Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

Nathan Currie

Vance Virtual Village Academy Names Principal

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools is pleased to announce Nathan Currie as the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy.

Mr. Currie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having most recently served as the Superintendent of North Carolina Cyber Academy, an independent, virtual public charter school that serves over 2,500 students in grades K-12. While there, he networked with statewide and national school leaders, policymakers and heads of schools to promote digital learning and competencies. 

Vance County Schools has named Nathan Currie as the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy. Mr. Currie will begin his new position on August 1, 2020. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Mr. Currie, a native of Wilmington, NC, received his Bachelor of Science from Livingstone College, his Master of Arts from the University of Phoenix and is currently a High Point University Doctoral student in the School of Education. 

Mr. Currie has served the public schools of North Carolina for over 20 years, beginning as an elementary and middle school teacher in Rowan-Salisbury Schools, later becoming an assistant principal, principal and director of middle schools. Currie went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Administration in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools and later the Executive Director of North Carolina Connections Academy, a virtual public charter school. 

Currie has served on the YMCA Board, Community Action Agency, is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and enjoys playing the piano and reading. Currie believes that technology is the surest way to upward mobility and that it creates a more equitable edge in connecting students to learning.

Having over 20 years of educational experience, VCS is confident that Mr. Currie will bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the newest Innovative School – V3. Mr. Currie will begin his new position on August 1, 2020.

VCS Athletics Update

Vance Co. Schools Delays Opening of Summer Athletic Conditioning

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools continues to evaluate the timing of returning to athletics. VCS understands that summer workouts and conditioning are important; however, due to continued concerns regarding COVID-19, the opening of athletic workouts will be delayed to no earlier than July 20, 2020.

VCS will continue to monitor health and safety data, in consultation with NCDHHS and GVPH, to ensure student-athletes are able to safely return.

Vance Virtual Village

Application Process for Vance Virtual Village, VCS’ New Online School, Opens July 1

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance Virtual Village Academy, Vance County Schools’ newest school, will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. VCS is excited to offer this completely virtual K-12 school called V3.

Characteristics of a V3 student include an independent learner that is computer literate, has good time management and organization skills, has personal commitment and is an effective communicator.

The student will also adhere to procedures and expectations, have academic readiness and be prepared to access information and interact virtually.

The application will be accessible at https://bit.ly/vancevirtual and also on the VCS website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us beginning July 1.

VCS Partnership Awards 2020

Vance County Schools Recognizes Partnerships of the Year 

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools strives to build community and business partnerships. These individuals, organizations and businesses make an impact on our students, schools and district as a whole. We are grateful for each and every one of them. Each school celebrates its top partnership, focusing on impact.

This year, the following were recognized: 

Advance Academy, Gang Free, Aycock Elementary, Craig Compton, Carver Elementary, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Clarke Elementary, Debra Jiggitts, Dabney Elementary, Turning Point, CDC, Inc., Early College High, Vance- Granville Community College, EM Rollins Elementary, Clearview Baptist Church, EO Young Elementary, Flat Rock United Methodist Church, LB Yancey Elementary, Fearldine Simmons, New Hope Elementary, Woodsworth Baptist Church, Pinkston St. Elementary, Holy Temple Church, STEM Early High, Dr. Meg Blanchard & Katie McCance, Vance County High, AtwoZ Bonds, Vance County Middle, The City Ministries, Zeb Vance Elementary and Plank Chapel.

Letitia Fields (left), principal at New Hope Elementary, presented Pastor Glendora Hargrove (right) with the District Partnership of the Year award on June 26, 2020.

A district committee reviews all of the school partnerships and awards one as the District Partnership of the Year. This year, the recipient is Woodsworth Baptist Church for their partnership with New Hope Elementary.

Pastor Glendora Hargrove’s church and members have assisted in exposing students to the arts through generous contributions. Their efforts provided opportunities for every student to attend a show at McGregor Hall.

Additionally, a new sound system for assemblies and performances was also donated by the church. The sound system was given in honor of Pastor Hargrove’s two granddaughters, who passed away this year. Even when she has experienced much loss, the pastor and her church continue to find ways to give back.

