Tag Archive for: #dabneyelementary

Vance County Schools February Student Spotlight Selections

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— Information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has selected two elementary students to share Student Spotlight in February. Mia Watkins is a 1st grader at New Hope Elementary and Paisley David is a 4th grader at Dabney Elementary.

They were selected for their exceptional contributions and leadership within their school communities.

Mia Watkins – New Hope Elementary

At New Hope Elementary School, kindness, pride, and positivity shine brightly through first grader Mia Watkins. Nominated by her teacher, Tina Terry, Mia is known for her warm heart and joyful spirit. She walks into school each day with a big smile, a cheerful hello, and often a hug for everyone she meets. Her love for school is written all over her face from the moment she enters the building, and her New Hope Wildcat pride runs deep.

Mia is the kind of student every classroom celebrates. She shares her materials with classmates, helps friends during centers, and assists her teachers throughout the day. Whether working in whole group or small group instruction, she is fully engaged and always ready to lend a helping hand. Mia believes students should be kind, treat others with respect, and help when they can, and she models that behavior every single day.

While she especially loves recess, particularly the swings and playing tag with friends, Mia also enjoys science. She likes learning about the weather and chemicals and recently has been excited about mastering addition and subtraction. She says Ms. Terry makes learning fun. Her favorite book is The Three Little Pigs, especially the part where the pigs build their houses. She admires the pig who built with bricks because he made a strong and smart choice.

When it is time to relax, Mia enjoys watching Frozen and loves Elsa. Her favorite song is Lady Lady by Olivia Dean. Outside of school, she stays active as a Henderson Recreation and Parks cheerleader and takes dance classes at Ballet Arts, where she studies hip hop, ballet, tumble, and tap. She even teaches her friends the cheers she learns. Mia also enjoys supporting her brother and cousin at their games and often shares updates about their practices and competitions.

She attends Oak Level Church and enjoys spending time with her family, including her big brother Kobe, who is in fifth grade, and her Cane Corso, Cane. Her favorite colors are pink, purple, and light blue, and she loves spaghetti.

Mia dreams of becoming a police officer like her mom. She admires her mom for her strength, her love, and her cooking, especially her chicken with rice and green beans. Mia also treasures the time they spend cuddling and reading together. If she could have any superpower, she would choose teleportation so she could get places faster. If she had a magic wand, she would wish for a strawberry doughnut from Krispy Kreme. She hopes to travel to the Bahamas on a cruise where she can hold a parrot and swim in the pool.

Mia says the best part of being a student at New Hope is the strong sense of community, especially morning meetings on the carpet and wellness activities that help students start their day in a positive way. She comes to school each day ready to learn new things, see her friends, and grow. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and joyful presence remind everyone what it means to be a New Hope Wildcat, and her school community is proud to celebrate her in this Student Spotlight.

 

Paisley David – Dabney Elementary 

Dabney Elementary proudly recognizes 4th grader Paisley David as their 2025-2026 Student Spotlight honoree. Paisley is an active and enthusiastic learner who consistently gives her best in every lesson and activity. She loves reading and excels in it, enjoys learning fractions, and embraces challenges with a positive attitude. Her curiosity and dedication make her a shining example of what it means to be a ROCK student, showing Respect, taking Ownership, displaying Courage, and using Know How every day.

Paisley dreams of becoming an astronaut, inspired by her passion for space and her desire to help people learn more about Earth and the universe. If she could have a superpower, she would choose teleportation so she could instantly visit her uncle across the country. She also hopes to use her abilities to make the world better, wishing for endless access to food for those experiencing homelessness.

Beyond her academics, Paisley enjoys playing outdoors, exploring her creativity through arts and crafts, and spending time with her family. Her favorite book is Dork Diaries, her favorite movie is Five Nights at Freddy’s, and her favorite song is “The Milk Carton” by Madeline May. She looks up to her father for his example of curiosity, responsibility, and how to approach challenges with care.

Paisley is also a kind, dependable, and caring peer. She looks out for others, offers help when needed, and sets a positive example through her actions. She represents Dabney Elementary well both in and out of the classroom, consistently demonstrating respect, responsibility, and good character. When asked what advice she would give other students, Paisley said, “Try your best at everything, and you can accomplish hard things.” 

