King Leader Award; John Lewis Award Applications

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(For full details, be sure to visit the link trianglemlk.com.  Vance, Granville, Franklin residents should apply.)

The Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is accepting nominations for a special award to recognize a young person making a positive impact in his or her community through social justice activities. The John Lewis Student Activist Award will be a one-time award given in 2021 and honors the life and legacy of the late U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis, who died in 2020. The winner will be announced in the annual MLK, Jr. Interfaith breakfast, held virtually on Jan. 18, 2021.

This student award is in addition to the annual King Leader Grant Award, given to the leader of an organization for work in the community, according to information released by the committee. The counties eligible to submit nominations include Franklin, Granville and Vance counties in the WIZS listening area. The deadline to submit nominations for both awards is Jan. 5, 2021.

Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Vance County Public Schools, is helping the Triangle MLK, Jr. Committee spread the word locally. The student award “is for students who have really lifted their voice to speak out – we have some great kids in our community, so I’m challenging us to identify those student leaders and identify those organization leaders…we’ve never had a winner from this area,” Jackson added.

Congressman Lewis described his activism as “good trouble,” which began when he was young. The Triangle MLK, Jr. Committee established the award to honor Lewis’s legacy of leadership that began in his youth; nominees must be between the ages of 18 and 22. According to information provided by the committee, the purpose of the award is “to recognize and uplift the work of a modern-day, passionate young leader that is making significant strides and impact in social justice activism as the civil rights movement marches on.”

In addition to the student award, the King Leader Award is given to the leader of an organization that has made or continues to have a positive impact in a community in the areas of social justice, community empowerment, equity and/or inclusivity or has been a catalyst in relationship building in the community. Review the application for additional eligibility requirements. This is the third year the King Leader Award has been given.

The John Lewis Award winner will receive a $500 honorarium; The King Leader Award will receive $5,000 for the organization he or she leads.

For more information about the Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and to download the applications, visit trianglemlk.com.

GCPS Goes the Extra Mile for Students and their Families During the Holiday Season

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— press release courtesy of Granville County Public Schools by Dr. Stan Winborne

As the holiday season approaches, GCPS continues to support families and children during this challenging time. As the pandemic surges and the district temporarily shifts to Plan C, the Board of Education and Superintendent McLean took the unique steps of providing surplus student desks to needy families. “Making sure our families have quality home learning centers is critical for our children. When our students shift to remote learning, we need to do all we can to help promote a strong learning environment at home – whether it be laptops, MiFs, learning packets, meal services, or even a comfortable desk – we must do all we can, however we can” commented Dr. McLean.

At their December meeting, the Board of Education declared surplus approximately 50 student desks of various sizes. School staff distributed these desks to families in need prior to the holiday break in an effort to help provide a little something ‘extra’ over the holidays. Having a workspace dedicated to school can help students focus and improve their learning.

Things have been busy for many departments across the district as the new year approaches. The GCPS Transportation Department recently designed custom routes during the final exam week for high school students, which helped ensure successful completion of courses requiring a NC State Standardized test. Unlike recent previous school years, the semester ended prior to the winter break, which means students will return in January with a “fresh start” for the second semester. Because the exam schedule occurred during the shift back to Plan C, new special bus routes were created to match each period of exam administrations.

While under Plan C, school buses will also still be deployed to deliver meals at various sites throughout the county, including during the winter break, when 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches will be served to help bridge the gap between the break. On Wednesday, December 30, GCPS will be serving these 14-meal packets free of charge to all children 18 and under at the following sites: Butner-Stem ES; West Oxford ES; CG Credle ES; Stovall-Shaw ES; South Granville HS. Since the pandemic began, the GCPS Child Nutrition program has served more than 900,000 meals. The USDA has approved free meal service to continue for all children 18 and under through the remainder of this school year.

Finally, as an added layer of support during these trying times, school administrators, social workers, counselors and teachers continue to make ‘porch visits’ to the homes of children and their families. While there, staff are able to meet in a safe, socially distanced manner to determine if there are ways school staff can help. Whether it be learning materials, food, or social-emotional support, educators are committed to doing whatever it takes to reach out to our students. “Our philosophy is, if they can’t come to school, then we try to make the resources of school come to them – one way or another.” explained Dr. McLean.

