You’re never fully dressed without a smile. – “Annie” and Dr. Carol Montague-Davis

If that is the case, people who attended the meet and greet for Interim Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis were dressed to the nines! Warren County Schools hosted a well attended event for the community to meet or become reacquainted with “Dr. MD.”

Check out the photos below to see who stopped by!

Share

The post ALL SMILES: Dr. Carol Montague-Davis Meet + Greet (Photos) appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Communications Director Tammy Martin delivered school supplies to Warren County Middle School as part of the Governor Roy Cooper’s School Supply Drive (September 10th).

Share

The post NC Governor’s Office Donates School Supplies to WCMS appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

The NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) presented state test results for the 2023-24 school year to the State Board of Education on Sept. 4. While NCDPI continues to classify Warren County Schools as a Low Performing District, there are some areas of improvement to celebrate.

How scores are calculated and categorized
As a reminder, 80 percent of the NCDPI school performance grade comes from the percentage of students performing at or above grade level. Only 20 percent of the grade reflects how much students’ test scores improved from the previous year, also known as their growth rate. Schools can show growth, while still not meeting proficiency targets.

Warren County Schools 2023-24 school performance results at a glance:

DISTRICT RESULTS

* For the third consecutive year, the district’s overall student performance score has increased to 29.5 percent in 2023-24.
* Our overall English II proficiency score improved to 54 percent in 2023-24 from 50 percent the year before.
* The district’s overall proficiency score in 5th-grade science jumped to 41.4 percent in 2023-24 from 25.8 percent in 2022-23.
* Our district’s overall math proficiency score improved from 22.7 to 25.8 percent.

The most significant jump was in high school Math III scores, increasing from 23.5 in 2022-23 to 40 percent in 2023-24.

Other math proficiency score improvements

SCHOOL RESULTS

Warren Early College High School (WECHS) earned an A grade and exceeded its expected growth in academic performance for the second straight year in the school’s history.
Warren County High School (WCHS) met its growth targets, improved its overall student performance score, and maintained a D grade.

Seventy-eight percent of WCHS students graduated within four years, and when given five years, the graduation rate jumps to 82 percent.

Vaughan Elementary (VES) maintained a D grade even though NCDPI reports the school did not meet its growth targets. However, VES 5th graders nearly doubled their science proficiency scores from 38.4 percent in 2022-23 to 73.7 percent in 2023-24. That significant improvement is not calculated in the overall student performance scores because the school’s 5th-grade class was smaller than 30 students.

AREAS OF FOCUS NEEDING IMPROVEMENT

* Only 29.5 percent of our students are performing at or above grade level.

* NCDPI identifies five of our six schools as low-performing (all but WECHS).

* Mariam Boyd Elementary (MBES), Northside Elementary (NES), and Warren County Middle (WCMS) schools have an F school performance grade.

* MBES, NES, VES, and WCMS did not meet student improvement (growth) expectations.

* Most reading-level proficiency scores across the district declined.

INITIATIVES IMPROVING OUR PROFICIENCY RATES

* Elementary schools rearranged class schedules in 2023-24 to teach core subjects in the morning when students are typically more alert and engaged. This strategy helped improve elementary science scores.

* We’re providing tutoring throughout the school year and enhanced summer learning opportunities to help students performing below grade level.

* We’ve hired Instructional Coaches and Master Teachers to show classroom teachers proven strategies to help students learn difficult concepts and subjects.

* We’re using data-driven instruction to identify students’ individual strengths and areas where we need to improve that student’s understanding.

* The district is working to foster partnerships with community organizations and volunteers to provide students with additional learning opportunities, experiences, and individualized support (or attention).

* We’re strengthening relationships between school staff and students’ families so we can all work together to meet our children’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.

“For Warren County Schools to truly reflect our students’ capabilities, we need parents, teachers, staff, and the community to work together to ignite children’s passion for learning so each one can meet their true potential,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis.

