#granvillecountynews - WIZS

Dr. Alisa McLean Completes Year-Long Superintendent Program

June 9, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean was among 45 superintendents from across the state to graduate from the NCSSA Next Generation Superintendent Development Program Cohort VII.

The program is designed to support the growth, expansion and enhancement of superintendents using the North Carolina Superintendent Standards, said Jack Hoke, executive director of the NC School Superintendents’ Association.

The year-long program was comprised of six face-to-face sessions that guided superintendents as they reflected on and improved their effectiveness as district leaders; focused on their personal leadership goals and linked personal goals with district and state goals; and guided and facilitated the professional development of superintendents toward advanced levels of executive leadership as defined by the North Carolina Standards for Superintendents.

Dr. Alisa McLean, GCPS Superintendent, and Dr. Jack Hoke, executive director of the NC School Superintendents’ Association, are shown with Dr. McLean’s certificate of achievement for completing the NCSSA Next Generation Superintendent Development Program Cohort VII. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Hoke said of Dr. McLean, “In addition to participating in high-quality professional development, Dr. McLean developed a strong network of superintendents to consult with, and she contributed to the discussion on emerging issues and innovative practices occurring in the Granville County public schools.”

Superintendent McLean offered her thoughts, saying, “The NCSSA Next Generation Superintendent Development Program gave me an opportunity to network with other superintendents from across the state and discuss trending issues and innovative practices in education. The program is designed to assist superintendents in the complex work of leading and guiding a school district. I appreciate the NC School Superintendents’ Association for organizing and delivering the program and for bringing all the superintendents together for the great professional development and growth opportunity.”

Board Chairman David Richardson offered his reaction during the June 1, 2020, Board Meeting. He stated, “In the midst of leading a district through a response to COVID 19, we are proud and excited to announce Dr. Alisa McLean’s graduation from the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Next Generation Superintendent Development Program. I can say that we have seen the fruit and profit of Dr. McLean’s participation in this innovative group, and I want to thank her and congratulate her for this accomplishment and want her to know that as the Board Chair, a Board member and a resident of Granville County, I want to thank you for your commitment to leading Granville County Public Schools with distinction, innovation and a caring heart.”

Granville Spring Shred & Recycle Event Results Announced

June 5, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release and photos, Granville County Government

Granville County’s Spring Shred and Recycle Event, held May 16, 2020, resulted in the collection and proper disposal of truckloads of scrap metal, electronics/televisions, shredded paper, hardback books, household batteries, outdated medications and other items.

Recycle and Sustainability Coordinator Teresa Baker reports the following totals:

* Shred Ace – 5,440 pounds of paper (2.72 tons)
* Metech Recycling – 4,725 pounds of electronics and TV’s
* RMR Recycling – 800 lbs of hardback books
* Dart Container – 1/2 enclosed trailer of polystyrene
* Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 185 pounds of medication and sharps
* Interstate Batteries – four (4) five-gallon buckets of various household batteries, four (4) lead-acid batteries, and a pallet of other batteries
* Granville County Humane Society – 1/2 truckbed full of various items
* GFL = 985 pounds of scrap metal and broken appliances

“I was very pleased with the turnout,” said Baker. “Thanks to all who participated, and to our volunteers who came out to make the day a success.”

Recycling events are held twice a year in Granville County and are scheduled in the spring and fall at the Expo and Convention Center. Details about the fall event will be announced soon.

For additional information or to learn more about local recycling efforts, please contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Tax Assistance Offered at Granville County Senior Center

June 4, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers are back at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford to assist Granville County seniors age 60+ with their tax returns. This free service will be available from 5 until 8 p.m. each Thursday through July 9. Appointments are required.

Participants will need to bring a valid picture ID, Social Security cards for themselves and any dependents claimed, income information, proof of health insurance and their previous-year tax returns.

To schedule an appointment, contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford, located at 107 Lanier Street, at 919-693-1930.

Jenna Holloway Named GCPS 2020 Teacher of the Year

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Each year, GCPS celebrates excellence in teaching through our Teacher of the Year recognitions. Staff at each school selects a Teacher of the Year who then competes to become the District Teacher of the Year, who then goes on to possibly compete at the regional, state and national levels.

Unfortunately, the pandemic altered the traditional special ceremony and announcements held this spring. This year, instead of being recognized in person, the teachers of the year were celebrated virtually at the June 1, 2020, Board of Education meeting.

Mrs. Jenna Holloway, first-grade teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School, was selected as Granville County Public Schools’ 2020 Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen school’s respective teachers of the year, showing photos and reading short biographies of each outstanding educator. Superintendent McLean then announced the second and first runners up, before Chairman David Richardson announced the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jenna Holloway, First Grade Teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School.

Mrs. Holloway was presented with her trophy, flowers, yard sign and balloons in person the day after the announcement. She will also receive a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.

Superintendent McLean offered her thoughts on the announcement, stating, “We are sure that Mrs. Holloway will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents.”

Board Chairman Richardson also shared his praise, stating, “I am so proud of all of these teachers and the dedication and love they have for their students. I know that Mrs. Holloway will represent our district well in this coming year as a true ambassador for our county and the profession itself.”

