Education - WIZS

Vance County Schools Recognizes Partnerships of the Year

June 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools strives to build community and business partnerships. These individuals, organizations and businesses make an impact on our students, schools and district as a whole. We are grateful for each and every one of them. Each school celebrates its top partnership, focusing on impact.

This year, the following were recognized:

Advance Academy, Gang Free, Aycock Elementary, Craig Compton, Carver Elementary, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Clarke Elementary, Debra Jiggitts, Dabney Elementary, Turning Point, CDC, Inc., Early College High, Vance- Granville Community College, EM Rollins Elementary, Clearview Baptist Church, EO Young Elementary, Flat Rock United Methodist Church, LB Yancey Elementary, Fearldine Simmons, New Hope Elementary, Woodsworth Baptist Church, Pinkston St. Elementary, Holy Temple Church, STEM Early High, Dr. Meg Blanchard & Katie McCance, Vance County High, AtwoZ Bonds, Vance County Middle, The City Ministries, Zeb Vance Elementary and Plank Chapel.

Letitia Fields (left), principal at New Hope Elementary, presented Pastor Glendora Hargrove (right) with the District Partnership of the Year award on June 26, 2020.

A district committee reviews all of the school partnerships and awards one as the District Partnership of the Year. This year, the recipient is Woodsworth Baptist Church for their partnership with New Hope Elementary.

Pastor Glendora Hargrove’s church and members have assisted in exposing students to the arts through generous contributions. Their efforts provided opportunities for every student to attend a show at McGregor Hall.

Additionally, a new sound system for assemblies and performances was also donated by the church. The sound system was given in honor of Pastor Hargrove’s two granddaughters, who passed away this year. Even when she has experienced much loss, the pastor and her church continue to find ways to give back.

Letitia Fields, Principal at New Hope Elementary, presented Pastor Glendora Hargrove with the District Partnership of the Year award on June 26.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, along with Board of Education Chair Ed Wilson, presented Henderson Toyota General Manager Joe Coffey with the Shining Moment in Education award on June 3, 2020.

Each year, Vance County Schools awards the Shining Moment in Education to a business or community partner working to make an impact on a larger scale. This year, the 2020 recipient is Henderson Toyota for their ongoing support of our Vance County Teacher of the Year car lease.

In coordination with the Henderson Toyota General Manager, Vance County Schools has been able to award the District Teacher of the Year a one-year lease, allowing them to showcase their title on the car.

This is an honor and continues to build a strong partnership. Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent, along with Board of Education Chair Ed Wilson, presented General Manager Joe Coffey with the award on June 3.

Business partnerships, community agencies and individuals continue to be an intricate part of VCS’ success.

Vance County Schools Recognizes VGCC With Partnership Award

June 16, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance County Schools recently recognized Vance-Granville Community College with the 2019-2020 “Partnership of the Year” award for collaborating with Vance County Early College High School (VCECHS).

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Vance County Early College and the entire school system,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said, in accepting the award on behalf of the college faculty and staff. “An important part of our student body, Early College students enrich our campus community, and we have the privilege of helping them achieve their goals.”

VGCC worked closely with the school system in 2008 to start the Early College High School, and it has been housed on the community college’s Main Campus near Henderson ever since.

VCECHS is a five-year high school experience that offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma along with an Associate in Arts and/or Associate in Science degree, or at least some college transfer credits, tuition-free.

Early College programs provide affordable, accessible pathways to four-year university degrees for many students. In addition, VGCC offers other “Career and College Promise” (CCP) pathways to students at traditional high schools – allowing them to earn college credits, as well.

“We are extremely grateful for your partnership work with Vance County Schools,” Aarika Sandlin, the system’s public information officer, wrote in a letter to the college. “Without devoted community members, churches and organizations, our system would not be the same. We appreciate all that you have done for our schools and our students this year. We are so proud of all you have done to make a difference, making us all Vance County Proud!”

Vance Co. Schools Completes Commencement Exercises, Graduates 340

June 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently graduated 220 from Vance County High School, 41 from Vance County Early College High School and 79 from Advance Academy.

VCS is so proud of the Class of 2020, as these 340 students begin their journey taking a variety of pathways – some are going straight into the workforce, many students are off to colleges and universities, while others have committed to serving in branches of the United States military. No matter where their journey takes them, VCS takes pride that each of them began their journey with Vance County Schools – the place we hope they always call home.

At the time of the May graduations, many of our district’s students were still receiving award letters from colleges and universities. We are excited to announce that Vance County Schools Class of 2020 has a combined total of over 10 million dollars in scholarships and grants. We know educational funding opens pathways for our students and are excited about the opportunities that are before them.

We are excited to share that our students have received the following college acceptances and opportunities to serve in the United States military.

