Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

Second Round Of VCS Commencement Exercises Held June 14

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-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

The second round of high school graduations concluded for Vance County Schools on Friday, June 14, with a total of 83 students turning tassels and receiving diplomas in two separate graduation exercises for AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy.

Fifty-three students received their diplomas from AdVance Academy in a ceremony that began at 3 p.m. in the Wayne Adcock Auditorium at The Center for Innovation.

AdVance Academy Principal Nowell Brooks expressed excitement for the Class of 2024 and said the day marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Brooks shared well-wishes with the graduating class as they embark upon their next journey.

As part of the ceremony, graduates were each presented with a rose to share with someone who supported their journey toward achieving this milestone. During the commencement ceremony, scholarships were awarded. Courtney Tenbosch, the Vice President of Campus Operation for Graduation Alliance awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,250 for students to continue their education. Recipients included Autumn Chambliss, Damien Jones, Shadaja Galloway and Dineshia Glasco.

Dr. Ralphel Holloman, Sr. presented the Ronald E. Gregory Scholarship to Dineshia Glasco.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Board of Education member Dr. Omega T. Perry joined Brooks in presenting the diplomas.

Another 30 students from Vance Virtual Village Academy received their high school diplomas on June 14, with a ceremony that began at 6 p.m. in the Wayne Adcock Auditorium at The Center for Innovation.

Vance Virtual Village Principal Dr. Jessica Perry shared words of wisdom with the graduating class encouraging them to embrace this moment. Perry emphasized, “I know that you, the Class of 2024, can conquer your doubts and take the risks. To do so, you must welcome new experiences. You must set goals and dreams and continue to go after them even when the journey seems unreachable.” She reminded them they must never give up or give up on their dreams.

VCS Superintendent Bennett and Dorothy Gooche, VCS Board of Education cice-chair, joined Perry on stage to present diplomas.

Class of 2024 Fast Facts: 

  • 3 students are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9) ● 3 seniors have secured full-time employment.
  • 16 seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4-year college/university.
  • Students graduated with a variety of honors:

○ National Honor Society

○ National Beta Club

○ President’s Award for Educational Excellence

○ President’s Award for Educational Achievement

 

Vance County High School and Vance County Early College had graduation exercises in May.

STEM Early High School Gets Solar+ Schools Grant

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-information courtesy of Vance County Schools Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

STEM Early High School in Vance County is one of nine schools across the state to receive a grant from NC GreenPower to install a rooftop solar array as part of a solar education package.

With backing from the State Employees Credit Union, the Solar+ Schools Award will pay for all of the project’s construction costs, expected to be between $55,000 and $75,000.

The educational package includes a 20-kilowatt solar array, STEM curriculum, teacher training and more.

Schools should raise $3,500 to cover any future operations and maintenance expenses. The included weather station and data monitoring equipment will incorporate live  information from the arrays into classrooms, and teachers will be able to compare weather  scenarios and involve students in reading and interpreting the energy data.

Northern Granville Middle School in Granville County also is a recipient of the Solar+ School Award.

In 2024, the Solar+ Schools program accepted applications from public K-12 schools in Tier 1 and 2 counties in North Carolina. For the awarded schools, the installed 20-kW photovoltaic systems will serve as educational tools and will provide an energy impact depending on each school’s arrangement with its local electric utility. Since Solar+ Schools’ introduction in 2015, program recipients have saved about $100,000 cumulatively in electricity expenses, and the STEM and solar curriculum training has benefited more than 280 teachers and 62,000 students  throughout the state.

The member-funded State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation has been a long-time advocate of NC GreenPower and continues to generously back the Solar+ Schools program. In  2022, the SECU Foundation contributed a grant of up to $600,000 extending through 2024 to  provide additional funding and assist with installation costs for awarded schools.

“NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools initiative is a unique and innovative project that continues to  produce energy savings and educational benefits for our schools and our state,” said SECU  Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell. “We couldn’t be more pleased to help outfit nine schools with a working solar array system for students and our communities to learn more  about solar power’s impact as an alternative energy source for today and years to come.”

