VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

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— press release and picture provided by VGCC

VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

HENDERSON, N.C. – Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $200,000 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.

The investment, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will support the “Vanguard Apprenticeship Collaborative,” a VGCC initiative designed to cultivate highly skilled workers for partnering companies in a number of industries. Grant funds will provide scholarships to adult students who are accepted into registered apprenticeship programs. Funds will also be used to purchase some equipment used for technical training and other supplies.

“Apprenticeships are key to meeting the workforce needs of our region’s industries while also supporting students’ academic and career success, and this new grant will allow Vance-Granville to continue to grow this exciting initiative,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “On behalf of our current and future apprentices and our local employers, we sincerely appreciate the strong support of our partners at Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.”

From left, VGCC Vice President of Institutional Research & Technology Dr. Ken Lewis, TechHire grant project manager Kenneth Wilson and (at far right) President Dr. Stelfanie Williams accept a symbolic check representing the new grant from Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans (third from left). (VGCC photo)

“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, Duke Energy district manager. “These students will gain valuable hands-on experience while directly helping meet the needs of the region’s industries.”

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

About Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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(Both VGCC and Duke Energy are advertising clients of WIZS.  This is a news release.  This is not a paid advertisement.)

VGCC to hold Business Technologies event

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC to hold Business Technologies event

Vance-Granville Community College will hold a “Business Technologies & Career Explo” (short for “Exploration”) on Thursday, March 1, from 3-7 p.m., in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Attendees will be able to explore VGCC’s programs related to business and information technology and the career fields for which those programs provide training. The programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Information Technology (with tracks in Business Support, Networking/Security, Simulation & Game Development and Web Design/Support), Medical Office Administration, Office Administration, Paralegal Technology and Supply Chain Management.

VGCC’s Continuing Education division will also be represented, as will the Career & College Promise program, which provides eligible high school students with opportunities to pursue a college degree, diploma or certificate, without having to pay college tuition.

Door prizes will be given away, including a laptop computer, an Echo Dot, LED speakers and Virtual Reality glasses.

Refreshments will be provided by the VGCC Culinary Arts program.

“There will be an incredible variety of programs and careers on display all in one room at this event,” said Christal Thomas, head of VGCC’s Office Administration program and coordinator for the ‘explo.’ “We have tried to make it convenient for anyone to attend, whether they’re a high school student or a working adult looking for a new career. VGCC’s Business Technologies department offers classes on four campuses and online, so there are opportunities that practically anyone can access.”

Those who are unable to attend in person will be able to participate in a live chat during the event, which will be accessible on the VGCC website at www.vgcc.edu/bustechexplo. For more information, contact Christal Thomas at thomasc@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

(This is not a paid advertisement.)

NC Dept of Agriculture

NCDA&CS schedules a public meeting Feb. 21 in Bullock on proposed gypsy moth treatments

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The original copy of this press release is available online if you click here.

NCDA&CS schedules a public meeting Feb. 21 in Bullock on proposed gypsy moth treatments

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking input from residents and other interested parties in Granville and Vance counties concerning planned treatment activities for the non-native, highly destructive gypsy moth.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Bullock Volunteer Fire Department, 8677 U.S. Highway 15, Bullock. Information on proposed treatment options for the 16,967-acre site will be discussed.

Field monitoring activities conducted by the department have determined that reproducing populations of the gypsy moth exist in the Bullock community, north of Stovall, and the surrounding area. US Highway 15 North passes through and intersects Townsville Road in this block. Several waterways, including Spewmarrow Creek, Lick Branch, Beaver Pond Creek and Island Creek, flow into the James H. Kerr reservoir, the southern edge of which is within this block. The block is comprised of rural woods, farmland and 613 houses. The proposed treatment involves one application of mating disruptant.

In 2016, as many as 17 moths per trap were captured. In 2017, as many as 14 moths per trap were captured, indicating a persistent population.

In early spring, gypsy moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of hundreds of plant species, predominantly oaks and other hardwood trees. In heavily infested areas, trees may be completely stripped of foliage, leaving entire forests more susceptible to attacks from other pests.

Gypsy moths can also be a nuisance to the general public. In heavily infested areas, caterpillars may crawl on driveways, sidewalks, outdoor furniture, into homes, or end up in pools. Heavy defoliation can affect parks and recreation areas. Some people can have allergic reactions to the caterpillars’ tiny hairs if inhaled.