Class of 2020 College Acceptances

Class of 2020 Military Service

Vance County Schools is extremely proud of the Class of 2020. We look forward to all that our students will accomplish as they begin this new journey. We know they will go forth and do great things!

Vance Co. Schools’ Free Summer Meal Program Begins June 15

June 12, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools’ free summer meal program will begin on Monday, June 15 and continue through Thursday, July 30, 2020.

Each week, meals will be available for pick up at Aycock Elementary School, EO Young Elementary School, Vance County Middle School and Vance County High School from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Meals are available at these locations in a drive-thru format.

Meal units that are distributed Monday – Wednesday will include two meals – lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. Thursday distribution will include two breakfasts and two lunches.

Bus meals will resume on June 15 for meal deliveries.

Weekly menus will be available on the VCS website and social media.

VCS has served over 320,000 meals since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Hunger does not take a vacation, so VCS is making meals available to our community’s children throughout the summer to meet their needs.

Advance Academy Graduates 79 in Drive-Thru Commencement Ceremony

June 12, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools celebrated as Advance Academy held commencement with 79 graduates on Thursday,
June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance-Granville Community College.

Though unable to have a traditional graduation, VCS was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. The ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website, as well as live updates on WIZS radio.

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mrs. Stephanie Ayscue, principal of Advance Academy,
presented each of the graduates with their diploma.

Brittany Bell, meteorologist for ABC11, and June Atkinson, former North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction, pre-recorded their speeches to the graduating class.

Graduates included:

Ashanti Kemya Allen, Jaheim Ahmad Allen, Damien Martes Alston, Carlos Ky-Ron Alston, Dontrel Jamal Alston, Saul Hernandez Arias, Correll Jaymon Arrington, Ra’Darrius Ty’Quan Cortez Arrington, Courtney Brianna Bagby, Isaiah Robert Beckham, Laniyah Briona Nicole Brown, Ke’Marus Martise Bryant, Cory Randall Bullock Jr., Demetrius Bullock, Johnathan Savion Bullock, Tawain Printice Bullock Jr., Y’Nashia Stephney Cannady, Roxana Cisneros, Janiyah Marie Crews, Amilyah Te’onka Davis, Briseyda Elizabeth Diaz-Casillas, William Riley Dickerson, Hailee Marie Edmonds, Tristen Scott Faulkner, Robert Thomas Finley IV, Jesus Manuel Garcia Arellano, Dallas Scerbo Gill, Jose Alejandro Gonzalez, Mary Elizabeth Dunston Hargrove, Tederian Monroe Harris, Tyrell Tony Hatcher, Da’Quan Quimaine Hawkins, Da’Twan Quimaine Hawkins, Shyquan Jaleel Hayes, Payton Rey Heath, Mo’Nasia Tamiqua Henderson, Sa’monte De’Quaries Henderson, Alveante Markeith Holden, Jah’Vonte Ty’Key Jiggetts, Taneia Rene Leonard, Adryonna Biyonce’ Lynette Jones, Zavion Ty’lek Kearney, Cameron Lee Kittrell, Emily Michelle Kittrell-Rosas, Trayshawn Maliq Macon, Zamauri Marrow, Kativanna Lynn Mattei-Gonzalez, Karla Marleny Mejia Portillo, Mason Dean Miller, Jada Drewchelle Montaque, Trevon Antwan Murphy, Trevonda Antoinette Murphy, Imari Chantel Nelson, Joshua Lee Oliver, Kalei Nicole Parrish, Anthony Tyrik Pauling, Ahmaj Malik Person, Jawanda Janae Person, Marcus Allen Pitchford Jr., Alex Alberto Prudencio, Joshua Maleek Reid, Aja-Lik Jeremy Robinson-Clack, Tiana Charlotte Rogers, Danny Salmeron, Christopher Daniel Satterwhite, She’Dasia J’shel Small, Mercedes Angeleah Lynna Soto, Sincere Nigel Spencer, Tayana Elise Terry, Lamyah Armony Towns, Ty’Joshua Isaiah Tunstall, Dayana Henrietta Warren, Willie Lee Waverly III, Precious Aliyah Wilkerson, Ty’Quayveon Leneil Williams, Tyeisha Danielle Symon Williams, Allison Paige Wilson, Zha’Nae Twone’ Wynn and Shy’Queria Tyzasia Yancey.

VCS is extremely proud of our seniors and wishes them the best as they journey ahead. They are certain to go forth and do great things.

For additional photos from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).

Vance County Schools Approves 2020-21 Calendars, Applies for K-12 Fully Remote Option

June 10, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

2020-2021 Vance County Schools Calendars Approved

Vance County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the 2020-2021 calendars, reflecting the current requirements, as passed by the general assembly, including five remote learning days.

The early start calendar will begin for students on July 31, 2020, and end on May 21, 2021.