VCS Announces Principal, Central Office Changes

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-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communications Officer Aarika Sandlin

Vance County Schools has announced several principal and central services changes for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett stated that each of the five has a strong record of success and impact. “I am sure VCS parents and the community at large recognize their commitment to our students and the profession. Acknowledging that we have a strong pool of internal candidates is truly an asset when we have leadership growth opportunities– a testament to the highly skilled professionals who call VCS their home.” 

Jeffrey Batten, Vance Virtual Village Academy Principal

Dr. Jeffrey Batten will serve as the new Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy, located at the Center for Innovation (CFI). Dr. Batten’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Trinity University, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas A&M University, and a Masters in School Administration from North Carolina State University. With NC certifications in Science (6-9, 9-12) and as a School Administrator: Principal, Dr. Batten began his career 20 years ago as a science teacher in Granville County. He was named the 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year at Hawley Middle School. After serving as an assistant principal at South Granville High School and Cedar Ridge High School, Dr. Batten joined Vance County Schools in 2022 as an Assistant Principal, later becoming the Principal of EO Young Elementary. His vast experience and dedication to education will be invaluable as he transitions to his new role.

 

Kristen Boyd, EO Young Elementary Principal

Kristen Boyd will take on the role of Principal at EO Young Elementary. Ms. Boyd’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from North Carolina State University. She holds NC certifications in K-6 Elementary Education, School Administrator: Principal, and Academically or Intellectually Gifted. Ms. Boyd has been an educator since 2001, serving as a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher and later as an Assistant Principal and Principal at Aycock Elementary. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2006 and District Principal of the Year in 2017-2018. She is a graduate of Leadership Vance and the Teachers Executive Institute. Her leadership and passion for education will continue to benefit the students and staff at EO Young Elementary.

Donald Johnson III, Aycock Elementary Principal

Donald Johnson III will be stepping into the role of Principal at Aycock Elementary. Mr. Johnson earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He holds NC certifications in Elementary Education K-6 and School Administrator: Principal. Mr. Johnson’s career in education began as a teacher and Assistant Principal in Granville County. Since joining Vance County Schools in 2021, he has served as the Assistant Principal at Aycock Elementary, earning the title of 2022 District Assistant Principal of the Year. He is also a Leadership Vance graduate. Johnson’s experience and dedication to student achievement make him an excellent fit for his new position.

Chelsa Jennings, Chief Officer of Human Resources

Chelsa Jennings will serve as Chief Officer of Human Resources. Ms. Jennings began her career in Warren County in 1995 as an Instructional Assistant and later an elementary teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina Central University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. Jennings is currently pursuing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She holds NC certifications in Elementary Education K-6, School Administrator: Principal and  Superintendent, and Curriculum Instructional Specialist. Jennings has served as Director of Testing and Accountability, Curriculum Facilitator, Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Chief Academic Officer prior to joining Vance County Schools. She joined the district  in 2021 as the Executive Director of Elementary Education.

Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Elementary Education

Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson will now serve as the Executive Director of Federal Programs and Elementary Education. Dr. Batchelor-Crosson earned her undergraduate degree from Fayetteville State University and both her Master’s and Doctorate from the University of Phoenix. She holds NC certifications in Elementary Education K-6 and School Administrator: Principal. Starting her career in 2002 as a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary, she went on to lead the Pinkston Street Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). Batchelor-Crosson later served as an Assistant Principal in Vance County Schools and then Pinkston Street Elementary Principal. She was named Vance County Schools Principal of the Year in 2022 before being named the Director of Federal Programs. Dr. Batchelor-Crosson’s extensive experience and dedication to education will be instrumental in her new role.

 

 

VCS Begins Graduations; 202 Graduate from VCHS, Early College At 6 PM

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-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Graduation season is officially underway in Vance County Schools, as Vance County High School awarded 202 students with their high school diplomas on Friday, May 24, 2024, in the Vance County High School stadium. The ceremony began at 9 a.m. Posting of Colors was presented by the North Carolina 81st Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard.

Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt III shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCHS Class of 2024 graduate Chedaria Turner delivered the farewell address to fellow classmates.

Turner shared a moment of gratitude to those who have impacted the lives of the Class of 2024, expressing that “Your belief in our dreams has been our strongest foundation.”