Options for dealing with gypsy moth infestations include aerial spraying of biological pesticides or gypsy moth mating disruptants. Trapping grids will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments.

The department has addressed spot introductions of the gypsy moth in several areas across North Carolina since the 1970s. The department is working with nine other states through the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation and with other state and federal agencies to reduce the expansion of the gypsy moth into uninfested areas of the country.

GRANVILLE CHAMBER HOSTING CASINO NIGHT – DENIM & DIAMONDS

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NEWS RELEASE

GRANVILLE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GRANVILLE CHAMBER HOSTING CASINO NIGHT – DENIM & DIAMONDS AT VINO OASI

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first annual Casino Night ~ DENIM & DIAMONDS ~ Saturday, March 3, at Vino Oasi.  Guests may begin arriving at 7:30 pm, with the games beginning at 8:00 pm and running until 11:00 pm that evening.

Game tables will include:  Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Poker.  The $50 ticket entitles each attendee to 2 beverage tickets, hors d’oeuvres and $5,000 in funny money.

During the evening, there will be drawings for additional funny money and the opportunity to win a prize.

Tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite – www.eventbrite/e/casino-night-denim-and-diamonds-tickets.  They may also be purchased at one of the Chamber’s office locations – 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford or 1598 NC Hwy 56, between Butner and Creedmoor.  FMI:  Contact Wanda, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com or Toni Anne, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

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(This is not a paid advertisement.)

VGCC names 257 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

VGCC names 257 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 114 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 143 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall semester that ended in December.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Fall Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Jasmine K. Dunston and Sally J. Perry, both of Louisburg;

Katelynn J. Cheek and Abigail M. Smith, both of Oxford.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Bobby C. Crabtree of Kittrell.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Matthew H. Grooms of Butner;

Kaylan C. Hoyle of Henderson;

Jeannie S. Adcock of Oxford;

Ashley N. Drake of Stovall.

 

Associate in Arts:

Tamiya R. Thomas and Jocelyn S. Williams, both of Creedmoor;

Joshua Jacobs of Durham;

Alexis M. Barton, Gavin C. Hardin, Joshua I. Horton and Mya D. Wilson, all of Franklinton;

Jessica P. Grissom, Samantha C. Hines and Destiny E. Stiles, all of Henderson;

Alexander C. Wilkinson of Oxford;

Caitlynn A. Taylor of Stem;

Edgar I. Arrieta-Reyes and Giovanni Reyes, both of Warrenton;

Brian S. Restrepo of Youngsville.

 

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts:

Elizabeth N. Durand of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Jolina Anne Chiong and Amber D. Peoples, both of Henderson;

Timothy Grant of Louisburg.

 

Associate in Science:

Daniel Esquivel-Contreras of Bunn;

Ligaya Carissa Aguas, Lucas R. Hamrick and Fatima N. Hawter, all of Henderson;

Abiral S. Hamal of Louisburg;

Savannah L. Brogden of Oxford;

Kynleigh E. Holley of Wake Forest.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Owen M. Hernandez of Creedmoor;

LaQuad C. Holden and Jacob F. Mosley, both of Henderson;

Branden S. Lilley of Louisburg;

Kyle D. Hutchinson of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.;

Jeremiah E. Hatchett of Youngsville.

 

Business Administration:

Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor.

 

Carpentry:

Charles M. Kurz of Henderson.

 

Cosmetology:

Eillah Spivey of Bunn;

Christianne Combs of Durham;

Jennifer M. Lipscomb of Franklinton;

Hannah C. Beckwith and Micaela B. Crowder, both of Henderson;

Kristina M. Brantley and Anna M. Wood, both of Louisburg;

Kaela M. Wood of Oxford;

Kristina F. Graham of Raleigh;

Kathleen R. Feinman of Rolesville;

Chelsie A. Satterwhite of Stovall.

 

Criminal Justice:

Christopher L. Davis of Bullock;

Samantha A. Mangalam of Butner;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Reginald T. Harris and Savannah C. Kelly, both of Oxford;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Tyneshia M. Brackett of Creedmoor;

Danielle N. Enright of Louisburg;

Ethel C. Fogg of Warrenton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Jessica R. Bolton, Lakee’ D. Steed and Makala West, all of Henderson;

Charlie K. Vaughn of Oxford;

Deborah E. Burns of Youngsville.

 

Entrepreneurship:

Heather A. Henkel of Sanford.

