Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

Vance County Schools Graduation Day 2021

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(WIZS Radio, Your Community Voice, broadcast all four VCS graduations.)

– Vance County Schools Press Release –

Graduation is an important milestone; one that commemorates and honors the hard work of students over the course of 13 years, as well as their families. Vance County Schools held the Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises, in-person, for all four district high schools: Vance Virtual Village Academy, Advance Academy, Vance County High and Vance County Early College.
Each graduation took place on Monday, May 24 with Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, along with the school principal of each respective school, presenting diplomas as seniors walked across the stage.

Commencement Ceremonies

  • Vance Virtual Village Academy, Vance County School’s K-12 virtual school, graduated 20 seniors in its inaugural class. Principal Jessica Perry awarded diplomas to the students at an 8:30 AMceremony at the Vance County High School gymnasium. Graduate Camron Silvious address the Class of 2021, while Heddie Somerville, Principal at Clarke Elementary, was the keynote speaker.
  • Advance Academy, Vance County School’s flex school, graduated 96 students, with diplomas awarded by Principal Stephanie Ayscue. Commencement took place at a 10 AM ceremony at the Vance County High School stadium.
  • Vance County High School, the district’s traditional high school, graduated 175 students. At a
    1:30 PM ceremony, held at the Vance County High School stadium, Principal Rey Horner awarded
    diplomas. Tymiah Aniece Wimbush, Class of 2021 graduate, shared a poem to her fellow class.
  • Vance County Early College Principal, Travis Taylor, awarded 63 diplomas at a 4 PM ceremony at
    the Vance County High School gymnasium. Jorge Gomez Mancilla and Sarah Elizabeth Parish,
    Class of 2021 graduates, gave a farewell address.

Academic Achievements

As a district we honor and celebrate the academic achievements of our top high school scholars using the Latin honors system: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude. The Class of 2021 worked hard and remained dedicated to their studies during a challenging year. Collectively, Vance County Schools honored 25 Summa Cum Laude, 20 Magna Cum Laude and 28 Cum Laude students.

Additionally, students earned 3,557 college credits while enrolled in high school. Of those, 48 students received their Associates degree. The class boasts 14 North Carolina Scholars, 60 National Beta Club members, as well as 24 National Honor Society members.

The Journey Beyond Graduation

The school district has 14 graduates enlisting into the United States military, including the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy. Additionally, there are 50 graduates who have already secured full-time employment and 158 accepted into college, earning nearly 7 million dollars in scholarships and grants! The Class of 2021 received college acceptances from the following:

Appalachian State University | Averett University | Barton College | Belmont Abbey College | Brevard College | Campbell University | Cape Fear Community College | Catawba College | Chowan University | Clemson University | College of Charleston | Concord University | Durham Tech | East Carolina University | Elizabeth City State University | Elon University | Fayetteville State University | Gardner-Webb University | Grace College | Greensboro College | Guilford College | Hawaii Pacific University | High Point University | Hollins University | Howard University | Jacksonville State University | Johnson & Wales University | Kansas State University | Lees-McRae College | Lenoir Rhyne University | Livingstone College | Louisburg College | Louisiana State University | Mars Hill University | Mary Baldwin University | Meredith College | Methodist University | Michigan State
University | North Carolina A&T State University | North Carolina Central University | North Carolina State University | North Carolina Wesleyan | New Jersey City University | Ohio State University| Old Dominion University | Queens University | Radford University | Roanoke College | Saint Augustine University | Saint Martin University | Shaw University | Southern Mississippi University | Strayer University | The New School New York | The University of Akron | The University of New Mexico | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville | University of California at San Diego | University of North Carolina at Asheville | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | University of North Carolina at Wilmington | University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of California at Riverside | University of Kentucky | University of Mount Olive | University of Nevada at Las Vegas | University of Northern Colorado | University of Oregon | Vance Granville Community College | Virginia Tech | Wake Tech Community College | Washington and Lee University | Western Carolina University | William Peace University | Wingate University | Winston Salem State University

Vance County Schools is extremely proud of the 354 Class of 2021 graduates. They have moved beyond obstacles placed before them, including a public health crisis, proving their resilience. We are confident the Class of 2021 will go forth and do great things!

Vance County Schools Superintendent Resigning July 2 For New Job

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– Vance County Schools Press Release – 

Vance County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, has announced his resignation, after six years of service to the district. Jackson describes his time in Vance County Schools as “the most amazing and professionally fulfilling of my entire career.”

During Jackson’s time with VCS, the district has improved student outcomes, consolidated schools, increased the on-time graduation rate, decreased long-term suspensions and dropout rates, along with, developed a new strategic plan, implemented a digital 1:1 program, started the Arts Alive talent showcase, redesigned innovative programs, launched the new Vance County Center for Innovation, and most importantly, consistently given this community reasons to be Vance County Schools Proud.

