-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.
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.
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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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.
Vance County Schools shines its October Student Spotlight on three students who are making a meaningful difference in their schools. The program, sponsored by the school system and the Vance County Public School Foundation, identifies students who demonstrate excellence in their academics and who also exhibit traits like kindness, dedication and a commitment to personal growth.
Tia Lewis, 6th Grader, Advance Academy
Tia is a caring and loving student who extends kindness to others, according to school staff. Her
favorite subject is science, and she values the engaging projects and teaching
methods used in science instruction. Tia aspires to become a pediatric nurse, driven by
her passion for helping people – especially children.
In addition to her academic interests, Tia enjoys reading “Junie B. Jones” books and
has a strong love for R&B music. Her role model is her grandmother, who has
imparted valuable life lessons to her.
Tia’s advice to others is to stay focused, avoid distractions, and go with the flow.
She actively helps her fellow students understand
their coursework and contributes to classroom cleanup.
If she could visit anywhere in the world, Tia would choose a yacht trip in Miami. Her friends and supportive teachers are her motivation for attending school daily. She admires her kind teacher, who provides assistance, and her friends’ ability to make her laugh. Tia’s favorite color is blue, and she enjoys dancing.
Devontae’ Ragland, 8th Grader, STEM Early High
Devontae’ is known for his caring and dedicated nature, always looking out for the well-being of his classmates and assisting both friends and teachers. Devontae’ excels in Social Studies and is actively involved in school activities, such as the Microgravity Project and the Beta Club. He is also team captain of the Vance County Middle Jaguar soccer team. In his free time, Devontae’ enjoys reading fiction and has a keen interest in history, particularly the Columbian Exchange and the Aztec Empire. He aspires to play soccer professionally in the future.
His advice to his peers: Follow your passions and don’t be influenced by the opinions of others. Devontae’ dreams of visiting Spain to explore famous soccer clubs. His motivation for attending school daily is his parents, who share his commitment to education. His parents expressed that Devontae’ always puts forth consistent effort and has a positive attitude.
Jaryk Harris, 5th Grader, Vance Virtual Village Academy
Jaryk is known for his infectious positivity and dedication to learning. His favorite subject is math, and he enjoys spending time with his younger brother. He aspires to be a quarterback and an architect and has a penchant for horror movies – “Halloween” is his favorite.
His strong interpersonal skills foster a supportive and inclusive community among his peers, his teachers say. His role models are his hard-working
parents, and he has recently found joy in learning about the weather and the water
cycle in Science. If he had a superpower, he would choose to stop time to remain a
child. If given a magic wand, he would wish for financial prosperity and actively help
his mom around the house.
Jaryk’s advice to other students is to never stop working. He highly values the amazing teachers at Vance Virtual Village Academy. His motivation for attending school every day stems from his mother, who encourages him to seize the available learning opportunities. Jaryk’s dream is to visit New York City and Legoland.
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.
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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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