 

Human Services Technology:

Fredesvinda C. Euceda-Colindres of Creedmoor;

Wendy Y. Boncek of Hollister;

Sarah H. Borden of Oxford.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton.

 

Information Technology:

Mitchell L. Greene and Robert C. Hurt, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon J. Carver of Durham;

Andrew B. Benedict and Andrew M. Watkins, both of Henderson;

Cody R. Parrott and Ebony Thomas, both of Kittrell;

Michael A. Gokee of Louisburg;

Cameron P. Curtis of Manson;

Kassidy L. Holtzman of Norlina.

 

Medical Assisting:

Michelle D. Beckwith of Kittrell.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Lori M. Lorenzo of Burnsville;

Jessica C. Allgood, Tranita N. Brown, Samantha S. Hernandez, Tracy L. Spain and Jerri L. Wilson, all of Henderson;

Robin E. Dorsett, Holly R. Heston and Shalinda L. White, all of Louisburg;

Keshonda A. McMannen of Oxford.

 

Office Administration:

Courtney Crute of Littleton;

Betsy M. Mason of Macon.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Gabrielle J. Gilley of Creedmoor;

Katie L. Granger of Henderson;

Kelly D. Persinger and Barbara E. Sirucek, both of Louisburg;

Melissa J. Padgett of Stem;

Anne D. Genest and Monica N. Woodlief, both of Wake Forest.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Tamika Everett of Creedmoor;

Malissa S. Chandler of Durham;

Tommy L. Hicks and Jane M. Jones, both of Franklinton.

 

Radiography:

Katie A. Weary of Bullock;

Mark J. Meinhart of Louisburg;

Ashley M. Rhew of Timberlake.

 

Simulation and Game Development:

Richard F. Reynolds of Stem.

 

Welding Technology:

Kaylee Gleason and Carrie E. Johnson, both of Henderson;

Andrew Lynam of Youngsville.

 

Fall Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Ciara S. Lynch of Franklinton;

Jennifer M. Burton of Norlina.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Cyrus Czar Jover of Henderson.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Valerie J. Strange of Bullock;

Guadalupe F. Duran and Christine M. Kingsley, both of Louisburg;

Jodie D. Carroll, Laura L. Murray and Crystal M. Satterfield, all of Oxford;

Halie C. Brooks and Shayne D. Gravitt, both of Raleigh;

Omar R. O’Brien of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in Arts:

Ryan V. Makueyi of Butner;

Andres M. Espino, Samantha J. Shannon and Davina L. Williams, all of Creedmoor;

Tyler B. Woods of Durham;

Destiny M. Quesenberry of Franklinton;

Ke’Moni M. Champion, Matthew S. Denton, Shaneisha L. Eaton, Lehman R. Ford, Zurisadai Guzman-Vazquez, Kaitlyn M. Harris, Brandon J. Hughes, Tim Jiang, Chase A. Parrish, Alexis M. Watson, Lauryn E. Williams, and Kianna A. Wills, all of Henderson;

Lillian D. Kanouff of Kittrell;

Nicholas E. Shearin of Louisburg;

Dana E. Brannock, Caleb R. Brauer and Matthew White, all of Norlina;

Kimberly M. Spence and Hanna L. Williams, both of Oxford;

Nicholas Henry and Toby Hoyle, both of Wake Forest;

Raina A. Mills of Warrenton;

Taylor N. Wagaman of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Kacie L. Gann of Durham;

Katherine R. Harris, Jerry L. Tawney and Brittany N. Trivette, all of Oxford.

 

Associate in Science:

Shadi M. Nagi and Lindsey R. Perry, both of Henderson;

Monica A. Botros, Aivy B. Derry and Isaac A. Saleh, all of Oxford;

Tiffany N. Dalton and Taylor N. Williams, both of Warrenton.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Brandon M. Sparrow of Creedmoor;

Christopher R. Hernandez of Henderson;

Daniel Shaw of Wake Forest.

 

Business Administration:

Griselle M. Garcia of Franklinton;

Christie G. Ellington of Henderson;

Chance S. Hayes of Louisburg;

Jason D. Hester, Stacy T. Hicks and Latosha C. Hunt, all of Oxford;

Addie L. Brewer of Stovall;

Jacobi L. Affinnih of Zebulon.

