Vance County Schools is hosting several information sessions over the next few weeks to help parents learn more about the district’s Innovative Schools offerings as they decide which school environment best suits their child.
The Innovative School application process officially opens Tuesday, Jan. 7 and runs through Friday, Feb. 7, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin. Registration for kindergarten and PK also opens tomorrow.
The five options listed below offer unique learning environments designed to spark curiosity, build critical skills, and prepare students for a successful future, according to information from VCS. Each school program is uniquely designed to meet the diverse learning needs of its students.
Here’s a list of dates when prospective families can drop in between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn more:
➔ Tuesday, Jan. 14: Vance County Early College, on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College, 200 Community College Road, Bldg. 9
➔ Tuesday, Jan. 14: EM Rollins STEAM Academy, 1600 S. Garnett St.
➔ Wednesday, Jan. 15: Advance Academy, 219 Charles St., Entrance 2
➔ Wednesday, Jan. 15: STEM Early High, 219 Charles St., Entrance 3
➔ Wednesday, Jan.15: Vance Virtual Village, 219 Charles St., Entrance 1
There also will be a virtual session scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, during which principals of the five innovative schools will be available to answer questions and to share additional information about their programs. Find the link on the VCS website in the top right corner www.vcs.k12.nc.us.
The application is available on the VCS website, too. Visit www.vcs.k12.nc.us and click on Innovative Schools at the top of the page.
Children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2025 to be eligible for kindergarten enrollment.
The district’s PK program provides children with foundational learning experiences that set the stage for long-term academic success. Children must be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2025 to be eligible for Pre-K enrollment.
Find the PK and K applications by visiting www.vcs.k12.nc.us and clicking Enroll in the upper right corner. The district will hold open registrations at individual elementary schools on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Virtual info sessions for PK and K will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Thursday, Jan. 23. Times will be announced at a later date, but the Wednesday session will be held during the day and the Thursday session will be held in the evening.
-from Aarika Sandlin, Vance County Schools Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support
Vance County Schools are closed for students Monday, and staff will have an optional workday beginning at 10 a.m.
The area is under a winter weather advisory and the forecast is calling for below-freezing conditions and frozen precipitation, so school officials made the call to close school for students. Essential personnel will report to their locations at 9:30 a.m.
Clarke Elementary now has a Community Schools Family Resource Center, and school and community leaders celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting Tuesday morning.
The Family Resource Center will serve as a hub to connect families with resources ranging from academic support to access to health and community programs, according to information from school officials.
There’s a food pantry and a clothes closet, with all items free of charge to those in need.
Clarke Elementary Principal Dr. C’Monee Wilkins and Community Schools Coordinator Krystle Lindsey, along with Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson and others marked the official opening of the resource center.
The Family Resource Center is a one-stop shop to provide guidance, connect families to valuable services and strengthen community partnerships.
The resource center is located in Room 121, right across from the front office.
It’s open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but is also open by appointment. Please contact Lindsey at klindsey@vcs.k12.nc.us to learn more.
In addition to food and clothing, families can access other services, including laundry machines and access to shower facilities and computers.
— information courtesy of Grace Herndon, VCS Communication & Innovative Support
Vance County Schools recognizes two elementary school students for Student Spotlight honors in November. Kaylor Cross from Dabney Elementary and Ireana Tuck of New Hope Elementary each demonstrate strong leadership qualities and make exceptional contributions at their respective schools.
The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools in partnership with the Vance County Public School Foundation, highlights students who go above and beyond and who embody qualities like kindness, dedication and a strong commitment to personal growth and service to others.
Kaylor Cross, 4th Grade
Kaylor is an excellent student who shows leadership skills and kindness at Dabney Elementary. Her teachers Justin Wrenn and Ginger Glover nominated Kaylor because of her dedication to learning, her positive attitude and the impact she makes on those around her.
Kaylor shines academically, especially in her favorite subject – math – which she enjoys for its challenges and fun. She recently loved learning about the Middle Ages through CKLA. Her self-motivation and maturity make her a model student, always eager to help classmates with their work and foster positive relationships. Kaylor is active in the AIG program and has previously participated in Robotics.
She spends her free time playing basketball, being outdoors and engaging with Girl Scout Troop 245. She also enjoys comic books, Hello Kitty, and Despicable Me. Kaylor dreams of becoming a math teacher or basketball player and credits her parents as her biggest inspirations, valuing their encouragement and support.
