Local News - WIZS

Granville Commissioners to Review Public Comments on Proposed Budget – June 11

June 10, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

NOTICE OF REMOTE MEETING

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet remotely by Zoom conference call on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. or shortly after to continue their recessed meeting from Monday, June 1, 2020.

The Board will review any public comments submitted for the public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 budget that was submitted by the deadline of June 2, 2020, at 8 p.m. Click here to view the proposed budget in its entirety.

After the regular meeting is adjourned on June 11, the Board will then hold a budget workshop that was previously scheduled for June 4, 2020.

In order to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting may be accessed by utilizing the link and/or phone number included below.

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NC Public Schools’ Reopening Plan to be Announced by July 1

June 9, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

To hear further discussion on this press release, please go to WIZS.com and click on today’s Town Talk.

New health guidelines released Monday represent a first step to help North Carolina K-12 public schools find a safe way to open to in-person instruction for the 2020-21 academic year, health and education leaders announced Monday.

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12) lays out a comprehensive set of baseline health practices that public schools should follow to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for students, staff, and families. In addition to specific requirements, the Toolkit recommends practices that schools should implement to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while allowing in-person teaching to resume.

Governor Roy Cooper, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, and NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Mandy Cohen shared the guidance Monday.

“Getting children back to school to learn is a high priority, but they must be able to do so in the safest way possible,” said Governor Cooper. “Every child, family and public school educator in North Carolina deserve strong protection to lower the risk of virus spread.”

Schools are asked to plan for reopening under three scenarios – Plan A: Minimal Social Distancing, Plan B: Moderate Social Distancing, or Plan C: Remote Learning Only. NCDHHS, in consultation with the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction, will announce by July 1 which of the three plans should be implemented for schools to most safely reopen. The remaining plans may be needed if the state’s COVID-19 metrics change over time.

“Opening schools will be possible if we keep working together to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will each need to do our part and practice the 3 Ws – Wear a cloth face covering. Wait six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. These easy actions will have an outsized impact in keeping viral spread low in order to help get our children back to school,” said Cohen.

The Public Health Toolkit was developed collaboratively by DHHS and DPI with input from a range of stakeholders across the state, including local superintendents, State Board of Education members, the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Council, and members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Education and Nutrition Working Group.

“We are working together to balance the need for all of our children to get back to school – especially children who rely on public schools for their education, health, safety and nutrition – while at the same time proceeding cautiously and deliberately to protect their health and safety,” said Chairman Davis. “I know meeting these public health requirements will take a tremendous effort by our schools – but I also know we are doing the right thing and that our schools will rise to the challenge.”

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit will be a companion to operational guidance under development by DPI that will offer strategies for how to implement the public health guidance and cover other non-health areas for reopening planning, including scheduling, instructional practice, and staff training.

“Today, North Carolinians have the important first step of returning to schools in the fall with this release of the final health guidance for schools from the NC Department of Health and Human Services,” Superintendent Johnson said. “In addition, the North Carolina education agency has already been leading workgroups, comprised of diverse stakeholders from teachers to school staff to superintendents to other support professionals, to create draft operational strategies that will help our school systems prepare for the fall. We will now seek feedback on the draft operational strategies from other stakeholders across the state to ensure that we best capture the needs of all our schools.”

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Heath Toolkit (K-12) was developed using the most current CDC guidance for schools and includes requirements and recommendations for eight areas: Social Distancing and Minimizing Exposure; Cloth Face Coverings; Protecting Vulnerable Populations; Cleaning and Hygiene; Monitoring for Symptoms; Handling Suspected, Presumptive or Confirmed Positive Cases of COVID-19; Communication and Combating Misinformation; Water and Ventilation Systems; Transportation; and Coping and Resilience.

For example, it requires students and others to be screened for illness before entering school and requires floor markings to maintain social distance. It also includes sample screening symptom checklists in English and Spanish, a flow chart protocol for handling suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a checklist of infection control supplies schools may need. The Toolkit will be updated as new health guidance is released by the CDC and additional resources are added.

Questions about the StrongSchoolsNC Public Heath Toolkit (K-12) should be directed to StrongSchoolsNC@dhhs.nc.gov (in English or in Spanish).

Dr. Alisa McLean Completes Year-Long Superintendent Program

June 9, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean was among 45 superintendents from across the state to graduate from the NCSSA Next Generation Superintendent Development Program Cohort VII.

The program is designed to support the growth, expansion and enhancement of superintendents using the North Carolina Superintendent Standards, said Jack Hoke, executive director of the NC School Superintendents’ Association.

The year-long program was comprised of six face-to-face sessions that guided superintendents as they reflected on and improved their effectiveness as district leaders; focused on their personal leadership goals and linked personal goals with district and state goals; and guided and facilitated the professional development of superintendents toward advanced levels of executive leadership as defined by the North Carolina Standards for Superintendents.

Dr. Alisa McLean, GCPS Superintendent, and Dr. Jack Hoke, executive director of the NC School Superintendents’ Association, are shown with Dr. McLean’s certificate of achievement for completing the NCSSA Next Generation Superintendent Development Program Cohort VII. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Hoke said of Dr. McLean, “In addition to participating in high-quality professional development, Dr. McLean developed a strong network of superintendents to consult with, and she contributed to the discussion on emerging issues and innovative practices occurring in the Granville County public schools.”

Superintendent McLean offered her thoughts, saying, “The NCSSA Next Generation Superintendent Development Program gave me an opportunity to network with other superintendents from across the state and discuss trending issues and innovative practices in education. The program is designed to assist superintendents in the complex work of leading and guiding a school district. I appreciate the NC School Superintendents’ Association for organizing and delivering the program and for bringing all the superintendents together for the great professional development and growth opportunity.”

Board Chairman David Richardson offered his reaction during the June 1, 2020, Board Meeting. He stated, “In the midst of leading a district through a response to COVID 19, we are proud and excited to announce Dr. Alisa McLean’s graduation from the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Next Generation Superintendent Development Program. I can say that we have seen the fruit and profit of Dr. McLean’s participation in this innovative group, and I want to thank her and congratulate her for this accomplishment and want her to know that as the Board Chair, a Board member and a resident of Granville County, I want to thank you for your commitment to leading Granville County Public Schools with distinction, innovation and a caring heart.”

Granville Spring Shred & Recycle Event Results Announced

June 5, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release and photos, Granville County Government

Granville County’s Spring Shred and Recycle Event, held May 16, 2020, resulted in the collection and proper disposal of truckloads of scrap metal, electronics/televisions, shredded paper, hardback books, household batteries, outdated medications and other items.

Recycle and Sustainability Coordinator Teresa Baker reports the following totals:

* Shred Ace – 5,440 pounds of paper (2.72 tons)
* Metech Recycling – 4,725 pounds of electronics and TV’s
* RMR Recycling – 800 lbs of hardback books
* Dart Container – 1/2 enclosed trailer of polystyrene
* Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 185 pounds of medication and sharps
* Interstate Batteries – four (4) five-gallon buckets of various household batteries, four (4) lead-acid batteries, and a pallet of other batteries
* Granville County Humane Society – 1/2 truckbed full of various items
* GFL = 985 pounds of scrap metal and broken appliances

“I was very pleased with the turnout,” said Baker. “Thanks to all who participated, and to our volunteers who came out to make the day a success.”

Recycling events are held twice a year in Granville County and are scheduled in the spring and fall at the Expo and Convention Center. Details about the fall event will be announced soon.

For additional information or to learn more about local recycling efforts, please contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Tax Assistance Offered at Granville County Senior Center

June 4, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers are back at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford to assist Granville County seniors age 60+ with their tax returns. This free service will be available from 5 until 8 p.m. each Thursday through July 9. Appointments are required.

Participants will need to bring a valid picture ID, Social Security cards for themselves and any dependents claimed, income information, proof of health insurance and their previous-year tax returns.

To schedule an appointment, contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford, located at 107 Lanier Street, at 919-693-1930.

Jenna Holloway Named GCPS 2020 Teacher of the Year

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Each year, GCPS celebrates excellence in teaching through our Teacher of the Year recognitions. Staff at each school selects a Teacher of the Year who then competes to become the District Teacher of the Year, who then goes on to possibly compete at the regional, state and national levels.

Unfortunately, the pandemic altered the traditional special ceremony and announcements held this spring. This year, instead of being recognized in person, the teachers of the year were celebrated virtually at the June 1, 2020, Board of Education meeting.

Mrs. Jenna Holloway, first-grade teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School, was selected as Granville County Public Schools’ 2020 Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen school’s respective teachers of the year, showing photos and reading short biographies of each outstanding educator. Superintendent McLean then announced the second and first runners up, before Chairman David Richardson announced the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jenna Holloway, First Grade Teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School.

Mrs. Holloway was presented with her trophy, flowers, yard sign and balloons in person the day after the announcement. She will also receive a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.

Superintendent McLean offered her thoughts on the announcement, stating, “We are sure that Mrs. Holloway will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents.”

Board Chairman Richardson also shared his praise, stating, “I am so proud of all of these teachers and the dedication and love they have for their students. I know that Mrs. Holloway will represent our district well in this coming year as a true ambassador for our county and the profession itself.”

2020 Granville County Teachers of the Year:

Elementary Schools

Butner Stem Elementary School ~ Amy Brown

C.G. Credle Elementary School ~ Shiloh Novak

Creedmoor Elementary School ~ Stephanie Layton

Mt. Energy Elementary School ~ Jenna Holloway (WINNER)

Stovall Shaw Elementary School ~ Christopher Leas

Tar River Elementary School ~ Shelby Ford

West Oxford Elementary School ~ Karla Gravitt

Wilton Elementary School ~ Sherri Wilkins

Middle Schools

Butner Stem Middle School ~ Kimberly York (SECOND RUNNER UP)

G.C. Hawley Middle School ~ Margaret Hernandez

Granville Academy ~ Michael Spradlin

Northern Granville Middle School ~ MaShaunda Goods

High Schools

Granville Central High School ~ Stacey Mangum

Granville Early College High School ~ Emily Nemitz (FIRST RUNNER UP)

J.F. Webb High School ~ Rebecca Wilkinson

J.F. Webb School HLS ~ Jennifer Howard

Phoenix Academy ~ Amanda Grady

South Granville High School ~ Dane Fields

Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vance-Granville Community College has been working diligently to educate more students this summer. The hard work is paying off.

As of the beginning of the summer semester in late May, VGCC had 1,228 students enrolled in credit programs. That represents an estimated 11% increase compared to the beginning of the summer 2019 semester when enrollment stood at 1,101. The college is likewise experiencing an estimated 30% increase in the number of student hours completed, typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment.

A significant source of enrollment for this summer is in both the college transfer and technical and trades credit program areas. VGCC also has a healthy number of special credit students from four-year universities taking classes.

“We are pleased to see the trend for increased enrollment at VGCC continue into this summer semester,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais stated. “We are here to serve our community and are rising to the challenge of providing increased access to quality online learning during the pandemic. We look forward to offering more in-person instruction this fall as we help our community members pivot during this uncertain economy.”

“The college’s Student Engagement & Success team, faculty, marketing and many people have contributed to this effort. We are glad to see the college educating more students in the four-county area and the wider region. Our team is committed to being innovative and thinking about the best ways to provide quality instruction and support services to those who choose Vance-Granville. When students learn with us, they are ready for the workforce and/or success at a senior institution,” said Dr. Levy Brown, the college’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “Student access, retention, success and career preparation are embedded in our mindset, and it continues to show!”

Students are encouraged to apply and register for Fall 2020 now.

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. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well. The new “Vanguard Flex” program is offering flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and weekends on the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, to accommodate schedules for adult learners.

For more information about the college, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department

As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC; one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC; and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.

Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.

Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.

Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.

13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).

Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.

North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident

June 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.

While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.

Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.

As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.

We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.

‘Veteran’ Granville Speller Wins District Bee Again

June 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Schools held and sponsored the annual District Spelling Bee for Granville County on the evening of March 14, 2020, at Tar River Elementary School.

Ten elementary schools from around the county, both public and charter, had School Spelling Bees during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Each school had talented and dedicated staff that worked diligently to organize their Bee and award a top speller for their school. The District Bee allows those top spellers the chance to compete to win the trophy as best speller of the year for Granville County.

