Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

VCS Students Complete Tiny House; First Open House Sept. 20

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For the next two Fridays, the Vance County High School parking lot will be the location of an Open House.

Wait. In the parking lot?

Yep. That’s where the Tiny House is located, and high school CTE students built it.

And it’s for sale.

The open house events will be held Friday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to information from Vance County Schools.

CTE stands for Career and Technical Education and includes the trades that are responsible for home construction. Students on the Construction Path performed the work.

There is a minimum bid of $25,000. Sealed bids must be received by VCS Chief Finance Officer John Suther, 1724 Graham Ave., Henderson, NC 27537 no later than noon, Oct. 1, 2024.

This tiny home is 30-foot by 12-foot vinyl-sided building that has a total of 360 square feet. There’s a tankless water heater and laminate flooring throughout. The full bath includes toilet, vanity and shower.

Learn more about the tiny house at the following link: https://bit.ly/vcstinyhouse

EnTech Mobile Lab Brings Technology To VCS Students

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Vance County Schools and community leaders were on hand Wednesday, Sept. 4 to officially roll out the EnTech Mobile Lab, a lab on wheels that will give students hands-on experiences with various forms of technology.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Vance County High School to launch the lab, during which time Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett thanked partner Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, the Vance County Public School Foundation and the team at the Center for Innovation for making the mobile lab a reality.

Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, VCS chief officer of Instruction and Innovation, along with Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott, HV Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson and Chamber Board Chair Margier White shared the impact this initiative will have on students in the district.

“The EnTech Mobile Lab exemplifies the district’s commitment to igniting interest in diverse career fields and ensuring that VCS students have access to innovative, experiential learning opportunities,” said Dr. Ross-Putney. “We are excited to see our students engage with these career-aligned stations, developing the skills and knowledge essential for the workforce of the future.”

The mobile classroom can offer cutting-edge learning opportunities to students throughout the district, providing students with hands-on exposure to STEM careers in real-world contexts.

The mobile lab travels to schools, delivering interactive experiences such as drone piloting, robotics, and virtual reality, all designed to foster critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. Each station provides students with valuable resources on the skills, coursework and education required for future careers, ensuring equitable access to career-focused learning experiences for all students.

The EnTech Mobile Lab provides tailored learning experiences that align with classroom needs, ensuring that the curriculum is enriched through experiential, hands-on activities. Through strong collaboration between the CFI team, school administrators, and teachers, the mobile lab will continue to deliver transformative educational experiences across the district.

The EnTech lab was established at the Center for Innovation in fall 2023 and Director Kristin Jeffreys, alongside Learning Specialists Stephen Jones and Patricia Burroughs, develop programs to enrich student learning.

Among the lab’s features are the Lu Interactive Playground, equipped with a laser projector, motion-sensing cameras and a robust sound system to foster immersive educational environments. Additional highlights include a dedicated drone cage, eSports capabilities and advanced robotics.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests got a chance to explore the mobile lab’s interactive stations and see demonstrations that included the zSpace lab, a drone zone, a robotic dog and an emergency simulation.

Vance County Schools Honors Top Teachers, Administrators At ‘Excellence in Education’ Banquet

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Vance County Schools honored the district’s top educators at its annual Excellence in Education banquet Thursday evening at the Henderson Country Club.

Jozette Broughton of New Hope Elementary was named Teacher of the Year and Khris-Tina Stewart-Hendricks of Vance County High was selected as the Beginning Teacher of the Year, Top administrators included Facetia Branch of Vance County Middle as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Nealie Whitt III of Vance County High as Principal of the Year.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said, “Being a part of the recognition of our Educators of Excellence is always such an honor. Vance County has some of the best educators in North Carolina, while we can only recognize a few of those stellar educators, I continue to be humbled by their commitment to children by ensuring they are on the path to a successful future.”

The top winners will represent Vance County at the regional level.

A little about last night’s honorees:

  • Broughton earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Strayer University. She has been in education for more than 20 years, and has been at New Hope Elementary for the past four years. She has a new role – that of an instructional facilitator – at the school.

Currently working on her National Board for Professional State Standards, Broughton said she plans to elevate her work through continued memberships in professional organizations and professional development in instruction.

  • Stewart-Hendricks teaches history at Vance County High School, She received a degree in Sociology from the University of the West Indies and is in her third year of teaching with Vance County Schools.  With plans to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology, Stewart-Hendricks said her classroom experience has highlighted the correlation of social and emotional wellness and academic success. She aims to develop effective strategies to support students, enhance their educational experience, and foster their enthusiasm for learning.
  • Branch is an assistant principal at Vance County Middle School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from N.C. Central University and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education from East Carolina University. She continued her education at Strayer University with a master’s of Public Administration and at Gardner-Webb University with a master’s of Education in School Leadership.
  • Whitt is principal at Vance County High. He earned a bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health with an emphasis in Secondary Education from N.C. Central University and has a master’s in Educational Administration and a Specialist Degree from Grand Canyon University. Whitt also has a doctorate in Educational Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi.

