Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Smart Start

FGV Smart Start Awarded Grant to Aid Vance Co. Adolescent Parenting Program

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-Information courtesy the June 2020 FGV Smart Start Newsletter

Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start has been awarded $1,000 to aid the Adolescent Parenting Program (APP) from the Vance County Unrestricted Endowment, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation. APP provides intensive, family-centered services to pregnant and parenting adolescents in Vance County.

The Vance County Community Foundation is a growing family of philanthropic funds, a source of grants for local causes and a partner for donors. VCCF was founded in 1997 and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that helps build community assets through the creation of permanent endowments, makes grants and leverages leadership – all for the benefit of Vance County.

The VCCF board advises the Vance County Community Fund, the unrestricted community grantmaking fund, to support local needs. This competitive grant program is held annually.

Funds from the Foundation will be used for the 25 teen parents who are participating in the program to purchase school supplies for the upcoming school year.

The goals of the APP are for participants to not have a repeat pregnancy, to stay active in school until graduation, and for graduates to enroll in post-secondary education.

Recreation Rocks

HVRPD’s ‘Recreation Rocks’ Scavenger Hunt to Offer Thrill for Young Treasure Seekers

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department presents a “Recreation Rocks” Scavenger Hunt for youth ages 17 and under. Participants will design and submit rocks for the scavenger hunt.

Registration and rocks may be submitted at Aycock Recreation Center (307 Carey Chapel Rd. in Henderson) Monday –Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All rocks must be submitted by Friday, July 17, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Participants will receive an e-mail at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, with clues to find the location of the decorated rocks. Participants take pictures with each rock and submit to Lauren Newlin by email (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us) or any HVRPD social media site (Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram). The FIRST participant to submit ALL pictures with rocks will win a gift basket filled with goodies from HVRPD.

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 ( lnewlin@henderson.nc.us).

Skills and Drills

‘Skills & Drills’ Videos Designed to Keep Youth Athletes Physically Active

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are so many restrictions currently placed on youth athletics. Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department’s number one priority is the safety of our citizens. While we don’t recommend partaking in group competition at this time, we also understand the importance that staying physically active has on your overall health.

Because of this, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks will be working with coaches to put together skills and drills videos that your child can use to help develop their skills right at home. We will post links to our videos regularly on the Henderson-Vance Athletics Facebook page (click here) starting Friday, July 10, 2020.

For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Veterans Dog Walk 2020

‘Paws, Tails and Boots’ Veterans Dog Walk Scheduled for Fall

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-Information and flyer courtesy Mark Ferri

The “Paws, Tails and Boots” Veterans Dog Walk will be held at the Vance County Animal Shelter, 1243 Brodie Rd., Henderson, on Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The public is welcome, with veterans, first responders and their families strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will be walking and interacting with selected shelter dogs in an effort to provide companionship and trust-building activities.

Service animals are welcome; however, participants are asked to leave other pets at home.

The event was founded by veteran and shelter volunteer Mark Ferri. Ferri began the program in 2016 as a way to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by veterans.

For more information on the Vance County Animal Shelter and their services, please visit their website at www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com.

U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Issues Warning on Fraudulent Mask Exemption Documents

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. advised the public today that cards and other documents bearing the U.S. Department of Justice seal and claiming that individuals are exempt from mask requirements are fraudulent.

There have been reports of individuals in North Carolina and other parts of the country creating cards or other documents claiming that the bearer of the card is exempt from mask requirements. Some versions of these cards threaten businesses or organizations with fines if they take steps to require patrons to wear masks.

In an effort to make the cards or documents appear legitimate, fraudsters may include the U.S. Department of Justice’s seal or include other threatening language. The Department of Justice is also aware of efforts by some to sell these fake cards to members of the public.

The public should take note that the Department did not issue these documents, and the Department does not endorse them. Furthermore, the Department has not granted permission for the use of its seal for this purpose, and misusing the Department seal is a federal crime.

