Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Preps For Opening

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(This script features a correction from its first version specically about the open house event. The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.)

That day that everyone knew was coming, but hoped it wouldn’t be here quite so fast, is suddenly knocking on the proverbial door – Open House and orientations for Vance County High School.

The orientation for students who will be in 12th grade is scheduled for Monday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the orientation session will begin at 6 p.m.

Students in the 10th and 11th grades will have orientations on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Tenth graders will assemble at 5 p.m. and 11th graders will gather for a 6 p.m. orientation.

Last, but not least, 9th graders will attend their orientation on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.

The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.

Vance County High School Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt III said the upcoming orientations will provide families and students valuable information about the 2023-24 school year.

“In an effort to ensure families and students have the necessary information for the upcoming year, we are hosting individual grade-level orientations and Open House,” Whitt stated. “During orientation, families will have the opportunity to meet our administrators and office staff, update contact/pick up information, and sign up to volunteer and join our booster club.”

Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/ to learn more about VCS.

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Search On For VCHS Athletic Director In Wake Of Noel’s Resignation

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Vance County High School Athletic Director Raymond Noel has resigned his post, and VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin has told WIZS News that the district is seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position.

“We are very appreciative of all that Mr. Noel did for VCHS,” Sandlin said in a statement to WIZS.

“Vance County Schools is committed to finding a strong leader to continue the work of the Viper Athletic program,” she said.

Candidates must hold a valid NC teacher certification and have at least five years’ experience as a PE teacher or coach; candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education; a master’s degree in athletic administration or equivalent training and experience is preferred, according to the job description.

Find the complete job description at www.vcs.k12.nc.us. Click on Job Opportunities in the top right corner of the home page.

Interested applicants should apply on the VCS website www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

The Local Skinny! Teacher Bags Being Prepared by Chamber

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce wants to help new teachers in the county feel welcomed as they begin – or continue  – their careers providing instruction to students in the area.

Now through July 11, the Chamber is collecting donations from area businesses for its annual New Teacher Bags program, and Chamber Events Coordinator Vanessa Jones said she’s already had a good response.

“There’s been a flood of emails from businesses that want to help us out,” Jones said.  “We’re excited for the opportunity…to make sure our teachers are having a good welcome” to the county and to their respective schools.

Donations in increments of 160 are what’s needed to fill up those bags, as that is the expected number of new educators across all schools – that includes Vance County Schools, Vance Charter School, Crossroads Christian, Kerr-Vance Academy and Henderson Collegiate.

The Chamber has set the mid-July deadline so all the bags can be ready for distribution for any new teacher orientations that may be held prior to the start of the teacher workdays at the beginning of the school year.

Items with business logos on them help identify local retailers and others that support the program – and the new teacher bags also are a great way for individuals new to the area to learn about where they can find certain goods and services.

Jones said any business or organization that cannot deliver the items to the Chamber office should contact her to arrange pickup. Call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 or email her at vanessa@hendersonvance.org.

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Vance County Schools Named National Beta District

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– information courtesy of VCS Communication Coordinator Brielle Barrow

For the fifth year in a row, Vance County Schools has been named a National Beta District of Distinction from the National Beta organization for 2022-2023.

The award is given to districts that offer National Beta in all schools in their district and induct qualifying students in eligible grades 4-12. Vance County Schools  is one of only 42 districts to receive this award nationwide, according to information from Brielle Barrow, VCS communication coordinator.

All award recipients received a National Beta District of Distinction award to display at their district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals received a plaque to display at their school.

This national award is evidence of Vance County Schools’ commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement; it illustrates the district’s dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. Students who participate in National Beta follow the motto “Let us lead by serving others.”

Nowell Brooks Principal of Advance Academy for the 2023-2024 School Year

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Vance County Schools has named Nowell Brooks as the principal of Advance Academy for the 2023-2024 school year. Brooks began his educational career as a social studies teacher in Granville County Schools in 2006 and joined Vance County Schools as an assistant principal in 2014.