Letitia Fields, Principal at New Hope Elementary, presented Pastor Glendora Hargrove with the District Partnership of the Year award on June 26. 

VCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, along with Board of Education Chair Ed Wilson, presented Henderson Toyota General Manager Joe Coffey with the Shining Moment in Education award on June 3, 2020.

Each year, Vance County Schools awards the Shining Moment in Education to a business or community partner working to make an impact on a larger scale. This year, the 2020 recipient is Henderson Toyota for their ongoing support of our Vance County Teacher of the Year car lease.

In coordination with the Henderson Toyota General Manager, Vance County Schools has been able to award the District Teacher of the Year a one-year lease, allowing them to showcase their title on the car.

This is an honor and continues to build a strong partnership. Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent, along with Board of Education Chair Ed Wilson, presented General Manager Joe Coffey with the award on June 3. 

Business partnerships, community agencies and individuals continue to be an intricate part of VCS’ success. 

Vance Virtual Village TT

Town Talk 06/17/20: Vance Co. Schools Moves Forward With Fully Remote K-12 Academy

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent for Vance County Schools, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Jackson announced the Vance Virtual Village Academy, or V3, as it is being called, will move forward with the Board of Education’s approval as a fully remote learning option for VCS students in grades K-12.

With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the reopening structure of NC public schools still uncertain and the desire of some parents and students for a virtual learning model, Jackson emphasized the importance of offering VCS families a remote learning option.

VCS will open online V3 enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year on July 1. The online academy will follow the traditional school calendar with an August 17 start date.

According to Jackson, enrollment will be capped for the first year at 150-200 students.

Students enrolled in V3 are funded through the State of NC in the same manner as other public school students and will be required to meet the same standards as a student who attends a physical classroom, explained Jackson.

Dispelling the myth that V3 will involve “sitting in front of a device just clicking all day,” Jackson said there will be virtual interactions with teachers, a mixture of independent and group work and a “village” structure that will allow students to interact and socialize with their peers based on their academic needs and interests.

Required materials, including an electronic device and connectivity assistance, if needed, will be provided.

Students may also remain connected to a physical school by participating in athletics and extra-curricular activities and will have access to support services such as school counseling, said Jackson.

“We have to rethink school,” Jackson stated. “I’ve seen the COVID-19 situation as an opportunity to really rethink schools. This is an opportunity to say ‘let’s create one thing that’s different.’ For those parents who seek different and want different, let’s give them that.”

Please visit the VCS website for more information on V3. WIZS News will also provide more information as it becomes available.

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

VGCC Logo

Vance County Schools Recognizes VGCC With Partnership Award

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance County Schools recently recognized Vance-Granville Community College with the 2019-2020 “Partnership of the Year” award for collaborating with Vance County Early College High School (VCECHS).

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Vance County Early College and the entire school system,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said, in accepting the award on behalf of the college faculty and staff. “An important part of our student body, Early College students enrich our campus community, and we have the privilege of helping them achieve their goals.” 

VGCC worked closely with the school system in 2008 to start the Early College High School, and it has been housed on the community college’s Main Campus near Henderson ever since.

VCECHS is a five-year high school experience that offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma along with an Associate in Arts and/or Associate in Science degree, or at least some college transfer credits, tuition-free.

Early College programs provide affordable, accessible pathways to four-year university degrees for many students. In addition, VGCC offers other “Career and College Promise” (CCP) pathways to students at traditional high schools – allowing them to earn college credits, as well.

“We are extremely grateful for your partnership work with Vance County Schools,” Aarika Sandlin, the system’s public information officer, wrote in a letter to the college. “Without devoted community members, churches and organizations, our system would not be the same. We appreciate all that you have done for our schools and our students this year. We are so proud of all you have done to make a difference, making us all Vance County Proud!”

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance Co. Schools Completes Commencement Exercises, Graduates 340

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently graduated 220 from Vance County High School, 41 from Vance County Early College High School and 79 from Advance Academy.

