Tag Archive for: #vancecountypublicschools

Vance County High School

Vance County Vipers Getting It Done, From Admin To Students

/by

 

 

Editor’s note: This Viper Highlights is the first in a series of updates from Vance County Schools’ Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin to help inform, update and educate the community about what’s going on at Vance County High School. Read, enjoy and learn about the school’s administrative team and what its students are up to.

Vance County High School stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity, where education extends far beyond the classroom walls. With dedicated leadership, a diverse and comprehensive curriculum and a commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experiences, VCHS prepares students not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their careers and lives. As students graduate from VCHS, they carry with them not only knowledge and skills, but also a sense of purpose and readiness to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Through various initiatives, partnerships, and outreach programs, VCHS actively contributes to the betterment of the community, fostering a culture of service, empathy, and collaboration. Truly, VCHS is shaping the leaders of tomorrow, instilling in them the values of excellence, integrity, and service, while positively impacting Vance County, the community they call home.

Principal Leading with Vision and Dedication 

Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt, III has been instrumental in driving positive change since assuming his role over a year ago. Renowned for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success, Whitt has earned the respect and admiration of the entire school community. His approachable demeanor and genuine concern for the welfare of students and staff alike have fostered a strong sense of community within the school. Through active engagement with students and support for the staff, Whitt has created an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Students and staff have spoken highly of Whitt’s dedication and support, affirming the positive impact he has made. His efforts to meet students’ needs and ensure their comfort and safety continued to be respected and praised by many. Whitt’s influence extends beyond academics, with a dedicated focus on supporting all aspects of student life, including athletics. His equal support for both men’s and women’s sports has not gone unnoticed, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure within the school. Whitt remains committed to fostering academic excellence, inclusivity, and empowering students to realize their full potential, ensuring that Vance County High School continues to thrive under his leadership.

The Dream Team: VCHS Assistant Principals 

Assisting Whitt in his mission are the exceptional assistant principals, McShell Edmonds,. Scott Corrente, Orlando Terry, and Michael Terry, collectively referred to as the Dream Team. Their dedication to student success and growth exemplifies excellence in education and unwavering support for the school community. Edmonds leads the 9th Grade

Academy, setting a standard of dedication and commitment, while earning admiration from students for her tireless efforts. She is committed to ensuring academic achievement for students and serves as a compassionate mentor. Corrente, overseeing sophomore administration, has a friendly demeanor and inspirational presence, serving not only as an administrator but also as a trusted confidant and mentor to students. O. Terry, responsible for junior class administration, is lauded for his nurturing nature and the welcoming environment he fosters, likened to a caring guardian by students. Completing this stellar lineup is M. Terry, the senior class administrator, known for his warmth, wit and genuine concern for students’ well-being, while playing a pivotal role in shaping academic and career pathways. Together, this team empowers students and cultivates a supportive environment where every individual can thrive, leaving a lasting impact on the entire school community.

Dedicated Teachers and Staff 

The profound commitment to student success at VCHS is evident through the unwavering dedication of its teachers and staff. Beyond their daily responsibilities, they invest their time and energy into shaping the academic and personal growth of their students, fostering a supportive community where every member plays a vital role. Whether it is counselors offering invaluable guidance, teachers providing extra help, or custodians ensuring a safe environment, the collective efforts of the VCHS team create an atmosphere of learning and growth.

VCHS: Where Education Extends Beyond the Classroom Walls 

At Vance County High School, education transcends traditional boundaries, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for both academic excellence and real-world success. The school offers a diverse array of educational opportunities including Career and Technical Education courses that include Culinary Arts Applications, Early Childhood Development and Services, Law and Justice, Plant Systems, Carpentry, Automotive Services, Biomedical Technology, Entrepreneurship, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Computer Science Principles, Food and Nutrition, and Career Management. Additionally, students have opportunities to pursue art, journalism, theater, chorus, band, and ROTC, empowering students to explore a wide range of interests and career pathways. Additionally, VCHS students have internship opportunities in local daycare centers, providing students with valuable real-world experience and further enhancing their readiness for the workforce. This robust curriculum ensures that VCHS students graduate well-prepared for the challenges of the future, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Students: VCHS Class of 2024, Vipers are College Bound 

The VCHS Class of 2024 is demonstrating remarkable initiative and ambition in the college application process. With 103 seniors having submitted at least one application and 63 applying to three or more colleges, their proactive approach reflects a commitment to exploring diverse opportunities. Out of 201 seniors, a total of 687 applications have been sent out, resulting in 319 acceptances thus far. As decision letters continue to arrive, the VCHS community eagerly anticipates celebrating the success of these college-bound Vipers, poised to make their mark on the world with determination and ambition.