Most recently, Brooks served in Franklin County Schools as an assistant principal and the director of Alternative Programs. While there, he also served as an interim principal and Summer Learning principal. As he begins his 17th year in public education, Brooks said “I have high aspirations to lead while providing strategic paths for the development of students’ academic, social and emotional needs.”

Brooks received his undergraduate degree from N.C. Central University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Brooks lives in Henderson with wife Stephanie and will begin his new position effective July 1.

VCS Gets $50,000 Emerging Technology Grant

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Vance County Schools has been awarded a $50,000 Emerging Technology grant which it plans to use to provide students with a simulator to program robots, including virtual drones.

The local school district was among 12 across the state to get the grant, which is part of the state’s Digital Learning Initiative, designed to promote  effective digital learning practices across the state’s K-12 public schools.

Granville County Public Schools also got $50,000 to create a mobile podcasting studio for students, school employees and community use.

These one-year grants allow districts to use technology and develop more innovative practices within their schools.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the grants are key to helping North Carolina’s students be better prepared to compete for high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting districts in their effort to adopt new technologies and methods for teaching.

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“These grants are such a critical way we continue providing digital teaching, learning supports, and resources for North Carolina’s districts, educators, and students,” Truitt said. “I commend these districts for their support of digital innovation and desire to incorporate technology into the classroom. These grants will make a difference in the way we equip our students for the rapidly changing, technologically driven world that they will soon enter.”

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, chief information officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, echoed how these grants positively impact a student’s learning experience and better prepare them for the world ahead.

“Technology continues to play a significant role in shaping successful outcomes for students, especially as the workforce continues to be increasingly digitally driven,” Wrenn said. “It is important for students to be well versed in the latest technologies. We continue to be impressed by these schools’ innovation with their grant proposals and how the funds are used to transform student’s educational experience.”

Vance County Early College Celebrates the Class of 2023

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Press Release Courtesy of Vance County Schools —

Vance County Early College High School awarded 33 students with their high school diplomas Friday evening (May 26, 2023) at The Center for Innovation. 29 students also received their Associates of Arts or Science degree from Vance-Granville Community College.

Principal Debbie Hite shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCECHS Class of 2023 graduates Jayson Otts and Katia Portillo-Chavez, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.

Jayson Otts talked about his journey through senior year, and reminded his classmates that “if you are having a bad day, God woke you up for a reason.”

Katia Portillo-Chavez encouraged the Class of 2023 to, “let us never forget the lessons we’ve learned here, as we go on new roads. Whether it is furthering our education, entering the workforce, enlisting into the military or pursuing our passions. Remember that we all have our destinies and travels to follow.”

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Debbie Hite, Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Bennett, Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair, and Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, President of Vance-Granville Community College.

Congratulations, Vance County Early College High School Class of 2023!

VCECHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts:

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  • VCECHS Class of 2023 has received over $4.9 million in scholarships.
  • The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
    • Alexander Cruz – U.S. Marines
    • Morris Gene Langley, III – United States Air Force
    • Keyon O’Shea Tunstall – U.S. Marines
  • 31 students are graduating with distinction:
    • 8 seniors are graduating Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)
    • 7 seniors are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)
    • 16 seniors are graduating Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)
  • 29 seniors earned their Associates Degree from Vance Granville Community College.
  • VCECHS students have earned a total of 1824 transferable college credits.
  • 23 seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university.
  • Students graduated with a variety honors:
    • National Honor Society
    • North Carolina Scholar
    • National Beta Club
    • President’s Award for Educational Excellence
    • President’s Award for Achievement

Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m. followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.

Vance County High School Graduation

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Vance County High School Graduates 153 Seniors

— press release courtesy of Vance County Schools

Graduation season is officially underway in Vance County Schools, as Vance County High School awarded 153 students with their high school diplomas on Friday, May 26, in the Vance County High School stadium.

Principal Nealie Whitt III shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCHS Class of 2023 graduates Mercedes Fields and Fantasia Scott, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.

Mercedes Fields reminded her fellow graduates – “Stay gold. Stay gold for as long as you can. Remember where you came from and who you are today. And let it positively guide you and motivate you to get the life that you’ve always wanted.”

