Tag Archive for: #granvillecountypublicschools

Solar+ Schools Award Provides Solar Educational Program At NGMS

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Northern Granville Middle School is one of nine schools across the state that will install a solar array, thanks to NC GreenPower with backing from the State Employees Credit Union.

The Oxford middle school is a recipient of the Solar+ Schools Award for 2024 – valued between $55,000 and $75,000to create a solar educational package including a fully-funded 20-kilowatt solar array, STEM curriculum, teacher training and more, according to information from Courtney Currin, GCPS public information officer.

The solar array will provide educational opportunities for students through an included weather station and data monitoring equipment. Additionally, the solar arrays will have an energy impact on Granville County Public Schools and, possibly, the community.

Superintendent Dr. Stan WInborne said he is excited about the opportunity for the district and students. “In GCPS, we are doing all we can to increase efficiency and effectively use taxpayer dollars to provide a sound education for our students. The Solar+ Schools Award at NGMS is just another way that we can make this happen.”

STEM Early High School in Vance County also received a 2024 Solar+ Schools Award.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Gets Digital Learning Grant From NC DPI

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Granville County Public Schools is one of four districts from across the state to receive a one-year grant to help implement effective digital learning practices.

The grant will provide $50,000 to the district to support the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force work and AI Camp for 8th-12th grade students, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

The State Board of Education approved proposals from GCPS, as well as school districts in Guilford, Nash and Perquimans counties, according to a press release from NC DPI. The Emerging Technology grants, up to $50,000, will allow districts to use technology and develop more innovative practices within their schools.

GCPS Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne said, “We’re excited to take yet another step in preparing our students for the changing technology landscape and entering technology-rich work environments. This grant will also help our staff stay updated on AI to enhance cybersecurity.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the grants are key to helping North Carolina’s students be better prepared to compete for high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting districts in their effort to adopt new technologies and methods for teaching.

“These grants are a fundamental way to ensure that we are providing supports and resources for digital teaching and learning in North Carolina’s schools,” Truitt said. “If we want our state’s students to have ample opportunity for success after graduation, we must properly equip both students and educators with the tools to succeed and teach in our rapidly evolving, technology-forward world. These grants play a critical role in that effort.”

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, DPI’s chief information officer, echoed Truitt’s sentiments.

“Technology continues to play a significant role in shaping successful outcomes for students, especially as the workforce continues to be increasingly digitally driven,” Wrenn said. “It is important for students to be well versed in the latest technologies, and the agency is continually impressed by these districts’ innovative approaches to digital learning outlined in their proposals that will ultimately lead to student success.”

In addition to the Emerging Technology grants, seven Impact Grants also were recommended by the State Board of Education to allow districts to facilitate the development of innovative practices and new digital teaching initiatives. Funding for the Impact Grant is up to $95,000 per public school unit for a total of three years. The seven recipients of this grant are below:

  • Alamance-Burlington School System
  • Catawba County Schools
  • Chatham County Schools
  • Edenton-Chowan Public Schools
  • Guilford County Schools
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Lake Norman Charter School

Impact Grant funding will continue for six school districts that were awarded during previous grant cycles:

  • Asheboro City Schools (Year 2/3)
  • Caldwell County Schools (Year 3/3)
  • Davie County Schools (Year 3/3)
  • Iredell-Statesville Schools (Year 2/3)
  • Mount Airy City Schools (Year 3/3)
  • Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (Year 2/3)

The grant initiative was authorized in 2016 by the General Assembly as part of collaboration between the State Board of Education and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at N.C. State University to advance the state’s Digital Learning Plan. The goal of that plan is to develop a long-term strategy that sets directions and priorities, supports innovation and provides resources to enable educators and students to benefit fully from digital-age teaching and learning.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Announces New Principals At 2 Middle Schools

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-information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

 

Two of the three middle schools in Granville County Public Schools will have new principals next year. The Granville County Board of Education At its regularly scheduled meeting on June 3, 2024, the Board of Education named Jessie Shore as the new principal of G. C. Hawley Middle School and Anthony Herndon was named as the new principal of Northern Granville Middle School.

Shore comes to GCPS from Neuse River Middle School where she was an assistant principal and math/science teacher for five years, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Shore attended Western Carolina University for her undergraduate degree and, later, administration licensure. She also holds a master’s degree from Salem College. Shore has a passion for education and ensuring the success of all students. She looks forward to meeting and working with the Hawley community to make the school the best place to learn for all students.

Herndon has been with GCPS for numerous years, serving most recently as the assistant principal at Butner-Stem Middle School. Before becoming an administrator in GCPS, Herndon taught math in grades 6-8, Math I, and Math II; and served as a District Math Specialist. He has also worked in Vance County Schools, Warren County Schools, and at NC DPI in various capacities. Herndon is a graduate of both Winston-Salem State University and Liberty University. He believes all students deserve an opportunity to have a good education that can help prepare them for their future, Currin stated. Herndon also believes it is important to create a secure and well-structured learning environment where all students can learn, discover and grow academically, emotionally and socially.