VCS is so proud of the Class of 2020, as these 340 students begin their journey taking a variety of pathways – some are going straight into the workforce, many students are off to colleges and universities, while others have committed to serving in branches of the United States military. No matter where their journey takes them, VCS takes pride that each of them began their journey with Vance County Schools – the place we hope they always call home.

At the time of the May graduations, many of our district’s students were still receiving award letters from colleges and universities. We are excited to announce that Vance County Schools Class of 2020 has a combined total of over 10 million dollars in scholarships and grants. We know educational funding opens pathways for our students and are excited about the opportunities that are before them.

We are excited to share that our students have received the following college acceptances and opportunities to serve in the United States military.

Class of 2020 College Acceptances

Appalachian State University | Barton College | Belmont Abbey College | Brevard College | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | Campbell University | Cape Fear Community College | Catawba College | Central Piedmont Community College | Charleston Southern University | Chowan University | Coastal Carolina University | Converse College | Coppin State University | Durham Technical Community College | East Carolina University | East Tennessee State University | Elizabeth City State University | Elon University | Emory and Henry College | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville Technical Community College | Florida Agriculture and Technical State University | Forsyth Technical Community College | Gardner-Webb University | Grand Canyon University | Greensboro College | Guilford College | Guilford Technical Community College | Halifax Community College | Hampton University | High Point University | Hofstra University | Hollins University | Howard University | James Madison University | Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte | Johnson C. Smith University | Johnson Community College | Lees-McRae College | Lenoir-Rhyne University | Liberty University | Louisburg College | Louisiana State University | Livingstone College | Mars Hill University | Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | Meredith College | Methodist University | Nascar Technical Institute | Nash Community College | North Carolina A & T State University | North Carolina Central University | North Carolina State University | North Carolina Wesleyan College | Old Dominion University | Oral Roberts University | Pamlico Community College | Pfeiffer University | Pitt Community College | Radford University | Roanoke University | Queens University | Shaw University | Spelman College | St. Andrews University | St. Augustine’s University | The University of Mount Olive | Thomas Nelson Community College | Tidewater Community College | Trevecca Nazarene University | University of Lynchburg | University of Mount Olive |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 South Alabama | Vance-Granville Community College | Virginia Union University | Wake Technical Community College | Wayne Community College | Western Carolina University | William Peace University| Wingate University | Winston-Salem State University |

Class of 2020 Military Service

United States Air Force | United States Army | United States Navy | United States Marine Corps | United States Army National Guard |

Vance County Schools is extremely proud of the Class of 2020. We look forward to all that our students will accomplish as they begin this new journey. We know they will go forth and do great things!

VCS Summer Meal

Vance Co. Schools’ Free Summer Meal Program Begins June 15

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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 will begin on Monday, June 15 and continue through Thursday, July 30, 2020.

Each week, meals will be available for 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.

Meals are available at these locations in a drive-thru format.

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.

Bus meals will resume on June 15 for meal deliveries.

Weekly menus will be available on the VCS website and social media.

VCS has served over 320,000 meals since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Hunger does not take a vacation, so VCS is making meals available to our community’s children throughout the summer to meet their needs.

Advance Academy Graduates 79 in Drive-Thru Commencement Ceremony

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-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools celebrated as Advance Academy held commencement with 79 graduates on Thursday,
June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance-Granville Community College.

Though unable to have a traditional graduation, VCS was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. The ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website, as well as live updates on WIZS radio.

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mrs. Stephanie Ayscue, principal of Advance Academy,
presented each of the graduates with their diploma.

Brittany Bell, meteorologist for ABC11, and June Atkinson, former North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction, pre-recorded their speeches to the graduating class.