“During this pandemic, false information—and fake cards like these—do a grave disservice to us all as we try to understand and follow the public-health measures our governments have ordered,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “The public should be aware that these cards are fake and rest assured that we will investigate those who are knowingly creating or peddling these fraudulent cards to the unsuspecting public.”

Free Meals for Kids

Wellness on Wheels, Local Organizations Providing Free Meals Through Summer

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-Information courtesy Chalis Henderson, Turning Point CDC

Wellness on Wheels, a program of the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization, is partnering with Vance County organizations to offer free healthy meals for local children every Tuesday – Friday through August 31, 2020.

Grab-and-Go meals will be available at the following locations:

Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity ~ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 180 S. Beckford Drive, Henderson

Oasis of Hope Ministries ~ 12 – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 2495 US Hwy 1/158, Henderson

Cotton Memorial Presbyterian Church ~ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 511 N. Chestnut St., Henderson

Knoll Terrace Mobile Home Park ~ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ 1261 Americal Rd., Henderson

H-V Chamber Logo

Reminder: H-V Chamber of Commerce Collecting Items for New Teacher Bags

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome new teachers to the Vance County area. The schools include Vance County Public Schools, Henderson Collegiate, Crossroads Christian School, Kerr-Vance Academy, and Vance Charter School.

The H-V Chamber is looking for donations from local business owners to pack into bags for these teachers. Needed items include pens, pencils, pads, hand sanitizer, coupons/discount cards, key chains, etc. The Chamber is also in need of a business to donate the actual bags.

Approximately 140 new teachers will be welcomed to the area. If your business would be able to donate an item for each teacher, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations are requested by July 14.

If your business would be able to donate an item for each teacher, or with any questions, please contact the Chamber at (252) 438-8414.

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Unveils Framework of Re-Opening Plans 

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools, along with every other school district in the state, was instructed to develop three plans in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year. Plan A, with minimal social distancing, Plan B, with moderate social distancing and Plan C, as complete remote learning. Our district plans were developed with input from parents and staff through online surveys and on-going discussions with district leaders and principals at each of our schools. 

Having already established Plan A and Plan C, Vance County Schools has worked diligently on developing a framework for Plan B in preparation for the governor’s announcement regarding schools. The Vance County Board of Education reviewed each of the plans, along with the survey data from both staff and our families, approving the district moving forward with the framework planning. 

Plan A permits all students to return to the building, but large group settings would be avoided. Social distancing and face coverings are still required. 

Plan B is the blended instructional model, consisting of two groups. Group 1 includes students in grades K-3 and 9-12, meeting for face-to-face instruction every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with remote instruction on Thursday and Friday. Group 2 includes students in grades 4-8 who will have remote instruction on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with face-to-face instruction on Thursday and Friday. Classrooms would have fewer students in each room and face coverings are required. 

Plan C has all students engaging in remote instruction, five days a week. 

Our district is committed to ensuring that all students receive instruction Monday through Friday, facilities are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, wellness checks take place daily, face coverings are worn and students receive meals. We are committed to meeting the needs of our students, regardless of the plan our district pursues. 

One school that will not need to await the state’s decision is Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3), our newest Innovative School in Vance County. V3 is a K-12 virtual school, allowing students to complete their education online with a personalized plan developed for each. Innovative instruction, enrichment and athletic opportunities will be available. V3 requires a one-year commitment from those accepted into the school. The design is set to outlast the COVID pandemic and provide another option for our community, meeting the needs of our families. 

Governor Cooper’s announcement will guide the schools as a whole, indicating the least restrictive plan that districts may use; however, individual districts, with board approval, can activate a more restrictive plan based on local health data. Once that information is released, our Board of Education will reconvene to make the final action on what plan Vance County Schools will begin for the 2020-2021 school year.

Understanding the Plans

Plan A – Minimal Social Distance

Plan B – Moderate Social Distance

Plan C – Remote Instruction

Transportation

Plan A: Bus transportation provided for all students. Required face coverings on the bus.

Plan B: Bus transportation provided at 50% density. One student per seat. Required face coverings on the bus.

