Retiring VGCC employee honored by Governor

/by

— press release from VGCC

Retiring VGCC employee honored by Governor

Longtime Vance-Granville Community College Child Care Specialist Deborah J. Harris was recently honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as she prepared to retire. The award was presented to her on the governor’s behalf by the president of VGCC, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, at a holiday social in December, at which Harris and other recent retirees were recognized. The felicitator, while honouring, pointed that Deborah had also the best statistics on the company’s employee time tracking app.

A resident of Oxford, Harris retired on Dec. 31 with a longer tenure than any retiree in the history of the college: 41 years and three months. Her entire tenure was spent teaching young children at the Child Care Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine recognizes recipients for exemplary service to the state and their communities. Recipients are awarded the ceremonial rank of “Ambassador Extraordinary.”

Harris said she was “surprised and very honored” to receive the award. “My time at Vance-Granville has been a pleasure, because I enjoyed what I was doing and I loved the children,” Harris reflected. “The years actually flew by. I can’t believe I worked there for 41 years. It was a joy getting to know the families of our children and serving the community.” Harris noted that in some cases, she taught two generations of the same families.

She added that she cherished her colleagues, marveling at the historically low turnover of staff at the child day care center. Harris was one of the original teachers at the center from its inception. She joined the staff on Sept. 30, 1976, shortly before the first children arrived in the new center on the newly constructed Main Campus. Harris and her fellow staff members have been instrumental in the center maintaining its status as a five-star licensed child-care facility for the entire time since the state of North Carolina began the current system of rating child care centers in 2000.

“We are delighted and proud that Deborah Harris received this well-deserved recognition for her lifetime of service to her community, and particularly to young children,” President Williams said. “She demonstrated dedication to helping our students at the Child Care Center prepare for success in Kindergarten and beyond, and in so doing, she has touched the lives of so many members of our college family and the community as a whole.”

Harris began her long association with VGCC as a student. After graduating from J.F. Webb High School in Oxford, she immediately enrolled in what was then Vance-Granville Technical Institute, earning her Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 1975.

Harris is also active at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Oxford, where she volunteers in a variety of capacities.

–VGCC–

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville County Crime Stoppers Jan 31, 2018

/by

TO: News Media

FROM: Granville County Crime Stoppers

DATE: January 31st, 2018

SUBJECT: BREAK & ENTERING/LARCENY/CRIMINAL DAMAGE

On Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of a residence located off Sam Moss Hayes Rd, Oxford, NC and forced entry, which caused criminal property damage. Several pieces of jewelry and a Visa gift card was criminally removed from the property.

If you have information concerning this incident, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CRIME. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS CRIME OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY. YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Granville Academy: A NEW CHOICE in Learning

/by

For Immediate Release:

Granville Academy: Granville County Public Schools’ Flexible Learning Opportunity

The Granville County Public School (GCPS) system is exploring interest in a NEW choice for families: Granville Academy. Granville Academy is a program that would serve students in grades K-12 with flexible schedules and blended learning models. Blended learning utilizes online, blended, and face-to face instruction. Students would attend some days on campus and work some days at home. Learning options include: Blended Learning Elementary School (Grades K-5), Blended Learning Middle School (Grades 6-8) and a Flexible High School (Grades 9-12).

The purpose of Granville Academy is to offer students a world-class education in a flexible format and environment. Whether targeting a four-year university, a local community college, or an immediate career, students attending Granville Academy will be prepared to succeed.

Granville Academy is designed to provide students with choices and opportunities they may not have previously had through the traditional educational experience. Granville Academy will consist of high-quality courses presented in a different way using an environment with access to quality academics that leverage technology tools.

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, Director of Instructional Technology explains, “Granville Academy students will still be learning the exact same state standards as any other student in a traditional school, but in a more personalized and flexible way. We’d be offering a new choice and new way to provide an education that meets the needs of the family and student. In addition, special supports would be in place to make sure students stay on track and meet targets along the way. We are redefining learning in a public school setting.”

The flexibility of this new choice in instruction would allow students more opportunities to pursue personal hobbies and interests. Also, students would still be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics while enrolled.

Granville Academy is looking forward to serving the various communities and helping students be successful in academics. GCPS is proud to investigate new choices and options to meet the needs of students and their families. Parents may indicate their interest by completing this short survey at https://bit.ly/interest_survey or contact Dr. Vanessa Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us or 919-693-4613.

Granville Academy Website

https://bit.ly/granvilleacademy

https://granvilleacademy.net

###

(This is a press release provided by Granville County Public Schools.  It is not a paid advertisement.)

OPS Swim off to Regionals

/by

— picture and text submitted by Rick Kenner, M.A.A.Ed., Athletic Director OPS

The Oxford Preparatory School swim team finished its regular season on Friday, January 26th on a high note with the OPS Men winning the conference championship. The OPS team is now preparing to go to the 1A East Regional meet on Saturday, Jan 3, at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, from 8 a.m. – 12 noon.