Graduates included:

Ashanti Kemya Allen, Jaheim Ahmad Allen, Damien Martes Alston, Carlos Ky-Ron Alston, Dontrel Jamal Alston, Saul Hernandez Arias, Correll Jaymon Arrington, Ra’Darrius Ty’Quan Cortez Arrington, Courtney Brianna Bagby, Isaiah Robert Beckham, Laniyah Briona Nicole Brown, Ke’Marus Martise Bryant, Cory Randall Bullock Jr., Demetrius Bullock, Johnathan Savion Bullock, Tawain Printice Bullock Jr., Y’Nashia Stephney Cannady, Roxana Cisneros, Janiyah Marie Crews, Amilyah Te’onka Davis, Briseyda Elizabeth Diaz-Casillas, William Riley Dickerson, Hailee Marie Edmonds, Tristen Scott Faulkner, Robert Thomas Finley IV, Jesus Manuel Garcia Arellano, Dallas Scerbo Gill, Jose Alejandro Gonzalez, Mary Elizabeth Dunston Hargrove, Tederian Monroe Harris, Tyrell Tony Hatcher, Da’Quan Quimaine Hawkins, Da’Twan Quimaine Hawkins, Shyquan Jaleel Hayes, Payton Rey Heath, Mo’Nasia Tamiqua Henderson, Sa’monte De’Quaries Henderson, Alveante Markeith Holden, Jah’Vonte Ty’Key Jiggetts, Taneia Rene Leonard, Adryonna Biyonce’ Lynette Jones, Zavion Ty’lek Kearney, Cameron Lee Kittrell, Emily Michelle Kittrell-Rosas, Trayshawn Maliq Macon, Zamauri Marrow, Kativanna Lynn Mattei-Gonzalez, Karla Marleny Mejia Portillo, Mason Dean Miller, Jada Drewchelle Montaque, Trevon Antwan Murphy, Trevonda Antoinette Murphy, Imari Chantel Nelson, Joshua Lee Oliver, Kalei Nicole Parrish, Anthony Tyrik Pauling, Ahmaj Malik Person, Jawanda Janae Person, Marcus Allen Pitchford Jr., Alex Alberto Prudencio, Joshua Maleek Reid, Aja-Lik Jeremy Robinson-Clack, Tiana Charlotte Rogers, Danny Salmeron, Christopher Daniel Satterwhite, She’Dasia J’shel Small, Mercedes Angeleah Lynna Soto, Sincere Nigel Spencer, Tayana Elise Terry, Lamyah Armony Towns, Ty’Joshua Isaiah Tunstall, Dayana Henrietta Warren, Willie Lee Waverly III, Precious Aliyah Wilkerson, Ty’Quayveon Leneil Williams, Tyeisha Danielle Symon Williams, Allison Paige Wilson, Zha’Nae Twone’ Wynn and Shy’Queria Tyzasia Yancey.

VCS is extremely proud of our seniors and wishes them the best as they journey ahead. They are certain to go forth and do great things.

For additional photos from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).

 

 

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Approves 2020-21 Calendars, Applies for K-12 Fully Remote Option

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

2020-2021 Vance County Schools Calendars Approved

Vance County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the 2020-2021 calendars, reflecting the current requirements, as passed by the general assembly, including five remote learning days.

The early start calendar will begin for students on July 31, 2020, and end on May 21, 2021.

The year-round calendar will begin for students on July 31, 2020, and end on June 11, 2021.

Traditional calendars will start for students on August 17, 2020, and end on June 2, 2021.

The total number of days in the calendar is the same length as previous years, just allocated to include the remote learning days. Check out the VCS website (click here) to view the calendars in more detail.

Vance Virtual Village Academy

Vance County Schools wants to ensure that there is a place for every student to learn. As discussion of the 2020-2021 school year begins, the uncertainties for many families remain.

VCS has applied for a new LEA code through the NC Department of Public Instruction for Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). This school is designed for grades K-12 and will be a fully remote option for those families that feel this is the best option for their child. The school is designed as a place “WHERE WE VALUE connectedness, engagement,
and equity.”

V3 will offer a variety of activities that serve all types of learning styles. The premise is that all teachers will need to consider Universal Design for Learning (UDL) when planning both their synchronous and asynchronous instruction, working to increase access to learning by reducing physical, cognitive, intellectual, and organizational barriers to
learning whenever possible.

At this time, VCS awaits approval from the state to move forward with V3.