Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

VCS and Dr. Cathcart

Local Organizations Donate Combined $10,000 to Public School Foundation

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release and photos, Vance County Public School Foundation

The Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF) was developed to partner with and support Vance County Schools (VCS). As the 2020-2021 school year is underway, VCS is excited to share that the VCPSF, along with community and business partnerships, are stepping in to make a difference!

Dr. Cathcart and the Henderson Optimist Club have collectively donated $3,500 to add additional WiFi devices in the district. This added connectivity will ensure VCS students are able to receive instruction and access resources, even during remote learning.

The Rotary Club of Henderson, along with members Thomas Hester, Archie Taylor, Anthony Jackson, Brad Baldwin, and George Watkins, have donated a combined $1,500 to further add headsets for students to utilize with technology devices.

VCS is also working with various churches, businesses and organizations to put together Arts and Rec kits for elementary age students. These kits will contain items to support the curriculum in both the arts and physical education. The project was jumpstarted with a $5,000 grant from Walmart Distribution and is being supplemented by donations from various businesses, churches and organizations within our community.

VCS continues to be grateful for all that the community has invested into Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation. We look forward to continuing to make our community Vance County Proud!

VCS Arts & Rec Kits

Vance Co. Schools Seeks Donations for Elementary Arts & Rec Kits

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

The Vance County Public School Foundation and Vance County Schools are creating Arts & Rec Kits for elementary school students.

With 2,500 elementary school students in the district, VCS is seeking donations from businesses, churches and organizations to make these kits possible. Even if you only have 25 of an item, every little bit will help. Kits will not be identical, but they will make a difference.

Donations can include items such as stress balls, hacky sacks, small squishy balls, colored pencils, crayons, markers, jump ropes, frisbees, construction paper, glue sticks, drawstring bags and water bottles.

If you can assist, please contact Aarika Sandlin at (252) 492-2127 or email asandlin@vcs.k12.nc.us.

Donations may be dropped off at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson by September 25.

To make a monetary donation to this project, please make checks payable to Vance County Public School Foundation, PO Box 2956 Henderson, NC 27536. In the Memo Line, please write Arts & Rec Project.

VCS Meal Box Pick-Up

Vance Co. Schools Continues Free Meal Boxes Through October

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools will offer free meal boxes for drive-thru style pick-up every Monday in September and October from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Boxes will be distributed at Vance County Middle School located at 293 Warrenton Road in Henderson.

The weekly meal boxes will contain five breakfasts, five lunches and milk containers.

VCS Walmart Grant

Walmart Provides $5,000 Grants to Vance County Schools, Public School Foundation

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information and photo courtesy Vance County Schools

Walmart recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Vance County Schools (VCS) and a $5,000 grant to the Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF). The grants were provided upon the recommendation of the local Walmart Distribution Center/Transportation Office after its review of the needs in Vance County.

The Vance County Schools grant will provide opportunities to all students within the school district as art teachers are outfitted with document cameras for their classrooms. Mr. Markoch, Vance County Schools Director of Fine Arts, shares that “these devices will provide our students with increased technology as an additional resource for bringing instruction to students and modeling projects at all grade levels, both while we are teaching virtually and later when we are back together in our buildings. This will expand classroom accessibility for all of our students.”

Grant presented to Dr. Trixie Brooks, VCS Assistant Superintendent; Aarika Sandlin, VCS Public Information Officer; and Andrew Markoch, VCS Director of Fine Arts, during a Check Presentation Ceremony at Walmart Distribution Center in Henderson, NC.

The Vance County Public School Foundation grant will help create Arts and Rec toolkits for elementary-aged students. Each kit will contain various items for students to utilize at home, allowing them greater access to areas of the arts and physical
education.

VCPSF is partnering with local businesses, churches and organizations to maximize the efforts of this program. Aarika Sandlin, Public Information Officer for Vance County Schools, shares “whether students are receiving instruction at home or in the classroom, access to resources is one of the keys to success for students. This grant, along with partnerships throughout our community, makes it possible for us to provide our families with Arts and Rec toolkits, and, for that, we are extremely grateful.”

