Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

VCS Announces March Student Spotlight Winners

-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Three fifth graders representing three different elementary schools have capture honors as Student Spotlight winners for March.

Brisa Nunez of Aycock Elementary, Michelle Reyes of Clarke Elementary, and Gabriella Fields of Pinkston have demonstrated exemplary qualities and contributions to their school communities. The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, aims to celebrate outstanding students who are making a meaningful difference in their schools. These students have not only demonstrated excellence in their academics but also exhibited commendable qualities

such as kindness, dedication, and a commitment to personal growth.

Brisa Nunez, Aycock Elementary

Brisa is bursting with enthusiasm, and her passion for science ignites her journey each day. She’s captivated by the wonders of the human body, fueled by her dream of becoming a doctor in the future. One of the most interesting topics she has recently enjoyed conquering the art of multiplying fractions!

Not only is Brisa committed to academics, but she also is an active member of the Aycock Beta Club and the Safety Patrol. Assistant Principal Donald Johnson III sings her praises, highlighting her infectious friendliness and ever-present smile that brightens everyone’s day. When asked about her Aycock experience, Brisa’s eyes light up with excitement. She cherishes the endless opportunities to expand her knowledge and lend a helping hand to her peers. Beyond the school walls, Brisa finds joy in playing with her brother. Dreaming big comes naturally to Brisa. If she could possess any superpower, she would soar through the skies, exploring the globe and connecting with loved ones in Michoacán, Mexico. She is inspired by her mom’s unwavering support and kindness. Her advice to fellow students is to embrace challenges, listen attentively, and always follow the path of determination. With Brisa’s boundless spirit and determination, the sky’s not even the limit—it’s just the beginning of her extraordinary journey!

Michelle Reyes, 5th grade, Clarke Elementary 

Michelle’s insatiable hunger for knowledge and an unwavering dedication to learning is what sets her apart. Her teachers marvel not only at her dedication to academics but also at her boundless kindness, which shines as a guiding light for her peers. When she is not conquering the classroom, Michelle finds solace in the world of anime and the soothing melodies of her vinyl records—a newfound passion that fills her with joy. Dreaming big comes naturally to Michelle, who has aspirations of becoming a chef. With a love for culinary delights from Mexico and Japan, she is already practicing her skills in the kitchen with delicious dishes.As an active member of the Clarke Elementary Beta Club and Robotics team, Michelle thrives in a community where her love for exploration and discovery flourishes. History classes, particularly those units delving into the World Wars, fuel her curiosity and ignite her passion for understanding the past. If given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, Michelle would love to explore Mexico and Japan, immersing herself in their vibrant cultures. Her message to her fellow students is to stay focused, stay productive, and embrace the journey of learning—it is the key to unlocking success!

Gabriella Fields, Pinkston Street Elementary 

Gabriella is described as a nurturing student with concern for the well-being of others, including her fellow peers. With an authentic desire to make a positive impact, Gabriella’s journey towards becoming a doctor is characterized by unwavering determination and kindness, inspiring those around her. Her goal to be a doctor stems from her compassion for people and wanting to see them get better. Her motivation for coming to school is fueled by the support of her parents and her own drive to achieve her goals. She finds joy in challenges, particularly in mathematics, where she enjoys the process of learning and understanding complex concepts.

Beyond her academic achievements, Gabriella is a well- rounded student who actively contributes to various facets of school life. Her involvement in the Principal Advisory Council (PAC), Beta Club, and the prestigious Girls in Pearls demonstrates her commitment to leadership, service and excellence. She has a love for reading, drawing, and arts and crafts, drawing inspiration from her father, who serves as her role model due to his passion for art. Additionally, her participation in the choir at New Life Church reflects her passion for music and community engagement. Gabriella’s affinity for the book “The Wild River” reflects her adventurous spirit. If given the choice of any superpower, she would opt for the abilities of Miles Morales from “Spiderman Across the Spider Verse,” encompassing invisibility, electric venom capabilities, and the skill to crawl on walls. Imagining herself holding a magic wand, Gabriella wishes for peace in the world. Her sincere advice to her peers is to keep pushing ahead, tackle challenges head-on, use time wisely, focus on self-improvement, and stay dedicated to personal and academic growth.

VCS Names February Student Spotlight Winners

 

-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communications Officer Aarika Sandlin

Three students have been recognized as February’s Student Spotlight winners in Vance County Schools.

Briarlyn Currin of E.O. Young Elementary, Kaiden Bates of Vance County Middle, and Jamehas Whitaker at Carver Elementary have been honored for their exceptional qualities and contributions to their respective school communities, according to information from VCS Chief Communications Officer Aarika Sandlin.

