Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

VCS Students Have Day Off On Election Day – Nov. 7

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With early voting underway in Henderson to determine the next mayor, Vance County Schools officials have sent out a reminder that election day – Nov. 7 – will be a day off for students, since several schools also serve as polling sites.

The Center for Innovation – the former Henderson Middle School – is one polling site, and VCS Chief Officer for Communication Aarika Sandlin said Vance County Middle School, L.B. Yancey Elementary and E.O. Young Elementary are polling sites, too. New Hope Elementary also is a polling site, but there are no elections taking place at that location this year.

Municipal elections in Kittrell and Middleburg will be held on Nov. 7, in addition to the Henderson mayoral runoff election.

Aycock Rec Center is a polling site as well.

Sandlin said VCS district leadership tries to have teacher workdays scheduled to coincide with election days when it’s possible.

And students will have a three-day week that week, since Veteran’s Day will be observed on Friday, Nov. 10.

VCS Gets Visit – And School Supplies – From Dept. Of Administration Secretary Cashwell

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Information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin

Vance County Schools welcomed N.C. Department of Administration Secretary Pamela Cashwell Wednesday, who paid a visit to the school district and brought with her some useful supplies for students.

Cashwell and a team traveling with her were on a special mission as part of the Governor’s School Supply Drive, according to a statement from Aarika Sandlin, VCS chief officer of Communication & Innovative Support.
There were books, backpacks and more in the boxes of supplies that were delivered, all of which can be used to have an immediate impact on the learning experiences of VCS students, Sandlin stated.

During her visit, Cashwell toured the Administrative Services Center and spoke with VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and other staff members.

The group visited Carver Elementary, and Principal Regina Miles and Student Ambassadors offered a warm welcome, even rolling out a real red carpet in honor of the visit.

Cashwell made the most of her visit by stepping into classrooms and engaging with students and educators.

“Vance County Schools extends its utmost gratitude to Secretary Pamela Cashwell and the N.C. Department of Administration for their visit, unwavering support, and dedication to the future of our students.,” Sandlin stated. “Together, we continue to have a positive and lasting impact on the educational journey of our community’s children. “

For more information about Vance County Schools, visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/

Vance County Public Safety Expo Set For Sept. 30

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The Vance County Fire Department is partnering with Vance County Schools to present a Public Safety Expo on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out to the former Charles Boyd Chevrolet dealership on US 158 bypass to see and hear all about public safety resources in the area.

Kids, there will be a bike helmet giveaway, so get there early because supplies are limited! There will be many interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy, and there will be a bicycle safety course set up, too, so you can show off your skills and knowledge about bike safety.

Admission is free and the entire community is invited to come out and participate in the event.

‘National Night Out’ Takes Place Oct. 3 In Downtown Henderson

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Downtown Henderson is the place to be on Tuesday, Oct. 3 as area law enforcement agencies and other community organizations take part in National Night Out.

The community is invited to come to Breckenridge Street for the annual event, held this year from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be presentations and displays by the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Stoppers, Henderson and Vance County Fire and EMS, Vance County Schools and other agencies, all promoting safety and preventing crime in the community.

Admission is free, and there will be free giveaways, including food, drinks, T-shirts (while supplies last) and more.

Bring the family for an evening of fun and information!

In case of inclement weather, the rain date is Oct. 17.

VCS Names Clarke Elementary Principal

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Vance County Schools has announced that Dr. C’Monee Wilkins is the new principal of Clarke Elementary, effective immediately.

Wilkins has been assistant principal at Clarke Elementary since August 2022, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin.

“Dr. Wilkins has great knowledge and expertise in the area of instructional leadership,” said VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett.

Bennett stated that Wilkins will provide strong leadership to address needed changes that the district has identified for the 2023-24 school year.

“Her leadership and the strong team she is building will make Clarke Elementary a school to watch,” Bennett stated in a press release.

Prior to her arrival at Clarke Elementary, Wilkins had served as an instructional coach and mulit-classroom leader at Zeb Vance Elementary as as an English Language Arts teacher at Eaton-Johnson Middle.

Wilkins is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University. She got a masters in public administration from N.C. Central University and completed her doctoral studies in educational leadership at Fayetteville State University.

Dan Sandlin, an 18-year veteran in the field of education, will be the assistant principal at Clarke Elementary.

