Vance County Schools Make Substantial Gains in 2017-2018
— courtesy of Vance County Schools
(The entirety of this post is also on the Vance County Schools web page – click here – and is published here with permission.)
Vance County Schools showed substantial improvements for the 2017-2018 school year based on accountability data released on September 5 by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, evidence of the accuracy of the district theme for the year, “Year of Breakthrough.”
The results were made public after the data was presented to the N.C. State Board of Education.
Superintendent Anthony Jackson noted, “It is with great celebration that we announce six Vance County Schools improved their School Performance Grade (SPG) by one letter grade in 2017-2018 and nine schools either met or exceeded student growth standards. The district has one “A” school, three “B” schools, six “C” schools and five “D” schools. We are beginning to see the results of our strategic focus on instruction, leadership, innovation and most importantly, children. The students in Vance County Schools are creative thinkers, have an innovative mindset and have a desire to chart their own course for their future.”
Those six schools improving by a letter grade were Pinkston Street Elementary, L.B. Yancey Elementary, Carver Elementary, E.M. Rollins Elementary, Henderson Middle School and Southern Vance High School.
The 2017-2018 results also show that the district’s grade level proficiency grew by 2.2 percent, continuing the steady trend to closing the gap in grade level proficiency between local students and students across North Carolina. Vance County Schools continues to search for innovations that will enhance opportunities and experiences for students.
The four-year cohort graduation rate for the district also improved to 82.1 percent in 2017-2018 from 81.9 percent in 2016-2017, with over $8 million in scholarships earned by students.
The outstanding student performances last year were the result of a lot of hard work by students, teachers, school support staff, administrators and parents. Academic improvements also occurred because of school administrators and support staff working with teachers to focus on specific areas in reading and math where students needed additional assistance to improve their skills. Classroom teachers used available data to follow the progress of students and provide extra instruction and interventions to help students improve and reach their goals.
For a third consecutive year, Vance County Early College High School earned a SPG of “A” and exceeded growth expectations. Based on the outstanding performance of students at the school, they earned an overall proficiency rating of 91 percent in end-of-course testing in Biology, English II and Math I. For the Biology and English II testing, Early College students were more than 94 percent proficient. The school’s overall proficiency rating was five points higher than in 2016-2017, another major milestone for the district.
Pinkston Street Elementary School led all elementary schools with a 17-point increase in its students’ proficiency in end-of-grade testing in reading and math in grades 3-5. The school’s overall proficiency in 2017-2018 was 74 percent, compared to 57 percent in 2016-2017. The outstanding results gave Pinkston Street a SPG of “B” and increase from the school’s “C” grade the previous year. Pinkston Street students also exceeded growth standards.
L.B. Yancey Elementary School also improved by a letter grade to a SPG of “B” last year. The school also exceeded growth for the year with a nine-point jump in its students’ proficiency on the end-of-grade assessment to 71 percent from 62 percent the previous year. Clarke Elementary School was the third “B” school in 2017-2018 with an overall proficiency rating of 72 percent, slightly higher than in 2016-2017, and its students met growth.
Carver Elementary School had an increase of 10 points in its students’ proficiency in reading and math as it exceeded growth standards and led local schools with a SPG of “C.” The improvements moved Carver up from a SPG of “D” in 2016-2017. Other “C” schools included: STEM Early High School with an overall proficiency of 68 percent; Aycock Elementary School with an overall proficiency rating of 67 percent; Dabney Elementary School with an overall proficiency of 61 percent, up by five points, and exceeding growth; Zeb Vance Elementary School with an overall proficiency of 61 percent and exceeding growth; and Southern Vance High School with an overall proficiency rating of 55, up by two points from the previous year.
STEAM Academy at E.M. Rollins Elementary School had a 13-point student proficiency increase in 2017-2018 from the previous year. Northern Vance High School, New Hope Elementary School, Henderson Middle School and E.O. Young, Jr. Elementary School had increases in some areas. The only “F” school was Eaton-Johnson Middle School.
AdVance Academy, the school system’s alternative high school, is not included in the state accountability report. However, AdVance Academy for the 2017-2018 school year had a very success year graduating 157 total students who otherwise would not have received their high school diplomas. The school’s program is considered to be a successful alternative program in our state’s public schools.