Board Chairman Richardson offered his remarks, “As the pandemic drags on, we know many of our families and community members are struggling mightily. In addition to the many efforts to support our students academically, we also want to do all we can to help in other ways. We wish all of our children and their families the very best during this holiday season.”

—
Dr. Stan Winborne
Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Human Resources
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

Governor Cooper Gives COVID-19 County Alert Update

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— press release courtesy of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his office

Gov. Cooper Calls on North Carolinians to Stay Vigilant this Holiday Season

More than 90 percent of North Carolina counties now in the red or orange zone; Vaccines continue to be distributed to communities around the state

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen shared updates on the COVID-19 County Alert System, warning that more than 90 percent of North Carolina counties are now designated as red or orange.

“North Carolina needs to drive down our numbers. To do that, we all need to change our holiday plans if you haven’t already,” Governor Cooper said. “The best and safest option is to connect virtually or by phone. But if you gather in-person, keep it small and do it outside. Get a COVID-19 test before you go. Spread out the tables and chairs. Follow the modified Stay at Home Order and be home by 10 PM. And, always, always wear a mask.”

The County Alert System uses COVID-19 case rates, the percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact within the county to categorize counties into the following tiers:

  • Yellow: Significant Community Spread
  • Orange: Substantial Community Spread
  • Red: Critical Community Spread

There are currently 65 red counties, 27 orange counties and only 8 yellow counties. Read the updated report to see where each county stands and how the alert system was designed.

“The county alert map shows how quickly things can escalate. As you think about the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays please avoid traveling and gathering. If you absolutely must, get tested ahead of time, wear a mask all the time, keep it small and keep it outdoors,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen also highlighted updates on North Carolina’s distribution of two COVID-19 vaccines. The state expects to receive approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites.

Governor Cooper and health officials warned against traveling and large gatherings ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Governor also reminded people that the statewide mask mandate and Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to be home between 10 PM and 5 AM will still be in effect through the holidays until at least January 8, 2021

Pastor Joseph Casteel from First United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids and Reverend James White from Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh joined today’s briefing to discuss how critical it is for communities of faith to follow the safety measures while celebrating. They stress that the most important thing people can do for their communities this Christmas is taking the steps necessary to protect their communities, even if that means pausing or adapting traditions.

“The opportunity for you and your family to remain safe, an opportunity not to put anyone else at risk and, the freedom for you to choose the time for meaningful worship that works for you. It’s a win-win. There will be a myriad of online opportunities for meaningful worship. It will be okay,” Pastor Joseph Casteel said.

“Pastors, Rabbis and other faith leaders are often expected to have words of hope. Maybe we are all appropriately lost for words. What is most needed are actions and perspectives that will lead to life now and in the future,” Rev. James White said. “Perhaps we all need to figure out how to create celebrations in the midst of limitations. This is not as impossible as it may sound.”

The CDC is encouraging people to avoid traveling for the holidays. If continuing to gather, state officials urge North Carolinians to keep get togethers small and outside with social distancing and masks. People can also get a COVID-19 test ahead of gathering.

Read the full holiday guidance from NCDHHS.

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Local News Audio

Noon News 12-22-20 United Way; VGCC CDL Program; Granville Co. Holiday Schedule

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Stories include:

– United Way presents grant checks to local organizations

– 100% Graduation rate for Vance Granville Community College CDL Program

– Granville Co. Government holiday schedule

For full details and audio click play.

 

Granville County Logo

2020 Holiday hours, Granville County Government

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

— press release courtesy Granville County NC by Public Information Officer Lynn Allred

GRANVILLE COUNTY GOVERNMENT: Offices of Granville County Government will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 28. Offices will re-open on Tuesday, Dec. 29 during normal operating hours of 8:30 to 5:00 p.m.

All branches of the Granville County Library System will be also be closed from Dec. 24 through Dec. 28, re-opening on Tuesday, Dec. 29. Due to COVID-19, limited hours continue for use by the public. Please contact your local library branch for their operating schedule.

The Granville County Landfill in Oxford, as well as convenience sites in Butner, Wilton, Berea, Grassy Creek, Oak Hill and Bullock, will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

For emergency calls, the 911 Emergency Communications Center remains on duty throughout the holiday season. For non-emergency calls, please dial 919-690-0444.

