Tag Archive for: #thelocalskinny

The Local Skinny! VCS Celebrates Academic Progress

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Vance County Schools is celebrating academic progress following the release of the 2025–2026 accountability results, with the data showing student growth, improved School Performance Grades, and substantial school turnaround across the district.

The 2026 results reflect positive momentum for Vance County Schools. Thirteen schools met or exceeded overall growth expectations, including Aycock Elementary, Carver Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, EM Rollins STEAM, EO Young Elementary, LB Yancey Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance Virtual Village, Vance County Middle, and Vance County Early College.

A total of ten schools improved their year-over-year growth status, including Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, Vance County Middle, New Hope Elementary, EO Young Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Vance County High, LB Yancey Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, and STEM Early High.

The district also made a significant stride in reducing the number of schools receiving an “F” School Performance Grade from 4 to just 1. The district’s 2026 School Performance Grade distribution includes one A, five Cs, nine Ds, and one F. 

Seven schools improved their School Performance Letter Grade, including Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, New Hope Elementary, E.O. Young Elementary, L.B. Yancey Elementary, and Zeb Vance Elementary.

Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney said in the press release from Vance County Schools … “These results belong first to the teachers, instructional specialists, school leaders, and support staff who have done the hard work of turning strategy into stronger instruction for students every day. Over the past few years, we have been very intentional as a district about strengthening core instruction, using data differently and putting targeted supports around schools and classrooms. It is incredibly rewarding to now see that work reflected in sustained growth across so many of our schools.”

E.O. Young Elementary improved its School Performance Grade 24 points over the last two years, earning a “C” and demonstrating substantial academic progress. Zeb Vance Elementary recorded the district’s largest single-year increase in School Performance Grade score, gaining 11 points in 2026, while also meeting growth expectations.

Vance County Early College continues its tradition of academic excellence, earning an “A” School Performance Grade for the 11th consecutive year. In 2026, the school recorded an 89.4% overall proficiency rate while meeting growth expectations.

Vance County Schools also recorded a four-year cohort graduation rate of 80.8%, another indicator of the district’s continued focus on helping students maintain the momentum to stay on track for graduation and future success.

Aycock Elementary continues sustained student growth, having exceeded growth expectations in four of the last five years. In 2026, it increased its School Performance Grade score by eight points, earning a “C.” The school also recorded an impressive 90.6% growth score.

Vance County Middle demonstrated substantial instructional progress in 2026. The school exceeded growth expectations with a 91.3% growth score, reflecting strong academic progress among students and continued efforts to address achievement gaps.

The 2026 accountability results demonstrate that Vance County Schools is continuing on a trajectory of academic growth and school improvement. While district leaders recognize that achievement gaps remain and additional work is necessary, the gains across schools provide evidence that focused instruction, strategic supports, and the commitment of students, educators, families, and community partners are producing meaningful results.

“We are proud of this progress, but we are not satisfied,” Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney said. “Our responsibility now is to build on what is working, accelerate achievement where gaps remain, and make sure this kind of growth becomes the expectation across every school in VCS.”

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • Take your soil samples now to avoid the rush.
  • When planting turnip seed by hand, add nitrogen fertilizer to your bucket of seed and 1tbsp of water and mix well. This will help you see where you have sown your turnip seed.
  • Now is the time for lawn renovation season. Be sure to plant tall fescue. Use a three-variety mix of fescue seed.
  • Obtain your Central Piedmont planting guide so you will know what to plant for the fall garden.
  • Be on the lookout for yellow jackets when mowing fields.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Take pictures of your vegetable garden add them to your garden journal to know what was planted in each location of your garden.
  • Stay hydrated and take rest breaks in these high temperatures.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants, dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrap Up Summer At Perry Memorial Library

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It’s September, which means that schools are back in session, and parents and kids are getting back into a routine – and that includes programs and activities at Perry Memorial Library.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said there’s certainly something for everyone at the library, from familiar favorites like Mother Goose Story Time to a new Gaming Club for tweens and teens.

The Gaming Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on The Local Skinny! segment. Prepare to enjoy some new games and gaming systems – and there will be snacks, too! This is a drop-in program, so no registration is needed – just come by and spend some time with fellow gamers.

The Reading Buddies program is a way for children in grades K-5 to build their confidence with reading.

