Tag Archive for: #vancecountyncnews

Vance County Schools closes Western Vance High School Building

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Vance County Schools has officially closed the Western Vance High School building on Poplar Creek Road near Henderson.

The facility will no longer be used to house instructional programs by the school system. Superintendent Anthony Jackson recommended relocating the programs currently housed at the Western facility to available unused space on the campus of Henderson Middle School. This recommendation was approved by the Vance County Board of Education at its meeting on June 12.

With the board’s action, the AdVance Academy formerly housed at Western Vance was relocated to a two-story building on the campus of Henderson Middle School (HMS) on Charles Street in Henderson. The school system’s Youth Empowerment Academy also has been moved to the same location and will use a portion of the first-floor area of the building. The Youth Empowerment Academy, a successful middle school intervention program, had been located in a portion of the old two-story building across from Eaton-Johnson Middle School on Beckford Drive in Henderson.

The decision to close the Western Vance facility was made to save operational costs for the school system and to utilize available space on the HMS campus. 

“As the board of education continues to look at strategies to improve the efficient use of resources, we will intentionally look internally for opportunities to maximize the use of all available tools as we continue working to improve student achievement,” Jackson said.

The two-story building, located to the right of the main entrance to HMS, has been updated to accommodate the academies. New flooring and painting were completed throughout the building. Improved lighting and new ceiling tiles also have been installed as part of our district-wide energy improvement project. Furniture and equipment from the AdVance Academy, Youth Empowerment Academy and Evening Academy were moved to the new location, as well. Art panels designed by students from Southern Vance High School will be placed on the entrance wall facing the street and will provide just a glimpse of the modern feel of the facility. This site will focus not only on strong academics, but on social and emotional development for students. It will provide clubs, workplace experiences and visits to universities and colleges to ensure students understand the opportunities available to them upon graduation.

Principal Stephanie Ayscue is leading a staff of core teachers at AdVance Academy, where approximately 90 high school students complete much of their course work using a blended learning model of both face-to-face and online instruction in a technology-infused environment where students and staff are consistently encouraged to be innovative. Dr. Ralphel Holloman continues as the coordinator for the Youth Empowerment Academy, which serves middle school students with a team of instructors and community volunteers who provide a multitude of experiential opportunities for the middle school students as a means of helping them choose a career pathway. The Evening Academy, coordinated by Kerry Morrison, will continue to provide another option for middle and high school students who need an alternative pathway to complete their high school experience. All of the programs at AdVance Academy are presented using blended learning models in collaborative environments where students are given opportunities to choose their pathways to graduation.

The academies operate separately from Henderson Middle School. The main entrance to the academies is located on the front of the building facing Charles Street. Signs have been erected at the entrance to direct visitors.

Infinite Possibilities to promote October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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As you know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This month offers a unique opportunity for concerned community partners to help increase public awareness about the impact domestic violence has on individuals, families and the community as a whole. Domestic violence is a pervasive, life threatening crime affecting millions of individuals across our nation regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status, race or religion. As the victim services Agency for Vance and Warren counties, Infinite Possibilities, Inc.’s goal is to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community and to bring awareness to the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault in its entirety.

In observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. has partnered with law enforcement from Vance and surrounding counties, Department of Social Services, and other community partners to host our 3rd Annual “Light the Hoops” Charity basketball game to round –out the DVAM activities. The game will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson, NC. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the game will start at 6:00 p.m. Entrance to the game is a modest $3.00 donation. Proceeds from the game support victims of domestic violence in Vance and Warren counties. We’re sure with participation from Radio One this friendly, yet competitive contest between state and local law enforcement officials, and 1st responders to include State Bureau (SBI),Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), Highway Patrol, surrounding counties’  police and Sheriff’s Department and 1st responders; will be one to remember and impactful. There will be performances and lots of fun for the whole family and engaging contests for everyone to participate in and so much more.

We ask you to consider supporting this great cause during DVAM by advertising the event throughout the month of October on all of your media outlets.