Warren County Schools acknowledges our need to significantly improve the levels of teaching and learning in our schools. We also believe the state’s grading and classification system does not accurately reflect our district’s academic performance. Two of our six schools are too small for students’ scores to be included in the state’s formula to calculate student proficiency and academic growth. VES and WECHS have several classes with less than 30 students, so their scores aren’t included in their proficiency or growth scores. Both scores would be higher if VES and WECHS student achievement results were included.

NCDPI notes that the information in the School Report Card, while important, cannot tell you the entire story about a school. Other important factors — the extra hours put in by teachers preparing for class and grading assignments, the school spirit felt by families, the involvement in sports, arts, or other extracurriculars – are crucial aspects of a school community, but are not reflected in these test results and classifications.

*****
Ed. Note: Warren County Schools students, teachers, and staff are to be commended for their efforts and their success in making noticeable strides in reaching their objectives. We know it is not easy. As a community, we are proud of you all, and we look forward to seeing how the new initiatives impact proficiencies.

Share

The post Warren County Schools State Test Results Show Improvement… But Much More is Needed appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

This week, Governor Roy Cooper announced the 2024-2025 application period for the North Carolina Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is underway. The award, passed by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.

“School employees are the backbone of our education system,” says Governor Cooper. “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, teachers, and families. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes of North Carolina schools and the crucial work that they do every day.”

For the purposes of the award, a classified school employee is defined as an employee of a state or any political subdivision of a state, or an employee of a nonprofit entity, who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.

Award winners demonstrate excellence in the following areas: (A) Work performance; (B) School and community involvement; (C) Leadership and commitment; (D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); (E) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Public school units, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, parents, and students may nominate by September 30.

The two winners in North Carolina will be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education by November 1st. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select a single classified school employee from among the nominees to receive the RISE Award in the spring. The Office of the Governor of North Carolina will honor nominees and finalists. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education will recognize the honoree and communicate their story in order to inspire excellence among classified school employees.

Nominate an unsung education hero for the 2024 RISE Award. Submit your nomination by September 30th at 5pm through https://forms.office.com/g/SuEnGi73qm.

Share

The post Governor Cooper Opens 2024-2025 RISE Award Competition appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

On Monday, August 12 at 7:15am, right before the doors officially opened for the new school year, Dr. Carol Montague-Davis was sworn-in as Interim Superintendent of Warren County Schools.

Share

The post VIDEO: Dr. Montague-Davis is Sworn-In as Warren County Schools Interim Superintendent appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

The Warren County Board of Education voted Thursday evening to appoint Dr. Carol Montague-Davis as Interim Superintendent, effective August 12, 2024.

This is a homecoming for Dr. Montague-Davis. She and her husband, Garrett Davis, were born and raised in Warren County and currently own a home here. They were both educated in Warren County Schools. She served as Principal of Warren County High School for six years from 1998 – 2004. Dr. Montague-Davis has a bonus daughter Brittany, a bonus son Nelson, and two bonus grandsons Ace and Win.

Dr. Montague-Davis brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in educational leadership to Warren County Schools. Her extensive background in administration and commitment to student success will be invaluable as she steps into this interim role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Montague-Davis as our interim superintendent and look forward to her leadership as we begin the 2024-2025 school year,” said Victoria Lehman, Chair of the Warren County Schools Board of Education. “Dr. Montague-Davis has dedicated her professional life to promoting the interests of North Carolina’s public schools, and we are grateful for her commitment to promoting student achievement in Warren County during this time of transition for our school system.”

Dr. Montague-Davis’ professional background includes extensive experience in curriculum development, discipline implementation, teacher training modeling, and community support programs. She has worked in middle and high schools as a classroom teacher, in athletic programs, and as an administrator.

In 2004, Dr. Montague-Davis left Warren County to work in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools until her retirement in 2022. During her time there, she served as Principal of Carver High School twice, for a total of nearly 10 years. She also worked nine years as the district’s Instructional Superintendent for Continuous Improvement.

Dr. Montague-Davis received her undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She earned a Master of Education in School Administration in 1991 from The University of Maryland at College Park and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University in 2017.

She is a member of United Way Women United Executive Board and Chair of the Membership Committee, Vice-President of the Greater Triad ECSU Alumni Chapter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro.