If given a superpower, she would choose to fly and travel anywhere. Her dream trip would take her to New York City to shop and visit the Statue of Liberty.
Kaylor’s advice to others is simple yet meaningful: “Work hard, focus, and be kind.” Congratulations, Kaylor, on being an exceptional leader and learner!
Ireana Tuck, 5th grade
Ireana stands out as a leader and role model. As president of the Beta Club and a member of the Robotics Club, Ireana is a shining example of commitment and excellence. Math is her favorite subject because it comes naturally to her, and she loves a good challenge—like recently mastering how to convert improper fractions to mixed fractions. Outside of school, Ireana cheers for Champions in Motion, sings at Huntsville Baptist Church, and enjoys making colorful bracelets.
Her kindness shines in everything she does, from helping her dad build bunk beds to supporting her classmates when they need assistance in class. Her future goal is to become a small-animal veterinarian, inspired by her love for helping others. She is very fond of animals, including her four dogs.
Ireana credits her family for teaching her to “do right by people” and her teachers, especially Mrs. Broughton, for making school a welcoming place. If given a magic wand, she would wish for money to support her family—a true reflection of her selfless nature. Ireana’s advice to others? “Do good things for others and lead by example.” With her leadership, positivity and drive, she is a true Spotlight Student!
Both students are exemplary representatives of Vance County Schools and the Student Spotlight program. They embody the values of kindness, dedication and a commitment to learning. They inspire others and are a source of pride for their school communities and the district.
— Press release courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin
Vance County Early College gets an A – for the 9th year in a row – and is ranked among the top 5 percent of public schools across the state for the 2023-24 school year.
More than 80 percent of VCEC graduates enroll in a four-year college or university after graduating high school, a figure that highlights the way the school prepares its students for higher education and future success, according to a press statement from Vance County Schools Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved—our students who strive for excellence, our teachers and staff who inspire and support them, and our parents who play an essential role in their education,” said Principal Debbie Hite.
Hite said she appreciates the support from the school district and said the school’s culture for success is a collective effort. “It truly takes all of us! From our instructional coaches and child nutrition staff to the dedicated members of the superintendent’s cabinet and our transportation team, every individual plays a crucial role in supporting our students and enriching their educational experiences. I would also like to commend the leadership of our superintendent, whose vision and commitment to academic excellence have been instrumental in guiding our district toward success.”
Of Vance-Granville Community College, VCEC’s educational partner, Hite said, “We want to extend our gratitude to Vance-Granville Community College. Their support and resources have been essential in enhancing our students’ learning experiences and paving the way for their future success.”
VCEC offers an innovative educational model in partnership with VGCC. The school is located on VGCC’s main campus, giving students a unique opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree simultaneously. This blend of high school and college courses equips students with a head start on their higher education journey and helps them develop the skills and knowledge to excel in college and beyond.
VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett praised Hite and the school’s commitment to teaching and learning. “The collaborative approach to teaching and learning, a focus on personalized learning pathways, and the commitment to an environment where students and staff are supported, challenged, and constantly learning and evolving is truly a model for success,” Bennett stated.
From VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin
Vance County Schools has recognized four students from across the district in its October Student Spotlight. These students were selected not just because of their academic achievements, but also because they embody qualities like kindness, dedication, a commitment to personal growth and service to others.
This month’s winners are Lucas Tyburski from STEM Early High, Fatima Ramirez Ramirez of Vance Virtual Village Academy, Rihanna Williams of Vance County High and Damira Williams from Advance Academy. Read more below about their accomplishments, dreams and role models.
Lucas Tyburski, 8th Grader
Lucas was nominated by his teachers and school administration. He exemplifies the qualities of a true STEM shark – someone who cares for his school, his peers and his community.
Lucas recently took the initiative to organize a donation drive for those affected by Hurricane Helene. He also serves as co-president of the SAVE Club (Students Against Violence Everywhere) at STEM, participates in RoboVance and is an anchor on the school’s news team. These contributions highlight his drive to create a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. Lucas’s favorite subject, Social Studies, allows him to explore various cultures, geography and history.
His dream is becoming a sports commentator, covering games like baseball, basketball, hockey and football—fueled by his love of sports and experience as a catcher on his baseball team. A natural-born leader, Lucas admires the versatility and determination of pro baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani, and he hopes to inspire others through his involvement in school and community initiatives.