2020 Granville County Teachers of the Year:

Elementary Schools

Butner Stem Elementary School ~ Amy Brown

C.G. Credle Elementary School ~ Shiloh Novak

Creedmoor Elementary School ~ Stephanie Layton

Mt. Energy Elementary School ~ Jenna Holloway (WINNER)

Stovall Shaw Elementary School ~ Christopher Leas

Tar River Elementary School ~ Shelby Ford

West Oxford Elementary School ~ Karla Gravitt

Wilton Elementary School ~ Sherri Wilkins

Middle Schools

Butner Stem Middle School ~ Kimberly York (SECOND RUNNER UP)

G.C. Hawley Middle School ~ Margaret Hernandez

Granville Academy ~ Michael Spradlin

Northern Granville Middle School ~ MaShaunda Goods

High Schools

Granville Central High School ~ Stacey Mangum

Granville Early College High School ~ Emily Nemitz (FIRST RUNNER UP)

J.F. Webb High School ~ Rebecca Wilkinson

J.F. Webb School HLS ~ Jennifer Howard

Phoenix Academy ~ Amanda Grady

South Granville High School ~ Dane Fields

Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department

As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC; one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC; and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.

Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.

Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.

Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.

13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).

Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.

‘Veteran’ Granville Speller Wins District Bee Again

June 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Schools held and sponsored the annual District Spelling Bee for Granville County on the evening of March 14, 2020, at Tar River Elementary School.

Ten elementary schools from around the county, both public and charter, had School Spelling Bees during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Each school had talented and dedicated staff that worked diligently to organize their Bee and award a top speller for their school. The District Bee allows those top spellers the chance to compete to win the trophy as best speller of the year for Granville County.

District Spelling Bee winner, Joel Jose, and GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean (GCPS photo)

The ten winners, just by chance evenly divided between fourth and fifth grades, and their parents met at Tar River for a rehearsal the day before the contest. Amy Lue, Moderator, reviewed the rules and procedures with these sharp students and their families; then Dana King, Word Master, lead them through some practice words at the microphone.

“Holding a practice helps the children understand how the Spelling Bee works and gives them the confidence to perform on stage. This allows their nerves to be for spelling and not on how they need to comport themselves during the event,” commented Mrs. Lue, who was the organizer of the event.

Each contestant received a special t-shirt, provided by Granville County Schools, to wear the next night and keep as a memento of their experience. To prepare, the students studied the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word list of more than 4,000 words for several weeks ahead of the District Bee.

The students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on stage with Mrs. Lue the next night, while their families and teachers found seats in the multi-purpose room. Before the curtain rose, the judges were seated in front of the stage: Mrs. Cathy Frizzle, community volunteer, and Dr. Michael Myrick, and Dr. Stan Winborne, both from Granville County Schools, and Dana King, retired Media Coordinator, as the Word Master. Then Dr. Tonya Thomas welcomed the audience and introduced the spellers.

Contestants were:

Cayden Middleton – fifth-grader from Butner-Stem Elementary

Joel Jiljo Jose – fourth-grader from C. G. Credle School

Belen Elizarraras – fifth-grader from Creedmoor Elementary

Payton Gary – fifth-grader from Falls Lake Academy Charter School

Jordan Hershberger – fourth-grader from Granville Academy

Aubrey Canada – fourth-grader from Mt. Energy Elementary

Jasper Luffman – fourth-grader from Stovall-Shaw Elementary

Morgan Congleton – fifth-grader from Tar River Elementary

Dacari Burrell- fourth-grader from West Oxford Elementary

Bree Blackley – fifth-grader from Wilton Elementary

District Spelling Bee participants pose for a picture with Granville County Schools leaders and staff. (GCPS photo)

Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean greeted everyone for this annual event, praising them for already being school winners. Mrs. Lue reviewed the rules and explained that contestants would stay on stage for a practice round of spelling before the first round of the Bee began.

Each contestant approached the microphone center stage, the words were pronounced first, and the Word Master gave a definition, the part of speech, and a sentence before the student had a chance to spell. After the practice round, all ten contestants sat up straight and listened carefully as the official first round of the Bee began.

In Round One, two students missed their words, leaving the stage at the end of the round to sit with their families in the audience. No one missed a word in the second round, so all eight contestants were still in the competition. Two more students missed their words in Round Three, as the words became a little more difficult. One student missed in Round 4, and another missed in Round 5.

One student missed a word in each of the next two rounds, leaving Jasper Luffman, from Stovall-Shaw, and Joel Jose, from C. G. Credle, last on stage. Jasper missed his word, and Joel got his correct in Round 8. Then Joel was up for a word in Round 9 and correctly spelled, “culinary,” to win the District Bee. This was his second win, as he was also Granville County Schools’ District Bee Winner in 2019 when he was in the third grade.

All contestants returned to the stage to receive certificates and medals awarded by Dr. McLean and Dr. Thomas. Joel was called back up to receive the trophy, then participants and officials posed for photographs. The evening ended with a reception in the Professional Development Room, with cupcakes and juice provided by Superintendent McLean.