“It’s not tutoring, but just a support,” Peters explained. Parents can sign up for a 30-minute slot on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Volunteers will read with their buddies and help get the youngsters exposed to the joys of reading.

Thursdays are busy days at the library, with Mother Goose Story Time at 11 a.m., Lego Fun and Games from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and a 4:30 p.m. story time for busy families – “one book and bubbles, for families on the go,” Peters said.

Teen Time moves to Mondays, and the first program is set for Sept. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participants will have some fun creating objects with beads. The Teen Time continues on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 for kids in middle and high school.

Young people in middle and high school – and their parents or caregivers – are invited to a special workshop to learn about the negative consequences of smoking and vaping.

Project Open Air and its Creator Lab will come to the library at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 21.

There will be pizza, Peters said, so come hungry and come prepared to help turn what you learn into a presentation that can be used to help others understand how tobacco use and vaping affect your health and community.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, come celebrate the First Day of Autumn with a leaf-rubbing art activity for all ages.

And on Sept. 28, the library is hosting an Open House to showcase all the different programs, activities and amenities that are available for all to enjoy.

Peters invites the community “to come out and explore all the amazing things that they may not know about our library.”

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete listing of programs and services the library offers.

 

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Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! Refinement for a UDO

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Members of the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the Vance County Planning Board had a joint meeting Tuesday afternoon to continue discussions to refine a draft unified development ordinance, looking specifically at Section/Article 5 that talks about data centers.

Those present around the table were reminded that, currently, a data center is allowable – without. a special use permit – in the Light Industrial and in Office & Industrial zoning districts, and technically would be allowed in areas zoned Heavy Industrial Mining.

At a previous joint meeting of the two boards, Commissioner Dan Brummitt had suggested that the group consider first the Article 5 and then use that agreed-upon language to create a text amendment to the county’s present zoning rules.

He reiterated that point at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I guess at this point, we need to give some guidance to – which I think our board already did at our last meeting – (on how) we wanted to proceed with a text amendment. That was the direction that we had asked for.”

County Attorney Jonathan Care reminded the group of the process – the planning board has to review and then recommend – or not recommend – the UDO to commissioners for their consideration.

The planning board’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10 and the next commissioners’ meeting is Sept. 14.

Close to an hour into the meeting, Commissioners Board Chair Carolyn Faines asked Sheriff Curtis Brame to address the audience because numerous individuals were interrupting the meeting with comments calling for a moratorium.

A moratorium, while not off the table, is a popular idea with many residents who have spoken out over the past several months in opposition to data center development on property off U.S. Hwy 158.

But here’s where things get tricky.

Michael Harvey with NFocus, the group helping the county update the UDO, said the state’s December 2024 downzoning law makes it difficult for local governments to amend zoning regulations.

Any changes to the ordinance would not have any effect on existing or proposed applications for any development, data centers included.

And similarly, putting a moratorium in place for any period of time would not affect any current project; it would only give county leadership a certain length of time to study the issue and have Vance County more prepared for future data center proposals.

 

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • Plant fall vegetable transplants on a cloudy, windless day.
  • When buying grass seed in bulk. Check the germination % on the bag you want a minimum of at least 90% germination rate.
  • Get your copy of Carolina Lawns if you plan to renovate your lawn.
  • Obtain your Central Piedmont planting guide so you will know what to plant for the fall garden.
  • Check your garden for weeds that may start to seed out soon.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Take pictures of your vegetable garden add them to your garden journal to know what was planted in each location of your garden.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants, dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • Start planning your fall garden on paper now. Locate sources of transplants and seeds.
  • When buying grass seed in bulk. Check the germination % on the bag you want a minimum of at least 90% germination rate.
  • Get your copy of Carolina Lawns if you plan to renovate your lawn.
  • Be on the lookout for yellow legged hornet. If you see one, kill it and contact Cooperative Extension.
  • Check your garden for weeds that may start.
  • When canning and freezing vegetables, contact Cooperative Extension for updated information.
  • Keep rain gauges cleaned after every rain and record the amount of rain in your garden journal.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants, dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Programs Ramping Back Up At Perry Memorial Library

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Perry Memorial Library’s Aug. 26 Read-Out is scheduled to take place at the new – and wildly popular – Skateboard and Splash Park. Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters invites the community to come out for the back-to-school celebration that will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the park, located at 104 N. William St. at the corner of William and Montgomery streets.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott will be there to read a special selection, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The park has a nice, covered shelter, so the Read-Out will take place rain or shine.