Jackson expressed his gratitude for the educators in Vance County being committed to the vision, goals and beliefs of the district. He shared, “We have made tremendous inroads and I firmly believe that the school system is positioned to continue serving as a model of innovation and an engine for growth for our entire community.”

Dr. Jackson’s last day with the district will be July 2, 2021, as he has accepted the position of Superintendent in the Chatham County School System, in Pittsboro, beginning July 2021. The Vance County Board of Education will soon meet to begin the process of identifying the district’s next leader.

Vance County Schools Receives State Inspection of Buses

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– press release – 

Vance County Schools transportation department recently received their annual bus inspection from the state. In the process, inspectors assign point values to violations, meaning a low score is the desired outcome. During the inspection, the state thoroughly examined 10-percent of the school system’s bus fleet.

This year, Vance County Schools achieved a score of 22.43. Since 2017, Vance County Schools continues to improve their inspection score, performing at a level better than the state average.

Mr. David Cooper, VCS Transportation Director, shared “I am very proud of our mechanics, who on a daily basis ensure our buses are safe and running properly. We are elated that one of our buses had a perfect score. Our department strives daily to put the safety of our students and bus drivers as our number one priority.”

Vance County Schools is extremely proud of the attention to detail as our transportation department maintains our fleet. When our buses are well cared for and maintained, we know our students are utilizing the safest form of transportation.

VCS Administrator Receives Leadership Award From Superintendents’ Association, School Leadership Alliance

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A Vance County Schools official has received a prestigious award from the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD).

Dr. Letisha Judd-Manning, director of elementary education and professional development for Vance County Schools, is the winner of the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award for the Aspiring Superintendent Program Cohort V, according to a statement from the NCSSA. The annual award is presented to a graduate of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Aspiring Superintendent Program, a program designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools.

Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson called Judd-Manning “a strong and focused leader with a track record of success as a teacher, school principal and district leader. We are very proud of Dr. Judd-Manning and grateful for her leadership and dedication to Vance County Schools,” Jackson said.

Dr. Judd-Manning “exemplifies the traits that have guided Dr. Samuel Houston’s career in educational leadership, said Jack Hoke, NCSSA executive director. “She has a commitment to continuous improvement, high standards of ethical conduct, strategic planning, improving student performance and meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce,” Hoke said.

“It is an honor to receive the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award and to have participated in the Aspiring Superintendent Program,” Dr. Judd-Manning stated. “One of the greatest rewards was taking this powerful journey with this cohort of amazing N.C. educational leaders. The wisdom and expertise shared by our esteemed program leaders was extremely valuable and will have lasting influence,” she added.

Judd-Manning has been with VCS since 2017 and previously served in Durham Public Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, according to Aarika Sandlin, VCS public information officer.

career in education began 25 years ago as a teacher assistant. She went on to become a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Dr. Judd-Manning was graduated from N.C. Central University, earned a master’s degree in school administration at UNC-CH and holds a doctorate in education from High Point University.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel Houston who is President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. Dr. Houston served as superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District for ten years where he opened the first year-round school in North Carolina. Dr. Houston has been a champion for strategic planning, student performance and accountability, meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce, skills for the STEM world and building education partnerships.

Vance County Schools Logo

Friday, May 14 – Remote, Asynchronous Instructional Day for all PK-13

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From Vance County Schools:

In light of the current gasoline shortage, Friday, May 14 will be a remote, asynchronous instructional day for all PK-13 students. Students and parents need to check their child’s Google and/or Canvas classrooms for specific details on Friday’s instruction.

Exams, State Tests: No Opt-outs For Students

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Vance County Schools students will begin taking exams, end-of-course (EOC) and end-of-grade (EOG) tests in less than two weeks, and school officials are working hard to make sure parents are informed about schedules and understanding the logistics  necessary to satisfy state requirements in a safe environment.

Exam schedules are posted on each school’s website, according to Aarika Sandlin, public information officer. High school students will kick off the testing season, taking  EOC and Career Technical Education (CTE) the week of May 17-21.

Testing continues through the end of May and into June for students on a year-round calendar.

“NCDPI has indicated all state exams must take place on campus,” Sandlin said in a written statement to WIZS News. “We have exam schedules for all of our schools posted on each school’s website and encourage families to contact their child’s school for specific concerns or questions,” she said.

The testing schedules provide details for students who have returned to in-person learning as well as those students who continue to learn remotely. Sandlin encouraged any parent to contact their child’s school if they have questions about the test schedule.

North Carolina students in grades 3-8 take EOGs in Reading/English Language Arts and Math. Students in grades 5 and 8 also take a Science EOG.

Students in grades 9-13 take EOC exams in Biology, English II, NC Math 1 and NC Math 3.

Exams count as a percentage of high school students’ final grades.  The state also uses this information to measure proficiency and to maintain metrics and data, Sandlin said.

There will be no school report card letter grades this year.

“There are no opt-outs for state assessments and we encourage all of our families to be present for all of their state testing,” Sandlin said.