The team qualified for 1 women’s relay (200 yd medley) and 3 men’s relays (200 yd medley, 400 yd fly, and 200 yd free). Competing in the relays for the men are Caleb Hunt (Sr), Whitt Daniel (Sr), Robert Hopper (So), Jack Hopper (Fr), Ethan Holloway (Fr), and Ronnie Murray (Jr). The final relay team for the women has not been set yet but in contention are Camden Ross (Jr), Maecy Ross (So), Sydney Landers (Jr), Katie Stock (So), Misty Holloway (So), Kara Ray (Jr), and Brooke Woodcock (Fr).

Individual qualifiers from the team are Camden Ross (50 yd free) and Robert Hopper (100 yd fly and 200 yd free).

GCPS Looks to Punish Those Involved in Intolerable Acts at Jan 26 Game

/by

According to a press release issued by Granville County Public Schools and Dr. Stan Winborn, Public Information Officer, the school system is working closely with law enforcement to investigate an incident this past Friday, January 26, 2018, at a Varsity Girls Basketball game.

The press release provided to WIZS News is listed below in its entirety.

GCPS Athletic Event

We expect safe and respectful decorum from our students, staff, parents and guests to our schools at all times. There are consequences when individuals choose not to live up to this standard.

We also expect all student athletes to conduct themselves with dignity, sportsmanship and respect for others. Their behavior is a reflection of their school and our district, and as such, they should consider themselves role models for other students, and will be held to a higher standard.

The senior administration and school administrators of Granville County Public Schools are working closely with law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate an incident that occurred at the Varsity Girls Basketball game this past Friday evening between JF Webb High School and Granville Central High School. Video footage, still photos and eyewitness accounts are all being reviewed as part of this process.

The behavior of the students and spectators who participated in these acts of disruption and violence is absolutely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. Individuals will receive consequences according to the discipline policies of Granville County Board of Education, The North Carolina High School Athletic Association, and NC criminal law. All players who left the bench will be suspended for at least the next four games, and will receive additional in-school disciplinary consequences. Both teams will forfeit the January 26 game; the NCHSAA will likely impose additional consequences on the school, including playoff suspensions and possibly a fine. The school system also reserves the right to bar individual spectators from future sporting events and other school activities based on disruptive or unsafe behavior, after a review of the incident footage.

The safety and security of our students, staff and community in our schools is our absolute priority. This extends beyond the school day and across all school-related events, including athletics. Additional security and law enforcement presence will be considered for subsequent events.

Appropriate student conduct is the foundation of a positive, nurturing learning environment. We also expect our community to support us in this effort. We will continue to work closely with our partners in law enforcement to take all available measures to ensure these expectations are upheld in the future.

GCPS Spring Showcase 2018

/by

— WIZS has been asked to announce the following information which was supplied by GCPS

The GCPS Spring Showcase 2018 allows you to experience a customized guided tour, by appointment only, of all Granville County Public Schools.

Who?

  • All residents of Granville County are invited to attend daytime custom tours of each of our school facilities.  Come visit our schools while they are in session!
  • Experience teaching, learning and all the fun and excitement our schools have to offer FIRST HAND!
  • Principals, Teachers and school staff will be on hand to answer any and all questions!

When?

  • ALL High Schools – February 6
  • ALL Middle Schools – February 20
  • ALL Elementary Schools – February 27

How & Where?

  • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY…Please call any school to schedule a special daytime tour of the facilities and see the school day IN ACTION!
Granville County Logo

County Manager, Michael Felts Participates in NCACC Regional Meeting on Child Welfare

/by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2018

Greensboro, N.C. – This week, Michael Felts, Granville County Manager participated in a regional meeting on child welfare hosted by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The meeting is part of NCACC President and Durham County Commissioner Brenda Howerton’s initiative, “100 Counties: Helping Our Children Thrive,” which focuses on identifying ways for county government to make a positive impact in children’s lives.

“It is important that the children in Granville County are given the opportunity to thrive. Whether it is by promoting physical activity, bringing health services, providing programs to help improve reading proficiency, or advocating for the needs of children in the custody of Social Services, local government is in a unique position to bring together partners to meet these goals.” – Michael Felts

The purpose of the regional child welfare meeting was to bring together county commissioners, managers, and representatives from county Departments of Social Services to deepen the understanding of the state’s current system of child welfare and county responsibilities. It also provided a forum to discuss actionable county-level data, best practices, and the 2017 Family/Child Protection and Accountability Act (Rylan’s Law), sponsored by North Carolina Senator Tamara Barringer. A similar meeting will also be held in Edgecombe County in February.

Speakers included representatives of NC DHHS, UNC School of Government, and the NCACC, with panel discussions led by county and social services attorneys and child welfare staff.  Counties also heard from Senator Barringer, a foster parent, who provided a personal video message to meeting attendees linked here.

As part of the meeting, attendees also had the opportunity to provide comments for the Social Services Regional Supervision and Collaboration Working Group, which is the group established by Rylan’s Law to make recommendations to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. President Howerton, along with Kevin Austin, NCACC First Vice President and Chair of the Yadkin County Board of Commissioners, Robert Woodard, Chair of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, and Page Lemel, Transylvania County Commissioner, serve as members of this working group on social services.