Our winner, Joel, is the son of Jiljo Jose and Sema Jose. He is a current fourth-grader at C.G. Credle Elementary School. He had a large group of family and school supporters in the audience that cheered loudly for him when he won.

Sherrie Burns, principal, and the staff at C.G. Credle were very excited and proud to have the winner for the second year in a row.

Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Spelling Bee, which was to be held the last week of May in Maryland was first postponed, then the decision was made to cancel for the first time since World War II.

GCPS winner, Joel, had registered for this event to proudly represent our county for the second time. He will be recognized by the Scripps Spelling Bee organization for his accomplishment in reaching the next level. He will also receive the prizes that would have been awarded to him at the event.

GCPS is proud of Joel and of all the students that competed in our District Bee. We want to thank Granville County Schools for being the sponsor for the Granville County District Bee and providing this opportunity to all Granville County elementary students.

McDonald’s of NC, Granville Owners Donate 83,000 Pounds of Food to Community

June 1, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, McDonald’s USA, LLC

McDonald’s of North Carolina and local area owner/operators Jeff & Ana Endrusick announced they will be donating 83,000 pounds of food to support the local Oxford community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McDonald’s is partnering across its system amidst this crisis to help ensure that excess food and ingredients from menu items originally produced and destined for McDonald’s restaurants will serve its purpose in feeding communities nationwide.

Together, with longtime partner Food Donation Connection (FDC) and local charitable organizations, the extra food will be distributed via local charities and food banks including Area Congregation in Ministry (ACIM) of Granville County to those in need – including children and families.

This latest initiative builds on the McDonald’s commitment to be lockstep with suppliers and owner/operators to serve communities during this unprecedented time and beyond. Last week, McDonald’s announced it had donated $3.1 million dollars in food to support local communities nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McDonald’s will continue to feed and foster the North Carolina community, remaining open to safely serve those who are essential and offer convenient, safe and contactless ways for customers to enjoy delicious favorites through drive-thru, carry out, McDelivery, and Mobile Order & Pay with McDonald’s App.

McDonald’s is led by its purpose to feed and foster community around the country by reliably providing delicious, safe food every day and particularly in times of crisis.

“We are so grateful to McDonald’s for their donation of food to our pantry. This donation will help ACIM provide food to our residents so that they will not have to worry about how to pay their grocery bill,” said Susan Hinman, Executive Director for ACIM. “We are currently seeing additional families who are seeking help because of the impact the COVID-19 virus has had on their lives and McDonald’s is playing a significant role in supporting these families.”

Granville County Commissioners to Hold Remote Budget Public Hearing

May 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet remotely by Zoom conference call on Monday, June 1, 2020, at 7 p.m. for the regularly scheduled meeting.

In order to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting may be accessed by utilizing the link and/or phone number included below.

Public comments will be accepted in written format and must be received by Monday, June 1 at 12 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email to grancomrs@granvillecounty.org

To join the Zoom Meeting:

https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/j/94148945996?pwd=N0dQQWJBZTdrYVFJQ0drUlVpWGxMQT09

Meeting ID: 941 4894 5996 ~ Password: 973170

Dial by your location: 877 853 5247 US Toll-free or 888 788 0099 US Toll-free

As part of Monday’s meeting, a public hearing will be held on the proposed FY 2020-2021 Budget. The proposed budget for Granville County has been submitted to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in accordance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board and at the Richard H. Thornton Library and other library branches if they are open to the public.

The proposed budget can be found at https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/finance-department/comprehensive-annual-financial-reports-budget-documents/.

Public comments on the proposed budget will be accepted in written format and must be received by Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email to grancomrs@granvillecounty.org as required by the Act to Provide Aid To North Carolinians In Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis, (S.L. 2020-3, SB 704, Section 4.31). The public comments will be included in the meeting minutes.

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here.

Granville Board of Education to Hold June Meeting Online

May 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, June 1, 2020, at 6 pm. However, in observance of the Governor’s “Stay-at-Home” Orders, this meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream.

To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link: https://live.myvrspot.com/player?udi=Z3Nj&c=Z3JhbnZpbGxlMQ%3D%3D

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel and Attorney/Client Privilege.

Public comments for this meeting will be accepted in writing by using this link: https://forms.gle/krHjyJg3JTwj7jt1A

Comments entered into this form between the hours of 12 and 4 p.m. on June 1, 2020, will be distributed to the Board of Education members before the meeting, and the first two minutes of each comment will be read aloud during the meeting.

A maximum of 30 minutes in total will be allotted for public comment.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

Cow Tests Positive for Rabies in Granville County

May 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Granville County Animal Control reports a confirmed case of rabies. A cow has tested positive for the rabies virus near the intersection of Lee Yancey Road and Grassy Creek/Virgilina Road. Animal Control officers are posting notices on surrounding homes.

North Carolina law mandates that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated by four months of age (N.C. General Statute 130A-185). Although cow-to-cow transfer of rabies is very rare, vaccines are available for cows and should be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html or https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html.

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