Lucas enjoys reading, and his favorite book being Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
When asked what advice he would give to other students, Lucas emphasized the importance of being open to new opportunities—wisdom he has gained through his own personal growth over the years. Most recently, he has enjoyed studying estuaries in science class, where he discovered that bears inhabit Pamlico Sound—just one example of his curiosity and love for learning.
If he could have any superpower, Lucas says he would want to make people kind and friendly, believing that spreading positivity is essential for moving forward in life.
Lucas’s academic journey is driven by the encouragement and support of his teachers, who continue to motivate him daily. As a standout student and a shining example of what it means to be a STEM Shark, Lucas Tyburski’s passion, leadership and dedication make him a true asset to STEM Early High School and the greater Vance County community.
Fatima Ramirez Ramirez, 12th grader
Vance Virtual Village Academy is proud to highlight the achievements of Fatima Ramirez Ramirez, a senior whose hard work, positivity and academic success make her a standout student. Nominated by her English Language Arts teacher, Cynthia Schlessinger, Fatima’s
commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to both students and staff.
In addition to her V3A courses, Fatima is enrolled in Vance-Granville Community College classes, where she is working toward an associate’s degree.
Her academic drive is matched by her involvement in extracurricular activities, including her membership in the Beta Club and her volunteer work at the VGCC daycare. Fatima’s teacher, Penny Britt, commends her for her positivity, noting that “Fatima’s courteous demeanor makes every conversation enjoyable. Her work is always accurate and delivered on time, reflecting her dedication and attention to detail.”
As a student who has exceptional participation in class, attends all in-person learning events, excels in her coursework and engages in extra-curricular activities, Fatima is a true leader within V3A.
When asked about her favorite subjects, Fatima expressed a particular interest in history, explaining that she enjoys learning about the stories of the world’s past. She also enjoys creating sculptures out of clay and dreams of one day pursuing a career in archaeology and anthropology, where she can travel the world and explore the rich history of different cultures. Fatima’s role model is Hypatia of Alexandria, a renowned teacher and philosopher from ancient Egypt. Fatima admires Hypatia’s bravery and intelligence, stating, “She was a woman too advanced for her time – she stood up for women.” Fatima’s own resilience and determination are evident in her goals for the future, which include helping those in need by addressing issues such as homelessness and food insecurity.
When reflecting on her journey at V3A, Fatima shared that her favorite aspect of the school is the supportive teachers, adding she has found true success since enrolling at the school two years ago. She believes her past experiences motivate her to work hard and achieve her dreams, saying, “I want to be successful and support myself and my family in the future.” Fatima’s advice to other students is to “be yourself and if no one believes in you, you have to believe in yourself. The sky is not the limit; you can go beyond that.” Fatima’s dedication to her education, passion for learning, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world make her a remarkable student and a role model for her peers.
Rihanna Williams, 12th grader
Senior Rihanna Williams School already has her sights set on what’s after high school – and VCHS administration shared, “Rihanna’s commitment to her academics and future plans sets her apart as a role model for her peers. Rihanna has already been accepted to N.C. Central University, where she plans to pursue her dream of becoming a traveling nurse.” In addition to her academic pursuits, Rihanna is an active participant in the school’s Chorus, a passion she has nurtured since she was a freshman under the guidance of Dr. Kowind Stokes.
Rihanna’s academic ambitions and desire to make a difference in the healthcare field reflect her dedication to personal growth and service to others. She is well-known among her peers for her positive attitude and constant support. She shared that her favorite thing about Vance County High School is the support she receives from administration and teachers, noting, “They care and want me to be successful.” When asked about her inspirations, Rihanna named her mother, Alethea Williams, as her greatest role model. “She has been with me through a lot and pushes me to stay focused,” Rihanna explained. Her mom’s influence has shaped her into the resilient and driven young woman she is today.
Rihanna also shared her vision for making a difference in her community. If given the opportunity, she would work to end violence and encourage greater collaboration among community members to create a safer, more supportive environment.
Rihanna’s favorite movie is Transformers and she dreams of traveling to Bora Bora. If she could possess any superpower, she would choose invisibility to help others without fanfare. Her advice to fellow students is simple yet powerful: “Stay focused in school and don’t follow in the wrong ways. “Rihanna Williams is a shining example of the values and excellence that define the students of Vance County High School.