About the NCACC: The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues being considered by the General Assembly, Congress and federal and state agencies. The Association provides expertise to counties in the areas of advocacy, research, risk management and education and leadership training.

###

Feb 1 and Feb 6, 2018 Full Days

/by

This is an important message about calendar changes due to inclement weather. The Board of Education will finalize official changes to make up lost instructional time at their regular meeting on February 5. However, we can plan for three changes to our schedule as of today. Last Monday January 22 was changed from a teacher workday to a full day for all students. Thursday, February 1 was scheduled as an early release day for all schools, but will now be a full day for all students. And Tuesday, February 6 was scheduled for an early release day for elementary schools, but will now be a full day for all students. These three changes will help make up some of the lost instructional time, but additional changes will be proposed and announced following the February 5 Board of Education meeting. Thank you.

—
Dr. Stan Winborne
Executive Director of Operations, Human Resources,
Communications, and Safety
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

Connect NC Bond renovation projects at VGCC planned for 2018

/by

— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College is gearing up to begin renovations that will improve masonry rooflines, walls and bridges at the Main Campus using the funds allocated by the Connect NC State Bond.

Renovations to restore, repair and waterproof masonry will be placed out for bids in April with work scheduled to begin in May, according to a report delivered to the VGCC Board of Trustees at its bimonthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 22.

Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., chair of the board’s Building Committee, reported that funding will come from $1 million of the funds allocated by the Connect NC Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016. A remaining balance of $69,000 from county resources that has been used for structural renovations to roofs and masonry will also be available for the project.

Bids will be going out in March for the renovation of 3,200 square feet of space in the college’s newest building, Building 10, to accommodate a practical simulation lab for the Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs housed there. Connect NC bond money will be combined with a private donation to complete the project. The renovation may provide an opportunity for the college to expand the training it offers for public services.

At the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, the Welding Technology lab is being renovated to add eight welding booths with plans to complete that project this month. A demonstration area in a Welding classroom, adjacent to the lab, will be renovated and ready for use this summer. This project is being funded with Connect NC bond money.

In a general discussion on the college’s services to the community, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president, cited efforts to help area business and industry.

For example, she noted, the college met with leaders of a new industry, Mako Medical Laboratories, to address their educational needs.

The college will begin meeting the needs of the newly announced industry through its Histotechnology and Medical Assisting curriculum programs, she said, with plans to add a Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum.

Mako, a Wake County-based medical diagnostic testing company, announced in November a decision to expand with the location of a facility in Henderson and the eventual creation of more than 150 jobs. The company is locating in the former Harperprints building with an initial 30 to 50 jobs, according to the announcement last fall.

“Our Histotechnology and Medical Assisting programs will be a great start for them,” she added. “We’ve been able to sit down with them. We had about 10 of our employees with the college meet with their senior leaders and talk about how they are going to grow and how Vance-Granville can serve them.”

“It’s a great company,” she added. “I think we are very fortunate to have them.”

In other action:

• In her report to the board, Dr. Williams highlighted recent accomplishments and opportunities at the college, citing in particular recent efforts of VGCC’s Pharmacy Technology students leading service projects to provide relief to people in the Caribbean who were affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and a partnership with police and a pharmacy in Creedmoor for a drug collection event for people to dispose of outdated and unused prescription drugs. Similarly, Dr. Williams noted, college students collected school supplies and books for children affected by domestic violence, citing a service project by the Alpha Sigma Chi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

• The board gave approval to Mid-Year Amendments to the 2017-2018 Budget as presented by Trustee Abdul Rasheed, chair of the Budget Committee. The adjustments were made to account for $1,834,568 in carryover funds from the previous year and grant funding.

• In the reports of the Curriculum Committee, chaired by Trustee Barbara Cates Harris, approval was given to a course to be offered at correctional facilities in Butner, Bunn and Manson, and an Accountability and Integrity Plan for Workforce Continuing Education was approved by the board.

• Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., chair of the board’s Investment Committee, reported on continued growth of the college’s investments.

• An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was provided by Trustee Sara Wester, chair of the board’s Personnel Committee.

Board of Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright presided over the meeting.

The Board of Trustees will hold its next regular meeting on March 19 at the Main Campus.

— VGCC —

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville County Crime Stoppers Jan 2018 Crimes of Month

/by

TO: News Media

FROM: Granville County Crime Stoppers

DATE: January 24th, 2018

SUBJECT: BREAK & ENTERING/LARCENY/VANDALISM

Sometime between Wednesday, October 26th, 2017 and Tuesday, November 8th, 2017 an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of a residence located off Winston Way, Creedmoor, NC and forced entry, which caused criminal property damage. A 55” Samsung flat screen television was criminally removed from the property.

Sometime between Saturday, December 17th and Monday, December 19th, 2017 an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Maple Lane, Stem, NC and criminally removed a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun and ten rounds of ammunition from the glove compartment of a vehicle.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY. YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.