The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, celebrates exceptional students who are making a difference in their schools. These students have not only demonstrated excellence in their academics but also exhibited commendable qualities such as kindness, dedication and a commitment to personal growth.

Briarlyn Currin, E.O. Young Elementary 

Briarlyn is a second-grader who consistently exhibits exceptional academic performance and is known for her kindness. Staff describe her as one of the nicest students you will ever meet. She particularly excels in math, finding satisfaction in overcoming its challenges. Her motivation to attend school stems from her desire to further enrich her intellect. Briarlyn finds joy in studying Life Cycles in CKLA reading. She extends her advice to other students, inspiring them to work hard, pay attention in class and to always be nice to others.

Apart from her academic pursuits, she nurtures a fascination for nature, particularly birds and dinosaurs. Briarlyn is currently a Girl Scout in Troop 508 and enjoys playing soccer in her time outside of school. Her favorite activities include watching Disney’s Descendants and reading The Bad Guys. With aspirations to become both an artist and a baker, she looks up to her mom, especially for her baking skills. Asked where she would love to visit one day, Briarlyn shared that she would love to go back to visit the waterparks in the Bahamas.

Kaiden Bates, Vance County Middle 

Kaiden is a 7th-grade student known for his diligence and compassion. Principal Dr. Stephanie Ayscue described him “as a caring student, who goes out of his way to help those who need assistance. Kaiden represents every qualification necessary to be VCMS’s Student Spotlight representative.”

While Kaiden finds joy in math, he especially thrives in science, enjoying hands-on learning through labs and experiments. One of the most memorable things Kaiden learned in school is how to work a robot. His advice to others is to pursue your goals and work hard to earn money, allowing you to afford the things you want.

Kaiden participates in the Youth Leadership Academy. Beyond his academic pursuits, he finds fulfillment in playing football and spending quality time with his family. He also contributes to his church’s technology team, assisting in broadcasting the church service for remote attendees. Kaiden harbors diverse career aspirations, including becoming an FBI agent, surgeon, firefighter or NFL football player. If granted a wish, Kaiden desires financial abundance to support his family and aid the homeless, while also prioritizing savings. He draws inspiration from his family, particularly his accomplished older sister, whom he admires as a positive influence.

For an adventurous journey, Kaiden dreams of exploring the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Jamehas Whitaker, Carver Elementary 

Jamehas Whitaker, a 3rd-grader, is recognized for his exemplary dedication and a student who delves into all subjects with enthusiasm. His teacher, Lillian King, said Jamehas is always willing to help others and he generously shares strategies with his classmates. His passion for social studies stands out, as he enjoys exploring the multitude of historical events and topics, specifically the Roman Empire, which was enhanced during CKLA reading.

Jamehas’s drive motivates him to attend school every day, propelling him toward his goal of becoming a scientist. He shares with his peers to never give up and always try your hardest; be the best you can be in life. Jamehas shared that the best thing about being a student at Carver Elementary is the kindness of all his teachers and staff.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Jamehas finds enjoyment in watching his favorite movie, Fast and the Furious 10. He also has a diverse taste in music and enjoys playing outside in his free time. Jamehas’s parents are his greatest influence because they provide significant support to ensure his success in life. His older brother, Jemaine Jr. from Vance County High, serves as a role model to him because Jamehas admires his prepared mindset. If he had a magic wand, Jamehas, an avid reader, would wish for a room full of books about Albert Einstein.

Congratulations to all the February Student Spotlight recipients!

 

 

VCS Second Graders Learn Water Safety Through YMCA “Safety Around Water” Program

– Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Second-graders from all 10 elementary schools in Vance County Schools are participating in a five-day swim training program with staff at the Henderson Family YMCA. The Safety Around Water initiative is a national program that teaches young people basic safety techniques – using the buddy system and how to use life jackets, for example – when facing water rescue situations.

YMCA Director of Aquatics Kim Davis and staff help the children through three rounds of training: “Submerge!” helps to build comfort in the water; “Swim, Float, Swim!” teaches basic swimming skills; and “Jump, Push, Turn and Grab!”  teaches pool exit techniques.

“The hardest part is helping them to overcome their fear,” Davis said. “We care about these students, and this program helps to build trust and faith between the children

and our instructors. It is very exciting to see the progress from one day to the next.”

At the end of training, each student receives a certificate to celebrate their hard work.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation partners with the YMCA to provide the training.

Students from Clarke Elementary participated in early February, and Principal Dr. C’monee’ Wilkins said she appreciates the partnership with the YMCA to provide the experience.