The board also chose Chasity Rivera to become the assistant principal at Butner-Stem Middle School, Michael Spradlin to be assistant principal at Wilton Elementary and Daniel DuLany to be assistant principal at SparkNC.

Granville County Public Schools

2 J.F. Webb Seniors Awarded More Than $2 Million In Scholarships

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Information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

Two J.F. Webb High School seniors have been recognized for each receiving scholarships totaling more than $1 million.

Kailie Galdamez, headed off to UNC-Chapel Hill, was awarded 13 scholarships. Fellow senior Bryson Gresham, headed to East Carolina University Honors College, received 21 scholarships.

Galdamez and Gresham join classmates for graduation on Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m.

GCPS graduation ceremonies for the class of 2024 will be livestreamed. Visit https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/ and click on the graduation link.

The students expressed their gratitude and acknowledged the support they received during their time at J.F. Webb. “Having counselors to help me through my new experience of college applications was really helpful,” Galdamez said. Gresham stated, “I am grateful for all my administration and teachers who helped me along my journey at J.F. Webb.”

Galdamez received the following scholarships: Wingate Merit Scholarship, FBCA Impact Scholarship, UNC Chapel Hill Merit Award, UNC-Chapel Hill Carolina Covenant, Meredith Merit Scholarship, Hofstra Presidential Scholarship, Appalachian State Merit Scholarship, UNC Pembroke Merit Awards, Johnson & Wales Presidential Scholarship, Johnson & Wales Merit Scholarship, Hollins University Presidential Scholarship, High Point University Merit Scholarship and the J.F. Webb Alumni Scholarship.

Gresham received the following scholarships: Lenoir-Rhyne University Promise Scholarship, Barton College Trustee Scholarship, Wingate University Presidential, Campbell University Scott Ellis Scholarship, Campbell University Housing Award, Western Carolina Merit, Belmont Abbey Trustees Merit Scholarship, Catawba College Presidential Scholarship, Queens University of Charlotte Presidential, High Point University Presidential Fellowship, High Point University Centennial Award, High Point Merit Award, East Carolina Honors College Merit Scholarship, East Carolina Mathematics Scholarship, Furman University Bell Tower Scholarship, Appalachian State Excellence Scholarship, Sewanee Ecee Quam Bonum Award, Wofford College Merit Scholarship, UNC Wilmington Merit Scholarship, John Little Memorial Scholarship and the J.F. Webb Alumni Scholarship.

 

Larry Ferebee Named Principal At J.F. Webb In Oxford

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Schools

Larry Ferebee has been named principal at J.F. Webb High School.

The announcement was made Monday at the regular scheduled meeting of the Granville County Board of Education, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

Ferebee retired from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years before entering the field of education. After retirement, he taught for 11 years in a Title I high school in Virginia and then served as principal or assistant principal at high schools in Wake, Northampton and Franklin counties.

While in the Army, Ferebee was an instructor, drill sergeant and First Sergeant and served in Germany, Korea, Egypt and Iraq.

In addition to a variety of instructional and leadership experiences, Ferebee brings a commitment to the success of all students, a passion for the development of excellence in teaching and learning, and a promise to do his best for and with the staff and students of J. F. Webb High School every day.

According to the press statement, Ferebee wants everyone who enters J.F. Webb High School feels welcome, safe and excited to be there. His goal is that all students know how much he and the staff love and care for them. Through relationships, he will strive to provide instructional opportunities that lead to students graduating career and college ready.

“I am very grateful for the staff and community members from J. F. Webb who assisted in the search process for their new leader,” said GCPS Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne. “I believe Mr. Ferebee will lead the school forward and help Webb continue its upward trajectory.”

Granville County Public Schools Leadership Changes

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-information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

The Granville County Board of Education approved several changes in district leadership positions at its Feb. 5 meeting and, in doing so, reduced the number of central services staff by two positions.

Vickie Hines was named the district’s Chief Financial Officer. She has been serving as an interim in that role since March 2022. Hines has worked with GCPS since 2007, and has held roles as Early Childhood Education coordinator, grants program coordinator and assistant finance officer.

Courtney Currin was named assistant superintendent of Human Resources and Operations and will begin that role July 1, 2024. She currently is the executive director of Human Resources and public information officer; Currin will continue as public information officer for the district, but will be succeeded by Latisa McKnight as the new executive director of Human Resources, also effective July 1, 2024.

Currin has close to 20 years of experience in public education – all in GCPS. She began her career as an English teacher at J.F. Webb High School and has served as an assistant principal and principal at multiple grade spans. She has served in the Human Resources department since July 2021.

McKnight, currently the personnel coordinator within the Human Resources department, will assume the director duties in the new fiscal year. McKnight came to Granville County School as a principal intern at Butner-Stem Elementary and went on to be assistant principal for five years and then principal for six years at Creedmoor Elementary.

