Students in grades 3 through high school have begun the assessment period to measure their learning from this school year. This is a well-known routine for public school teachers and students, reaching back to 1993 for end-of-grade assessments and even further for high school end-of-course assessments, but this year, assessments are new to match the new Standard Course of Study that teachers began implementing last fall. Students in grades 3 through 8 will take end-of-grade tests in reading and mathematics. …
Month: May 2013
Bayer CropScience opens new Development North America facilities in RTP
With the expansion of its North American headquarters in Research Triangle Park, Bayer CropScience continues to develop sustainable solutions for farmers around the world as well as for the communities where we live, work and play. The crop protection company celebrated the opening of its new Development North America facilities and laboratories earlier this month. These facilities boast 40,000 square feet of space in which nearly 70 scientists will conduct crop protection and environmental science research, including pest and turf …
Biomass energy company Enviva opens new wood pellet production facility in Northampton County
Monday (May 20), Governor Pat McCrory and John Keppler, the Chairman and CEO of biomass energy firm Enviva celebrated the grand opening of the company’s newest wood pellet production facility in Northampton County. The facility, with the capacity to produce 500,000 metric tons of material a year, will have a significant economic impact in the region and employs 79 full time workers. “Global demand for biomass energy is projected to increase substantially over the next decade,” said Mr. Keppler. “Our …
Boone ranked 4th for restaurant growth; Laurinburg and Kill Devil Hills also among top 10
Boone recently landed among the top five cities in the nation on Nielsen’s annual Restaurant Growth Index. According to the company, the Restaurant Growth Index, or RGI, “charts restaurant openings and sales to identify the nation’s hottest markets.” Boone landed at No. 4 on the list, behind Ocean Pines, Md., Findlay, Ohio, and Liberal, Kan. “Boone is a tourist destination, drawing 225,000 each year. It’s also home to Appalachian State University, which has seen dramatic growth in the last decade …
Syngenta opens unique $72 million Advanced Crop Lab
Syngenta unveiled its new crop research facility during a grand opening celebration on May 17 at the company’s RTP Innovation Center. The first-of-its-kind, $72 million Advanced Crop Lab allows company researchers to simulate any agricultural climate and precisely measure plant inputs – the key to helping farmers grow more food from fewer resources. “Our new Advanced Crop Lab allows us to bring together components of all research where we can create environments for multiple crops from multiple regions — simultaneously,” …
VGCC Earth Day festivals feature student projects
Vance-Granville Community College held Earth Day festivals on April 22 on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County and South Campus in Granville County. At both locations, students competed with one another to create projects to educate attendees about various environmental issues. Alongside student exhibits were informative displays, works of art and demonstrations related to science, nature and sustainability, provided by college faculty and community members. Meanwhile, the second annual Earth Day “Fun Run/Walk” took place on Main Campus, promoting …
Wednesday Open Line
Many things we take for granted in current society actually had their beginnings in colonial America. And many beginnings in colonial America took place in Philadelphia. The first known life insurance company was called the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers chartered this month in 1759. Given the time and location, it should not be surprising that Benjamin Franklin was involved in setting up the business. Now, there are 946 life insurance companies …
President Obama Speaks on the Oklahoma Tornadoes
This morning, President Obama delivered a statement on the devastating tornadoes and severe weather affecting Oklahoma. He described the response efforts underway, and assured the people of Moore and all the affected areas that they “would have all the resources that they need at their disposal.” “Americans from every corner of this country will be right there with them, opening our homes, our hearts to those in need,” President Obama said. “Because we’re a nation that stands with our fellow …
VGCC holds Athletics Banquet
Vance-Granville Community College celebrated Vanguard student-athletes at its annual Athletics Banquet, held on April 17 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. VGCC Director of Student Activities and Athletics Jasmine Hightower served as mistress of ceremonies. Following dinner, women’s volleyball coach Heather Chance and assistant coach Pam DeZurik started the program by presenting awards to their players. Brittny Shells of Oxford was honored for maintaining the highest GPA on the team. Veronica Papandrea of Durham was named the …
Vance County Board of Education Upcoming Committee Meetings
Curriculum Committee, Thursday, May 23rd, 9:00 am Finance Committee, Wednesday, May 29th, 5:30 pm Policy Committee, Wednesday, May 29th, 6:00 pm Personnel Committee, Tuesday, June 4th, 8:30 am Note: All meetings are held in the Superintendent’s Conference Room.
