After the success of the rebranded SpringFest (now known as the Eastern Bluebird Fest), the Warrenton Revitalization Committee combined the shopping and entertainment experience of Harvest Market and the fun and thrills of Fright Night to create the first Harvest-Ween on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist
[See image gallery at warrenist.com]

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Nominated by the Warren County Health Department, Perfecting Praise Ministries was the recipient of the prestigious Partnership in Public Health Award, presented at the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) Fall Education Conference held in Cherokee, NC in September. This recognition highlights the ongoing collaboration between the ministry and the health department in their efforts to promote health and wellness within the community.

Bishop J. Terrell Alston and Perfecting Praise Ministries has been an active partner in numerous public health initiatives aimed at addressing critical health concerns. Some of their notable collaborations include hosting a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic, an HIV/AIDS Awareness event, and a town hall meeting titled “Coping Mentally and Spiritually,” which was hosted by the NAACP. In addition, the ministry organized a Mental Health Forum that focused on faith-based communities, bridging the gap between spiritual and mental health support.

This award acknowledges the significant impact that partnerships like these can have on improving public health outcomes, particularly in rural communities such as Warren County. By combining spiritual guidance with health education and resources, Perfecting Praise Ministries has played a vital role in addressing both the physical and mental well-being of the community.

Alston also serves as Director of Community Engagement & Empowerment at Trillium Health Resources.

The North Carolina Public Health Association is the leading professional association for people dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and environment of all North Carolinians. The Guiding Principles of the North Carolina Public Health Association are: integrity, dignity and respect, pride and commitment, inclusion and education for individuals and communities.

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Community members celebrated the first annual Soul City Homecoming with a parade around the Green Duke village, followed by live music and food at the “Entertainment Tent” on Sept. 21.

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Hundreds from all over Warren County (and beyond) attended the first annual DubFest hosted by The Experience Executives on Sept. 14, making an indelible impression during WCHS Homecoming weekend.

With DJ Mike Dub, DJ Paul of Fame, The Wax Bully, DJ Fly Dre, and special guest DJ Brian Dawson entertaining the masses and food trucks, Soulbachi, Lawrence & Perry, Candi Queen, Soo Jamaican, Kings Southern Style Cooking, Mac Scoops, Integrity BBQ, and Wing Master E & Trinity Eats ready to serve, the Warren County Armory Civic Center overflowed with people ready for a fun-filled time in Warrenton.

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Hundreds gathered on the Warren County Courthouse Square for the annual WCHS Alumni Meet and Greet.

With the temperature just right, former classmates, most adorned in t-shirts flaunting the year they graduated, got reacquainted on a lucky Friday the 13th (9/13) and enjoyed taking group pictures, sharing memories, and shopping with local vendors and food trucks.

The vibe was all about having a great time and set the tone for the rest of Homecoming weekend.

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The Warren County Schools Homecoming parade was the perfect precursor and set the tone for the energetic weekend! The parade took over US 1 in Norlina on Friday, Sept. 13, and circled around Hyco Street, and along with our esteemed and talented students, the celebration featured numerous Warren County department heads and elected officials.

Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick (Warrenist)
[See image gallery at warrenist.com]

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It was all about fun, games, and safety at the 2nd annual Norlina Community Day!

Several members of law enforcement, the fire department, and Warren County departments came out early Saturday morning (Sept. 14) to both entertainment and inform local residents. Attendees had the opportunity to sign up for upcoming Parks and Recreation activities, sit in the driver’s seat of a fire truck, fitted and gifted a bike helmet, register to win a bicycle, and sing and dance along to music curated by local radio personality and DJ Willie C.

Photos: Crystal Myrick (Warrenist)
[See image gallery at warrenist.com]

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In an exhilarating display of athleticism and teamwork, the Warren County High School (WCHS) Eagles delivered a commanding victory against the North Edgecombe Warriors with a 48-0 shutout at their homecoming game last Saturday (9/14). The Eagles’ performance electrified the crowd, who packed the stands to celebrate the annual tradition and watch the home team soar.

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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.

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Mark your calendars for a day filled with celebration, community spirit, and family fun at the First Annual Soul City Homecoming on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The festivities will kick off at 10:00am with a parade in the “Heart of Soul City,” in the Green Duke Village at what is now known as The McKissick Soul City Civil Rights Center.

Scheduled parade highlights include the Warren County High School Pep Band, a car show, and the Soul City Fire Department. The parade will conclude near the corner of Liberation Road and Soul City Boulevard.

The show will begin at 11:00am at the “Entertainment Tent” with Baba Felix and the Jimbe Drummers. Local poets and musicians including Jasme’ Kelly, and also a DJ will perform throughout the festivities.

Along with entertainment, attendees can enjoy free food, door prizes, and games for both kids and adults. Several community and civic organizations will also be present to connect with festival goers.

This event will also serve as a time to reflect on the history and legacy of Soul City.

Neighboring communities such as Manson and Ridgeway are invited to come together to commemorate the founders and members of Soul City, to honor their contributions, and to keep their memories alive.

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