#vancecountyschools - WIZS

Vance County Schools Unveils Framework of Re-Opening Plans

July 8, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools, along with every other school district in the state, was instructed to develop three plans in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year. Plan A, with minimal social distancing, Plan B, with moderate social distancing and Plan C, as complete remote learning. Our district plans were developed with input from parents and staff through online surveys and on-going discussions with district leaders and principals at each of our schools.

Having already established Plan A and Plan C, Vance County Schools has worked diligently on developing a framework for Plan B in preparation for the governor’s announcement regarding schools. The Vance County Board of Education reviewed each of the plans, along with the survey data from both staff and our families, approving the district moving forward with the framework planning.

Plan A permits all students to return to the building, but large group settings would be avoided. Social distancing and face coverings are still required.

Plan B is the blended instructional model, consisting of two groups. Group 1 includes students in grades K-3 and 9-12, meeting for face-to-face instruction every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with remote instruction on Thursday and Friday. Group 2 includes students in grades 4-8 who will have remote instruction on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with face-to-face instruction on Thursday and Friday. Classrooms would have fewer students in each room and face coverings are required.

Plan C has all students engaging in remote instruction, five days a week.

Our district is committed to ensuring that all students receive instruction Monday through Friday, facilities are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, wellness checks take place daily, face coverings are worn and students receive meals. We are committed to meeting the needs of our students, regardless of the plan our district pursues.

One school that will not need to await the state’s decision is Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3), our newest Innovative School in Vance County. V3 is a K-12 virtual school, allowing students to complete their education online with a personalized plan developed for each. Innovative instruction, enrichment and athletic opportunities will be available. V3 requires a one-year commitment from those accepted into the school. The design is set to outlast the COVID pandemic and provide another option for our community, meeting the needs of our families.

Governor Cooper’s announcement will guide the schools as a whole, indicating the least restrictive plan that districts may use; however, individual districts, with board approval, can activate a more restrictive plan based on local health data. Once that information is released, our Board of Education will reconvene to make the final action on what plan Vance County Schools will begin for the 2020-2021 school year.

Understanding the Plans

Plan A – Minimal Social Distance

Plan B – Moderate Social Distance

Plan C – Remote Instruction

Transportation

Plan A: Bus transportation provided for all students. Required face coverings on the bus.

Plan B: Bus transportation provided at 50% density. One student per seat. Required face coverings on the bus.

Plan C: Remote Instruction – student transportation not needed.

Instruction

Plan A: Large group interactions reduced. Student movement reduced significantly.

Plan B: No large group interactions. Face-to-face instruction and remote instruction provided on a rotating basis with low-density classrooms.

Group 1: Grades K-3, 9-12
M-Tu-W: Face-to-Face Instruction
Th – F: Remote Instruction

Group 2: Grades 4-8
M-Tu-W: Remote Instruction
Th – F: Face-to-Face Instruction

Plan C: Remote Instruction 5 days a week for all students PK-12th grade.

Meals

Plan A: Meals will be provided to all students daily. Students will eat in their classrooms.

Plan B: Meals will be provided to all students daily. Students will eat in their classrooms. Meal packs will
go home with students for remote instruction days.

Plan C: Grab and Go meal service will be provided to eligible families.

Visitors

All Plans: Outside visitors not allowed in buildings.

Facilities

All Plans: Disinfecting will occur frequently each day in classrooms, on buses and high touch areas.

Face Coverings

Plan A: Staff and students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings

Plan B: Staff and students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings

Plan C: Staff will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings.

Athletics & Activities

All Plans: Activities and athletics will be allowed or prohibited, per guidance from DHHS.

Wellness Checks

All Plans: Wellness checks will be conducted at the entrances of each school daily (and throughout the building during the day as needed).

School Hours

Plan A: Grades K-5: 8:30-2:30 ~ Grades 6-12: 9:00-3:30

Plan B: Grades K-5: 8:30-2:30 ~ Grades 6-12: 9:00-3:30

Plan C: Remote Instruction

Staff Availability

All Plans: Staff will be in the school buildings, providing instruction to students Monday – Friday.

Vance Co. Schools’ Free Summer Meal Program Continues Through July

July 7, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools’ free summer meal program continues through Thursday, July 30, 2020.

Each week, meals will be available for drive-thru 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.

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.

Weekly menus, including hot meal items, are available on the VCS website and VCS social media pages.

Vance Virtual Village Academy Names Principal

July 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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.

Vance Co. Schools Delays Opening of Summer Athletic Conditioning

July 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-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.

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

June 30, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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.

Vance County Schools Recognizes Partnerships of the Year

June 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-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.

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

June 17, 2020/by Kelly Bondurant

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.

wizsradio · TownTalk 06/17/20 (Dr Anthony Jackson – V3)

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.

Vance County Schools Recognizes VGCC With Partnership Award

June 16, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-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 Co. Schools Completes Commencement Exercises, Graduates 340

June 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-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

Class of 2020 Military Service

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!

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

June 12, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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.

Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools