November School Board Meeting Update
Post date: Nov 9, 2016 7:55:22 PM
School Board Recognizes Bill Whiteside
Outgoing Board Member Bill Whiteside was recognized at the November 7th regular meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education for his
eight years of service to Yancey County Schools. hiteside was first seated on the Board in 2008 and won a second term in 2012, serving
his second term as Vice-Chair. Pictured are Superintendent Dr. Tony Tipton, Bill Whiteside and School Board Chair Mike Orr.
Graduation Rate Top 10 in the State
Mountain Heritage High School Principal Kevin Huskins and Assistant Principal Erik Buchanan recently traveled to Durham to be recognized on behalf of Yancey County Schools for earning a Top 10 in the State for a Graduation Rate of 91.8%. Pictured are Erik Buchanan and Kevin Huskins with State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson.
East Yancey Middle School Volleyball Team
The Board recognized assistant coach Dawn Silver who accepted certificates of recognition on behalf of the East Yancey Middle School Volleyball Team who recently completed their season as Toe River Conference Champions.
East Yancey Middle School “All Panther” Soccer Team
The Board recognized coaches Ric Cedergren and Samantha Murphy as well as members of the first “All Panther” soccer team for finishing with an undefeated season and earning the title of Conference Champions.
Yancey County Schools Holiday Card 2016
The Board recognized middle school art instructor Keli Miller who organized the artwork competition for the Yancey County Schools 2016 Holiday Card. Recognized at the meeting was Cane River Middle School 8th grader, Peyton Shelton, who had the winning design that will be featured on the front of the card as well as finalist - Cane River Middle School 7th grader Cody Whitson whose artwork will be featured on the back of the card with the following students’ artwork who were able to attend the meeting:
Tegan Anders, 6th Grade, East Yancey Middle School
Shaleigh Autrey, 6th Grade, East Yancey Middle School
Jonathan Campos, 6th Grade, East Yancey Middle School
Clint Marlow, 8th Grade, Cane River Middle School
The YCS Holiday Card will sent to school systems across the state as well as local, regional, and state agencies and dignitaries.
Holiday Card Winner Peyton Shelton and Finalist Cody Whitson with
Superintendent Dr. Tony Tipton and School Board.
Cane River Middle School Spotlight
Cane River Middle School Principal Miranda Elkins informed the Board of good things happening at Cane River Middle School so far this year including the recent weeklong festivities of Red Ribbon Week, a drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October. Staff and students finished off the week with a “Sock Hop” theme dance that was very popular with the students.
Elkins also reported that the arts department at Cane River are gearing up for their annual trips to the elementary schools for holiday performances.
In GearUp news, Elkins stated that, new this year, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students were participating in the college visits hosted by the GearUp Program. These tours allow students to visit college campuses and participate in different academic experiences to get a feel for what life is like for a college student.
Also in GearUp news, Cane River Middle School has recently received a grant from Thermo Fisher that will allow the school to purchase new science equipment.
In athletics, Elkins recognized the undefeated conference champion football team, the first ever “All Rebel” soccer team, as well as the start-up of winter sports which includes the participation of several 6th grade students who now qualify to try out for interscholastic sports.
New West Elementary School Update
Dr. Tipton provided a report on the progress of locating a site for the new West Elementary School. Tipton stated that the school board is currently under contract with more than one site and conducting various soil, environment and archaeological tests to determine the best site for the best price.