Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

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.

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.”