Vance County Courthouse

Criminal District Court Will Resume Dec. 29, 2020

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The Hon. Henry L. Gupton, clerk of court in Vance County, has informed WIZS News that criminal district court will resume just after Christmas.

Gupton said, “I received a memorandum from our Chief District Court Judge John Davis on December 18th regarding the resumption of our District Courts schedule.

“As of Tuesday, December 29, 2020 our regular scheduled Criminal District Court Sessions will resume and we will continue to have Small Claims Court.

“However, we will not be conducting Civil District Court Sessions.”

Gupton said he would notify the public when all sessions resume.

He said, “This decision has been made after consultation with our County Health Director Lisa M. Harrison.  We will continue to operate under our existing COVID-19 protocols.”

(This news article was posted December 21, 2020 at 12:15 p.m.)

VGCC forms new partnership with UNC Wilmington

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–press release courtesy of VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College continues to show its commitment to building partnerships that provide meaningful pathways for students seeking to transfer to a four-year university. Recently, VGCC solidified a partnership with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). The UNCW & VGCC “Pathways to Excellence” program will provide transfer students from the community college with guaranteed admission to UNCW.

VGCC is one of a host of community colleges from various regions across the state to sign on as a part of the Pathways to Excellence program with UNCW due to the quality of education that transfer students will receive at the institution. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and UNCW Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Sartarelli inked the partnership agreement, and expressed enthusiasm about how it will benefit students.

“The co-admission agreement between VGCC and UNCW is a fine example of innovation and collaboration,” said Dr. Desmarais, president of the community college. “We look forward to helping our Vanguards achieve their academic and career goals by continuing their education as UNCW Seahawks.”

Pathways to Excellence guarantees admission to UNCW for students completing an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in transferable, college-level coursework from VGCC. As a part of the agreement, VGCC students will have access to a Transfer Student Success Coordinator that will meet with students at Vance-Granville throughout each semester. Students will have the benefit of working with their VGCC advisor and the Transfer Student Success Coordinator from UNCW. VGCC students will have the opportunity to attend an open house event, as well as an application event in the spring on the community college campus, and will receive a university application fee waiver as a transfer student.

“We are elated to partner with UNCW on the Pathways to Excellence program,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “This is another example of our dedicated team seeking opportunities to provide multiple pathways to success for students. The goal is for our transfer students to receive an excellent experience at VGCC and move on to the University of their Choice. It is wonderful that this UNCW program is now an option for students in our communities!”

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this guaranteed admission partnership between VGCC and UNCW, please call VGCC at (252) 738-3234. If you are interested in enrolling at VGCC, please apply at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234.

–vgcc–

(VGCC is a paying advertising client of WIZS and WIZS.com.  This is not a paid ad.)

The Granville Education Foundation Awards $50,500 in Grants to Granville County School Teachers

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(Please Note – This is the second version of this story to be posted on WIZS.com. The first version had omissions which were unknown to WIZS at the time.  WIZS apologizes to the parties who were originally left out.  It was strictly unintentional on our part but was our responsibility to know nonetheless.  This version replaces anything you may have seen earlier, in which two schools were omitted.)

— press release courtesy of Granville Education Foundation

The Granville Education Foundation (GEF) recently awarded over $50,500 in grants to Granville County School teachers.  This year, 48 grant applications were received and GEF awarded 26 grants in 11 different schools.  Teachers were eligible to submit grant applications that were reviewed and scored by GEF Grant Committee members.  The grant applicants name and school were made anonymous before the grant committee members read and scored the grant.  On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the GEF “Prize Patrol” visited and celebrated the grant recipients in person and via Zoom.

“My second experience with Prize Patrol was a bit different this year due to COVID-19, but I am thrilled we were still able to host this wonderful event.  This day was filled with surprises, excitement, and tears of joy for many deserving teachers and students.  We secretly notified the school principals we would be awarding the grants, but the teachers were unaware.  Balloons and grant acceptance letters were delivered to the schools in advance to prepare for the virtual celebrations.  It was delightful to witness these very happy Granville County School teachers receive their grants!” said GEF Executive Director, Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter.  “Our grant funding goes directly into the classrooms for these teachers’ innovative projects, which is exciting not only for the teachers receiving the grants, but for their schools, their students, and for our GEF Board of Directors.  We are excited about these projects and look forward to hearing how these grants impact our Granville County Students”, says Susan Hiscocks, President of the Granville Education Foundation Board of Directors.