Gov. Cooper to Meet with Teachers at E.M. Rollins Elementary School

/by

-Information courtesy Terri Hedrick, Public Information Officer, Vance County Schools

N.C. Governor Roy Cooper will visit the year-round STEAM Academy at E.M. Rollins Elementary School on Thursday, July 26 between 1 and 2 p.m.

School staff and invited guests are asked to arrive at the school by 12:45 p.m. on Thursday for assembly in the school’s auditorium.

Gov. Cooper will meet with a small group of teachers until 1:20 p.m. He will then tour the school for 20 minutes and, finally, will hold a press conference in the school’s auditorium that will begin at approximately 1:40 p.m.

Gov. Cooper is expected to make an announcement about a statewide school supply drive while he is at E.M. Rollins.

New Vance County Schools Hours

/by

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.

Pinkston Street Elementary staff take home VCS Spirit Award

/by

 

Pinkston Street Elementary staff members won the “Spirit Award” for Vance County Schools at the district’s Convocation for all employees on August 17.

 

Staff members were recognized as recipients of the award after their fantastic job in showing great school spirit as they were introduced at the Convocation in McGregor Hall.

 

All staff members wore “Pinkston Street Army” t-shirts, completed in Army green with gold lettering, and joined in a rousing cheer to show they are ready to begin the 2017-2018 school year.

 

They were led by Principal Heddie Somerville and Assistant Principal Jacqueline Crosson. They are shown in the photo, from left, with Principal Carnetta Thomas of L.B. Yancey Elementary School.

 

Superintendent Anthony Jackson presented Somerville with the large “VCS Spirit Award” pencil that is given to the school displaying the best school spirit at the event.

 

Staff members at Eaton-Johnson Middle School and Henderson Middle School, finished second and third, respectively, in the judging for the “VCS Spirit Award.”

STEM School to move from Northern Vance to Southern Vance

/by

The STEM Early High School, serving students in grades 6-8, is preparing for its move to the 600 Hall area of Southern Vance High School for the 2017-2018 school year.

Principal Iris Dethmers is shown in the accompanying photo during a meeting held recently with STEM parents and students at Southern Vance. 

The relocation of the school provides more space for the middle school students and staff. All classrooms also will be on one level, which provides more convenience for everyone instead of the three levels required for usage at the school’s old site at Northern Vance High School.

The STEM Early High School will have a separate entrance and exit from the high school students. The school also will have its own office/reception area, conference room and offices for the principal and counselor. STEM will occupy at least eight to 12 classrooms in its dedicated space. STEM students will share space in the cafeteria and gymnasium with high school students, as needed.

Additional information about plans for the new STEM location will be shared with parents, students and the community over the summer.

Vance County Schools Nutrition Program once again providing free meals

/by

Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

June 26, 2017

The Vance County Schools Nutrition Program is providing free meals again this summer to children in various programs in our county. Their delivery guys get covered here for insurance, for that’s an integral part while delivery.

Through a federally funded Summer Nutrition Program, the school system’s School Nutrition personnel are busy supplying breakfast, lunch and snacks each day for nine different programs, including the Read to Achieve reading camps for students in grades 1-3 at Dabney and Zeb Vance elementary schools.

Additional sites receiving the free meals are the Aycock Recreation Center, City Road United Methodist Church, the Eaton-Johnson Summer Camp, the ESL summer program at Dabney, the Gang Free Inc. summer camp, Gillburg United Methodist Church and the Pathway Enrichment Center.

In North Carolina, one in four children is at risk of hunger. They may not have access to enough food or healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, especially when school is out for the summer. The Summer Nutrition Program helps make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need. All children 18 and under can receive free summer meals.

An alarming number of children (approximately 35 percent) in Vance County live in poverty and do not have access to enough food at home. With this knowledge, school system officials for the past two school years have provided free breakfasts and lunches each school day to any students who want them. This is made possible through a federal school lunch program which Vance County qualifies for because of the high poverty rate in the county.

Many students depend on school meals. When school is not in session, these students are in peril of not being able to eat regular meals. The Summer Nutrition Program is a way to combat these risks. A lack of meals puts children at risk for illness and other health issues.

Each of the nine sites served by the Summer Nutrition Program applied to receive the meals. Phyllis Newcomb, director of the school system’s School Nutrition Program, reviews each application to ensure it meets eligibility requirements.  A wide variety of meals are provided for breakfasts and lunches. Representatives from each site must pick up their meals from Dabney Elementary School in approved containers capable of keeping meal items cold and/or hot during transport.

The school system also is working with officials from St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson to provide usage of the cafeteria at Pinkston Street Elementary School as a distribution site for the church’s Mobile Lunch Program.