 

Cosmetology:

Bridgett N. King and Samantha B. Williamson, both of Franklinton;

Nitianndra G. Boyd, MacKenzie D. Hutson and Chelsea L. Jones, all of Henderson;

Monet L. Faucett of Norlina;

Kadejah M. Bass of Oxford;

Alexa J. Clayton of Rougemont;

Megan L. Twisdale of Townsville;

Nicole Brueck of Wake Forest;

Danielle Seward, Gracie M. Turnbull and Donnicia A. Williams, all of Warrenton.

 

Criminal Justice:

Abdon A. Silva of Butner;

Tiffany R. Wilson of Durham;

Rebecka R. Paul of Henderson;

Cassie R. Gill of Norlina;

Azonte D. Hicks and Stephen B. Long, both of Oxford.

Culinary Arts:

Cassidy A. Young of Franklinton;

Niamani F. Dantzler-Sneed of Henderson.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Jacquella S. Jones of Henderson;

Hayley A. Fox of Kittrell;

Jennifer M. Russell of Louisburg.

 

Electrical Systems Technology:

Daniel C. Ohrt of Creedmoor.

 

Human Services Technology:

Delois Hart of Henderson.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Caitlyn M. Rudd of Franklinton.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton;

Tara E. Brame of Henderson;

Rachel H. Allen of Stem.

 

Information Technology:

Monica T. Greenwood and Steven T. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Dustin L. Starnes and Darius T. Talley, both of Henderson;

Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;

Allen P. Jay and Austin H. Smith, both of Oxford;

Nathan L. Garrard of Stem;

Courtney L. Faison and Austin D. Pearce, both of Wake Forest;

Cody Brandenburg of Youngsville.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Christopher E. Long of Norlina.

 

Medical Assisting:

Melissa C. Bridges of Creedmoor;

Jessica N. Ruffin of Kittrell.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Cynthia M. Black of Bunn;

Valerie A. Robinson of Butner;

Asha M. Grant and Kaitlyn T. Pojman, both of Durham;

Margaret Avery, Tamara F. Glover, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raeann Johnson, Roy A. Satterwhite, Melissa O. Simmons and Timmara D. Smith, all of Henderson;

Angela P. Pearson of Kings Mountain;

Kristy R. Lyon of Oxford;

Kaitlyn F. Wilson of Roxboro;

Thomas M. King of Wise;

Jessica M. Noll of Youngsville.

 

Office Administration:

Lastacey D. Burwell of Kittrell;

Tina M. Kreidler of Oxford.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Amali N. Hauter and Bratanya K. Simmons, both of Henderson;

Evelyn Nolasco of Louisburg;

Lauren E. Cash of Oxford.

 

Radiography:

Corinna Hutton of Durham;

James D. Bolton, Crystal C. Gill and Laurie A. Newton, all of Henderson;

Jan C. Maniace of Hillsborough;

Brittany N. Harmon of Norlina;

Marco A. Carmen-Vazquez, Gloria M. Hudnall and Aaron J. McNeill, all of Oxford;

Terrance M. Wesley of Raleigh;

Bethany Murphy of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Jordan Wynne of Creedmoor;

Galen D. Wilds of Stem;

Jonathan T. Gardner of Youngsville.

 

–VGCC–

VGCC Honors Retired Faculty and Staff

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC honors retired faculty and staff

Vance-Granville Community College celebrated employees who had retired from the college — and particularly those nine who retired in 2017 — during a holiday social for faculty and staff, held in December in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, thanked all employees, past and present, for their dedicated service to students and the community. “Our employees make VGCC such a special place,” Dr. Williams said, adding that this year’s retirees included a “super scientist,” a “duo of dynamic directors,” a “talented techie,” an “awesome administrative assistant,” a “creative cosmetologist,” a “champion child care specialist” and the “greatest of all time groundskeepers.” She noted that these nine retirees served VGCC for a combined 136 years.

She called upon various college leaders to make presentations to their departments’ newest retirees.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Cynthia Grissom-Young recognized Dr. Gail Ruby, who, as part of a long career in education, taught Physics, Math and other courses at Main Campus, South Campus and online for four years.

Director of Plant Operations Jack Puckett honored John Allen for his seven years of service as the Groundskeeper on VGCC’s Main Campus.

Puckett likewise praised Dennis Hodge, who was retiring after 12 years. Hodge joined VGCC as a Groundskeeper and eventually became Coordinator of Grounds Maintenance. Puckett recognized both Allen and Hodge for their commitment to excellence that kept the campus grounds beautiful.

