Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

TownTalk: Applications For VCS Innovative Schools Due By Feb. 29

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Parents of students in Vance County Schools have until Feb. 29 to submit applications for their children to attend any of five Innovative Schools in the district.

VCS Communication & Innovative Support liaison Aarika Sandlin and Rey Horner, chief officer for Student Services, were guests on TownTalk Wednesday to provide details about the programs each school offers as well as the process for applying.

The application is available at the district website, https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/

and Sandlin said registration can be completed entirely online for parents’ convenience. If, however, a parent needs to access the application another way, please contact Horner at rhorner@vcs.k12.nc.us or phone 252.492.2127.

The five schools cover PK through high school, Sandlin said. The five schools are E.M. Rollins STEAM, STEM Early High School (grades 6-8), Vance County Early College High School, AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village.

Horner said each site offers something a bit different for its students, but they all focus on student-centered and student-driven learning. Applicants to STEM Early High School, AdVance and Vance County Early College must include an essay along with their applications, he noted.

The STEM Early High School will accept 100 students for next year; the Early College will cap its incoming class at 60, Horner said.

There is no cap for E.M. Rollins, so whoever applies most likely will be accepted to the program, which operates on a modified year-round schedule.

Sandlin said the goal is to provide education in an innovative way, “meeting kids where they are, to get them where they need to be.”

Families will get notification by mail on Mar. 28.

Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/to download the application and to learn more about the Innovative Schools.

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“Innovative Schools Night” Set For Wednesday, Jan. 31 At Center For Innovation

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Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communications Officer Aarika Sandlin

Parents of school-age children are invited to attend an Innovative Schools Night for Vance County Public Schools to learn more about the district’s five innovative schools.

The information session will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Center for Innovation, 219 Charles St., Henderson.

Applications for the five schools – E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, STEM Early High, Vance County Early College, Advance Academy, and Vance Virtual Village Academy – will be accepted through Feb. 29 and decisions will be mailed out on Mar. 28, according to information on the district website.

Find the application at vcs.k12.nc.us or click the link “Innovative Schools Application” to download the form.

Vance County Schools Get $300,000 From DPI ‘s Center For Safer Schools

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Vance County Schools is among more than 200 school districts and charter schools across the state to get part of $35 million to address school safety by the Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools.

Vance County Schools will get $300,000, as will Franklin County Schools, according to a press release from CFSS Executive Director Karen W. Fairley.

Granville County Public Schools and Warren County Schools each will receive $150,000. In addition, two Granville County charter schools also will get funding – Falls Lake Academy will get $53,874 and Oxford Preparatory School will get $40,000.

Districts and schools had to submit applications for the grant funding, which will be used for safety equipment, training and services for students in crisis.

Safety equipment covered by this grant includes items such as cameras, vape detectors, radios, and weapons detection systems. Training can include professional development for school leaders to assist students who are experiencing anxiety, trauma and/or conduct problems. Services made available through this grant can include school-based mental health services.

“It is part of the center’s mandate and mission to give public-school units the tools they need to help keep their schools safer – that includes grant funding,” she said. “We thank the General Assembly for its generous appropriation that enables us to support North Carolina public schools.”

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said the need for school safety funding is crucial in ensuring students’ well-being throughout their educational journey.

“Nothing is more important than making our schools safer and more secure, and these grants will continue to play a vital role,” Truitt said. “This funding will help improve school security in many ways, including, updating technology and training to prevent future emergencies. I applaud state lawmakers for making this a priority and look forward to working with them to deliver more safety funding in the future.”

Funding for the hiring and training of school resource officers (SROs) was a continuation of the $33 million in SRO funding awarded in October 2022 for the 2022-23 school year.

Awards are subject to all administrative and financial requirements, including timely submission of all financial and programmatic reports; resolution of all interim audit findings; and adherence to allowable expenses.

A list of public-school units that were awarded 2023-24 School Safety Grant funding can be found here.

In 2018, the General Assembly worked with the Department of Public Instruction to launch a new School Safety Grant Program to improve safety in public school units by providing grants for school resource officers, services for students in crisis, training to increase school safety, safety equipment in schools and additional school mental health support personnel.

Since then, more than $150 million has been awarded to public-school units across North Carolina.

 

Ayana Lewis Appointed To Fill School Board District 4 Seat

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The Vance County Board of Education has appointed Ayana Lewis to serve in the District 4 Board seat after the recent resignation of Edward Wilson, who had served since 2012.

