Tag Archive for: #granvillecountypublicschools

GCPS BOE Names Principals for Dual-Calendar Schools

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For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GCPS BOE Names Principals for Dual-Calendar Schools

Earlier this winter, the Granville County Board of Education approved recommendations by Superintendent McLean to transition four schools to a dual-calendar schedule. These schools, Butner-Stem Elementary School, Butner-Stem Middle School, West Oxford Elementary School, and Northern Granville Middle School will all begin offering two separate calendar tracks under one roof beginning this July. These four schools are “choice program” schools and are open to enrollment for all families in the county. The year-round, or balanced calendar, will spread the traditional summer vacation out over the course of the school year, providing three-week breaks every quarter, called intersessions. This schedule prevents the “summer slide” experienced by many children and provides more regular breaks during the school year for enrichment, recreation and remediation.

In addition to the change in calendars, these schools will also adopt academic themes. The southern area schools will take a “STEAM” focus, using Engineering principles to target hands-on learning in Science, Technology and Math, combined with a focus on the Arts (S.T.E.A.M.). The two northern area schools will adopt a ‘Global Ready’ focus, bringing in experiential learning related to language, culture, international relations and geography.

In order to lead these transformations, Superintendent McLean tasked each school’s leadership team to participate in a rigorous application and interview process for the principal of the school. All sitting principals were invited to apply for the newly modified leadership positions. Dr. McLean explained, “We wanted school staff to have an active role in the process of choosing their leader. I believe that any time a school undergoes this type of change, it is critical that the process be as collaborative. Stakeholders need input to shape their own school’s future when possible.” In addition to teachers and other school staff members, each hiring committee also included a parent and local business or industry partner. These four school-based teams ultimately brought two finalists to Dr. McLean for her final review.

On Thursday, March 15, the Granville County Board of Education met and named the follow educators as Principals for the 2018-2019 school year:

Left to Right: David Hackney, Shelby Hunt, Lauren Allen, Cindy Daniel

  • Butner-Stem Elementary School: Cindy Daniels
  • Butner-Stem Middle School: Lauren Curtis
  • West Oxford Elementary School: Shelby Hunt
  • Northern Granville Middle School: David Hackney

Two of the four principals are new to Granville County Public Schools. Both Shelby Hunt (West Oxford Elementary School) and Lauren Curtis (Butner Stem Middle School), will remain as principals at their respective schools.

Biographies of each of the new school leaders are listed below. Both will also be holding special ‘meet and greet’ events for parents and community members in the near future.

Cindy Daniels graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston, Ma. in 1993 and moved to North Carolina in 1996. Mrs. Daniels taught for 10 years in NC. Six years of her teaching experience was at Easley Year Round Elementary School in Durham Public Schools. While teaching, Mrs. Daniels earned her Master’s Degree in School Administration from UNC Chapel Hill in 2006. She became an Assistant Principal in Chapel Hill City Schools before becoming a principal in Durham Public Schools in 2010. Mrs. Daniels was named Principal of Cameron Park Elementary School in Orange County in 2015. Mrs. Daniels is a strong supporter of the benefits of the year-round calendar and opportunities it can afford our students, which is what led her to this exciting journey at Butner-Stem Elementary. Mrs. Daniels is married and has two stepsons and enjoys watching sports with her family, particularly anything Carolina!

David L. Hackney, II is a Durham native, resident of Creedmoor and the son of the late David and Jacqueline Hackney. He is the husband of Anesta Hackney and proud father to daughters Camille (9) and Jordin (5). In 1999, David graduated from North Carolina Central University with a B.A. degree in History. In February 2001, he became employed as a social studies teacher in the Durham Public School system. He would serve in this role for almost 11 years. While teaching, he was also the Head Coach of the Varsity Football and the Women’s Basketball teams at Riverside High School. Mr. Hackney has always felt a calling to work with the youth. In 2012, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with his Master’s degree in School Administration. Mr. Hackney has served 6 years in secondary administration. He has completed the last two years as an Assistant Principal at Shepard IB Magnet Middle School in Durham, NC. He is also the advisor of the Brother 2 Brother Young Men’s Mentoring program. In 2017, he was a finalist for Durham Public School’s Assistant Principal of the Year. He is also the Founder of the Men’s Think Tank of Durham that meets monthly to discuss various topics to empower men to be vessels of knowledge to improve themselves, their family, and communities.