Damira Williams, 7th grader
AdVance Academy is excited to shine the spotlight on Damira S. Williams, a 7th-grade student nominated by her teachers. Damira is a member of the SAVE Club (Students Against Violence Everywhere), where she consistently demonstrates her commitment to helping others and making a positive impact. She is passionate about creating change and strives to support those around her.
Damira’s favorite subject is Math because of her love for calculating and problem-solving. She is still exploring her career goals but is determined to be successful, setting high standards for herself and continuously pushing forward.
Outside the classroom, Damira enjoys dancing and listening to a variety of music genres. Her favorite movie is Scream and she enjoys spending time with her family. Damira admires her sister, Jada, for her accomplishments and the strong bond they share, as well as her mother for being a source of strength and support.
Damira enthusiastically shared her fascination with science terminology and gaining knowledge to become successful. If she could have any superpower, Damira says she would choose the ability to teleport, allowing her to travel anywhere instantly—an exciting prospect for someone who dreams of visiting Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Damira’s motivation comes from within, and she consistently works toward achieving her goals. Her advice to fellow students is to “Keep pushing, don’t be a follower but be a leader. Listen to those giving you advice and stay focused.” As a student at AdVance Academy, Damira values the opportunities available to her and feels that the school truly cares about its students. She is grateful for the supportive environment and the encouragement she receives from her teachers and peers. Looking ahead, one of her wishes is to see a reduction in violence, particularly in her hometown of Henderson, believing that creating a safer community would make a significant difference. AdVance Academy is proud to recognize Damira Williams as a student who exemplifies the school’s values of excellence.
Congratulations to October’s Student Spotlight winners!
– information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin
Seven Vance County elementary schools are among 366 schools across eight states to be designated as Certified Opportunity Culture schools for their dedication to advancing student achievement and teacher career development through innovative staffing models.
Vance County Schools began using the Opportunity Culture model in 2016, an initiative of Public Impact, LLC, which has been in business since 1996.
According to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin, Opportunity Culture models allow schools to innovate by extending the reach of their best educators to more students while providing career advancement outside of the administrative pathway. Since 2013, Public Impact’s Opportunity Culture models have been adopted by more than 75 districts in 14 states, leading to significant boosts in student learning outcomes and teacher retention.
These schools have been designated as Opportunity Culture schools:
This designation highlights our schools’ dedication to an innovative and impactful education, Sandlin said. The newly certified schools hold provisional status based on their performance in the 2023–24 school year, with opportunities to achieve higher certification levels in subsequent years.
Certification is based on four key factors:
Casey Jackson is the VCS Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator. “We are extremely proud of our Certified Opportunity Culture Schools, where educators have boldly reimagined traditional staffing structures to enhance teaching and learning,” Jackson stated. “By earning this certification, these schools have shown that innovative, well-thought-out design not only transforms the educational experience for students but also elevates teachers’ professional growth and support. This achievement is a testament to the power of intentional change in creating lasting, meaningful impact across the entire school community.”
This recognition underscores Vance County’s commitment to creating excellent learning environments for students and providing innovative career pathways for educators. Each school using Opportunity Culture models forms a design and implementation team of teachers and administrators who develop strategies to extend the reach of excellent teachers. The Multi-Classroom Leader role is central to the model, with MCLs leading small teaching teams. Other key roles, such as Extended Impact Teachers and Reach Associates, help expand the impact of high-performing educators.
Learn more at https://www.opportunityculture.org/.
– information courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health
Granville Vance Public Health has been awarded $50,000 by the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation for the CFFD-Tooth Club, a program to address and correct oral health issues among students enrolled in Vance County Schools, Henderson Collegiate, and Vance County Head Start. The GVPH Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry clinic will run the Tooth Club with a goal of ensuring that all uninsured students attending partner schools receive needed preventive and restorative oral care.
Dr. Navid Nesab, a CFFD dentist, said the grant will make possible an array of convenient services for students and their families.
“Our CFFD Tooth Club clinics allow students to receive preventive oral health services within a familiar school environment, reduce the amount of time students are absent from school for oral health appointments, and keep parents from having to miss work to take their child to the dentist for needed oral health services,” Nesab stated. “Triangle North Health Care Foundation’s grant also allows us the ability to perform restorative care for uninsured patients at no cost to the families.”
The Tooth Club will offer preventive oral care – such as cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, sealants and oral health education – to uninsured students enrolled in the CFFD-Tooth Club.