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Surpasses State Graduation Rate

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has surpassed the state graduation rate once again, while also posting the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.

We are pleased to report that our 2019-2020 graduation rate is 90.3%, compared to the state graduation rate of 87.6%. This represents an increase of 3.6% over the 2018-2019 4-year graduation rate of 86.7%. Seven years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% — the lowest in the state. We have improved our graduation rate by over 25% during that time, now surpassing the state graduation rate.

For the 2019-2020 year, Vance County Schools met or exceeded the state average in 8 of the 9 measurable subgroups. Those exceeding the state average included male, female, black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, English learner, and student with disabilities. The state and our district both measured greater than 95% for Academically and Intellectually Gifted students.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, is beginning his sixth year leading Vance County Schools. With each passing year, our graduation rate is improving. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our district. As our graduation rate continues to climb, it gives certainty that the strategies and programs we have in place are preparing our students for their future. It also reiterates that when we work together, progress is possible.”

Our district continues to make progress, bringing innovative programs, partnering with our students and families, and personalizing education options for our students. We have robust fine arts programs at every school in our district. Additionally, we offer an alternative pathway for grades 6-12, a K-5 year-round STEAM Academy, our 6-8 STEM Early High School, an Early College High School, and new this year, an entirely virtual K-12 school. With 16 schools in our district, we are working hard to ensure our students have a learning environment that fits what they are seeking.

We continue to extend our program offerings to our students, providing a variety of opportunities for them within our schools. We offer Career and Technical Education programs, providing 13 career pathways for our students. Our Early College has been named one of the Best High Schools in America and our district continues to thrive with digital convergence through Modern Teacher, having been recently recognized nationally for the progress in the strategic planning process.

The programs and digital resources available for our students, the personalized education available through school options, the relationships being built between our staff and families, and the efforts of our community partnering with us, continue to be at the forefront of our students’ success.

We are extremely proud of our district and all that has been accomplished. We still have room to grow and Dr. Jackson emphasizes that “we will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time; the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”

V3 Huskies

Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3) Unveils Mascot and Colors

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently added its sixteenth school to the district – Vance Virtual Village Academy, also known as V3. V3 is an entirely virtual school for students in grades K-12.

As the school year kicked off, the students of V3 worked to establish their identity relative to school colors and mascot. The students voted on their school colors and official mascot then participated in a school logo design contest.

Devin Crump, a sixth-grader at V3, designed the official logo for the school. The new mascot and colors were unveiled on September 1, 2020.

VCS is excited to reveal the Vance Virtual Village Academy Huskies. Their school colors are crimson and gray. The Huskies have an enrollment of over 200 students in their first year and look forward to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Makes America’s Best-in-State Employers List

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named to the annual list of America’s Best-in-State Employers. Forbes partnered with market research company Statista for its second annual ranking of America’s Best-in-State Employers.

Selections were based on an independent survey of more than 80,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people in their U.S. operations. The surveys were administered using a series of online panels and provide a representative sample of the U.S. workforce.

The America’s Best-In-State Employers 2020 title serves to reinforce VCS’s reputation as an employer of high quality. We are extremely proud of the continued progress of our district through the hard work and dedication of our employees. As one of only five school districts in the state to receive this honor, we are thankful for this prestigious recognition and truly Vance County Proud!

The Vance County Schools district is comprised of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and a K-12 virtual school. We serve over 5,000 students from Pre-Kindergarten through year 13 seniors at our Early College, committing to the success of every student.

The district is led by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson who is also the 2020 North Carolina A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year.

The ranking is live on the Forbes website and available by clicking here.

VCS Meal Box Update

Vance Co. Schools Meal Distribution Postponed to August 25

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Due to nationwide delays in the delivery of supplies, Vance County Schools must postpone its Monday, August 24 meal box distribution to Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

The pick-up time, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and location, Vance County Middle School, remain unchanged. 