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
  • Stephanie Sewell-Brown, Aycock Elementary
  • Lillian King, Carver Elementary
  • Cassandra Chartier, Clarke Elementary
  • Justin Wrenn, Dabney Elementary
  • Ebony Watkins, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Christina Welch, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Estelle Mangum, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Jozette Broughton, New Hope Elementary
  • Laura Brown, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Jean Marie Munroe-Criddle, STEM Early High
  • Eva Jennings, Vance County Early College
  • Wennie Perez, Vance County High
  • Deris Mora, Vance County Middle
    ● Cynthia Schlessinger, Vance Virtual Village
  • Venessa Lalor-Lofters, Zeb Vance Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Dian Bowers, Advance Academy
  • Sharnakay Plummer, Aycock Elementary
  • Tressy Person, Carver Elementary
  • Nordette Givens, Clarke Elementary
  • Nichole Campbell-Gordon, Dabney Elementary
  • Danielle Brissett, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Hailey Reavis, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Keita Kelly Lamay, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Carolina Carraway, New Hope Elementary
  • Ma Viance Estrosos, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Edna Celis, STEM Early High School
  • Vance County Early College, Angelique Bagagnan
  • Khris-Tina Stewart Hendricks, Vance County High
  • Venice Arellano, Vance County Middle School
  • Raymond Pagayon, Vance Virtual Village
  • Niya Sneed, Zeb Vance Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees: ● McShell Edmonds, Vance County High

  • Facetia Branch, Vance County Middle
  • LaVonda Williams, Pinkston Street Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees: ● Dr. Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary

  • Dr. Carnetta Thomas, EM Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Dr. Nealie Whitt III, Vance County High
  • Nowell Brooks, Advance Academy

Chamber Recruiting Business Members To Join The “Cheer Line” At Aug. 20 VCS Convocation Kick-Off

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Educators from across Vance County Schools will gather at McGregor Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 20 for the district’s Convocation Kick-Off. The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all its members to come out to cheer on the district’s teachers as they get ready for the 2024-25 school year.

“Plan to come out, bring some associates/employees with you, line up at McGregor, hold up your company sign, bring your business mascot, and show some loud hometown spirit for our teachers as they arrive on buses from their individual schools,” said Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

Individuals from the community and from area businesses should arrive by 8 a.m., Wilkerson said, to line up in the “cheer” line. Teachers will arrive by bus between 8:15 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. The event will begin at 9 a.m.

“The buses will drop off teachers and we would like to have a line of people to celebrate and cheer them on as they enter McGregor,” Wilkerson said. “For our educators to see a line of folks cheering them and celebrating their arrival would definitely be a lot of fun!”

If a business has a mascot, they could certainly dress up – We’re talking to YOU, Pete the Cat, Chick-fil-A cow, Sparky the Fire Dog, Mikey the Shark and any others who we always love to see, she said.

The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools New App Student Information System

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Vance County Schools is among a group of public school districts and charter schools across the state in Phase 1 of a new student information system.

NC Student Information System – NC SIS – is coming on line over the next couple of years, and Vance County parents and students are among the first test drive the new system powered by Infinite Campus.

VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin and Chief Officer of Technology Marsha Abbott discussed the changeover and what it will entail on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Sandlin said families will no longer use the PowerSchool app, and should upload the Infinite Parent app available through the Apple Store or Google Play. Students, likewise, will download the Infinite Student app.

Abbott said each of the programs contains a wealth of tools for students and parents to use, from accessing attendance, to online assignments and grades, and more.

The new system will allow parents to enroll students online, eliminating the need to  travel to the central office.

“Our goal is to make things as accessible as possible,” Sandlin said, “with no barriers.”

Parents still have the option of enrolling their child in person, but they will no longer be required to do so, if they have the app on their mobile device.

“We are not taking away any form of communication,” she added, “we’re simply adding ways.”

Abbott said the new system also allows for communication with teachers and parents, at any point during the year, can update information such as phone numbers and address to maintain the most updated information.

Visit the school’s Facebook page to find out more or visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/  to learn about upcoming Open Houses for year-round schools and schools on the traditional calendar. Aug. 7 is the first day for year-round students; students in schools on traditional calendars return Aug. 26.

Find all three 2024-25 calendars at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar 

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

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