“The Safety Around Water program is a rich experience that opens our students up to embracing new things and stepping outside of their comfort zone,” she said.

“Each year there are drownings but lately the drownings have increased. We live in an area with large lakes and pools. The SAW program teaches safety skills to help the students to be able to help save themselves until help arrives.”

 

The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Awards

For the fourth year in a row, Vance County Schools has been recognized by a statewide organization for excellence in communications. The district took four Blue Ribbon awards at a recent ceremony of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association, according to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.

Of the 344 awards given out during the ceremony, Vance County received two Gold level awards, one Silver and one Bronze level award.

The BlueRibbon Awards are the highest honor presented by t6he NCSPRA to school districts. The awards are given for outstanding communication in eight categories: marketing, digital media engagement, electronic media, excellence in writing, publications, image/graphic design, photography and special events/programs.

“This recognition is an honor for our entire district, as well as a testament to the hard work of our team,” Sandlin said in the press statement. “We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration between the Communications department and the Center For Innovation staff as we work together to provide opportunities and experience for our students and showcase our district’s story.”

Here’s a breakdown of the award-winning programs and projects:

VCS earned Gold level recognition in the Special Events and Programs category for its Engage, Inspire, Empower conference, held in April 2023 for young women in grades 7-12 and in the Digital Media Engagement category for its Alumni Roll Call 2023 social media campaign.

The district took Silver and Bronze in the category of Image/Graphic Design for its use of AI technology that turned each principal into a superhero during Principal Appreciation Month.

The Bronze award was given for a billboard campaign called Sharing Our Story at New Heights. The billboard is on Norlina Road across from the Food Lion Shopping Center.

The NCSPRA identified a “Best of the Best” for each category, and VCS was honored in the Special Events/Programs category.

Other school district winners were:

  • Digital Media Engagement: Guilford County Schools
  • Electronic Media: Guilford County Schools
  • Excellence in Writing: New Hanover County Schools
  • Image/Graphic Design: Chatham County Schools
  • Marketing: Rutherford County Schools
  • Photography: Durham Public Schools
  • Publications (Electronic & Print): Durham Public Schools

Visit www.ncspra.org to learn more about the organization.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Arts Alive 2024 Comes To McGregor Hall Mar. 16

Arts Alive 2024 is gearing up to showcase the varied talents of students across Vance County.

This year’s event will take place Saturday, March 16 at McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson and will include singers, artists, dancers, musicians and actors from across the school district who will share their creativity and talent with the community.

The Art Gallery will open at 3 p.m., followed by Heart of the Art at 3:30 p.m.  and the Talent Showcase will begin at 5 p.m., according to information from the Vance County Public School Foundation. The event is free.

Show your support by purchasing an Arts Alive  t-shirt and wearing it the day of the show- but hurry, you need to order by Saturday, Feb. 10 to receive it before the show.

Visit www.vcs.k12.nc.us,  locate the box for K-12 Payment Center on the right side of the page and follow the prompts. You’re just a few clicks away from purchase.

Contact VCS Director of Fine Arts and Physical Education Andrew Markoch at amarkoch@vcs.k12.nc.us or 252.739.7110 to learn more.

Follow updates to the annual arts showcase at https://sites.google.com/vcs.k12.nc.us/artsalive2024/home?authuser=0

The foundation also is seeking sponsors for the event, and all donations support the foundation’s work within the county to provide students and staff enriching experiences as they grow in their educational journey.

Sponsorship levels range from $25 to $2,000. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support this annual event by Mar. 1. All sponsors will be listed in the Arts Alive  program.

Here’s a breakdown of the sponsorship levels:

Friend – $25-$50

Bronze – $51-$150

Silver – $151-$250

Gold – $251-$499

Platinum – $500-$999

Diamond – $1,000-$1,999

Pinnacle – $2,000+

TownTalk: Applications For VCS Innovative Schools Due By Feb. 29

Parents of students in Vance County Schools have until Feb. 29 to submit applications for their children to attend any of five Innovative Schools in the district.

VCS Communication & Innovative Support liaison Aarika Sandlin and Rey Horner, chief officer for Student Services, were guests on TownTalk Wednesday to provide details about the programs each school offers as well as the process for applying.

The application is available at the district website, https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/

and Sandlin said registration can be completed entirely online for parents’ convenience. If, however, a parent needs to access the application another way, please contact Horner at rhorner@vcs.k12.nc.us or phone 252.492.2127.

The five schools cover PK through high school, Sandlin said. The five schools are E.M. Rollins STEAM, STEM Early High School (grades 6-8), Vance County Early College High School, AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village.