Paisley David makes a lasting impact at Dabney Elementary by encouraging her peers, approaching every challenge with enthusiasm, and spreading positivity throughout the school.

New Principals At STEM Early High, Dabney Elementary

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— information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has named new principals for STEM Early High and Dabney Elementary as the 2025-26 school year approaches.

Jessica Austin is the principal of STEM Early High and Dr. Miah Hart-Olivis is principal at Dabney Elementary, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support.

Austin, most recently the Math Teacher Development specialist for Vance County High School and Vance County Early College, has more than 20 years’ experience as a teacher and administrator. She is a former principal with Durham Public Schools.

Austin has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s of Education in school administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a doctorate at UNC-G.

Hart-Olivis, most recently a human resources recruiter, also brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role. She has worked in Durham County Schools and Chatham County Schools. Hart-Olivis earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in teaching from Hampton University and has a doctorate in educational leadership from High Point University.

VCS Student Spotlight Winners

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 — information courtesy of Grace Herndon, VCS Communication & Innovative Support

Vance County Schools recognizes two elementary school students for Student Spotlight honors in November. Kaylor Cross from Dabney Elementary and Ireana Tuck of New Hope Elementary each demonstrate strong leadership qualities and make exceptional contributions at their respective schools.

The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools in partnership with the Vance County Public School Foundation, highlights students who go above and beyond and who embody qualities like kindness, dedication and a strong commitment to personal growth and service to others.

Kaylor Cross, 4th Grade

Kaylor is an excellent student who shows leadership skills and kindness at Dabney Elementary. Her teachers Justin Wrenn and Ginger Glover nominated Kaylor because of her dedication to learning, her positive attitude and the impact she makes on those around her.

Kaylor shines academically, especially in her favorite subject – math – which she enjoys for its challenges and fun. She recently loved learning about the Middle Ages through CKLA. Her self-motivation and maturity make her a model student, always eager to help classmates with their work and foster positive relationships. Kaylor is active in the AIG program and has previously participated in Robotics.

She spends her free time playing basketball, being outdoors and engaging with Girl Scout Troop 245. She also enjoys comic books, Hello Kitty, and Despicable Me. Kaylor dreams of becoming a math teacher or basketball player and credits her parents as her biggest inspirations, valuing their encouragement and support.

If given a superpower, she would choose to fly and travel anywhere. Her dream trip would take her to New York City to shop and visit the Statue of Liberty.

Kaylor’s advice to others is simple yet meaningful: “Work hard, focus, and be kind.” Congratulations, Kaylor, on being an exceptional leader and learner!

Ireana Tuck, 5th grade

Ireana stands out as a leader and role model. As president of the Beta Club and a member of the Robotics Club, Ireana is a shining example of commitment and excellence. Math is her favorite subject because it comes naturally to her, and she loves a good challenge—like recently mastering how to convert improper fractions to mixed fractions. Outside of school, Ireana cheers for Champions in Motion, sings at Huntsville Baptist Church, and enjoys making colorful bracelets.

Her kindness shines in everything she does, from helping her dad build bunk beds to supporting her classmates when they need assistance in class. Her future goal is to become a small-animal veterinarian, inspired by her love for helping others. She is very fond of animals, including her four dogs.

Ireana credits her family for teaching her to “do right by people” and her teachers, especially Mrs. Broughton, for making school a welcoming place. If given a magic wand, she would wish for money to support her family—a true reflection of her selfless nature. Ireana’s advice to others? “Do good things for others and lead by example.” With her leadership, positivity and drive, she is a true Spotlight Student!

Both students are exemplary representatives of Vance County Schools and the Student Spotlight program. They embody the values of kindness, dedication and a commitment to learning. They inspire others and are a source of pride for their school communities and the district.

Dabney Elementary Students Welcome Baby Chicks Into Their Classrooms

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Four weeks ago second graders and their teachers at Dabney Elementary School welcomed chicken eggs into their classrooms. Now, they have baby chicks hopping around in their incubator containers.

The learning experience has been a great one for the students and a truly collaborative effort among the four second-grade teachers.

Second-grade teacher Kerianne Owen began the project and got her colleagues, Kimberly Holtzmann, Trish Burroughs and Ellen Harris, to join in. The eggs were donated by a local farmer and the project was sponsored through the Vance County 4-H, with lots of help from Lina Lue, the local agricultural extension agent.