Vice President of Institutional Research and Technology Dr. Ken Lewis recognized Chuck Tulloch, Senior Computer Technician/Telecom Administrator in the Information Technology department, who retired with 10 years of service. He also graduated from VGCC with an associate degree in Networking Technology.

Myra Poole, interim dean of continuing education and basic skills, praised Jean Blaine, another 10-year veteran, who retired as director of Occupational Extension and was previously an administrator in VGCC’s Prison Programs. She was VGCC’s Staff Member of the Year in 2010.

Vice President of Finance & Operations Steve Graham recognized Jack Puckett, who, he said, wore “a number of hats” in his 16 years of service at VGCC. Puckett retired as Director of Plant Operations.

Registrar Kathy Ktul lauded Deborah Sullivan, a longtime administrative assistant in Student Services, as organized and a “workhorse” who took on numerous vital tasks. She retired after 18 years, many of those years in the Career Center.

Cosmetology Program Head Tomeka Moss saluted Iris Richardson, a Cosmetology instructor who taught at three VGCC campuses during her 18 years. She graduated from VGCC with an associate degree, a diploma and a Cosmetology Instructor certificate.

Finally, Dean Grissom-Young paid tribute to Deborah Harris, Child Care Specialist in the Child Care Center on Main Campus, and, with 41 years of service, VGCC’s longest-serving full-time employee upon her retirement. Harris was also surprised at the social when Dr. Williams presented her with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper.

–VGCC–

Meeting Student/Parent Needs in the 21st Century

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The following is a letter to the editor provided by Granville County Public Schools.

Letter to the Editor:

Submitted by Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent, Granville County Public Schools  and Dr. Tom Houlihan, Chairman, Granville County Public Schools Board of Education

Meeting Student/Parent Needs in the 21st Century

We are excited about the future of Granville County Public Schools.  However, a critical moment in time is at hand as aging buildings, declined student enrollment, and few instructional options confront us.   While student achievement is slowly improving, it still is not at the rate we would like to see.

As such, we know that now is the time for change – BIG change!  With new leadership and vision in place, we believe we can make significant improvements for students and families, but it  will require support from the entire community.  In order to gain this support, we believe it is important that our citizens understand our plan for the future.  Here it is in a nutshell:

First, we need to revitalize our school buildings.  In partnership with the County Commissioners, we plan to make every one of our schools safe and inviting places to work and learn.  Already, $15 million has been promised to assist with this, focusing on critical areas of roofing and HVAC, initially.  We hope much more aid will follow to assist with additional needed improvements in security, athletics, and renovations to classrooms and other learning spaces.  However, keep in mind this is only one part of the puzzle and this type of funding can only be used for physical buildings.   These dollars cannot be used for salaries, classroom supplies or educational programs, which brings us to our next priority – CHOICE!

Our second step in the plan is to expand choices for ALL parents, students and teachers this upcoming school year, in ways that should only minimally impact our budget.  For example, offering more “Choice” is always exciting!  “Choice” can look like a different school calendar, where students have options to attend either, a traditional schedule, or a ‘balanced’ or year-round schedule. In fact, initial survey and Kitchen Table Conversation information revealed that several parents are interested in a year-round calendar option because of their work schedules and interest in creative solutions for blending academic, enrichment and remediation efforts.  Another “choice” could consist of a blend of online and custom face-to-face instruction.   As such, the new Granville Academy has sparked some traction, which seems to be a popular consideration for students who learn best that way. We even heard interest from students in schools across Granville County who want to attend the J.F. Webb School of Health and Life Sciences.  Thus, this school has been added to the “choice” lineup of offerings for any student in our school system.

We understand that parents have high expectations for their children and so do we.  We want GCPS positioned to respond to the needs and desires effectively and efficiently.  Therefore, we are working now to make all of these ideas and suggestions a reality in a manner that should only minimally impact our budget.  For example, we will ensure teaching positions travel where student enrollment demands.  We will also only offer choice options with proper student enrollment.  We believe options are good for all and offer opportunities for families to select what works best for their children but affordable “quality” in choice is just as important as quantity.

It is our sincere desire that Granville County Public Schools will, once again, be the FIRST choice in education for all families in our community.  By improving the quality of our school environments, expanding choices and increasing academic achievement, we plan to reverse the trend of downward enrollment.  This, in turn, will increase state and federal funding to the district.  Every student that returns to us from a charter, private school or home school generates about $5500 in lost funds.  This increase in funding can then be invested right back into the schools and programs, where it helps our students the most.  The more we grow, the more funding we will generate to improve and bring more opportunities, experiences and  “choice” into our schools.