This program will operate July 11 through August 2 to provide free meals to children in various apartment complexes around Henderson. The meals are delivered to the apartment complexes between 11:30 a.m. and noon each weekday at eight different locations. The locations include Springwood Apartments, Woods Apartments, Wickford Apartments, Hillcrest Apartments, Lincoln Heights Apartments, North Henderson Heights Apartment, Cedarhurst Apartments and Highland Green Apartments. Food for these meals is provided by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Vance County Early College High Selects Graduation Marshals

/by

Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

May 4, 2017

Students who are members of the junior class at the Vance County Early College High School have been selected as graduation marshals to assist in events for the Class of 2017.

The 10 junior marshals were honored at a luncheon on April 28 at the school. They were selected as marshals for their outstanding academics.

The students are shown in the accompanying photo and include from left: Ke’Moni Champion, Victoria Inscoe, Seth Moody, Suzanne Williams, Luke Frazier, Nancy Bonilla, Lehman Ford, Zenee Davis and Lillian Kanouff. Nealee Fisher also will serve as a marshal, but was not available for the photo.

Vance County Schools FRC to host “Senior Night” Info Session

/by

The Vance County Schools Family Resource Center is hosting a free “Senior Night” information session on Tuesday, April 4, from 3 to 6 p.m. for high school students and their parents.

Students and parents can come at any time during the three hours to receive valuable information from high school counselors about the college application process, financial aid opportunities and educational services and programs provided through Vance-Granville Community College.

The session will be held in the Family Resource Center, located in the school system’s Administrative Services Center at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson.

Arts Alive Talent Showcase a Success for Vance County Schools

/by

The Arts Alive Talent Showcase for Vance County Schools on Saturday, March 25, featured about 70 students from the school system who shared their amazing talents in singing, dancing, reciting dramatic readings and playing instruments on the stage at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

The showcase also featured over 200 pieces of visual art work done by students from elementary to high school in Vance County Schools. Hundreds of local residents, family members, local educators and others came through McGregor Gallery throughout the afternoon to view the art work on Saturday. The showcase culminated with the two-hour show in the center’s auditorium that included an audience of over 600 people.

Student performers in the show were the Southern Vance High School Ensemble; Ciara Bundy of Henderson Middle School; Daniel Thorpe of Southern Vance High School; Elizabeth Black of Aycock Elementary School; the Dabney Royalty Show Choir of Dabney Elementary School; Miracle Chin and Sarah Burns of Southern Vance High School; Anna Watkins of Aycock Elementary School; the Clarke Elementary Praise Dance of Clarke Elementary School; Jadyn Jones of Northern Vance High School; My Brother’s Keeper, who are five brothers attending Southern Vance High, Henderson Middle and Aycock Elementary schools; the Shiloh Baptist Liturgical Dance with performers from Southern Vance High and Henderson Middle schools; Valentina Ortega- Mora of Aycock Elementary School; Jesse Peele of Carver Elementary School; Kaitlyn Tant of Southern Vance High School; the Southern Vance High School Step Team; Jose Gonzalez and Jordan Lewis of Southern Vance High School; Anterrahn Harris of Northern Vance High School; and the Southern Vance High School Drumline.

Arts Alive was presented by the Vance County Public School Foundation and Vance County Schools as a celebration of the arts in our public school system. It also served as a fundraiser for the foundation. Proceeds from Arts Alive will be used by the foundation to support educational initiatives in Vance County Schools.

Sponsors for the event included: Bob and Roxanne Fleming; Marion Perry for Tokens of Love; Rose Oil Company and Rose Propane; Archie B. Taylor Jr.; Tegarris Associates Realty Inc.; the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development; Dr. Anthony D. Jackson; Michael and Vanessa Jones; Maria Parham Health; Prim Residential Rentals Inc.; Margier White State Farm Insurance; Ronald and Dr. Cindy Bennett; Dr. Trixie J. Brooks; Talmadge and Michele Burgess; the San Souci Literary Club; the Twilight Gardeners; Edward B. Wilson; and Wayne and Susan Adcock.

Arts teachers in our schools played a major role in promoting Arts Alive and getting their students involved in submitting visual art work and in doing the performances. Art, drama, music and band teachers all played key roles in the success of the event.

The accompanying photos are from the Arts Alive art work displays and the showcase performances in McGregor Hall.

Fire and Public Safety Academy holds special training session for Youth Empowerment Academy

/by

Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

March 22, 2017

Francis Brown, Fire and Public Safety Academy instructor, hosted a special training session for students in the school system’s Youth Empowerment Academy on March 22.

Brown was assisted by several of his academy students in demonstrating how to properly use a fire extinguisher. He also shared with the middle school students basic fire safety practices and CPR techniques.