The role of personnel coordinator will not be filled, according to the press release. The second position that will not be filled is executive director of Operations, currently held by Bill Graham, who announced his retirement after 36 years in education, including terms as principal of South Granville High School, Granville Central High School and Granville Academy.

“I am very confident that these proven leaders will do an exceptional job in their new roles. As we continue to address the upcoming budgetary challenges, we will maximize efficiency and target our resources to where they matter most, closest to our schools, serving our students,” said Superintendent Stan Winborne.

“By consolidating services at the Central Office level and reducing positions, we will save approximately $118,600,” Currin said in an email to WIZS News.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board Of Education Approves 2024-25 Calendar With Aug. 12 Start Date

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Parents with children in Granville County Public Schools, take note: The first day of the 2024-25 school year is inching forward a couple of weeks after the Granville County Board of Education approved the traditional-year calendar Monday.

Students will return to school on Monday, Aug. 12, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin. The earlier start date means an earlier end date, with the school year coming to a close before the Memorial Day holiday. Students returned to school this year on Aug. 28.

Another bonus comes for high school students, who will complete exams and first semester before the winter break.

Currin said the the calendar committee incorporated feedback from parents and significantly reduced the number of early release days to better meet the needs of the district’s families. This calendar also includes a small fall break in mid-October and puts the district’s calendar in line with local charter schools, she said.

The Granville Early College High School’s calendar is closely aligned with Vance-Granville Community College’s calendar to facilitate cross-enrollment for its students. The first day of class for Early College students is Wednesday, Aug. 7.

View both calendars at https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/.

 

 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville School Board Approves Leadership Changes

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Granville County Public School’s new superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne has announced leadership changes approved by the board of education.

The board held a special meeting on Monday, July 10.

Jamar Perry has been named assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services.

Courtney Currin is the new executive director of Human Resources and Public Information Officer.

Perry begins his fifth year with GCPS and was most recently assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

Currin has worked in GCPS for almost 20 years and most recently served as the federal personnel director within the Human Resources department.

“The individuals in these new roles will bring stability and strength to our senior leadership,” Winborne said in a press statement.
“Each has a deep connection to our district, a strong work ethic, and an absolute commitment to the students of GCPS.  I am very optimistic about our future and look forward to a great school year for our students and educators.”

Winborne noted that Bill Graham. executive director for Operations, and Vickie Hines, interim finance director, will continue in their roles and complete the executive team for the district.

Winborne was sworn in on June 29, 2023 and assumed the role of superintendent on July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Alisa McLean.

VCS Gets $50,000 Emerging Technology Grant

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Vance County Schools has been awarded a $50,000 Emerging Technology grant which it plans to use to provide students with a simulator to program robots, including virtual drones.

The local school district was among 12 across the state to get the grant, which is part of the state’s Digital Learning Initiative, designed to promote  effective digital learning practices across the state’s K-12 public schools.

Granville County Public Schools also got $50,000 to create a mobile podcasting studio for students, school employees and community use.

These one-year grants allow districts to use technology and develop more innovative practices within their schools.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the grants are key to helping North Carolina’s students be better prepared to compete for high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting districts in their effort to adopt new technologies and methods for teaching.

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“These grants are such a critical way we continue providing digital teaching, learning supports, and resources for North Carolina’s districts, educators, and students,” Truitt said. “I commend these districts for their support of digital innovation and desire to incorporate technology into the classroom. These grants will make a difference in the way we equip our students for the rapidly changing, technologically driven world that they will soon enter.”

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, chief information officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, echoed how these grants positively impact a student’s learning experience and better prepare them for the world ahead.

“Technology continues to play a significant role in shaping successful outcomes for students, especially as the workforce continues to be increasingly digitally driven,” Wrenn said. “It is important for students to be well versed in the latest technologies. We continue to be impressed by these schools’ innovation with their grant proposals and how the funds are used to transform student’s educational experience.”

N.C. Sen. Bode Visits Granville Early College Campus

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N.C. Sen. Mary Wills Bode visited the campus of Granville Early College High School as part of the inaugural Bring Your Legislator to School Day.

Bode was elected to represent District 18, which includes part of Granville County, in November.

During her visit, Bode toured the school with Principal Jackie Harris, Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean and several members of the board of education. A group of students provided special entertainment for the visit.

“We were delighted to have Senator Bode visit our district,” said Board Chair Glenda Williams. “I was very proud of our students for being amazing leaders and sharing information about their wonderful school.”

Lawmakers were invited by members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, and bi-partisan legislative sponsors to visit schools in their respective jurisdictions and engage with school communities. Bode was one of more than 70 legislators to accept the invitation to participate.

McLean said she appreciated the legislator taking the time to come to the school. “It was wonderful to have Senator Bode in our district today.  We loved her spending time with our students and taking an interest in our schools.”

Visit Mary Wills Bode to learn more.