CFFD provides services, including restorative oral health care, at no cost to the student or family regardless of insurance status, household income or immigration status.
While the nation’s oral health has improved, not everyone in Vance and Granville counties has access to dental care. Regular preventive dental care is essential for good oral health, and early childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S.
Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection and pain that can inhibit a child’s ability to eat, sleep, speak, play and learn, as well as cause chronic health challenges such as diabetes, heart disease and malnourishment.
Any child attending Head Start, Henderson Collegiate or Vance County Public Schools is eligible to enroll for the Tooth Club clinics, which will be held at each school location periodically.
To enroll, parents can contact the school nurse of their child’s school to obtain a consent form, or contact the dental clinic at 919.693.8797 or dental@gvph.org.
For more information, visit https://www.gvph.org/clinic/dental/.
The Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization that awards grants to support and invest in health and wellness initiatives in Vance, Warren, Franklin and Granville counties that result in immediate and long-term improvement in the health status of the region.
Vance County Schools recognizes two students for the September Student Spotlight.
Rylee Williams, a student at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy and Nicola Thompson from Vance County Early College have been honored for their exceptional contributions and leadership within their school communities, according to information from VCS Aarika Sandlin.
The Student Spotlight program is sponsored by Vance County Schools, in partnership with the Vance County Public School Foundation, and highlights students who go above and beyond. These remarkable students embody qualities inclusive of kindness, dedication, and a strong commitment to personal growth and service to others.
Rylee Williams
Rylee Williams, a 4th– grader at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, was nominated by her principal, Dr. Carnetta Thomas, who praised Rylee for her integrity, resilience and empathy.
“Rylee demonstrates excellent communication skills and can inspire and motivate others. Her adaptability and eagerness to learn allow her to take on challenges, such as teaching herself Korean,” Thomas said.
Rylee’s favorite subject is writing, where she focuses on improving both her writing skills and handwriting. She is also a member of the school’s Art Club.
Outside of school, her favorite hobbies are skateboarding and drawing. She enjoys listening to music by Jvke and is a fan of the movie Inside Out 2, finding the character Anxiety particularly relatable.
Looking to the future, Rylee is passionate about helping others—whether it is people or animals. She is considering becoming a veterinarian or pursuing a career in the medical field. When asked who she admires most, Rylee did not hesitate to name her mom as her role model, saying her mom supports her even when she makes mistakes. Her advice to other students is simple yet profound: “Have a positive attitude and be kind to others.”
Rylee loves coming to E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy because she is constantly learning new things. She describes the school as a wonderful place filled with loving and supportive teachers and staff, especially highlighting Dr. Thomas as joyful and kind. If given a superpower, Rylee would love to be invisible, fly, or even see ghosts. She dreams of traveling to Japan, South Korea, and Brazil one day.
Nicola Thompson
Nicola Thompson is the 2024-2025 Student Spotlight at Vance County Early College. Nominated by her English Language Arts teacher, Shanice White, Nicola has been recognized for her remarkable ability to adapt to a new school and community while maintaining academic excellence.
“Her diverse achievements not only showcase her exceptional commitment and versatility both in and out of the classroom, but also reflect her graceful, kind, and helpful nature, which has allowed her to build strong and meaningful friendships and become a positive role model within our school community.”
Nicola is a well-rounded student involved in numerous clubs and activities, including the BETA Club, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Math and Psychology Club, and Quiz Bowl. Her favorite subjects are Chemistry and Biology, but her true passion lies in math, as she aspires to become an engineer.
Beyond academics, Nicola actively volunteers at the Aycock Recreation Center and participates in AAU Basketball. As a dedicated student-athlete, she excels in both soccer and basketball while making significant contributions through community service. She greatly admires her father, Errol Thompson, who has taught her everything she knows about sports.
If she could choose any superpower, Nicola would want to be the Thinker from DC Comics, allowing her to know everything and develop solutions to global challenges, such as addressing climate change. She shares, “My favorite thing about being a student at VCEC is being focused at school, which gives me more time outside of school. Time management has been instilled in me, allowing me the freedom to enjoy the campus.”
These students are exemplary representatives of Vance County Schools and the Student Spotlight program. They embody the values of kindness, dedication, and a commitment to learning, serving as an inspiration to their peers and a source of pride for their school communities and the district as a whole.