Lewis, a Henderson native, will be sworn in at the board’s next meeting on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., according to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.

Lewis, a Democrat, had filed for the District 4 seat and would have been on the ballot in November. Wilson did not file for re-election.

Lewis has close to 20 years of education experience, having previously served in Vance County Schools as Gear Up’s assistant coordinator, as well as bookkeeper and first grade teacher.

She and her husband are co-founders of the Abria Chase Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the memories of two of their children who lost their lives in a house fire.

Lewis helps other parents who have lost children and she and her husband received the Community Excellence Award from the Full Effect Church of North Carolina in 2023.

Lewis received her bachelor’s degree from N.C. Central University and a Master of Art in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health from Wake Forest University.

Vance County Schools 2-Hour Delay 01/17/2024

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From Vance County Schools:

“As we prioritize the safety of our students and staff, we would like to inform you that Vance County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

“This decision has been made in consideration of the potential for black ice on roadways and the forecasted wind chill. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during weather-related adjustments.”

Vance County Schools Adds Two To District Leadership Roles

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Vance County Schools has added to its leadership staff with the recent hiring of a Career and Technical Education director as well as a Safety Coordinator.

Dr. Aretha Garr is the new CTE director, according to information from VCS spokesperson Aarika Sandlin. Milton Thomas is the district’s new safety coordinator.

Garr brings to her new role at VCS more than two decades of experience of guiding students towards fulfilling and successful careers. She most recently was career development coordinator and principal designee at the Academy at Smith’s Signature Career Academy of Biomedical Sciences in Guilford County.

She also was CTE Department Chair at Parkland IB Magnet High School and Carver High School, both in Winston-Salem.

“I am excited to work towards increasing program enrollment and retention, and forging powerful community partnerships to ensure students have all the tools they need to make informed career decisions,” Garr said in a press statement.

Garr has Bachelor of Business Administration from High Point University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Pfeiffer University and the School Administrator credential through the Master of School Administration Licensure Program at N.C. A&T State University. She graduated with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from High Point University.

As the VCS Safety Coordinator, Thomas brings vast experience in the areas of security, investigations and emergency management to his new role. With more than 30 years’ experience in the field, Thomas has been a Marine MP, criminal investigator and drill instructor, as well as additional experience as a law enforcement officer and  For the last 18 years of his time with the USMC, he was a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense Officer. In this role, Thomas focused on emergency and consequence management. Upon retirement from the service, Thomas joined Vance County Schools at Clarke Elementary as the Media and Technology Assistant.

Thomas earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and his Master of Science in Performance Improvement from the University of Arkansas Grantham.

VCS Announces Early Dismissal Tuesday, Jan. 9

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-information courtesy of Vance County Schools spokesperson Aarika Sandlin

 

Given the possibility of severe weather forecast for tomorrow, Vance County Schools has announced that schools will dismiss early.

Elementary schools will close at 12 noon and secondary schools will close at 12:30 p.m., according to information from VCS spokesperson Aarika Sandlin.

Outdoor Learning Centers Provide Different Classroom Environment For Elementary Students

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Ten elementary schools now have outdoor learning centers to provide teachers and students a breath of fresh air when it comes to teaching and learning. It may be a little chilly when students return on Jan. 3, but the learning centers can expect increased use when the weather warms.

Vance County Schools leaders, along with local officials and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, recently gathered at Aycock Elementary’s Outdoor Learning Center to celebrate the additions to the elementary campuses. Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared valuable insights into the purpose of this innovative workspace. The Outdoor Learning Center features benches, learning screens and Internet access, which all serve to provide students with a conducive environment for instructional lessons while enjoying the outdoors.

These outdoor learning centers are just one of the innovative ways that VCS is working to support teachers and student achievement. The school district will get more than $12 million to hire eight instructional coaches and 16 lead teachers – one for each school in the district.

Through the Raleigh-based nonprofit The Innovation Project and a three-year funding cycle from the U.S. Dept. of Education, VCS leaders say they can boost recruitment and retention of teachers, a chronic challenge for many rural school districts.

In an interview last month, Bennett said the instructional coaches will have the opportunity to work with students and teachers, whether through co-teaching situations, professional development sessions and more. Ideal candidates will be professionals with a proven track record of high achievement and student progress and who possess a strong skill set of working with adults.

