Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, Ed.D. has been named principal of Granville Academy, a blended learning experience for grades K-12 that allows for on-site and off-site independent studies.
Wrenn began her career in education teaching at Riverside High School in Durham and has served as a Career Technical Education teacher and the Director of Technology and Online Learning for Granville County Public Schools.
Among her accomplishments, Wrenn initiated the Granville Online program in 2010 for students in grades 7-12 and also implemented a one laptop device per student directive to allow for 24/7 anytime, anywhere learning.
“As a mother of three, my lens is always ‘what is best for children,’” said Wrenn. “My goal is to ensure that all children are engaged in their learning so they may be successful students.”
With a background in digital learning initiatives, Wrenn brings her extensive knowledge to this new approach to K-12 education. “My work has transitioned learning in Granville County Public Schools to a digital age teaching environment,” said Wrenn. “Students and teachers now have consistent access to technology devices, resources and online courses.”
As part of the Granville County Public School System, Granville Academy will begin its first school year on Monday, August 27, 2018, and will follow the traditional calendar for Granville County Schools.
Taught by state-certified teachers, and accredited as part of the school district system, Granville Academy staff “will use innovation and flexibility to best meet each learners needs.”
According to their website, Granville Academy will enroll students in K-5 and 6-8 to attend a physical school building two days a week for five hours each day. High school students in grades 9-12 will have flexibility in their workspace based on progress. All students will work virtually during the school week.
Academy classes will be located inside existing Granville County school structures. Tar River and CG Credle Elementary and Butner-Stem and Northern Granville Middle will serve as the Granville Academy elementary and middle school sites, respectively. High school students will attend a physical school building on an as-needed basis.
Granville Academy is available to both in-county and out-of-county residents. While free for residents of Granville County, students living out-of-district will pay a tuition as determined by the Granville County Public School’s Board of Education.
According to Wrenn, community feedback regarding the hybrid learning experience has been very positive. “The schedule of some days on campus and other days away from campus meets families and learners’ specific needs. We have families who travel for work and pleasure, students who are pursuing sports, arts, or have health reasons which require flexible schedules. Additionally, some students prefer a blended model due to their learning style.”
Over the past few months, Granville Academy staff have conducted numerous community talks to educate the community on the school design and to answer individual questions.
Although well-received, Wrenn said the biggest challenge has been helping both parents and the community understand how a blended school works. “The school utilizes a personalized course of study that follows local and state curriculum standards. Teachers provide the primary instruction and assign grades. Parents are highly involved, facilitating learning on the days students are at home.”
Students are assessed using the same state end-of-grade and end-of-course exams as traditional Granville County Public School students and are eligible for athletics and other activities as offered at their base school.
With 168 students currently enrolled in grades K-12, Wrenn is ready to get started. “I understand that each child needs an advocate and options. I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader in online learning and technology to Granville Academy and work to ensure every child’s success in a personalized learning environment.”
*For more information on Granville Academy, please visit their website at https://ga.gcs.k12.nc.us/ or contact Dr. Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us.
Gospel Singing at Joy In The Lord Baptist Church
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Rev. L.T. Harris, Joy In The Lord Baptist Church
Joy In The Lord Baptist Church will hold a gospel singing featuring “The Oak Grove Boys & Stephanie” from Elm City, NC.
on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 6 p.m.
The church is located at 1238 Debnam Ave., Henderson, NC.
Everyone is welcome.
Castorela Honored By Butterfield
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Alejandro Castorela, a 2018 graduate of Southern Vance High School, was honored on June 18, by U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield for his third-place award in the U.S. Congressional Art Competition for District 1.
Castorela is shown at left in the photo with Butterfield during the recognition in the Congressman’s Durham office.
Alejandro Castorela (left) and G.K. Butterfield (VCS Photo)
Castorela won the award for his sketch “The Creation of Art.” His third-place finish was a great achievement from among the hundreds of student art entries in the competition.
Castorela was joined at the recognition ceremony and reception by the other art award winners.
Butterfield represents North Carolina’s District 1, including Vance County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Granville County’s First Dog Park Opening Sat., June 30!
/by WIZS Staff— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
The City of Oxford and Oxford Parks & Recreation announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration for Hix Dog Park, the first dog park in Granville County. The event will take place Saturday, June 30, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the park located at 313 E. Spring Street in Oxford.
Granville County Animal Control, the Humane Society of Granville County, Community Partnership for Pets, local vets, vendors and more will be in attendance.
A pet ID tag machine, microchip clinic, low-cost rabies vaccinations, low-cost spay-neuter information and dog adoptions will be available.
Hix Dog Park was made possible by a grant by the Granville County Recreation Advisory Committee.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Ellington Speaks at Rebuild Communities, NC Ribbon Cutting
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Kaine Riggan, Downtown Development Director, Downtown Henderson
Mayor Eddie Ellington welcomes a healthy showing of community leaders to Thursday’s ribbon cutting for a new downtown business, Rebuild Communities, NC, located beside the courthouse on Church Street.
Mayor Eddie Ellington speaks on behalf of the City as Edith Thompson, John Barnes and Bernard Alston look on. (Photo courtesy Downtown Development)
Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., July 2
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance
Items on the agenda include:
July’s agenda and previous agendas may be viewed on the County’s website by clicking here.
Averett Baptist Hosting Bluegrass Gospel Concert
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Rev. Rodney Barwick, Averett Baptist Church
The Averett Baptist Church, 2671 Averett Church Road, Nelson, Virginia is hosting a free Bluegrass Gospel Concert featuring The Oak Grove Boys & Stephanie. Concert to be held Sunday, July 15 @ 6 p.m. All are welcome!