We are expecting a huge turnout this year, as every year this event continues to grow. We know with the help of your station and your dedicated listeners this will be an even greater success. Join us in spreading awareness, helping survivors, and doing everything possible to stop violence before it begins.

We solicit your participation and willingness to partner with us for this great cause. If you are in need of more information, please contact Kanika Turrentine, Executive Director at kturrentine@infinitepossibilitiesinc.com or via phone (252) 431-1926 or Sheri Moss, DV taskforce member.

Vance County Schools celebrates Day 1 of 2017-2018 School Year

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Approximately 5,400 students reported today for their first day of classes for the 2017-2018 at 15 Vance County Schools with all indications that the day ran very smoothly at all school sites.

They join the approximately 600 students already in school since early August at E.M. Rollins Elementary School and Early College High School. After the Labor Day holiday, over 300 pre-kindergarten students also will be attending classes in our 10 elementary schools.

Students arrived at elementary, middle and high schools with their book bags and other school supplies, ready to begin work for the new school year. School administrators and educators greeted them prepared for the new year as well, since they had started work for the year on August 17 and had their classrooms ready to go.

Superintendent Anthony Jackson continued his tradition of riding the bus with a kindergarten student for the first morning. Today, he accompanied Za’Khiyah Durham, who attends Aycock Elementary School, on her first bus ride to school.

At Aycock Elementary School, administrators, teachers, counselors and others greeted the students outside the school’s main entrance with lively music playing and waving purple-and-gold pom poms. School staff members later led all of the students in a “Pep Rally” held in the school’s multipurpose room as a way to get the school off to an energetic start.

The AdVance Academy opened to about 80 students in its new location on the campus of Henderson Middle School. The school system’s Youth Empowerment Academy also occupies a portion of the same building.

The STEM Early High School also opened in a new location, along the 600 Hall area at Southern Vance High School.

Both new locations provide the schools with additional space that is more convenient for students, parents and staff members.

No real issues or problems were reported at any schools. Several schools also had new students to enroll today for the school year.

Vance County Schools host successful Open House Sessions

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Students and their parents crowded into schools during the late afternoon and early evening on August 24, as the schools hosted their annual Open House sessions prior to classes beginning for the new school year.

 

Classes begin for students at 15 of our 17 schools on Monday, August 28.

 

School already has been in session for several weeks at the STEAM Academy, at E.M. Rollins Elementary School and the Vance County Early College High School.

 

Principals, teachers and other staff members welcomed families into their schools during Open House, which was held from 3 to 7 p.m. Students and parents took advantage of the sessions to meet their teachers for the new year, receive important information, get those school supply lists and tour the buildings.

State Highway Patrol Promotes Back To School Safety

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RALEIGH – In anticipation of the upcoming school year, the State Highway Patrol is focusing on safety in and around school zones.  Motorists should be aware of an increase in school traffic and familiarize themselves with local school bus stop locations.  Teen drivers will also increase as some will be driving to and from school for the first time.  Drivers should also expect an increase in pedestrian traffic in and around school zones.

“Ensuring the safety of students as they travel to and from school is a responsibility shared by everyone”, said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol.  “Our mission is to educate the motoring public on safe driving behaviors before, during and after school.”

Troopers statewide will monitor school bus routes, attempting to ensure motorists comply with stopping for school buses as they pick up and release students. 

According to state law, motorists are required to stop when a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.  The driver of any other vehicle that approaches the school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area shall bring that other vehicle to a full stop and shall remain stopped.

Officials also encourage students to ensure all traffic has stopped before entering the roadway when boarding or exiting their respective school bus. 

In an attempt to increase safety and awareness, SHP is using social media to highlight a “Back to School” PSA, which can be viewed by vising the Patrol’s Facebook page.  A digital copy of the PSA is available upon request. 

Boys and Girls Club Set for 2017-2018 School Year

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Vance 

As the summer program comes to an end, members are preparing to return to school and the Club staff are preparing for the start of the after-school program. The GREATEST staff and volunteers in Boys & Girls Club will take two weeks to clean, and re-energize for the 2017-2018 school year.  