Vance County Early College Alums Invited To Come Share In Homecoming Festivities Sept. 22

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-information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, VCS chief officer of Communication & Innovative Support

Attention, all graduates of Vance County Early College High School! You’re invited to come back and enjoy Homecoming festivities later this month, alongside current students and others.

Things “kick off” with a tailgate experience on Friday, Sept. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Vance County High School. It’s a time to mingle with old friends, make some new memories and enjoy some food and drinks.

The fun continues at 7 p.m. at the football field – come cheer the team to victory. The highlight of the evening will take place at halftime when the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.

Aarika Sandlin, VCS chief officer of Communication & Innovative Support, explained that each high school – Vance County High and the Early College High School – crowns its own king and queen for Homecoming. “”It worked great last year, so continuing that excitement” is the goal for this year, she said. Students from all the schools play as Vipers for athletics, she continued.

Her favorite tagline is “In Vance County, we are all Vipers.”

If you need to find something special to wear that shows your VCEC spirit, look no further than VCEC Spirit Wear.

Before the big game, make sure to gear up in style! Explore the collection of spirited merchandise, specially designed for current students, proud alumni, and more. Grab your favorite items to showcase your VCEC pride wherever you go.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s make this Homecoming event a truly unforgettable event. Whether you’re a former student, a current attendee, or part of our wonderful community, we can’t wait to see you there!

To learn more, contact Vance County Early College at 252.738.3580.

Convocation Kicks Off New School Year For Vance County Schools, Teachers, Staff

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-Courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support

Vance County Schools’ staff gathered on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 at McGregor Hall for Convocation to celebrate the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. This annual event brings staff from all 16 schools, transportation, maintenance and district office together.

This year, the event included a warm welcome from community members as staff arrived, with the Vance County High School cheerleaders, flag team and drum line joining. Vance County High School student, Jessica Phan, performed the National Anthem, while the Junior Air Force ROTC presented the colors. Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, the Vance County Schools’ Board of Education, the Henderson Optimist Club, and the Vance County Public School Foundation all shared messages and celebrated VCS educators.

Pinkston Street Elementary was presented the Optimist Mini-Grant for the 2023-2024 school year. Each school shared a showcase video, with Vance County Middle School taking home the Best Video honor. Throughout the event, school spirit filled the air; however, Clarke Elementary took home the spirit award!

2023-24 LEAP Grant Recipients 

The Vance County Public School Foundation awarded Learning that Extends Actual Performance (LEAP) grants to eight exceptional teachers from across the district. This year’s LEAP grants align with the core pillars of Vance County Schools’ strategic plan. These projects not only demonstrate our dedication to equity and inclusion, but also emphasize sustaining a high-performance culture, foster innovation and nurture experiential learning opportunities for students.

This year’s LEAP Grant recipients are:

LEAP Into Learning Stations: Joannie Aldridge, Vance County High

Clarke’s MakerSpace: Launtia Dallas, Clarke Elementary

The Creative Minds Program: Taylor Evans, LB Yancey Elementary

Numbers Alive – Math Stackers: Natasha Rubin, Aycock Elementary

Sensory Pathways: Sarah Jeffries, Aycock Elementary

Enhancing Scientific Learning Through Hydroponics: Vicki-Ann Fullwood & Angelique Baganan, Vance County Early College High School

9-1-1 Monitor Stands: Francis Brown, Vance County High School

Vance County Schools applauds these teachers for their dedication to shaping the future of education and for their commitment to the advancement of every student in Vance County Schools.

Vance County Schools Excellence in Education Banquet

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Vance County Schools named its 2023 Educators of Excellence at a banquet on Thursday, Aug. 10 to honor nominated teachers, staff and administrators from across the schools in the district.

Teacher of the Year honors go to Analiza Maghanoy of EM Rollins STEAM Academy, according to information from VCS Director of Communications & Marketing Aarika Sandlin.

Others receiving top honors were Lillian King of Carver Elementary – Beginning Teacher of the Year; McShell Edmonds of Vance County High – Assistant Principal of the Year; and Dr. Michael Putney, Sr. of Dabney Elementary – Principal of the Year.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said the district benefits from the experience of leaders like the ones honored at the banquet.

“Vance County Schools is very fortunate to have dedicated and passionate teachers and leaders who work diligently day in and out to ensure the children in Vance County are receiving the best possible education, learning from innovative programs and experiences, and truly understanding how they can positively impact tomorrow.”

Maghanoy teaches third grade English Language Arts at EM Rollins STEAM Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Western Mindanao State University and a Master of Education Studies from the University of Newcastle, Australia.