The church is located 5 miles southwest of Clarksville, VA off Highway 49-S
Free admission but a love offering will be taken.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Animal Control Advisory Committee to Meet on Dangerous Dog Declaration
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
Granville County Animal Control Advisory Committee
The Granville County Animal Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Granville Expo and Convention Center located at 4185 Highway 15 South, Oxford.
The purpose of the special meeting is to hold a hearing for a citizen contesting a Dangerous Dog Declaration.
Cooperative Extension with Jean Bell 06/28/18
/by CharleneFireworks Safety
Summertime is here. Summer brings outdoor fun, picnics and celebrations for the Fourth of July. For many people the 4th of July means fireworks. A good fireworks show can make lots of good memories for your family and can be a wonderful end to a family holiday picnic. Make sure your celebration is safe by educating your family about fireworks safety.
If not handled properly fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries. According to the US consumer product safety commission, each year 250 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the days around the 4th of July.
These injuries are not limited to kids; 61% of the injuries reported are adults, 32% are kids under age 14 and the rest are teens. About 14% of fireworks injuries are due to using sparklers incorrectly, 17% involve firecrackers, 21% involve roman candles or reloadable shells, and the rest are other types of products. Fireworks injuries can happen with both backyard displays and public displays.
Using some types of fireworks at home is not legal in all areas, so be sure to check the local laws. If you do use home fireworks, use these safety tips to make sure you have a safe and memorable celebration.
If anyone is injured, seek medical treatment immediately. If eye injury occurs, don’t touch or rub the eye as this can cause more damage. Don’t flush the eye or put on any ointment. Lightly cover the eye, and seek medical attention. For a burn, remove clothing and run cool water over the burned area and seek medical attention.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed. Be safe if you use fireworks at home or attend a public fireworks display and leave the lighting to the professionals.
Dr. Vanessa Wrenn Named Principal of Granville Academy
/by Kelly BondurantDr. Vanessa Wrenn, Ed.D. has been named principal of Granville Academy, a blended learning experience for grades K-12 that allows for on-site and off-site independent studies.
Wrenn began her career in education teaching at Riverside High School in Durham and has served as a Career Technical Education teacher and the Director of Technology and Online Learning for Granville County Public Schools.
Among her accomplishments, Wrenn initiated the Granville Online program in 2010 for students in grades 7-12 and also implemented a one laptop device per student directive to allow for 24/7 anytime, anywhere learning.
“As a mother of three, my lens is always ‘what is best for children,’” said Wrenn. “My goal is to ensure that all children are engaged in their learning so they may be successful students.”
With a background in digital learning initiatives, Wrenn brings her extensive knowledge to this new approach to K-12 education. “My work has transitioned learning in Granville County Public Schools to a digital age teaching environment,” said Wrenn. “Students and teachers now have consistent access to technology devices, resources and online courses.”
As part of the Granville County Public School System, Granville Academy will begin its first school year on Monday, August 27, 2018, and will follow the traditional calendar for Granville County Schools.
Taught by state-certified teachers, and accredited as part of the school district system, Granville Academy staff “will use innovation and flexibility to best meet each learners needs.”
According to their website, Granville Academy will enroll students in K-5 and 6-8 to attend a physical school building two days a week for five hours each day. High school students in grades 9-12 will have flexibility in their workspace based on progress. All students will work virtually during the school week.
Academy classes will be located inside existing Granville County school structures. Tar River and CG Credle Elementary and Butner-Stem and Northern Granville Middle will serve as the Granville Academy elementary and middle school sites, respectively. High school students will attend a physical school building on an as-needed basis.
Granville Academy is available to both in-county and out-of-county residents. While free for residents of Granville County, students living out-of-district will pay a tuition as determined by the Granville County Public School’s Board of Education.
According to Wrenn, community feedback regarding the hybrid learning experience has been very positive. “The schedule of some days on campus and other days away from campus meets families and learners’ specific needs. We have families who travel for work and pleasure, students who are pursuing sports, arts, or have health reasons which require flexible schedules. Additionally, some students prefer a blended model due to their learning style.”
Over the past few months, Granville Academy staff have conducted numerous community talks to educate the community on the school design and to answer individual questions.
Although well-received, Wrenn said the biggest challenge has been helping both parents and the community understand how a blended school works. “The school utilizes a personalized course of study that follows local and state curriculum standards. Teachers provide the primary instruction and assign grades. Parents are highly involved, facilitating learning on the days students are at home.”
Students are assessed using the same state end-of-grade and end-of-course exams as traditional Granville County Public School students and are eligible for athletics and other activities as offered at their base school.
With 168 students currently enrolled in grades K-12, Wrenn is ready to get started. “I understand that each child needs an advocate and options. I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader in online learning and technology to Granville Academy and work to ensure every child’s success in a personalized learning environment.”
*For more information on Granville Academy, please visit their website at https://ga.gcs.k12.nc.us/ or contact Dr. Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us.
Rebuild Durham to Host Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Rebuild Durham, a Henderson Community Resource Center for homebuyer education, housing finance, construction, workforce development and revitalization, will host a grand opening and brunch on Thursday, June 28, 2018, from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
The event will feature Rebuilding Communities.
Located at 117 Church Street in Henderson, Rebuild Durham’s grand opening will also include a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.
Please call Rebuild Durham at (919) 723-0100 for more details.
*The ribbon-cutting for Dysart Willis, 1108 Dabney Drive, previously scheduled for Thursday, June 28 has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 4 p.m.
(This is not a paid advertisement)