Walmart Distribution volunteers will return to the Club to freshen up the walls and floors. Ms. Evelyn will be traveling to Atlanta, GA for the Unit Directors Academy. This Academy will help the Vance County staff build and sustain a high- quality Club experience for all Members. Vance unit will also be accepting applications for new team members and school aged members ages 5-18.

Granville

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! We have had a great summer, but the Granville Unit is so excited to have an even better school year. Our staff is excited to engage with our club members on so may different levels!

Power hour will continue to be a driving force at our club, but we are focusing on exposing our youth to new activities and tasks. We are planning on having a strong focus in STEM, leadership, & creatvity. BGCNCNC cannot wait to see our youth learn & grow throughout the school!

Warren

We are looking forward to an exciting school year in Warren County.  Three of our schools are back in session and our club members are very excited about the new opportunities that will be available to them this school year.  Our last site will open at the end of this month, and we are extremely eager to meet those club members as well.

We have partnered with the school administration and staff members at each of our sites, to ensure that our students experience great academic success this school year.   We  are looking to also partner with the local high schools and community colleges to get volunteers to help out at our sites to ensure that our club members have a great club experience.  We want each club member to truly believe that “Great Futures Start Here”

Featured here our most recent visitor Lieutenant Corey Adams City of Henderson Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention.

Franklin

The Franklin Unit is excited for the first day of school, 2017!! The staff is very busy at the club working on new bulletin boards, rearranging classrooms, planning a fun and engaging schedule, and cleaning up the club!! As the age old saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child” we are fully committed to being a part of that village in Franklin County to mentor and support the children of the community we serve. While it may not be what the children want to hear, this 2017-2018 school year the Franklin Unit will be focusing on…drum roll please….homework! Yes, homework. Part of the mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people to reach their full potential. Homework is a tool that we can use to bridge the gap between school, families, and their community.  

We’re so eager to get this year started because we will be partnering with AmeriCorps to bring a full time LiteracyCorps member to the Boys & Girls Club in Franklin County for the next 12-13 months. This member’s full focus will be on improving literacy in the youth we serve at The Boys & Girls Club! Our staff will also benefit through the relationship they build with this member by learning new and exciting ways to implement fun and engaging programming that includes an underlying academic piece. We are ready to tackle this school year and continue to grow and mentor great futures for the youth of Franklin County!

Halifax

As summer winds down and the clean up begins, we are looking forward to the exciting new school year. The staff is gearing up to make the 2017-2018 school year one of the best ever! We have been collecting back to school supplies for our annual book bag give away, that is shaping up to be a big event!

We are setting up and planning some new and exciting programs and lining up some new and engaging speakers to start the school year off right! We are looking forward to seeing all our returning members, as well as meeting all our NEW members. See you on August 28th! Let the FUN begin!

Vance County Schools Committee Meetings

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Vance County Board of Education Committee Meeting Dates:

  • Building & Grounds, Thursday, August 24th, 8:30 am
  • Curriculum, Thursday, August 24th, 9:15 am
  • Policy, Wednesday, August 30th, 5:30 pm
  • Finance, Wednesday, August 30th, immediately after Policy
  • Personnel, Tuesday, September 5th, 8:30 am

All meetings are held in the ASC Superintendent’s Conference Room, 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson.

Henderson Police Department

Henderson Police Release Details in Food Lion Shooting Case

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Press Release- Monday, August 21, 2017

On Saturday August 19, 2017, around 6:00 p.m. members of the Henderson Police Department responded to 1263 Dabney Drive in reference to someone being shot. Upon arrival, officers located Shaekeya Danielle Gay, 23, with a gunshot wound. Gay was transported to Maria Parham Health for treatment and was later transported to Duke Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries on August 21, 2017.

Around 12:20 PM today, Marcus Tyrell Hargrove, 23, of Vance County, turned himself into law enforcement and was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. He received no bond. These charges will be upgraded to First Degree Murder.