“Data is trending in a positive direction,” said Cindy Bennett, assistant superintendent for Strategic Planning and Student Services. “Continuing the laser focus on strategic planning, training, and instructional protocols will continue to enhance the overall student performance in Vance County Schools.”
“Our final performance results for the 2017-2018 school year derive from the intentional, focused hard work of administrators, teachers, students and parents,” added Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “This past year was a ‘year of growth’ across the district. Many schools in the district exceeded the state’s expectations for growth! I feel great about our trajectory towards a ‘year of breakthrough’ with student performance this year. ‘A Year of Breakthrough’ is this year’s theme and we are on our way! We have revised our Instructional Framework to make sure we define what teaching and learning looks like in our classrooms. We are committed to our students and their academic, social and emotional needs. Congratulations to all schools for a fantastic ‘year of growth!’ I am Vance County Proud!”
Seventh Annual Business Summit Serving Up ‘Recipe For Success’
— courtesy of Vance Granville Community College
The seventh annual Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Summit will offer the “Recipe for Success” for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and non-profit leaders, among others, on Monday, Oct. 15. “Making Your Dreams a Reality” is the theme for this year’s event being held in the Warren County Armory and Convention Center.
Duke Energy is the presenting sponsor for the summit. Local partners helping the VGCC Small Business Center to organize the event are the Chamber of Commerce of Warren County, the Warren County Economic Development Commission and the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Business representatives and interested members of the community are invited to attend the summit, which is being held from 5 to 8:15 p.m. at the center on 501 US Highway 158 Business East in Warrenton. Registration is now open at https://tinyurl.com/sbcsummit.
The event, including dinner, is free to the first 50 people who register. Prizes will also be awarded.
Martin Brossman, a leading authority on social media and online marketing, is the keynote speaker for the summit. He will explore the topic of “What is Your Digital First Impression Online (and why it is important!).”
(Photo courtesy VGCC Small Business Center and Martin Brossman) — Martin Brossman will provide the keynote address for the seventh annual VGCC Small Business Summit on Monday, Oct. 15, at the Warren County Armory and Convention Center. Brossman is identified as a leading authority on social media and online marketing.
“Your future customers want to know more about you than just what is on your website, and they may trust you less if they don’t,” said Brossman. “We all are looking for secondary validation for everything from credible information for a product, business, person or service. This session is going to show you the free and low-cost ways to make the best digital (web-based) first impression that will lead to more sales and more referrals for your business.”
Brossman, who is a business coach, consultant and dynamic trainer, is known for his insight and humor. A member of the National Speakers Bureau, he teaches at North Carolina community college Small Business Centers across the state in addition to the Social Media Management Certificate program at North Carolina State University. Pici & Pici, Inc. will help you to become a powerful speaker and ignite your team.
Other topics to be covered at the summit include “Stock Your Pantry with the Right Business Resources” and “Top 10 Tips on How to Work with Media.” Tabletop Media Group’s founder Kristen Baughman will lead the media presentation, covering how your brand can help your small business gain more exposure by pitching and engaging with bloggers, media, Instagram stars and more.
Additional sponsors of the summit include the Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer, The Daily Dispatch, The Warren Record, WARR 1520 AM, and WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM.
For more information, contact VGCC Small Business Center Director Tanya Weary at (252) 738-3240 or smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.
(Vance Granville Community College is a paying advertising partner of WIZS, and WIZS also partners with other organizations listed in this news release from VGCC. WIZS is also sponsoring this event. This story, however, is not a paid advertisement.)
City of Henderson Land Planning Committee Meeting Cancelled
— courtesy of the City of Henderson, NC
Due to unexpected circumstances, the Land Planning Committee meeting scheduled for October 4, 2018 has been cancelled until further notice.