For basic information and tips about preparing students for the standardized testing, parents can visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dOqA6dZ_3pShTaVc9ADOY2su2nvKn-B0/view.

Vance County Schools Arts Alive 2021

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— information courtesy of Vance County Schools and Public Information Officer Aarika Sandlin

Arts Alive 2021 was an amazing day this past Saturday, April 24 with Master Classes, the Virtual Art Gallery, along with the Talent Showcase! The district proudly presented our Champion of the Arts Awards to Dr. LaSaundra Booth and Mr. Andrew Markoch.

Dr. Booth, of the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra, has been instrumental in developing the Vance County Schools strings program. Her dedication and hard work has allowed the program to continue growing year after year, allowing our students to truly experience orchestra and strings at the elementary level.

Mr. Markoch serves as the VCS Director of Fine Arts and Innovation. He continues to raise the bar in our district for both visual and performing arts. As a fully staffed arts district, we ensure that every student experiences the arts at every grade level. Mr. Markoch oversees all of the arts programs within our schools.

Both of these individuals are indeed Champions of the Arts and make us all Vance County Schools Proud! The excitement doesn’t end until April 30th, as our virtual art gallery and master classes will be available until April 30 at http://bit.ly/ArtsAliveWebsite.

The Local Skinny! April 26, VCS Budget, Classified Staff

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Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson says the VCS budget will consider an increase in classified staff compensation.

Q: Middle and high schools were consolidated a few years back and it seems like there was about a $2 million per year savings that was talked about at that time. As we head into the 21-22 budget year, what’s affecting your upcoming budget the most right now and what does your budget look like in terms of savings that you’re realizing from past consolidation?

A: As you can see, we’ve been able to expand programs. Our goal was the savings would be poured back into programming and so since that time, we’ve been able to launch our center for innovation, we’ve been able to launch our V3 Academy, we’ve been able to expand our athletic programs, we’ve been able to expand our fine arts programs, we’ve been able to lower some class sizes at our secondary schools and things like that…the things we promised, we’ve been able to refresh our technology devices and add Z Space labs, so we’ve been able to do the things we said we were going to do while not asking for one additional dime from our county.

Our challenges this year are different. COVID has presented a huge challenge, and we’ve talked about it before, and it’s around the ‘people’ part of this work. The workforce has become far more competitive than it has been and that means that salaries are shifting and so our local…we’re challenged right now to keep up with salaries for our classified employees, particularly in our maintenance area. We’re in the middle of doing a salary study and we’ve found that our employees are significantly behind those in the region. We’ve always known that with our teachers and our professional staff. But our classified staff are equally challenged. So that’s our biggest budget challenge. You’ve got to find recurring dollars for that – you can’t just take savings from one place and move it over there for one year or you can’t just use COVID dollars to backfill. We’ve got to make an investment in our people and that’s our biggest challenge. And so we’ve made a modest request in our budget this year to help us at least begin that process. We can’t do it in one swoop, but that’s our goal to try to do that. Every single metric that we set with consolidation, in terms of reducing our footprint, in terms of expanding programs, in terms of increasing enrollment at our middle and high schools, and as well as offering more innovative programs to our students in our community.

We feel good about that and now we’ve got to go to the next steps of balancing all of that out and making sure we keep the right people in the right seats on the bus so we can keep moving forward.

Vance Board of Education Recognizes Athletes at April Meeting

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— courtesy of Vance County Schools and the latest Board Briefs Publication

The Board of Education recognized student athletes. Rosie Kanouff, senior at Early College High School, was recognized as an all-conference selection in Volleyball. Tra’On Lyons, a senior at Vance County High School, was recognized as an all-conference selection in Boys Basketball. Yumyah Hargrove, a senior at Early College High School was recognized as an all-conference selection in Girls Basketball. Blake Vick, a freshman at Early College High School, pitched a complete game no hitter in her first career varsity softball game on 3/17 in a 13-1 victory over Chapel Hill High School. She finished the game with 11 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched. We are extremely proud of our student’s athletic accomplishments.

Vance County Schools Logo

VCS Teachers Get Classroom Help From Online Tool

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In the old days, students could hide comic books or novels inside their thick Biology or English textbooks to fool the teacher into thinking they were on task; nowadays, however, teachers have an ally to help manage off-task behaviors as more and more classrooms have exchanged books for laptops: GoGuardian.

Vance County Schools is a 1:1 digital district, said Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent. “Every single child has a computer, whether they’re in school or not,” he said, drawing the distinction to in-person versus remote instruction. And the district has chosen GoGuardian to help teachers with classroom management.

“It’s not a teaching tool,” Jackson told WIZS News, “it’s a great tool to help our teachers manage while they teach.”

The school district piloted the program and, thanks to positive teacher feedback, Jackson said the decision is likely to be made to expand its use.

GoGuardian was launched in 2014 and is used to monitor student activity online.  Jackson said teachers can see students’ screens and can help to re-direct them if they are off-task or visiting sites that they shouldn’t. It also allows teachers to shut a computer down, he added.