While Mr. Hargrove has been arrested and charged, the Henderson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining additional information related to this case. If anyone was at 1263 Dabney Drive on August 19, 2017 from 5:30 PM until 6:15 PM they are encouraged to contact Detective Simmons at 252-430-4234. If anyone should have any additional information on Mr. Hargrove’s activities after the incident, he or she is also encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department. Callers may also call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or by using the P3 app on a smartphone or tablet device. Callers may remain anonymous.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

New Vance County Schools Hours

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New hours are in place for students who attend Vance County Schools for the 2017-2018 school year.

The new student hours include:

  • Elementary Schools: 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • E.M. Rollins: 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Middle Schools: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • STEM Early High: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • High Schools: 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • Early College: 8:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Students complete VGCC Summer Bridge program

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A group of 18 incoming first-year Vance-Granville Community College students recently completed the college’s “Summer Bridge” program in preparation for the fall semester.

Summer Bridge is a three-week program designed to enhance students’ transition from high school to college and prepare them to be successful during their freshman year at VGCC. On July 28, the college held a ceremony and reception to recognize students who successfully completed the program, including: David Fabian Garcia of Creedmoor; Kaeson Mayfield of Durham; Ariana Aguirre, Kamaric Harrison, Samantha Hernandez, Kalin Jackson, Heidy Reyes Morosumi, Shadi Nagi, Jeremee Silvers and Brittany Simms, all of Henderson; Lastacey Burwell of Kittrell; Amber Newton of Louisburg; Daniel Brown, Connor Elm, Chance Kiser, Khari Parker and Nicholas Sutton, all of Oxford; and Summer O’Brien of Roxboro. 

VGCC Academic & Career Coach Sherri Alston served as the primary instructor for the program. At the ceremony, she said that the group had fun with creative, hands-on activities as they became oriented to the college and learned about campus support resources. “I’ve been blessed to see how you all have grown even in a little, three-week span,” Alston told the assembled students.

The class nominated Heidy Reyes Morosumi and Khari Parker to speak on their behalf during the ceremony. “Through Summer Bridge, we have met new people, we have made new friendships and we are now more ready to start college than we were three weeks ago,” Reyes Morosumi said. “Thanks to Summer Bridge, we have learned what we need to do to in order to be successful in college.” She said that participants would benefit from the study tips, time management tips, financial tips and advice on how to relieve stress that they had received. Parker described Summer Bridge as “an awesome experience,” adding, “These three weeks have been a truly great way to start our college transition. Ms. Alston has been our first college instructor and a great mentor.”

VGCC Academic Skills Center Coordinator Jason Snelling and Assistant Coordinator Tim MacNeil also addressed participants and their family members at the ceremony, about the “academic enrichment” component of Summer Bridge. They called upon Jermee Silvers and Summer O’Brien to talk about their experience, which included lessons on critical thinking skills, writing essays and tackling word problems in math. “Tim and Jason taught us a lot of ideas in these three weeks that I will use in the future at Vance-Granville,” O’Brien said. “The most interesting thing we did was have a debate on defining what a sandwich was,” Silvers recalled. “We also learned about the importance of communication as a two-way street.”

VGCC Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Levy Brown offered remarks in which he congratulated the students. “You are now prepared to be successful here as a new VGCC Vanguard,” Brown said. “As you move forward, it’s important that you have a plan and that you have a vision.” He said that for some, their vision would be to graduate and go on to a four-year university, while for others, it would be to graduate and go directly into the workforce. “Vision causes individuals to excel in life,” Brown told the students. “If you have a vision, you know where you are going, you have developed a plan, and you will excel. Vision causes you to see years ahead. You all are our future. So write down your vision of where you want to go.”

VGCC Dean of Enrollment and Outreach Jeffrey Allen concluded the program by saying to the students, “Welcome to the VGCC Vanguards family.” For more information about the Summer Bridge program, contact Allen at allenjl@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3405.

–VGCC–