The year-round calendar will begin for students on July 31, 2020, and end on June 11, 2021.

Traditional calendars will start for students on August 17, 2020, and end on June 2, 2021.

The total number of days in the calendar is the same length as previous years, just allocated to include the remote learning days. Check out the VCS website (click here) to view the calendars in more detail.

Vance Virtual Village Academy

Vance County Schools wants to ensure that there is a place for every student to learn. As discussion of the 2020-2021 school year begins, the uncertainties for many families remain.

VCS has applied for a new LEA code through the NC Department of Public Instruction for Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). This school is designed for grades K-12 and will be a fully remote option for those families that feel this is the best option for their child. The school is designed as a place “WHERE WE VALUE connectedness, engagement,
and equity.”

V3 will offer a variety of activities that serve all types of learning styles. The premise is that all teachers will need to consider Universal Design for Learning (UDL) when planning both their synchronous and asynchronous instruction, working to increase access to learning by reducing physical, cognitive, intellectual, and organizational barriers to
learning whenever possible.

At this time, VCS awaits approval from the state to move forward with V3.

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

June 9, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vance County Schools Receives National Beta Recognition

June 9, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named a 2020 District of Distinction by the National Beta Club. This honor was granted to only two districts in the state of North Carolina and awarded for offering the academic recognition membership to all students in all eligible schools within the district.

This national award recognizes commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement throughout every school in our district, in an ongoing mission to prepare our students for their future. The students exemplify these characteristics and qualities and stand true to the Beta motto: “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.” By cultivating service and leadership, we know we are preparing our students for tomorrow.

Beta Club advisers in our schools play a major role in the success of the program and recognition of eligible students. Those advisers include:

Kim Burton of Aycock Elementary School
Teresa Hicks of Carver Elementary School
Jessica Williams of Clarke Elementary School
Joy Herndon of Dabney Elementary School
Marian Faulkner of E.O. Young Elementary School
Shaunese Coombs of E.M. Rollins Elementary School
Sharita Jones of L.B. Yancey Elementary School
Cathy Oswald of New Hope Elementary School
Eva Jennings of Pinkston Elementary School
C’Monee Wilkins of Zeb Vance Elementary School
Gradesa Lockhart of STEM Early High School
Vicki Anne Fullwood of Vance County Early College High School
Pamela Perry of Vance County Middle School
Bobbi Parks of Vance County High School

In addition to the district recognition, every school in our district has been recognized as a National Beta School of Merit, honoring the club’s dedication and commitment to academic excellence. Each school has members from all eligible grade levels in their individual Beta Clubs.

Vance County Schools had eight schools awarded National Beta Schools of Distinction, for increasing membership by 10%. Growth is evaluated based on student membership from the previous year. Recognized as Schools of Distinction include New Hope Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Clarke Elementary, E.M. Rollins Elementary, E.O. Young Elementary, Aycock Elementary, STEM Early High and Vance County Early College.

With more than 500,000 active members and 8,750 chapters nationally and internationally, National Beta has become the nation’s largest non-profit, educational youth organization. National Junior Beta Club includes grades 4-8 and National Senior Beta includes grades 9-12, with both recognizing outstanding achievement, promoting character and social responsibility, encouraging service involvement to school and community as well as fostering leadership skills.

Vance County Schools is proud to be recognized as a Beta Club District of Distinction and for all of our schools being designated as Schools of Merit. We are extremely proud of our Schools of Distinction and excited about Beta Club continuing to make an impact in our schools, within our community and for our students.

Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

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

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

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

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

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

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

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

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

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

Details, Announcements for AdVance Academy’s June 11 Graduation Ceremony

June 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

AdVance Academy’s graduation event is set for Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:

Program of Events

At your designated time, enter from Poplar Creek Road to the main entrance of Vance-Granville Community College.
Proceed down the main road to the parking lot of Building 7. Staff will direct you. No open-air vehicles or
passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.

Station 1: Graduate Check-in

One vehicle per graduate | Stop at the check-in station | A paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the
windshield wiper| Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | Pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly | Receive graduation program

Station 2: Processional

When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader

Graduate Preparation Zone

Pay attention to signs for directions

Station 3: Graduation

Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | The student will walk to the stage | The student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | Receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | The student will return to the vehicle immediately | The car will then join the recessional line

Station 4: Recessional

Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | All vehicles must make a right onto Poplar Creek Road upon exiting graduation

Guidelines:

No restroom facilities will be available | Cap & gowns are required to participate in graduation | The graduate should be
positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point| Graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded

Graduation Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name
2:30 p.m. ~ Allen – Edmonds
3:05 p.m. ~ Evans – Jones
3:45 p.m. ~ Kearney – Satterwhite
4:15 p.m. ~ Small – Yancey

Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.

As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.

We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!