Important Voter Registration/Election Dates
-Information courtesy the North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement
Important Dates:
Friday, October 12, 2018 – Regular Voter Registration Deadline
Voter registration forms must be postmarked or delivered to your county elections office by 5 p.m. on October 12. Same-day registration will be available in your county during the One-Stop Early Voting period, beginning October 17 and ending November 3.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 – Start of One-Stop Early Voting
Voters may register and vote at any One-Stop Early Voting location in their county of residence. For locations and hours, check with your county elections office or vt.ncsbe.gov/OSSite.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 – Regular Deadline to Request a Mail-In Absentee Ballot
Requests must be received by your county elections office by 5 p.m. on October 30.
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – End of One-Stop Early Voting and Same-Day Registration
Tuesday, November 6, 2018 – ELECTION DAY
Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Locate your polling place at vt.ncsbe.gov/PPLkup.
Second Thursday Food Distribution to be Held at VCRFM on Oct. 11
-Information courtesy Betty Boyd
The Second Thursday Food Distribution will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market off Beckford Drive in Henderson on Thursday, October 11, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. No identification is required.
Participants remain in their vehicles and volunteers place food boxes in vehicle. This is a partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC and is offered to supplement the food resources of Vance County citizens.
Please contact Betty Boyd at (252) 432-3967 if you would like to volunteer or have questions.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Help Florence Victims, NOT Scammers
— courtesy of The United States Department of Justice and The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to Be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud – (866) 720-5721
RALEIGH – The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
“In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Florence the affected communities and citizens of Eastern North Carolina should be on guard against disaster fraud schemes,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “As FEMA and other federal, state, and local relief agencies work tirelessly to support those who have suffered losses as the result of this natural disaster, we can be certain that criminals will target those impacted and attempt to profit from the suffering of others. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting and stopping this type of fraud. Through the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to aggressively prosecute the offenders.”
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
FEMA fraud;
Identity theft;
Contractor fraud;
Charity fraud; and,
Impersonation of government officials.
The NCDF reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims. The public is also reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster.
Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Florence, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions. Tips should be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.
Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement from United States Attorney Higdon here (link is external). Within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Deputy Criminal Chief Felice Corpening serves as the Disaster Fraud Coordinator. Working with the NCDF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, Deputy Criminal Chief Corpening oversees the federal prosecution and investigation of disaster fraud matters impacting Eastern North Carolina. Violations of North Carolina state disaster fraud laws are handled by the North Carolina Department of Justice’s (NCDOJ) Consumer Protection Division. The NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division may be contacted at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226) or by visiting www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.
Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized by fraud are available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Vance Co. Schools’ ‘We Inspire’ Initiative Drafts 45 Educators
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools hosted a special event on October 1, 2018, in the school system’s Administrative Services Center for members of the third cohort for the “We Inspire” initiative.
The event entitled, “Draft Day,” marked the beginning of the local educators’ participation in the initiative.
Superintendent Anthony Jackson recognized each of the 45 educators as they marched down the red carpet to sign the commitment pledge and receive their “We Inspire” shirt.
Superintendent Anthony Jackson gets cheers and waving pom-poms in the crowd as “Draft Day” begins for local educators in the school system’s classroom technology initiative. (Photo Credit: Vance County Schools)
They will now go through several training sessions during the school year so that they can become leaders in their schools to share strategies with colleagues on the effective use of technology to enhance classroom instruction.
The training costs are covered by a $200,000 grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation and sessions are led by representatives of the Friday Institute at N.C. State University.
Those in the third cohort join about 100 other local educators who went through the first two years of training to lead blended learning efforts in their schools. Once fully trained by the Friday Institute facilitators, the educators can work with fellow staff members in their schools to develop effective strategies on using technology along with classroom instruction.
The “We Inspire” initiative is part of the school system’s overall technology plan to increase usage of technology to support instruction by teachers. The key focus of the initiative is to provide quality training for teachers so that their use of technology with students is a positive boost for academic performance.
Volunteer Services of MPH Announces Upcoming $5 Masquerade Sale
-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Volunteer Coordinator, Maria Parham Health
Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health announces their ever famous $5 Masquerade Sale on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Everything is $5! Necklaces, earrings, rings, watches, scarves, gadgets, ties, gifts for children and adults. The sale will be held in the John T. Church classroom.
Come experience the FRENZY!
(This is not a paid advertisement)