global health crisis….I think his time with VGCC and Bioprocess Technology, and now linking back to the UNC system, has been transformative for him. Emiliano also balances his obligations as an outstanding student with his familial and community responsibilities.  He is a father as well as a student, and seeks to be a role model both at home and in the classroom.” Dunton said his seven-year-old daughter is one of his greatest “sources of strength.”

Dunton is the recipient of the Donald and Betsy Seifert Presidential Excellence Award this year. That is VGCC’s highest scholarship level.

Lyon said he is also pleased with the partnership with NCCU that allows Dunton to have such an interesting experience. The externship program is largely supported by a grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to NCCU.

“VGCC is listed as a participant in NCCU’s initiatives under the grant,” Lyon explained. “NCCU uses the funds to accomplish two major goals: develop and implement the research externship experiences for our students, and to create stackable program credentials. This ultimately helps to increase the number of students entering the industry employment pipeline. The partnership between VGCC and NCCU now allows for our students to transfer from VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology degree to NCCU’s bachelor’s degree program in Pharmaceutical Sciences.”

VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program is open to everyone, including current high school students through the North Carolina Career & College Promise (CCP) program. In fact, through NC CCP, the program is tuition-free for eligible high school students who want to get an early start on their college education.

For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3632.

Oxford Thanksgiving Food Drive

City of Oxford to Hold 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

The City of Oxford’s 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will run from October 1 to November 20, 2020.

Please bring in non-perishable food items for local families in need. Drop off boxes will be located in City of Oxford departments.

With any questions, please call (919) 603-1102 or email alyssa.blair@oxfordnc.org.

Ernie Anderson

Anderson Sworn In as Granville County Commissioner

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Mr. Ernie Anderson of Creedmoor was sworn into office as County Commissioner at 3 p.m. on September 16, 2020. Anderson was appointed by the Granville County Board of Commissioners to represent District 5, a seat left vacant by the unexpected passing of Comm. Owen Roberts in July.

Anderson, a construction project manager, was sworn in by Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler, with Commissioners Zelodis Jay (District 1), Sue Hinman (District 3) and Tim Karan (District 6) in attendance.

The appointment was made at the September 8 meeting of the Board. Anderson will serve until December 7, as this seat is on the upcoming ballot.

County Commissioner Ernie Anderson is pictured above (right) being sworn into office on Sept. 16, 2020. Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler administered the oath of office while Anderson’s wife Linda looked on. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

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
NC DOT

Election Campaign Sign Season Underway

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation

Drivers traveling on North Carolina roadways are likely seeing what has become an election-year tradition – a lot of campaign signs.

A state law passed in 2011 allows campaign signs to be placed in the state road right of way as early as 30 days before the start of early voting, which starts on Oct. 15. That means signs legally started going into place this week.

There are restrictions regarding the signs. They include:

  • Whoever places a sign is required to get the permission of any property owner of a residence, business or religious institution fronting the right of way where a sign would be placed;
  • No sign is permitted in the right of way of a limited-access highway such as an interstate;
  • No sign can be closer than 3 feet from the edge of the pavement of the road;
  • No sign can obscure motorist visibility at an intersection;
  • No sign can be higher than 42 inches above the edge of the pavement;
  • No sign can be larger than 864 square inches; and
  • No sign can obscure or replace another sign.

The N.C. Department of Transportation has the authority to remove any signs that violate these rules. If anyone else removes or vandalizes a sign, they could be subject to a Class 3 misdemeanor citation from law enforcement.

Campaign signs can remain in place for 10 days after the Nov. 3 election. Signs still in the right of way after the deadline are in violation of state law, and the NCDOT is authorized to remove and dispose of them.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-16-20 Noon: Schools Plan B; Flash Flooding

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– Flash Flood Watch
– Granville County Schools Plan B Coming
– Vance County Schools
– Shop With A Cop

Click Play for Local News Audio and Full Details…

 

Granville County Tourism

Granville Visitors Spend More Than $54 Million in 2019

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

In data shared from a recent statewide study, the economic impact of visitor spending in 2019 has been reported, with Granville County expenditures showing an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year. According to the annual study by Visit North Carolina, a part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, visitor spending in Granville during 2019 totaled $54.79 million, compared with $52.44 million reported in 2018.

Granville County Tourism Development Director Angela Allen attributes the county-wide growth in tourism and visitor spending to a growing local economy – such as the opening of new restaurants and gathering places – as well as the wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“As more and more people are discovering our welcoming atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle, we are quickly becoming a choice destination,” Allen remarked. “Our new marketing campaign bears this out. We are ‘Uniquely Carolina.’”

North Carolina currently ranks number 6 in the country for overnight visitation. Will Tuttell, director of Visit North Carolina, credits the state’s natural beauty and authenticity for this ranking. The 2019 study indicates that visitors spent more than $73 million per day across the state in 2019, setting a new record as more than $26.7 billion in expenditures was reported. This total represents an increase of 5.6 percent from 2018.

“The numbers confirm the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry as an anchor for economic development,” Tuttell remarked. “The money that is spent here by our visitors benefits everyone by sustaining jobs and reducing our residents’ tax burden.”

Visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade. Approximately $37 million reported in 2010, with $40.89 million in 2011, $42.97 million in 2012, $44.43 million in 2013, $44.26 million in 2014, $45.69 million in 2015, $47.11 in 2016 and $49.51 in 2017.

The COVID-19 pandemic and an emphasis on “staying home” during 2020 have presented its own set of challenges for tourism in the coming year. Allen offers a reminder that Granville County continues to offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, as well as locally-owned shopping and dining experiences, that keep our area in the forefront.

“Granville County already features many of the outdoor activities and natural surroundings visitors are looking for,” she reminds. “There are five lakes to choose from for fishing, kayaking and outdoor fun, as well as hiking and biking trails, open areas, play spaces and so much more. And there are ample opportunities for shopping, dining and supporting our local businesses. We’re working hard to spread the word that Granville continues to be a ‘unique,’ choice destination for visitors.”

To learn more about tourism in Granville County, log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com, or contact Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Statewide county statistics from the  Visit North Carolina study are available through their website at https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies.

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 Logo

Granville Commissioners to Conduct Hearing for Proposed Wireless Tower

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center located at 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a special use permit hearing for a proposed Wireless Telecommunication Tower near the Town of Stem off of Tump Wilkins Road.

The Board anticipates going into closed session pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3), (4) and (6).