The students can easily answer questions about the process, including how they rotated the eggs three times a day for 21 days and made sure the eggs were always kept warm in the incubators. They can discuss how the chicks made their way out of their eggs and how they have changed in the few days since they hatched.

The chicks’ journey at Dabney Elementary is coming to an end. This week, they will be taken home by Owen and Holtzmann, who plan to raise them on their farms.

“The children have been so excited through this whole process,” Owen said. “Each day, they would come into the classroom and go over to the incubator to say hello to the chicks, even when they were still inside their eggs. Once we saw them starting to peck their way out of their shells, the students’ enthusiasm really went up.”

“This has been an amazing learning experience for our students,” Holtzmann added. “We as teachers have learned, also. It was quite a bit of work to care for the eggs, make sure they were turned enough times each day and kept warm enough. Now that they are out of their shells, the children have learned how to feed them and give them water.”

Of course, the students have given all of the chicks names. They’ve watched them go from “wet gooey messes” as one student described as they hatched, to now “furry” cute things ranging in color from dark brown to yellow.

The students say they will be sad to see the chicks leave their classrooms, but they’re looking forward to Owen and Holtzmann sharing pictures of the chicks as they grow into adult chickens.

Kerianne Owen, a second-grade teacher at Dabney Elementary, watches with four of her students as nine baby chicks move around in the incubator in her classroom. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Kimberly Holtzmann holds one of the 10 baby chicks in her classroom as some of her second graders take turns petting the chick. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Dabney Elementary collects donations for Hurricane Harvey Relief

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Students, parents and staff members at Dabney Elementary School collected over 1,800 basic personal items for donations to needy families affected by Hurricane Harvey in southeastern Texas.

The donations will be transported to Texas through the Salvation Army with local chapters of the organization ensuring that families who need the items the most will receive them.

All classrooms in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade donated items for the hurricane relief project. Donations included personal hygiene items, washcloths, towels, toilet tissue, paper towels, facial tissues, baby diapers, bottled water and much more.

Scarlett Ellis, who works in Exceptional Children’s classrooms at Dabney Elementary, coordinated the effort at the school. She was assisted by teachers and students in collecting and counting the items.

Pre-K Dabney Students Complete Mi Centro Program

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

July 20, 2017

 

Pre-kindergarten students who participated in the Mi Centro program this summer at Dabney Elementary School completed their participation in the camp on July 19.

 

A total of 35 Hispanic students completed the summer program this year and are now ready to begin the new school year.

 

The students participated in sessions to prepare them for the new school year in three classes that were taught by Deris Mora, Kelly Smith and Tamekia Thompson, all teachers in Vance County Schools. They were assisted by Sherry Compton, Lesli Miranda, Kathy Pernell, Malinda Puckett, Janet Rodriguez and Connetta Terry. One student volunteer, Reina Banda-Orozco, also helped in the classes.

 

The Mi Centro program is coordinated through the school system’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program and is designed to provide educational services to pre-school Hispanic children to help them prepare to begin the school year.

 

Each of the students was recognized during a “graduation” ceremony held in the multipurpose room at Dabney Elementary on the morning of July 19. Their teachers presented them with certificates for their participation in the program. Each student wore a light blue cap and gown and came up to accept their certificate from their teacher.

Vance County Schools Plan Open Houses

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Vance County Schools pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs opened registration and applications January 1, 2017.

We invite parents to visit our schools on the following dates.

 

Aycock Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

Carver Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

Clarke Elementary – Thursday, March 16

Dabney Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

E.M. Rollins Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

E.O. Young Jr. Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

L.B. Yancey Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

New Hope Elementary – Thursday, March 16

Pinkston Street Elementary – Tuesday,  March 14

Zeb Vance Elementary – Tuesday, March 14

 

School sites will be open between 1 and 6 p.m. for registration on these days.

Anyone may register their children on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vance County Schools Administrative Services Center at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson.

Pre-kindergarten students must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2017, and kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2017.

Applications also are available online at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

 

Please bring to registration:

  • Proof of child’s age (birth certificate, medical record, baptismal record)
  • Immunization record
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, official records)
  • Proof of residence (utility bill, rental lease or mortgage statement)
  • Proof of income (paycheck stub, tax forms)