She continued by stating that the door to their futures had opened, the knob has twisted and opened “to a future where we will prosper and come out stronger than any others before or behind us.” She finished her words to her fellow graduates with well wishes, sharing “May your future play out to its fullest extent.”

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt III, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, and Randy M. Oxendine, VCS Board of Education Chair.

Vance County Early College graduation will take place today at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College.

AdVance Academy graduates on Friday, June 14 at 3 pm. followed by Vance Virtual Village Academy at 6 pm. The ceremonies will be held  at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter. There’s a livestream link on the VCS webpage: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/

 

Congratulations, Vance County High School Class of 2024!

VCHS Class of 2024 Fast Facts: 

  • The following seniors enlisted in the military:

○ Dalton Black (U.S. Army)

○ Sarah Baldwin (U.S. Army)

○ Joshua Hicks (U.S. Army)

○ Na’Sean Jones (U.S. Air Force)

○ Ashley Yancey (U.S. Air Force)

○ Kimora Allen (U.S. Navy)

○ Jaliah Snickles-Fields (U.S. Navy)

○ Tony Bolanos-Armas (U.S. Marine Corps)

 

  • 36 students graduated with distinction:

○ 17 seniors graduated Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)

○ 15 seniors graduated Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)

○ 4 seniors graduated Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)

  • Students graduated with a variety of honors, including:

○ North Carolina Scholar

○ National Beta Club

○ President’s Award for Educational Excellence

○ President’s Award for Achievement

○ Music Honors

○ Council on International Exchange

○ Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Scholar

○ International Cultural Exchange Service

 

Follow Vance County Schools on social media to see photos from the graduation exercises.

Vance County Schools Earns National Beta District Of Distinction Honor

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Vance County Schools has been named a 2023-2024 National District of Distinction by the National Beta organization, the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America.

According to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin, the local school district is the only district in the state to receive the award, and one of only 64 districts nationwide. The award is given to those districts who offer National Beta in all schools in their district, and who induct qualifying students in all eligible grades – grades 4‐12.

Through the exceptional efforts of Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, club sponsors and deserving Beta members, Vance County Schools has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter. This national award speaks to the district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement, and illustrates their dedication to preparing students for college, and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others.

The National Beta organization is committed to providing students with a positive experience in a supportive manner in grades 4-12. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills.

Award recipients received a National Beta District of Distinction award to proudly display at their district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals received a plaque to display at their school.

The Vance County Schools Beta Club district sponsor is Andrew Markoch, Director of Fine Arts and Physical Education.

For more information about National Beta, visit www.betaclub.org

VCMS Top Bots Takes Second Place At State BrickEd Competition

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The Vance County Middle School Top Bots won second place in a statewide competition held over the weekend in Salisbury.

The Top Bots were one of six RoboVance teams to showcase their talents at the BrickEd competition, according to information from Grace Herndon, with VCS Communication & Innovative Support.

After competing at the district level on April 27, the teams advanced to the BrickEd state competition on May 18.

In addition to the VCMS Top Bots, participating teams included the Carver Eagles, E.M. Rollins’s Bear Cub Power, Clarke Tech Titans, STEM Byte Club and Aycock Robo Coders. The Bear Cub Power team from E.M. Rollins received the Sportsmanship Award.

Using LEGO Spike Prime kits and extensions, these teams programmed their robots to complete complex tasks on custom maps.

RoboVance coordinator is Stephen Jones, who, along with other dedicated staff members inspire students to achieve success.

VCS Superintendent Receives Second Award In Three Weeks For Service To Community, Education

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Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett is among a handful of public school education leaders from across the state to receive awards from The Innovation Project for transformative and innovative leadership practices.

Just last week, Bennett was honored as the 2024 George Watkins Citizen of the Year by the Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts. The award is presented annually to extraordinary community leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in the Eno River District and who best exemplify the Scout Oath Law.

This is the first time TIP has presented awards for educational excellence. Bennett received the Transcend Award, according to information from TIP. “Honoring a ‘leader among leaders,’ the Transcend Award recognizes individuals whose vision, character and outstanding track record distinguish them among their peers,” the press statement read.