Tuesday Open Line
One of the most versatile and gifted people in American history announced the invention of bifocal eyeglasses this month in 1785. Benjamin Franklin had been using one pair of glasses to read with and another for distant vision. Tired of switching between pairs, he had the two pairs of lenses cut in half and mounted in the same frame. The idea of these split lenses, or bifocals, was slow to be adopted because of cost. Among Franklin’s many other inventions …
White House Weekly Address: The President Talks About How to Build a Rising, Thriving Middle Class
President Obama talks about his belief that a rising, thriving middle class is the true engine of economic growth, and that to reignite that engine and continue to build on the progress we’ve made over the last four years, we need to invest in three areas: jobs, skills and opportunity. This week, the President honored fallen officers and top cops, spoke on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, invited both the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and of …
Monday Open Line
Gas prices are a frequent cause for consumer complaint –but at least purchases aren’t restricted, as they were beginning this month in 1942. That’s when 17 states began rationing gasoline to help the war effort. By December, rationing was nationwide and remained in effect until the end of World War II, along with a national speed limit of 35 miles an hour. Now, there are more than 118,000 gas stations across the country. Each year, they sell $360 billion worth …
Richard Brand: Congratulations
Congratulations are to be given to the City of Henderson, City Council and The Embassy Square Foundation. The plan worked. The deal has been completed. The arrangement produced what it was designed to do. The City provided the land to the Embassy Square Foundation and the Foundation promised to return the land to the city with a new library built and paid for. The City Council and Embassy Square Foundation have just completed that agreement. The Land has been returned …
Senator Richard Burr Newsletter
As you may know, the House voted this week to repeal Obamacare, and I wholeheartedly support the effort to fully repeal this terrible law. However, if we don’t have the votes in the Senate to repeal this law in full, then we should also seek to dismantle it piece by piece. That’s why this week I introduced a bill with Senator Coburn that will repeal the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), Affordable Care Act’s provision that commits federal taxpayer dollars to incentivizing …
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Scandal in Washington
This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that the IRS’ scrutiny of conservative groups went beyond those with “tea party” or “patriot” in their names to also include ones worried about government spending, debt or taxes, and even ones that lobbied to “make America a better place to live.” Many groups say they were asked for lists of their donors and other sensitive information. These actions by the IRS are extremely troubling. Also of great concern is that under Obamacare, …
Get in Gear for Gardening! Saturday, May 18th, This Week in Gardening
Come on out this Saturday, 5/18, 9 am to the First Presbyterian Church for a symposium by the Extension Master Gardeners! Learn from experts about soil preparation, raising daylilies, and vegetable production. Lots of time to get your questions answered. Doorprizes and refreshments! Cost is only $7 at the door. The church fellowship hall is located at the corner of Young St. and Chestnut St. in downtown Henderson. If you need to reach us on Saturday morning, call 252-213-6095. THIS …
School Bus Driver ROADeo on May 21
On Tuesday, May 21st, school bus drivers from across North Carolina will gather at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh to demonstrate their skill and professionalism. The state School Bus Driving Competition (known as the State School Bus ROADeo) will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Martin building. The driving course is set up in the Midway area. Forty-eight school bus drivers will participate in the final testing and driving competition to crown the top school bus driver in North Carolina. …
Henderson City Council Special Called Meeting Monday May 20th
Consideratio nof Approfal of Resolution 13-43, Awarding Departmental Handgun and Badge to Retiring Police Cheif Keith Sidwell. Presentation of Proposed FY 2013-2014 Budget The full packet is here: 20130520_coh_called_meeting_agenda_packet
Senator Angela R. Bryant Newsletter
NEWS FROM RALEIGH… I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door is always open to you! As always, thank you for your support! NEWSLETTER INDEX Around the District and More Events Awards and Grants Legislative News Notes of Thanks Hear and See Legislative Live Daily If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click here —————————————————————————- AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE Senator Bryant Visits the Free Clinic in Warrenton …