David is a man of faith. After marriage, David desired to have his young family be a part of a smaller church body in which their family could grow and work. He led his family to become members at United Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in 2013. David currently serves as a Deacon at United Christian as well as President of Men United/Laymen’s League, men’s ministry. Believing that everyone has the ability to help someone, Mr. Hackney’s Motto is: Reach one Teach One

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Granville County Board of Education – Public Hearing 4-9-18

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— Granville County Public Schools Notice to the Public

The Granville County Board of Education — Notice of Public Hearing  — Transfer of School Property for School Improvements Financing

The Granville County Board of Education will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard). The purpose of the hearing is to take public comment concerning the proposed transfer of Butner-Stem Elementary School, including the buildings and the related real estate, to Granville County to facilitate the County’s financing of improvements to Butner-Stem Elementary and other school improvements.

The hearing will be held in the Board’s usual meeting room in its administration building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford.

The financing plan selected by the County for its school improvements project calls for the financing to be secured by a lien on the Butner-Stem Elementary school property. For the County to provide that lien to the lender, the County must own the school. This arrangement is similar to arrangements used for the financing of other Granville County school projects. The financing documents will provide for the school property to be returned to the School Board when the financing is retired, and will provide for the School Board’s continued use of the property during the financing term. State law requires that there be a public hearing before the School Board transfers school property to the County for this purpose.

The street address for Butner-Stem Elementary School is 201 East D Street, Butner, NC 27509.

All interested persons will be heard. The Board’s plans are subject to change based on the comments received at the public hearing and the Board’s subsequent discussion and consideration. The County’s Board of Commissioners has approved the financing plan, but County’s entering into the financing is subject to obtaining approval from the North Carolina Local Government Commission.

Persons wishing to make written comments in advance of the hearing or wishing more information concerning the subject of the hearing may contact Beth Day, Assistant Superintendent of Finance for Granville County Public Schools, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford. NC 27565 (telephone 919/693-4613, email dayb@gcs.k12.nc.us).

Career and College Promise Information Session

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— submitted information from Granville County Public Schools

Career and College Promise Information Session:

Parents and Community Members – Plan to come out March 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm at the Oxford Housing Authority to learn about FREE college courses for students in our high schools. The address of the OHA facility is 101 Hillside Dr, Oxford, NC 27565.

This session will provide program and enrollment information on Career and College Promise, a tuition free high school program offered at Vance-Granville Community College for students who want a head start toward a college education. Reba Bullock, Granville Early College Liaison and CCP Point of Contact, will provide detailed information about the steps to enroll, college programs available to high school students, and will be available to answer specific questions about CCP.

Meeting Student/Parent Needs in the 21st Century

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The following is a letter to the editor provided by Granville County Public Schools.

Letter to the Editor:

Submitted by Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent, Granville County Public Schools  and Dr. Tom Houlihan, Chairman, Granville County Public Schools Board of Education

Meeting Student/Parent Needs in the 21st Century

We are excited about the future of Granville County Public Schools.  However, a critical moment in time is at hand as aging buildings, declined student enrollment, and few instructional options confront us.   While student achievement is slowly improving, it still is not at the rate we would like to see.

As such, we know that now is the time for change – BIG change!  With new leadership and vision in place, we believe we can make significant improvements for students and families, but it  will require support from the entire community.  In order to gain this support, we believe it is important that our citizens understand our plan for the future.  Here it is in a nutshell:

First, we need to revitalize our school buildings.  In partnership with the County Commissioners, we plan to make every one of our schools safe and inviting places to work and learn.  Already, $15 million has been promised to assist with this, focusing on critical areas of roofing and HVAC, initially.  We hope much more aid will follow to assist with additional needed improvements in security, athletics, and renovations to classrooms and other learning spaces.  However, keep in mind this is only one part of the puzzle and this type of funding can only be used for physical buildings.   These dollars cannot be used for salaries, classroom supplies or educational programs, which brings us to our next priority – CHOICE!