“The recipients of these inaugural awards represent the pinnacle of leadership and innovation in North Carolina’s education landscape,” said Dr. Sharon L. Contreras, CEO of TIP. “Their unwavering commitment to student success and transformative change serves as a beacon of inspiration for all of us.”

The awards were presented during TIP’s membership meeting on May 2, marking a milestone in honoring those who exemplify TIP’s mission of reimagining teaching and learning, fostering creativity, and driving transformative change within their communities.

Other winners were:

➔ Ignite Award: Dr. Keith Parker and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Schools. The Ignite Award honors a superintendent and district for inspiring the reimagining of teaching and learning within their community. They exhibit creativity and tenacity in implementing bold ideas.

➔ Aspire Award: Dr. Crystal Hill and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The Aspire Award honors a first-year superintendent who demonstrates a great sense of urgency, early success and promising leadership in navigating complex change.

➔ Catalyst Award: Dr. Shawn Stover and Rockingham County Schools. The Catalyst Award celebrates a superintendent and district for courageously leveraging TIP initiatives to drive impactful change and inspire transformation throughout their district.

➔ Pinnacle Award: Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., Superintendent, Cumberland County Schools recognizes a leader at a significant milestone and celebrates a lifetime of dedication and achievement in the service of students and education. Recipients have shown unwavering commitment and perseverance.

➔ Vanguard Award: Jevelyn Bonner-Reed and the Belk Foundation. The Vanguard Award recognizes an individual or organization that is pioneering new ideas, supporting educational change, and collaborating with TIP districts to reimagine education.

Visit https://tipnc.org/ to learn more about the organization.

Schools Provide Support To Students Facing First Weekend At Emergency Shelter

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The 70 or so children who have spent this week with their families and others at a local shelter face their first weekend away from the place they once called home.

The situation is certainly not ideal, but Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett told WIZS News earlier Friday that district staff has put together some activities for the children to help get through the next couple of days when they’re not in school and things are far from “normal.”

“For the weekend, we are providing totes with art supplies, reading materials, board games and indoor/outdoor physical education items,” Bennett said.

On Monday, about 40 families moved to a shelter that was set up in the gym on the former campus of Eaton Johnson Middle School.
They had been extended-stay residents at a hotel located on Parham Road – some for longer than a year.

Earlier this week, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott said she was encouraged to see the community support as churches, schools and city and county leaders have rallied to create a caring network for the families who had to move to the shelter.

Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of the shelter, with the cooperation of Vance County. The city’s role is limited and one of support to NCDHSS and other agencies in charge, Blackmon explained. “Our role at this point is to be an advocate for the families and to ensure that the motel remains closed for occupancy until the owners mitigate the violations at the property and bring it into compliance with the state building code.”

The city issued a zoning violation in addition to various fire code violations, Blackmon said, the majority of which are related to the state building code, which falls under the county inspections department.

The circumstances have been challenging, to be sure, but Bennett said that the district has worked to provide food, transportation and more to the children who attend Vance County Schools and their families.

“All of the VCS students who are staying in the shelter are still attending school- we have rerouted our buses to ensure they are picked up and delivered back to the shelter each day,” Bennett said in an email.

Members of the district’s Students Services team members are helping the shelter to get the children off to school in the morning and to greet them up on their return in the afternoon, she said.

The Student Behavioral Health Team is working with parents to identify new clothing that has been donated for the children, and breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge each day.

“Students who are displaced are identified as McKinney-Vento and additional resources are being added when needed.  The district has also had a social worker, nurse and counselor at the shelter each day this week to support the families and help connect them with community resources,” Bennett explained.

“We are there to support in any way we can,” Blackmon said of the city’s response to the situation. But, he added, “the services currently most needed by these families at the shelter are provided by the state, county and local nonprofit agencies.”

 

VCS Honors Students In Top 10 Percent Of Class Of 2024; Graduation Ceremonies Set For May 24, June 14

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It’s getting real now for the Class of 2024 in Vance County Schools – the district honored seniors in the top 10 percent of their class earlier this week and the first two graduation ceremonies will take place in just a few weeks from today. Families and friends with graduating high school seniors at one of four upcoming commencement exercises, however, need to know that they must have tickets to attend in person, according to school officials.

