Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

Positive News in Vance County Schools Press Release

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VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON STATE TESTS, SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GRADES AND REPORTS THE HIGHEST GRADUATION RATE IN THE DISTRICT’S HISTORY

The state of North Carolina formally released accountability data from the 2015-2016 academic year today.  The Vance County School System is pleased to report improvements on state assessments, the elimination of all schools designated with a school performance grade of an F, and of significant note; the highest graduation rate in the history of our school district.

On state assessments, Vance County Public School students’ improved on 100 percent of the end-of-grade subtests administered in grades 3-8. These results indicate that the district is significantly closing the gap between its students’ performances compared to students from across the state.

Improvements ranged from 0.4 percent in grade 7 mathematics to a high of 15.8 percent in grade 8 science. Of significant note is the 28 percent and 21 percent improvement in Math 1 (a high school course) at Eaton-Johnson and Henderson middle schools, respectively. End-of-course data from our high schools continue to lag behind state averages and will require our continued focus and a deliberate plan of improvement.

School Performance Grades are determined by a formula which includes a school’s overall proficiency on state assessments and students’ growth.

Vance County Schools is further pleased to announce that during the 2015-2016 school year, 62 percent of the schools received a school performance grade (SPG) of A, B or C.  We are extremely excited to announce the district’s first school to earn the school performance grade of “A” (Vance County Early College High School). No schools received a performance grade of “F”.  This is the first time since the inception of SPG’s that we have reached this milestone. As a result, Vance County Schools no longer meets the states definition of a “low-performing” school district.

Schools earning a SPG of “B” are Aycock Elementary School and STEM Early High School. Schools earning a SPG of “C” are Carver, New Hope, Clarke, Dabney, Pinkston Street and Zeb Vance. Schools earning an SPG of “D” are Eaton-Johnson, Henderson, E.M. Rollins, E.O. Young Jr., L.B. Yancey, Northern Vance High and Southern Vance High.  Western Vance High School is an alternative school and does not receive a School Performance Grade.

We are equally excited to report that the district’s four-year on-time graduation rate has improved by 4.4 percent from 77.5 percent to a record high of 81.9 percent.  This represents the highest graduation rate in the history of our school system. This compared to the 85.8 percent graduation rate at the state level, represents the smallest gap between the district and the state in many years.

The Early College graduation rate was 100 percent, up from 89 percent the previous year. The cohort graduation rate in 2015-2016 increased at Northern Vance and Southern Vance high schools. The graduation rate at Northern Vance rose to 83.4 percent from 77 percent and the graduation rate at Southern Vance increased to 82.5 percent from 81 percent. Western Vance High had a four-year cohort graduation rate of 90.5 percent.

State standards also measure student growth on state end-of-grade and end-of-course tests administered to students in grades 3-12. Among Vance County Schools in 2015-2016, there were nine schools that either exceeded or met expected growth standards.

“I am pleased with the progress that we are making,” said Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools. “It is clear that we are moving in the right direction. While we celebrate the accomplishments, it is important we remain focused on improving the quality of our school system, the rigor in our classrooms and the preparation of all students for the colleges or careers of their choice. There is much work to do.

“I want to thank and commend our teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria employees and all who support what happens daily in our classrooms for a job well done, the community for embracing our vision for a better school system and our parents for partnering with us to provide the best education possible for their children,” he added. “Our commitment remains to provide a system focused on Excellence…without Excuse! I am confident that our best days are ahead and that we will continue to make progress. As always, I am Vance County Schools Proud… and today, I hope you are as well.”

News 09/01/2016

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Dream of Vance Animal Shelter Coming True

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If the weather cooperates, Vance County Animal Control staff as well as animals will begin to occupy the New Vance County Animal Shelter in a couple of weeks.

In an informal conversation, Chief Animal Control Officer Frankie Nobles indicated to Susan Rose of WIZS News that the building would be in use in a couple of weeks.

Tanya Evans, office assistant, and Chris Vick, animal control officer, echoed those thoughts again today on behalf of Nobles. Evans said, “Weather-wise they have to be careful getting the parking lot and all that done. But they’re saying in the next two or three weeks we’ll be moved in.”Vance County Animal Shelter Progress 8-28-16

The massive amounts of rain this spring and summer slowed things down some, as it did for many construction projects.

The ground breaking was on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at the new Brodie Road location. You can read that entire article as it was previously posted on wizs.com – click here.

News 08/30/16

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Vance County Woman Arrested and Charged with First Degree Murder

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From the Office of Sheriff Peter White

On Friday, August 27th at approximately 12:40 p.m. deputies with the Vance County Sheriff’s Department received a call to 170 Bill Bragg-Morton Road in Vance County. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Terrance Leneil Williams, 33, of 871 Warrenton Road, had suffered an apparent gun shot wound.

After further investigation, Kedesha Shontrell Williams, 23, of 70 Pine Forest Drive, Henderson was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. She is in the Vance County Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance in court. She has no bond.