The Read-Out is a lead-in to fall programming at the library, which includes la couple of twists on some long-time favorite activities.

The Reading Buddy program is coming back this year, but instead of having to sign up, Peters said it’ll be a drop-in session on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“It’s a standing invitation” for families to take part in without the commitment that comes with signing up and then having to miss because of things that may pop up at the last minute.

She’s recruiting heavily for teen volunteer reading buddies who may be looking for ways to get those community volunteer hours in.

Volunteers will be ready and waiting for younger readers and they’ll have a chance to read, discuss and converse one-on-one for a half hour or so.

Teen Time is back, but it’s on Mondays this fall, beginning on Sept. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Peters said teens had put in special requests for some new Wii games, so stop by and check it out. The format is the same – there will be snacks and different themes reflected in craft activities and more in the Maker Space.

And anyone who wants to see just what all the library has – in addition to all those books – should stop by the Open House between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28.

It’s all about getting folks through the doors to learn more about the library and what it offers the community. “We want the community to explore all the fun things about the library,” Peters said.

Sure, you know you can check out books and movies, but did you know the library also has a cool new button maker? Find out all about it at the Open House!

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete schedule of programs and activities.

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The Local Skinny! City of Henderson Continues Search To Fill Opioid Advisory Board

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The City of Henderson continues to accept applications for membership on the Opioid Settlement Advisory Board. The original deadline to submit applications had been July 31, and Interim City Manager Kendrick Vann shared seven applications with City Council at the August meeting for the 8-member board.

But some Council members expressed concern at that Aug. 10 meeting about not having representation from each of the city’s four wards, so Vann and staff set about amending the CAF to include wording that says two advisory board members would be selected from each ward.

It was originally stated that prospective advisory board members include individuals with professional backgrounds in drug addiction/treatment, health care and mental health and public health fields.

Council member Geraldine Champion said there should be a representative from each of the city’s four wards and also said she’d like to see individuals with “life experience” with overcoming opioid use.

Mayor Melissa Elliott agreed. “I think it’s imperative that we have at least one person on that board who has overcome” opioid addiction.

The council tabled a vote on individual applicants because they didn’t know which wards some of them live in. One applicant lives in the county.

Vann said the call for advisory board members would go back out into the community; the wording of the CAF will need to be changed to reflect the council’s desire to have balanced ward representation, since that was not originally specified.

The City Council approved the change to the CAF as part of its emergency called meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The deadline to apply is Mon, Aug 24 at 5 p.m.  Submit your application to Tracey Kimbrell by  email or give her a call at 252.430.5705. traceykimbrell@henderson.nc.gov. For more information, contact Brandi Dukes at 252.430.5702 or email brandidukes@henderson.nc.gov

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First Methodist Church

The Local Skinny! Special Tag Sale for August at FUMC Henderson

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The United Women in Faith’s tag sale for missions is underway now, with additional discounts on furniture and home décor through the month of August.

The showroom floor is open for customers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 114 Church St.

Enjoy an additional 25 percent discount this month on everything from dining and kitchen tables to bedroom suites, as well as upholstered sofas and chairs – and that’s just for starters.

Customers can shop on the fifth Saturday of the month, as well – that’s Aug. 29 – from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Proceeds support a wide variety of missions, including Hand In Hand, the soup kitche, Pinkston St. Elementary weekend packs, ACTS, Boys & Girls Club, Lifeline, Community Partners of Hope, Good Neighbors Fund, YMCA Children’s program, conference missions, the Methodist Home for Children and United Methodist Church on Relief.

Enter through the church office entrance when you come to shop.

Call 252.438.8791 to learn more.

 

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • The Fall Vegetable Garden will take place on Monday, August 17th at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Start planning your fall garden on paper now. Locate sources of transplants and seeds.
  • Start preparing for lawn renovation 1, soil test 2, and purchase a variety of seeds needed.
  • Get your copy of Carolina Lawns if you plan to renovate your lawn.
  • Be on the lookout for yellow legged hornet. If you see one, kill it and contact Cooperative Extension.
  • Do not let weeds mature to seed.
  • When canning and freezing vegetables, contact Cooperative Extension for updated information.
  • Keep rain gauges cleaned after every rain and record the amount of rain in your garden journal.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants, dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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