The school district is planning to livestream each graduation, so everyone has an opportunity to view the ceremonies, even if they aren’t there in person.

Vance County High School and Vance County Early College graduations take place on Friday, May 24; Vance Virtual Village Academy and Advance Academy graduations take place on June 14, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, chief officer of Communication & Innovative Support.

Vance County High School: Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m. –  VCHS stadium

Early College: Friday, May 24 at 6 p.m. – VGCC Civic Center

Advance Academy: Friday, June 14, at 3 p.m. – Center for Innovation

Vance Virtual Academy: Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m. – Center for Innovation

Visit www.vcs.k12.nc.us to learn more.

VCS honored students in the Top 10 Percent of their graduation classes Wednesday evening at the Atrium on the campus of the Center for Innovation. The Vance County High School Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Korwind Stokes, performed for the event.

The following students were honored for their hard work and achievement:

Vance County High School 

  • Carlos Lopez-Bolanos
  • Timmy Dang
  • Thuy Phuong Nguyen
  • Tommy Dang
  • Andy Ramirez Villeda
  • Sarah Nicole Baldwin
  • Aaliyah Michelle Burt
  • Sherlyn Lindary Rubi Panjoj Quinillo
  • Victoria Samone Williams
  • Kia’Shanti A’Shaye Hargrove
  • Deresha Lenice Bowen-Goodwin
  • Amani Sadae Small
  • Logan Wade Tharpe
  • Chrystyn Ahnayhia Woolridge
  • Tony Bolanos-Armas
  • Jessica Rodriguez Hernandez
  • Alyisha La’Dashye Henderson
  • Rene De Jesus Valencia Antonio
  • Elijah Bryan Fernandez Cueva
  • Aileen Marie Hinojosa
  • Savion Dashawn Yarborough

Advance Academy 

  • Alfred Jameel Solomon

Vance County Early College 

  • Elizabeth Angelinna Lopez Gonzalez
  • Sami Salah Mohsen Hauter
  • Josafat Hernandez-Arellanos
  • Justin Clark Hernandez

Vance Virtual Village Academy 

  • Justice Kiana Jones
  • Derrick Lamont Foster
  • Shane Bristol Sawyer

TownTalk: AVID Equals Post-Secondary Readiness for VCS

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AVID is a program that’s been helping public school students unlock their potential for more than 40 years. Its longevity is a tribute in part to its effectiveness and in part to its response to the evolving needs of students.

The acronym stands for Achievement Via Individual Determination, and VCS AVID District Director Dr. Destiny Ross-Putney said today’s program focuses not just on college-bound students, but post-secondary pursuits that include work after high school.

Putney calls it “post-secondary readiness,” whether students are college-bound or head right into a career.

A typical AVID student is a student who has a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5. “It’s not for your typical high-flying student,” but rather for students who have the potential to be more successful with just a little bit more structured support in the classroom, Ross-Putney said.

“Some students are simply not interested in college,” she said, but AVID prepares students for life after high school graduation, whether it’s college or work. AVID teaches students how to be truly prepared to be active citizens in the community.

Three Vance County Schools have AVID programs – Vance County Middle School, Vance County High School and, new this year, Carver Elementary. There are about 70 middle school students at each grade level that participate in AVID, and there’s an elective class at the high school, Ross-Putney said. VCHS is a schoolwide AVID school, she added, which means that faculty use AVID techniques and strategies in their classrooms.

The third- and fifth graders at Carver are getting their first taste of AVID, Ross-Putney said. The plan is to introduce AVID in other elementary schools in the district.

The district also has professional development to share with teachers’ various AVID strategies, which include things like how to take good notes, create resumes, and effective interview techniques.

There’s a focus on writing with AVID, and teachers use the WICOR strategy to help students: WICOR stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading.

AVID helps students develop self-confidence and self-advocacy, she said. “I can see how confident students are,” when she visits AVID classrooms. “They are specifically taught how to have a discourse,” she said, which increase students’ “abilities to communicate as well as withstand rigorous course work.”

And AVID also keep track of students after graduation – it’s a built-in component of the program to check in one year and three years after graduation.

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