Horner said each site offers something a bit different for its students, but they all focus on student-centered and student-driven learning. Applicants to STEM Early High School, AdVance and Vance County Early College must include an essay along with their applications, he noted.

The STEM Early High School will accept 100 students for next year; the Early College will cap its incoming class at 60, Horner said.

There is no cap for E.M. Rollins, so whoever applies most likely will be accepted to the program, which operates on a modified year-round schedule.

Sandlin said the goal is to provide education in an innovative way, “meeting kids where they are, to get them where they need to be.”

Families will get notification by mail on Mar. 28.

Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/to download the application and to learn more about the Innovative Schools.

CLICK PLAY!

 

 

“Innovative Schools Night” Set For Wednesday, Jan. 31 At Center For Innovation

Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communications Officer Aarika Sandlin

Parents of school-age children are invited to attend an Innovative Schools Night for Vance County Public Schools to learn more about the district’s five innovative schools.

The information session will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Center for Innovation, 219 Charles St., Henderson.

Applications for the five schools – E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, STEM Early High, Vance County Early College, Advance Academy, and Vance Virtual Village Academy – will be accepted through Feb. 29 and decisions will be mailed out on Mar. 28, according to information on the district website.

Find the application at vcs.k12.nc.us or click the link “Innovative Schools Application” to download the form.

Vance County Schools Get $300,000 From DPI ‘s Center For Safer Schools

Vance County Schools is among more than 200 school districts and charter schools across the state to get part of $35 million to address school safety by the Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools.

Vance County Schools will get $300,000, as will Franklin County Schools, according to a press release from CFSS Executive Director Karen W. Fairley.

Granville County Public Schools and Warren County Schools each will receive $150,000. In addition, two Granville County charter schools also will get funding – Falls Lake Academy will get $53,874 and Oxford Preparatory School will get $40,000.

Districts and schools had to submit applications for the grant funding, which will be used for safety equipment, training and services for students in crisis.

Safety equipment covered by this grant includes items such as cameras, vape detectors, radios, and weapons detection systems. Training can include professional development for school leaders to assist students who are experiencing anxiety, trauma and/or conduct problems. Services made available through this grant can include school-based mental health services.

“It is part of the center’s mandate and mission to give public-school units the tools they need to help keep their schools safer – that includes grant funding,” she said. “We thank the General Assembly for its generous appropriation that enables us to support North Carolina public schools.”

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said the need for school safety funding is crucial in ensuring students’ well-being throughout their educational journey.

“Nothing is more important than making our schools safer and more secure, and these grants will continue to play a vital role,” Truitt said. “This funding will help improve school security in many ways, including, updating technology and training to prevent future emergencies. I applaud state lawmakers for making this a priority and look forward to working with them to deliver more safety funding in the future.”

Funding for the hiring and training of school resource officers (SROs) was a continuation of the $33 million in SRO funding awarded in October 2022 for the 2022-23 school year.

Awards are subject to all administrative and financial requirements, including timely submission of all financial and programmatic reports; resolution of all interim audit findings; and adherence to allowable expenses.

A list of public-school units that were awarded 2023-24 School Safety Grant funding can be found here.

In 2018, the General Assembly worked with the Department of Public Instruction to launch a new School Safety Grant Program to improve safety in public school units by providing grants for school resource officers, services for students in crisis, training to increase school safety, safety equipment in schools and additional school mental health support personnel.

Since then, more than $150 million has been awarded to public-school units across North Carolina.

 

Ayana Lewis Appointed To Fill School Board District 4 Seat

The Vance County Board of Education has appointed Ayana Lewis to serve in the District 4 Board seat after the recent resignation of Edward Wilson, who had served since 2012.

Lewis, a Henderson native, will be sworn in at the board’s next meeting on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., according to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.

Lewis, a Democrat, had filed for the District 4 seat and would have been on the ballot in November. Wilson did not file for re-election.

Lewis has close to 20 years of education experience, having previously served in Vance County Schools as Gear Up’s assistant coordinator, as well as bookkeeper and first grade teacher.

She and her husband are co-founders of the Abria Chase Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the memories of two of their children who lost their lives in a house fire.

Lewis helps other parents who have lost children and she and her husband received the Community Excellence Award from the Full Effect Church of North Carolina in 2023.

Lewis received her bachelor’s degree from N.C. Central University and a Master of Art in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health from Wake Forest University.

Vance County Schools 2-Hour Delay 01/17/2024

From Vance County Schools:

“As we prioritize the safety of our students and staff, we would like to inform you that Vance County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

“This decision has been made in consideration of the potential for black ice on roadways and the forecasted wind chill. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during weather-related adjustments.”