GEF will remain in contact with the grant recipients throughout the 2020-2021 school year to gather the progress of their grant projects. Please join us in congratulating the following schools and teachers on their success.

2020-2021 Success Through Technology Grants (eligible to apply for an amount up to $5,000):

Pictured: J.F. Webb High School teacher, Carole Griffin, 2020-2021 Success Through Technology Grant recipient for her grant “Fostering Foundations Building Vocabulary for our Educational Futures” in the amount of $3,000.00. Photo credits to Mrs. Amy Rice, Principal of J.F. Webb High School. J.F. Webb High School received 4 grants from the Granville Education Foundation this year, making them the top grant recipient out of 9 Granville County Public Schools.

  • Oxford Preparatory School – Heather Williams
  • West Oxford Elementary School – Karla Gravitt
  • Wilton Elementary School – Tasha Blalock
  • Creedmoor Elementary School – Kathy Clement
  • Granville Central High School – Audra Neunkirchner
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Ashley Barnette
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Cindy Clark
  • F. Webb High School – Carole Griffin
  • Creedmoor Elementary School – Victoria Jones
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Jade Currin
  • Tar River Elementary School – Holly Navo

2020-2021 Experience Grants (eligible to apply for an amount up to $1,000):  

  • Mount Energy Elementary School – Kelly Herman
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Jade Currin
  • Creedmoor Elementary School – Niekietta Grillo

2020-2021 Performing & Visual Arts Grant (eligible to apply for an amount up to $1,500):  

  • Northern Granville Middle School – Sherria Grubbs
  • Granville Central High School – Brent Hammer

Pictured: Oxford Preparatory School teacher, Jade Currin, 2020-2021 Success Through Technology Grant recipient for her grant “Tech Savvy Kinders” in the amount of $1,387.68 and 2020-2021 Experience Grant recipient for her grant “Covid Can’t Stop Science” in the amount of $594.00. Oxford Preparatory School received 7 grants from the Granville Education Foundation this year, making them the top grant recipient overall in Granville County Schools.

 2020-2021 Lela Eaton Creative Teaching Grants (eligible to apply for an amount up to $1,000):  

  • Falls Lake Academy – Sara Allen
  • Mount Energy Elementary School – Kelly Herman
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Mary Newton
  • F. Webb High School – Lori Puryear
  • Stovall-Shaw Elementary School – Tammy Hughes
  • Tar River Elementary School – John Fiedler
  • F. Webb High School – Mary Lundquist
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Mary Ann Crews
  • F. Webb High School – Amanda Baker
  • Mount Energy Elementary School – Farrah Preddy

Contact: Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter, Executive Director Granville Education Foundation, Inc.

Phone: 919.693.7047   

Email: GranvilleEdFoundation@outlook.com

 

The Granville Education Foundation is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing student performance.  Funds raised through the Granville Education Foundation are used to provide resources and enrichment programs for the students of Granville County Schools.  Please visit the website www.GranvilleEdFoundation.org for more information.

Local News Audio

Noon News 12-17-20 Safe Neighborhood Initiative; David Smith; Covid19; School Re – Entry Plan

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Stories include:

– Safe Neighborhood Initiative

– David Smith awarded Long Leaf Pine

– Covid19

– Re-entry plan for Vance Co. Schools

For full details and audio click play.

 

Granville County Logo

Granville County’s David Smith Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

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Granville County’s David Smith was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine earlier this week.  The award is one of the most prestigious in North Carolina and comes from the Governor.

Smith, presently chairman of the Granville County Commissioners, is a former Sheriff of Granville County.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine society’s web page (https://longleafpinesociety.org/) indicates North Carolina Governors have presented the award since 1963 “for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”

Comm. David Smith, District 2, is pictured with his family as Granville County’s Clerk to the Board, Debra Weary, administers the oath Dec 3, 2018. (Photo Credit: County of Granville)

On the web site granvillecounty.org  (https://www.granvillecounty.org/2020/12/16/smith-awarded-order-of-the-long-leaf-pine/) you can see additional details.  For 48 or more years, Smith has served Granville County.