Fantasia Scott shared, “This is the end of our chapter here, and the beginning of another. Now that we are all done, may we go down different paths, but may they align together in the future.” 

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Nealie Whitt III, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, and Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair.

Congratulations, Vance County High School Class of 2023!

Click Play for the WIZS Broadcast Audio of VCHS 2023 Graduation.

VCHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts: 

  • VCHS students have received $1.7 million in scholarships.
  • The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
    • Hunter Dean English – United States Air Force
    • Quincie Marie Pritchett – United States Navy
    • Juan Rivera Velazquez – United States Army
    • Ne’Shawn Hakeem Seward – United States Navy
  • 36 students are graduating with distinction:
    • 25 seniors are graduating Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)
    • 7 seniors are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)
    • 4 seniors are graduating Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)
  • 100 VCHS seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university.
  • 23 VCHS seniors have secured full-time employment.
  • Students graduated with a variety honors:
    • 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

Vance County Early College graduated May 26, at 6 p.m. Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m., followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.

Town Talk: Vance County Schools Enjoy Success at Recent Robotics Competition

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Elementary and middle school students traveled to Salisbury over the weekend to participate in a competition and they brought home several awards for their efforts.

The six teams that made the trip for the Brick Master State Level Competition had to earn their spots at a local competition on May 6 called RoboVANCE. That’s right, this competition is for students who design, create and compete using robotics.

“Robotics in Vance County Schools have been in design for the last three years,” said Destiney Ross-Putney, VCS director of instruction and innovation. District leaders wanted to provide opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to learn about robotics, whether in an after-school Legos club or through a high school elective or an extracurricular group.

School officials opened it up at the beginning of the year and Ross-Putney said they were “blown away” by the number of students who showed interest.

Some schools had multiple teams, who met weekly with coaches/advisors to work on the coding and design of the creations.

The adult advisors didn’t necessarily have a background in coding or robotics; rather, they coached the students in problem-solving and working together as a team to complete their projects. The program is completely student-centered, Ross-Putney explained.

“We want to give them experiences that prepare them for the future,” said Aarika Sandlin, VCS communications coordinator.

The Salisbury competition was for elementary and middle schoolers and VCS sent six teams who advanced from the local competition, which included nine K-2 teams, 17 3-5 teams and five 6-8 teams.

The teams who traveled to Salisbury were the Zeb Vance Magical RobotZ, the Carver Electric Eagles, the Dabney Rockets, the VCMS Master Tech Builders, the STEM Card Sharks 3, the STEM Card Sharks and the L.B. Yancey Robotics #1.

The Dabney Rockets won first for elementary coding and the STEM Card Sharks #3 – an all girls team – won the coding competition for its grade level.

For the robotics portion of the competition, teams had four assignments, along with a mystery task. Students had to program their robots to complete a variety of challenges with scenarios that were based on alternative energy sources. VCMS Master Tech Builders took 4th place at the competition for the middle school division.

School leaders couldn’t be happier at the results, especially for the first time ever competing at this level.

“Our robotics program has been hard work since the beginning of this school year, with both staff and students meeting and practicing weekly.” Ross-Putney said.  “To watch these programs develop from the ground up and take state level recognition is a testament to their commitment to problem solving and teamwork.”

Parents and students can learn more about RoboVANCE for next year during the August Open House.

 

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N.C. Rep Sossamon Takes Field Trip To Visit Vance County Schools

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– Information courtesy of Vance County Schools

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon visited several Vance County Schools recently as a participant in the first year of “Bring Your Legislator to School” Day.

Sossamon represents District SS, which includes Vance County. He visited E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Dabney Elementary, STEM Early High School and the district’s Center for Innovation.

Lawmakers were invited by members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, and bi-partisan legislative sponsors to visit schools in their respective jurisdictions and engage with school communities. Sossamon joined more than 70 fellow legislators who accepted the invitation to visit schools in their districts.

School principals, as well as Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett joined Sossamon as he toured the schools and chatted with teachers and students.

The goal of this visit was to show legislators what current state investment in education looks like in practice during the day-to-day reality of North Carolina’s elementary and secondary schools.