Our second step in the plan is to expand choices for ALL parents, students and teachers this upcoming school year, in ways that should only minimally impact our budget.  For example, offering more “Choice” is always exciting!  “Choice” can look like a different school calendar, where students have options to attend either, a traditional schedule, or a ‘balanced’ or year-round schedule. In fact, initial survey and Kitchen Table Conversation information revealed that several parents are interested in a year-round calendar option because of their work schedules and interest in creative solutions for blending academic, enrichment and remediation efforts.  Another “choice” could consist of a blend of online and custom face-to-face instruction.   As such, the new Granville Academy has sparked some traction, which seems to be a popular consideration for students who learn best that way. We even heard interest from students in schools across Granville County who want to attend the J.F. Webb School of Health and Life Sciences.  Thus, this school has been added to the “choice” lineup of offerings for any student in our school system.

We understand that parents have high expectations for their children and so do we.  We want GCPS positioned to respond to the needs and desires effectively and efficiently.  Therefore, we are working now to make all of these ideas and suggestions a reality in a manner that should only minimally impact our budget.  For example, we will ensure teaching positions travel where student enrollment demands.  We will also only offer choice options with proper student enrollment.  We believe options are good for all and offer opportunities for families to select what works best for their children but affordable “quality” in choice is just as important as quantity.

It is our sincere desire that Granville County Public Schools will, once again, be the FIRST choice in education for all families in our community.  By improving the quality of our school environments, expanding choices and increasing academic achievement, we plan to reverse the trend of downward enrollment.  This, in turn, will increase state and federal funding to the district.  Every student that returns to us from a charter, private school or home school generates about $5500 in lost funds.  This increase in funding can then be invested right back into the schools and programs, where it helps our students the most.  The more we grow, the more funding we will generate to improve and bring more opportunities, experiences and  “choice” into our schools.

Of course, there are many details and complicated issues to manage.  We hope you find this summary helpful in describing our strategy for how funding will impact our plans.  Further, we hope you will choose to join us in this effort.  Please support our local schools.   Join our Parent Teacher Organizations, Booster Clubs and School Improvement Teams, just to name a few.  Please volunteer today!

If interested in helping us with our new strategic plan, feel free to join us on February 22nd at 6:00 pm at the Masonic Home for Children.  Come visit and see us in action!  Also, our doors are open all month for school tours by appointment.  We look forward to serving everyone.

Thanks to all who continue to support our schools and we pledge to bring “choice” to raise student performance in the most cost-efficient way we can.  Our district leadership and Board of Education will expect no less.  Our hope is that you will join us in embracing our new motto, “Committed to Excellence and Achievement for All!”

Granville Academy: A NEW CHOICE in Learning

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For Immediate Release:

Granville Academy: Granville County Public Schools’ Flexible Learning Opportunity

The Granville County Public School (GCPS) system is exploring interest in a NEW choice for families: Granville Academy. Granville Academy is a program that would serve students in grades K-12 with flexible schedules and blended learning models. Blended learning utilizes online, blended, and face-to face instruction. Students would attend some days on campus and work some days at home. Learning options include: Blended Learning Elementary School (Grades K-5), Blended Learning Middle School (Grades 6-8) and a Flexible High School (Grades 9-12).

The purpose of Granville Academy is to offer students a world-class education in a flexible format and environment. Whether targeting a four-year university, a local community college, or an immediate career, students attending Granville Academy will be prepared to succeed.

Granville Academy is designed to provide students with choices and opportunities they may not have previously had through the traditional educational experience. Granville Academy will consist of high-quality courses presented in a different way using an environment with access to quality academics that leverage technology tools.

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, Director of Instructional Technology explains, “Granville Academy students will still be learning the exact same state standards as any other student in a traditional school, but in a more personalized and flexible way. We’d be offering a new choice and new way to provide an education that meets the needs of the family and student. In addition, special supports would be in place to make sure students stay on track and meet targets along the way. We are redefining learning in a public school setting.”

The flexibility of this new choice in instruction would allow students more opportunities to pursue personal hobbies and interests. Also, students would still be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics while enrolled.

Granville Academy is looking forward to serving the various communities and helping students be successful in academics. GCPS is proud to investigate new choices and options to meet the needs of students and their families. Parents may indicate their interest by completing this short survey at https://bit.ly/interest_survey or contact Dr. Vanessa Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us or 919-693-4613.

Granville Academy Website

https://bit.ly/granvilleacademy

https://granvilleacademy.net

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(This is a press release provided by Granville County Public Schools.  It is not a paid advertisement.)