TownTalk: Vance County Schools Gets Federal Money To Focus On Teacher Recruitment, Retention

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Vance County Schools is among close to a dozen school districts across the state to receive part of $24 million in federal grants over the next three years to focus on teacher recruitment and retention.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said the district is among eight districts working with a Raleigh-based nonprofit called The Innovation Project for this particular grant award, which will be about $3.6 million for the next three years from the U.S. Department of Education.  TIP is kicking in money, too, Bennett said on Thursday’s TownTalk. The total VCS can expect to receive over the next three years is about $12.5 million.

The district plans to hire eight instructional coaches and also will name 16 lead teachers – one at each school – to help provide support, feedback and suggestions to colleagues.

“It’s a difficult time to find teachers,” Bennett said, and rural communities often struggle, even in the best of times, to hire educators.

The grant money will be used to enhance support for teachers – in the form of peer support – but also to enhance teacher salaries and allow for sign-on bonuses.

Smaller districts often can’t compete with larger, more urban districts that entice teachers with higher salaries, bonuses or supplements. But Bennett said VCS has “to focus on some of the  other benefits,” such as increased and meaningful support from coaches and colleagues. “that is a good retention tool,” she said.

Bennett said the instructional coaches will have the opportunity to work with students and teachers, whether through co-teaching situations, professional development sessions and more. Ideal candidates will be professionals with a proven track record of high achievement and student progress and who possess a strong skill set of working with adults.

Principals and assistant principals can receive monetary awards in schools that achieve certain levels of student achievement.

Bennett said district leaders continue to crunch the numbers and analyze student achievement data to plot their course. “Our test data continues to remind us that we have much ground to cover,” she said, adding that schools offer tutoring and intervention during the school day, as well as after-school opportunities and transportation for those students who need it.

She said school leaders are trying to remove any hurdles to participation and be able to state that the district is providing the best educational opportunities for its students.

“Nothing changes in a year,” she said.

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VCS November Student Spotlight Honorees

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Two Vance County Schools fifth graders share the November Student Spotlight, whose goal is to celebrate exceptional students who are making a difference in their schools.

This month’s honorees are Olivia Zheng of Dabney Elementary and MiLay Cheek at New Hope Elementary, according to Grace Herndon, VCS Communication & Innovative Support.

The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, aims to celebrate students who demonstrate excellence in academics and exhibit commendable qualities like kindness, dedication and a commitment to personal growth.

 

Olivia Zheng, Dabney Elementary

Olivia Zheng, a fifth grader at Dabney Elementary, is described as a model student. She is an excellent student and also promotes a harmonious school environment. Olivia’s

love for math and dreams of a future in the medical field showcase her passion for learning and making a difference. Her motivation to attend school comes from positive experiences with teachers and friendships. She is fascinated by the history of the Mayans and Aztecs and enjoys helping peers with homework.

Aside from academics, Olivia has always aspired to visit Hawaii. If Olivia could have any superpower, she would choose teleportation so that she could go to Disneyland. Moreover, she actively contributes to her school community by assisting peers with homework, showcasing her commitment to collaboration. Her advice to fellow students is to work and study hard, listen to teachers, and follow the rules. Olivia’s admiration extends to her parents,

who serve as a source of care and support in her life. If given a magic wand, Olivia’s wish would be for money.

 

MiLay Cheek, New Hope Elementary 

MiLay has a love of learning and demonstrates a dedication to whatever she does. Since

transitioning from virtual school to New Hope, MiLay has felt the warmth of the school community

and the encouragement from dedicated teachers, especially Mrs. Broughton, who keeps her excited about learning. MiLay’s passion for literature is evident, finding joy in reading for fun. Academic goals fuel her dreams, with hopes of attending STEM Early High and ultimately reaching Harvard to pursue her passion of becoming a veterinarian. MiLay has taken an interest in the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas in Social Studies. While MiLay focuses on school and family, she finds inspiration in her aunt and mom—two strong role models who embody resilience and hard work.

Beyond academics, MiLay extends kindness to her peers, stepping in to mediate conflicts and create a positive atmosphere. Her dream adventure takes her to Washington, DC, where she envisions exploring the White House with friends. Her advice to fellow students centers on making good choices, focusing on schoolwork, and setting life goals. If granted a superpower, MiLay would choose mind reading to understand people’s thoughts.