Plan C: Remote Instruction – student transportation not needed.

Instruction

Plan A: Large group interactions reduced. Student movement reduced significantly.

Plan B: No large group interactions. Face-to-face instruction and remote instruction provided on a rotating basis with low-density classrooms.

Group 1: Grades K-3, 9-12
M-Tu-W: Face-to-Face Instruction
Th – F: Remote Instruction

Group 2: Grades 4-8
M-Tu-W: Remote Instruction
Th – F: Face-to-Face Instruction

Plan C: Remote Instruction 5 days a week for all students PK-12th grade.

Meals

Plan A: Meals will be provided to all students daily. Students will eat in their classrooms.

Plan B: Meals will be provided to all students daily. Students will eat in their classrooms. Meal packs will
go home with students for remote instruction days.

Plan C: Grab and Go meal service will be provided to eligible families.

Visitors

All Plans: Outside visitors not allowed in buildings.

Facilities

All Plans: Disinfecting will occur frequently each day in classrooms, on buses and high touch areas.

Face Coverings

Plan A: Staff and students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings

Plan B: Staff and students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings

Plan C: Staff will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings.

Athletics & Activities

All Plans: Activities and athletics will be allowed or prohibited, per guidance from DHHS.

Wellness Checks

All Plans: Wellness checks will be conducted at the entrances of each school daily (and throughout the building during the day as needed).

School Hours

Plan A: Grades K-5: 8:30-2:30 ~ Grades 6-12: 9:00-3:30

Plan B: Grades K-5: 8:30-2:30 ~ Grades 6-12: 9:00-3:30

Plan C: Remote Instruction

Staff Availability

All Plans: Staff will be in the school buildings, providing instruction to students Monday – Friday.

COVID-19 Scam Alert

Notice to Public: Beware of Scams Involving COVID-19 Contact Tracing

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-Information courtesy the NCDHHS 

The public is asked to be aware that scams involving COVID-19 contact tracing are being used to gain financial and sensitive information.

According to the NCDHHS, legitimate contact tracers from the COVID-19 Community Team will contact those who have tested positive or those who have been near someone with COVID-19 by text from the number 45394 or email from NC-ARIAS-NoReply@dhhs.nc.gov. Avoid responding to unknown calls or emails.

If the Community Team reaches out with a phone call, either NC OUTREACH or the local health department’s number will appear on their phone.

If a member of the Team calls and doesn’t get an answer, they will leave a voicemail. To protect your privacy, the voicemail will not say that the call is about COVID-19.

The NCDHHS website explains that callers will know it is a member of the Community Team calling because they will do the following when leaving a voicemail:

  • Identify themselves with their first name and the local health department they are calling from.
  • Say “We are contacting you about an urgent public health matter. We would like to speak with you to provide further information and share guidance.”
  • Request that you call your local health department at your earliest convenience and will tell you the local health department’s phone number.
  • Tell you the local health department’s website in case you would like to go to the website to verify the phone number.

Additionally, if you are ever in doubt about how to contact your local health department, please use this website for local health department contact information (click here).

Four-County Health Departments:

Vance: 115 Charles Rollins Rd, Henderson, NC 27536; (252) 492-7915

Granville: 101 Hunt Dr, Oxford, NC 27565; (919) 693-2141

Franklin: 107 Industrial Dr, Louisburg, NC 27549; (919) 496-2533

Warren: 544 West Ridgeway St, Warrenton, NC 27589; (252) 257-1185

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance Co. Schools’ Free Summer Meal Program Continues Through July

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools’ free summer meal program continues through Thursday, July 30, 2020.

Each week, meals will be available for drive-thru pick up at Aycock Elementary School, EO Young Elementary School, Vance County Middle School and Vance County High School from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Meal units that are distributed Monday – Wednesday will include two meals – lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. Thursday distribution will include two breakfasts and two lunches.

Weekly menus, including hot meal items, are available on the VCS website and VCS social media pages.