 

David Cooper

Town Talk 08/19/20: David Cooper Named VCS Director of Transportation

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

David Cooper, the recently named transportation director for Vance County Schools (VCS), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Cooper, who has served VCS as assistant principal at both Aycock Elementary and Henderson Middle School, and, prior to, taught for twelve years at Dabney Elementary School, said he brings his experience in building relationships and respect to his new position.

“Working as an assistant principal, you deal with people, you deal with teachers, you deal with students and you deal with parents,” Cooper explained. “You learn how to build relationships and manage situations, which will be an asset in my work with the transportation department.”

In his years with the school system, Cooper said he also served as a bus driver and is familiar with many of the other drivers and transportation staff.

When asked about accepting a new position involving the transportation of students in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cooper laughed and said that wasn’t part of the original plan.

David Cooper was recently named transportation director for Vance County Schools. Cooper has served VCS as assistant principal at both Aycock Elementary and Henderson Middle School, and, prior to, taught at Dabney Elementary School. (Photo courtesy David Cooper)

“I interviewed for the job back in February, before the pandemic, and was hired in July after things had settled down some. I didn’t plan on going in as director of transportation in a crisis, but I’m going to take it as it is and use it as a learning experience.”

With VCS being on a fully remote learning schedule for at least the first nine weeks of the 2020-21 academic year, Cooper said the transportation department is using this time to inspect the buses and make necessary repairs.

“If you see a VCS bus driving around Vance County, don’t be alarmed,” said Cooper. “It’s just our drivers making sure they are still running. Buses are supposed to be inspected every 30 days. I have a really good group of mechanics who are doing inspections and making sure the buses are on the road. We’ve found that some buses need to be repaired, so this is a good time to do that.”

VCS has approximately 110 buses in its fleet, including activity and smaller transportation buses. According to Cooper, the average school day last year saw 73-75 buses on Vance County roadways.

Calling the decision on bus transportation once schools reopen for in-person learning a “fluid situation,” Cooper said the current discussion is to have one child per bus seat with the possibility of siblings being allowed to share a seat.

Cooper also said the school system will continue to take statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), along with guidance from other school systems currently operating in at least a partial in-person manner, into consideration before any final decisions are made.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance Co. Schools Asks Local Businesses to Serve as WiFi Hotspot Locations

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Letter to local businesses from Dr. Anthony Jackson, Vance County Schools Superintendent:

Vance County Schools values every partnership and, as we are facing unprecedented times, our needs within our school district are ever–changing. We strongly believe that working together is what allows our community opportunities for growth and to become stronger. 

Vance County Schools was able, through generous gifts and donations, to obtain a computer/device for every single student. This allows us to ensure our students have the technology they need as we begin instruction remotely. Our next focus is our commitment to having connectivity access for our students throughout Vance County. We have 85 internet hotspots that we are placing in area churches, businesses, and fire departments to ensure our students have the ability to access the internet near their homes. This is where we need you! 

If you want to know you are making a difference by opening up a world of learning for students throughout our community, you may be the perfect fit for one of our district WiFi hotspots. The hotspot devices require a standard electrical outlet and can be placed anywhere inside or outside of your facility. One of our district employees will set up a time with you to come out to the designated location and set up the device, which is about 10” x 10” in size. The entire installation process should only take a few moments and the device will be displayed on our district WiFi hotspot map, located at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Internet accessibility will be available to anyone within 200 yards, give-or-take based on the line of sight. You can also rest easy that internet filters are set on the devices for the safety of our students. Students accessing the internet will not require them to enter your facility, but your parking area would likely be utilized for those needing the connectivity. The unit will be in place until the district‘s need is no longer necessary. 

If you are able to partner with us, please reach out to Aarika Sandlin, Public Information Officer for Vance County Schools, at asandlin@vcs.k12.nc.us or by phone (252) 492-2127. We appreciate your support of Vance County Schools in making our community a better place! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Anthony Jackson

Superintendent/Vance County Schools