GCPS Looks to Punish Those Involved in Intolerable Acts at Jan 26 Game

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According to a press release issued by Granville County Public Schools and Dr. Stan Winborn, Public Information Officer, the school system is working closely with law enforcement to investigate an incident this past Friday, January 26, 2018, at a Varsity Girls Basketball game.

The press release provided to WIZS News is listed below in its entirety.

GCPS Athletic Event

We expect safe and respectful decorum from our students, staff, parents and guests to our schools at all times. There are consequences when individuals choose not to live up to this standard.

We also expect all student athletes to conduct themselves with dignity, sportsmanship and respect for others. Their behavior is a reflection of their school and our district, and as such, they should consider themselves role models for other students, and will be held to a higher standard.

The senior administration and school administrators of Granville County Public Schools are working closely with law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate an incident that occurred at the Varsity Girls Basketball game this past Friday evening between JF Webb High School and Granville Central High School. Video footage, still photos and eyewitness accounts are all being reviewed as part of this process.

The behavior of the students and spectators who participated in these acts of disruption and violence is absolutely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. Individuals will receive consequences according to the discipline policies of Granville County Board of Education, The North Carolina High School Athletic Association, and NC criminal law. All players who left the bench will be suspended for at least the next four games, and will receive additional in-school disciplinary consequences. Both teams will forfeit the January 26 game; the NCHSAA will likely impose additional consequences on the school, including playoff suspensions and possibly a fine. The school system also reserves the right to bar individual spectators from future sporting events and other school activities based on disruptive or unsafe behavior, after a review of the incident footage.

The safety and security of our students, staff and community in our schools is our absolute priority. This extends beyond the school day and across all school-related events, including athletics. Additional security and law enforcement presence will be considered for subsequent events.

Appropriate student conduct is the foundation of a positive, nurturing learning environment. We also expect our community to support us in this effort. We will continue to work closely with our partners in law enforcement to take all available measures to ensure these expectations are upheld in the future.

GCPS Spring Showcase 2018

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— WIZS has been asked to announce the following information which was supplied by GCPS

The GCPS Spring Showcase 2018 allows you to experience a customized guided tour, by appointment only, of all Granville County Public Schools.

Who?

  • All residents of Granville County are invited to attend daytime custom tours of each of our school facilities.  Come visit our schools while they are in session!
  • Experience teaching, learning and all the fun and excitement our schools have to offer FIRST HAND!
  • Principals, Teachers and school staff will be on hand to answer any and all questions!

When?

  • ALL High Schools – February 6
  • ALL Middle Schools – February 20
  • ALL Elementary Schools – February 27

How & Where?

  • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY…Please call any school to schedule a special daytime tour of the facilities and see the school day IN ACTION!

Feb 1 and Feb 6, 2018 Full Days

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This is an important message about calendar changes due to inclement weather. The Board of Education will finalize official changes to make up lost instructional time at their regular meeting on February 5. However, we can plan for three changes to our schedule as of today. Last Monday January 22 was changed from a teacher workday to a full day for all students. Thursday, February 1 was scheduled as an early release day for all schools, but will now be a full day for all students. And Tuesday, February 6 was scheduled for an early release day for elementary schools, but will now be a full day for all students. These three changes will help make up some of the lost instructional time, but additional changes will be proposed and announced following the February 5 Board of Education meeting. Thank you.

—
Dr. Stan Winborne
Executive Director of Operations, Human Resources,
Communications, and Safety
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Info Jan 20, 2018

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— courtesy Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools were cancelled for all students and staff on Friday, January 19.

Please remember that Saturday is still scheduled to be a school day with an early release bell schedule. If we do have school on Saturday, all high schools students on traditional calendar will take final exams for 2nd period. Be on the lookout for communications from your school’s principal with more information.

We will also be communicating soon how these instructional days will be made up on future dates.

Please be safe, stay warm, and stay tuned for more updates.

Thank you!

—
Dr. Stan Winborne
Executive Director of Operations, Human Resources,
Communications, and Safety
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

Granville Schools Optional Workday for Staff Fri, Jan 5, 2018

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Many secondary road conditions are still affected by the recent weather, and as a result, all Granville County Public Schools will be closed for students on Friday, January 5, 2018. There will be an optional work day for staff. We will provide updates about how missed instructional time will be made up once decisions are made.