District Spelling Bee winner, Joel Jose, and GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean (GCPS photo)

The ten winners, just by chance evenly divided between fourth and fifth grades, and their parents met at Tar River for a rehearsal the day before the contest. Amy Lue, Moderator, reviewed the rules and procedures with these sharp students and their families; then Dana King, Word Master, lead them through some practice words at the microphone.

“Holding a practice helps the children understand how the Spelling Bee works and gives them the confidence to perform on stage. This allows their nerves to be for spelling and not on how they need to comport themselves during the event,” commented Mrs. Lue, who was the organizer of the event.

Each contestant received a special t-shirt, provided by Granville County Schools, to wear the next night and keep as a memento of their experience. To prepare, the students studied the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word list of more than 4,000 words for several weeks ahead of the District Bee.

The students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on stage with Mrs. Lue the next night, while their families and teachers found seats in the multi-purpose room. Before the curtain rose, the judges were seated in front of the stage: Mrs. Cathy Frizzle, community volunteer, and Dr. Michael Myrick, and Dr. Stan Winborne, both from Granville County Schools, and Dana King, retired Media Coordinator, as the Word Master. Then Dr. Tonya Thomas welcomed the audience and introduced the spellers.

Contestants were:

Cayden Middleton – fifth-grader from Butner-Stem Elementary

Joel Jiljo Jose – fourth-grader from C. G. Credle School

Belen Elizarraras – fifth-grader from Creedmoor Elementary

Payton Gary – fifth-grader from Falls Lake Academy Charter School

Jordan Hershberger – fourth-grader from Granville Academy

Aubrey Canada – fourth-grader from Mt. Energy Elementary

Jasper Luffman – fourth-grader from Stovall-Shaw Elementary

Morgan Congleton – fifth-grader from Tar River Elementary

Dacari Burrell- fourth-grader from West Oxford Elementary

Bree Blackley – fifth-grader from Wilton Elementary

District Spelling Bee participants pose for a picture with Granville County Schools leaders and staff. (GCPS photo)

Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean greeted everyone for this annual event, praising them for already being school winners. Mrs. Lue reviewed the rules and explained that contestants would stay on stage for a practice round of spelling before the first round of the Bee began.

Each contestant approached the microphone center stage, the words were pronounced first, and the Word Master gave a definition, the part of speech, and a sentence before the student had a chance to spell. After the practice round, all ten contestants sat up straight and listened carefully as the official first round of the Bee began.

In Round One, two students missed their words, leaving the stage at the end of the round to sit with their families in the audience. No one missed a word in the second round, so all eight contestants were still in the competition. Two more students missed their words in Round Three, as the words became a little more difficult. One student missed in Round 4, and another missed in Round 5.

One student missed a word in each of the next two rounds, leaving Jasper Luffman, from Stovall-Shaw, and Joel Jose, from C. G. Credle, last on stage. Jasper missed his word, and Joel got his correct in Round 8. Then Joel was up for a word in Round 9 and correctly spelled, “culinary,” to win the District Bee. This was his second win, as he was also Granville County Schools’ District Bee Winner in 2019 when he was in the third grade.

All contestants returned to the stage to receive certificates and medals awarded by Dr. McLean and Dr. Thomas. Joel was called back up to receive the trophy, then participants and officials posed for photographs. The evening ended with a reception in the Professional Development Room, with cupcakes and juice provided by Superintendent McLean.

Our winner, Joel, is the son of Jiljo Jose and Sema Jose. He is a current fourth-grader at C.G. Credle Elementary School. He had a large group of family and school supporters in the audience that cheered loudly for him when he won.

Sherrie Burns, principal, and the staff at C.G. Credle were very excited and proud to have the winner for the second year in a row.

Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Spelling Bee, which was to be held the last week of May in Maryland was first postponed, then the decision was made to cancel for the first time since World War II.

GCPS winner, Joel, had registered for this event to proudly represent our county for the second time. He will be recognized by the Scripps Spelling Bee organization for his accomplishment in reaching the next level. He will also receive the prizes that would have been awarded to him at the event.

GCPS is proud of Joel and of all the students that competed in our District Bee. We want to thank Granville County Schools for being the sponsor for the Granville County District Bee and providing this opportunity to all Granville County elementary students.