Share

The post Welcome Home: Montague-Davis Appointed Warren County Schools Interim Superintendent appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

The Warren County Board of Education voted Tuesday night (Aug. 13) to move Warren County Middle School to the elementary school calendar for this 2024-25 school year. This allows additional time for continued maintenance and repairs at the middle school following Tropical Storm Debby. The first day of school for students at WCMS will be Monday, August 26, 2024.

WCMS staff will report to work on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Warren County Schools sincerely apologize for this unavoidable situation and the inconvenience it has caused. We appreciate your understanding and your support of Warren County Middle School.

Share

The post Warren County Middle School Delays Start Date appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Chandler Kearsey, a recent graduate of Warren Early College High School (WECHS), has been named the recipient of the first Quincy Markel Mills Scholarship, one that will help her pursue higher education at East Carolina University (ECU). Kearsey was awarded $750, which she will use to support her studies as she embarks on her journey toward a degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Kearsey has set her sights on a career in Human Resources and wants to work with a Fortune 500 company. She stated she chose ECU for its diverse campus and the range of opportunities that align with her career aspirations.

The Quincy Mills Scholarship is named in honor of Quincy Mills, a 19-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in 2023. His father, Walter Mills described his son as “a good kid with a big, bright smile and everybody loved him.” Eric Copeland, a friend of the family initiated the idea to start a scholarship in Mills’s name, and received the approval from Walter. With the help of Eric’s wife, Jackie, they were able to implement it. The initial scholarship amount was set to be $500 until local Warren County group, The Brotherhood contributed an additional $250, making it a total of $750.

Copeland stated the scholarship was established to keep his memory alive and support students in their pursuit of higher education. The scholarship committee, composed of Larry Jones, Jr. and Shrounda Douglas-Riddick selected Kearsey based on being thorough in her application, and also her academic achievements, community involvement, and clear vision for her future.

WECHS principal, Shena Judkins described Kearsey as an “amazing student with a heart for people.”

Kearsey’s ambition, coupled with the support of the Quincy Mills Scholarship, places her on a promising path toward achieving her dreams. As she prepares to start her freshman year at ECU, Kearsey is eager to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.

To read more about Quincy Mills, read this RRDailyHerald.com article.

Share

The post Chandler Kearsey Awarded Quincy Mills Scholarship to Pursue Dreams at ECU appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

LeAndrea Daise, a bright and dedicated student, has been awarded the prestigious Louise Spruill Scholarship, presented by the Heritage Quilters. This $500 scholarship will support the Henderson Collegiate graduate as she embarks on her academic journey at Elizabeth City State University, where she plans to major in Emergency Management.

The Louise Spruill Scholarship was named in honor of one of the founding members of the Heritage Quilters. The scholarship is made possible by the generous contributions of donors and the tireless fundraising efforts of the organization.

The Heritage Quilters and the entire community are proud to support LeAndrea in her educational pursuits and look forward to her future successes.

Share

The post Daise Awarded Louise Spruill Scholarship appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

The Warren County Board of Education recently approved several leadership hires:

• Chief Academic Officer: Kisha Clemons (approved on 8/8/23)
• Chief Operations Officer: Dr. Dennis Carrington (approved on 8/8/23)
• Director of School Performance: LaTonya McNeill (approved on 7/25/23)
• Warren County High School Principal: Dr. Cynthia Simons (approved on 8/8/23)

Dr. Simons will be continuing the work started by WCHS Interim Principal Elaine Hanzer. As a retired school administrator, Ms. Hanzer has worked the maximum amount allowed by the state while receiving retirement benefits. Her last day will be August 31.

“These highly qualified educational leaders will help continue our critical mission of improving Warren County Schools, how we educate and support our students, how we empower our staff, and how we connect with our community. These are not only key instructional leaders, but are also transformational leaders as we reimagine our schools and how we educate students in the twenty-first century.” – Superintendent Keith Sutton

Share

The post Warren County Schools: Key Leadership Positions Filled appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.