Of course, there are many details and complicated issues to manage.  We hope you find this summary helpful in describing our strategy for how funding will impact our plans.  Further, we hope you will choose to join us in this effort.  Please support our local schools.   Join our Parent Teacher Organizations, Booster Clubs and School Improvement Teams, just to name a few.  Please volunteer today!

If interested in helping us with our new strategic plan, feel free to join us on February 22nd at 6:00 pm at the Masonic Home for Children.  Come visit and see us in action!  Also, our doors are open all month for school tours by appointment.  We look forward to serving everyone.

Thanks to all who continue to support our schools and we pledge to bring “choice” to raise student performance in the most cost-efficient way we can.  Our district leadership and Board of Education will expect no less.  Our hope is that you will join us in embracing our new motto, “Committed to Excellence and Achievement for All!”

Families Living Violence Free

FLVF – Domestic Violence 101 Class Tues, Feb 13, 2018

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Peggy Roark, with Families Living Violence Free, provided the following information to WIZS News:

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 101 CLASS

Tuesdays at 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Come to one class or as many as you can. If you complete all 6, you will receive a certificate of completion.

THIS WEEK: WHY DO WOMEN STAY IN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS?

Offices of Families Living Violence Free

125 Oxford Outer Loop

Oxford, NC

Call 919-693-3579 to register or register on our website www.flvf.org

Call by 4 p.m. if you need a sitter for class time.

VGCC names Farmer to lead programs

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— press release courtesy VGCC

VGCC names educator to lead programs

Vance-Granville Community College recently named Delton Farmer of Durham to head three academic programs: Accounting, Business Administration and Supply Chain Management. Farmer has been a VGCC faculty member since 2007.

Farmer is a veteran of the U.S. Army, in which he served as a logistical specialist. He earned an associate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, a bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Health Administration at Pfeiffer University.

After completing six years of military service, Farmer entered the business world, working as an accountant, financial analyst and manager, primarily in the health-care and clinical research industries in the Research Triangle area. In his more than a decade at VGCC, he has taught a variety of Business Administration and Supply Chain (formerly known as Global Logistics) courses at multiple campuses and online. Farmer is also the pastor for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Durham, and he has completed his Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University.

The three curriculum degree programs that Farmer will oversee prepare students for a variety of careers in business, accounting and logistics industries. Students may complete the Business Administration and Supply Chain Management programs completely online if they choose. Supply Chain Management has two degree track options: Global Logistics Technology and Trucking Operations Management.

The VGCC Accounting program, meanwhile, was recognized as one of the ten best associate degree programs in its field across the United States by Accounting.com in 2017.

“Delton brings a wealth of real-world experience from the military and the private sector to his position, along with his many years in the classroom, educating, inspiring and supporting VGCC students,” said Angela Gardner-Ragland, VGCC’s Dean of Business and Applied Technologies. “We look forward to his leadership in continuing to grow our programs in these exciting fields that offer numerous employment opportunities for our graduates.”

For more information on the Accounting, Business Administration or Supply Chain Management programs, contact Farmer at (252) 738-3295 or farmerd@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

City of Oxford Commissioners Meeting Tues, Feb 13, 2018

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The City of Oxford Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2018.  Please click here for the agenda.

One of the items WIZS News will be following up on is agenda item number eight, unified development ordinance, and its local impact.  In speaking with Mayor Jackie Sergent, she was not ready to offer full comments prior to the meeting or before speaking with the boards and committees.  However, the gist of what she did say to WIZS News was many communities already have this and that it’s a modern-day times thing to do.

Item 8 reads:

Consider contracting with McAdams out of Durham NC in creating a UDO (unified development ordinance). The purpose of the City creating a Unified Development Ordinance is to combine the zoning, subdivision and all other regulations into one user-friendly set of development regulations. This will be an 18-month process involving various boards and creation of a Steering Committee. The current zoning ordinance was last revised in 2003. With the downtown revitalization efforts as well as the other projects moving forward, it is necessary to have a Unified Development Ordinance that is clear and easily understood, while also creating standards that uphold the community’s vision for the future. Recommended action: Staff & Planning Board recommends moving forward with McAdams in creating a Unified Development Ordinance.