“I know many outstanding teachers who give their best efforts to our students every day. I am humbled to be recognized as the Vance County Teacher of the Year, with gratitude to my strong administrators (present and past) for their unwavering support and inspiration to be the best I can to serve the students, parents, and the entire community of Vance County Schools”, Maghanoy stated.

King, also a third-grade teacher, works at Carver Elementary and majored in elementary education at N.C. Central University.

“I feel very honored to even be nominated and even more grateful to have been chosen by my district,” she said.

Top administrator awards went to Edmonds, who was named Assistant Principal of the Year.

“This achievement not only brings me joy but it fuels my motivation to continue pushing to strive for even greater heights. I am committed to using this achievement for continuous growth, learning and making a meaningful impact on my school community. I am so grateful for the support and guidance I received from fellow educators, the VCHS family, friends, and my family.” 

Edmonds received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from N.C. Central University and a Master’s in School Administration from N.C. State University.

This is Putney’s third time as Principal of the Year, but he said he feels honored to receive the recognition. He’s been principal at Dabney since 1997.

“This is my passion. I do not see this as a job. I see this as a calling to be able to have an impact on others. To hear positive remarks from former students, staff, and parents fuels me to continue to strive to make a difference for others.”

Maghanoy and Putnam will represent Vance County in regional competition.

Following are the nominees from across the district competing for the awards:

2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
  • Caroline Boyd, Aycock Elementary
  • Debbie McCune, Carver Elementary
  • Cynthia Moore, Clarke Elementary
  • Karin Jennings, Dabney Elementary
  • Analiza Maghanoy, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Julia Morton, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Jamie Chin, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Tina Terry, New Hope Elementary
  • Kevin Johnson, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Jose Ortiz Covelli, STEM Early High
  • Vicki-Ann Fullwood-Barrett, Vance County Early College
  • Pamella Wickham, Vance County High
  • Davia Johnson Wilkins, Vance County Middle
  • Cynthia Nnaemeka, Vance Virtual Village Academy
  • Hannah Whittemore, Zeb Vance Elementary

2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Matthew Weaver, Aycock Elementary
  • Lillian King, Carver Elementary
  • Nicole Clarke, Clarke Elementary
  • Ty-Mhaj Hart, Dabney Elementary
  • Rosa Bullock, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Marcia Cobbs, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Loletta Davidson, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Twanda Peace, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Quentillia Crutchfield, STEM Early High School
  • Karen Suarez, Vance County High
  • Damian Davis, Vance County Middle School
  • Whitney Brodie, Zeb Vance Elementary

2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees:

  • Dr. C’monee Wilkins, Clarke Elementary
  • Facetia Branch, Dabney Elementary
  • Desmond Thompson, Vance County Middle
  • Angela Cusaac, Vance County High
  • McShell Edmonds, Vance County High

2023-2024 Principal of the Year Nominees

  • Dr. Carnetta Thomas, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Dr. Michael Putney, Sr., Dabney Elementary
  • Dr. Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Dr. Stephanie Ayscue, Vance County Middle School
  • Dr. Jessica Perry, Vance Virtual Village Academy

Local Businesses Invited To Show Up, Cheer On VCS Educators At Aug. 22 Convocation

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The Vance County Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to turn out for the back-to-school Convocation planned for Tuesday, Aug. 22 for Vance County Schools educators.

Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said it’s a fun celebration and an opportunity to show support for teachers as they come together in advance of the first day of class for traditional-calendar students on Monday, Aug. 28.

According to school officials, teachers will arrive by bus between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and all community “cheerleaders” can line the entrance to McGregor Hall to provide well wishes for a successful school year.

It’d be cool to see some of those familiar business mascots, too – yep, we’re talking to you, Pete the Cat, Chick-fil-A cow, Sparky the Dog and Mikey the Shark…are there others?

 

 

 

Students At 3 VCS Campuses Start A New School Year

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Students headed back to class Monday in three Vance County Schools – getting the 2023-24 school year off to a good start with smiles, high fives and lots of excitement.

The first day of class at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Vance County Early College and Vance County High School began without a hitch, and VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin stated that teachers and staff are ready to educate students and empower them to engage in opportunities and experiences, taking learning to the next level.

The annual back-to-school convocation for all staff is scheduled for Aug. 22 at McGregor Hall in advance of the Aug. 28 start date for all traditional calendar schools in the district.