Kedesha Williams is a close friend of Terrance Williams.

This investigation is ongoing and no other information can be released at this time.

News 08/30/16

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Local Pop-Up Farmers Market Today

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As Ardis Crews of Green Rural Redevelopment Organization explains, there is a local pop-up farmers market today (Friday) in downtown Henderson.  The market is along Chestnut Street within sight of the library and the Henderson Police Department.  It will continue from now through 4 p.m.  In additional to fresh vegetables and flowers, there is a grill going with hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and barbecue sandwiches.

Crews said, “The pop-up market in the downtown section is an idea which brings traffic to the downtown area.  It also brings food to the downtown area.  Today we have foods that come from our local farmers, and that’s what we will always use is local farmers.  We have foods from people who are selling at the (Vance County Regional) farmers market.  In the future, we will have farmers who have small farms and who are doing the food and who grow sustainably.  We are very interested in food products and that food is available to everyone.  We are excited about our Regional Farmers Market.  However, for some of our citizens here in Henderson, it may not be convenient to get there.  So the pop up market downtown will hopefully be a vehicle to solving that situation.”

The organization is approved for E-B-T as are several of the associated farmers.  Green Rural Redevelopment Organization is also approved for “Double Bucks.”  For example, if you buy $10 in E-B-T, then you can get another $10 in double bucks that can be spent on fresh vegetables.

The pop-up market is neither in competition with nor is it an extension of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, which operates just off Beckford Drive on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Crews said, “…we are working with.  We can’t work without them.  Pop up markets will never happen on days when (The Vance County Regional) Farmers Market is open, and we will always go to the people in Farmers Market to help us fill our tables.  We also hope that the young farmers that come out to work with us will become members for (The Vance County Regional) Farmers Market so the Farmers Market will grow.”

News 08/26/16

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VGCC recognizes 22 Medical Assisting students at Pinning

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Vance-Granville Community College held a pinning ceremony for its 2016 Medical Assisting program graduates on Aug. 5 at the college’s Franklin County Campus in Louisburg, where the program is conducted.

As VGCC’s program is nationally accredited, the graduates are now eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) certification examination to become Certified Medical Assistants.

The 22 graduates being honored included Heather Harwood and Kimberly Richardson, both of Castalia; Amanda Newton and Shatory Yarborough, both of Franklinton; Jenny Clark, Tonya Henderson, Kenia Puga-Gomez, Stephanie Ranes and Adrienne Robertson, all of Henderson; Ashley Kittrell of Kittrell; Brittany Blacknall, Jessica Crudup, Jodi Hess, Regina Hicks and Lindsay Ward, all of Louisburg; Julius Glasper of Oxford; Kayla Hutson and Samantha Patterson, both of Stem; Brittany Ray and Denise Six, both of Wake Forest; Kelly Tharrington of Warrenton; and Dallas Glover of Youngsville.

Program Head/instructor Donna Gardner served as the mistress of ceremonies. Student Regina Hicks provided the invocation.

Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May made welcoming remarks, congratulating the students and thanking their supportive families and friends who had gathered to celebrate the graduates’ success.

“We are all so proud of you, and we’re grateful that you have allowed the VGCC Franklin Campus family to assist in your education, inspiring and supporting you in meeting all of your goals,” May told the class.

Samantha Patterson, who led the graduating class as president of the VGCC Student Association of Medical Assistants chapter, was the featured speaker.

“Our studies at Vance-Granville Community College have culminated in this day, and will echo in our futures,” Patterson said. “Some of us will be working; some going on to pursue an associate’s degree; some may still be trying to figure things out, and that’s okay, too. Therein lies the beauty of life, and, more specifically, life in this country. We have the freedom to pursue our own dreams, but let us not be so caught up in ourselves that we forget those that we pledge to serve. After all, we are Medical Assistants. We are the extra sets of hands, eyes, and ears for our providers. We are advocates for our patients. We are a vital part of the team that makes the medical office work. Let us consider the needs of others as we work to fulfill our own.”

Gardner presented each graduate with his or her pin, signifying that each had successfully completed the course of study and was prepared to enter the growing Medical Assisting profession. As they were pinned, VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas read reflections from the graduates about their educational experiences and their career aspirations. Instructor Patrice Allen then led students in reciting the creed of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic and student affairs, rounded out the ceremony with concluding remarks. “You have wisely chosen a profession in which you can make a difference in the lives of others, and in which there are a variety of career opportunities,” Ballentine told the class. She encouraged all graduates to maintain high standards as professionals and to become lifelong learners. “I know that you will continue to succeed and make us proud as VGCC alumni,” Ballentine said.

Student Tonya Henderson gave the benediction.

With their one-year diplomas in hand, many graduates are continuing their education to complete the two-year associate degree in Medical Assisting. For more information about Medical Assisting, call the Franklin Campus at (919) 496-1567.

News 08/25/16

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