Our Voices

Have you ever wondered if AI is helping our kids learn or just making it easier to skip the hard work? In the latest episode of District Discussions, host Kamiya Estes sits down with Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne and Director of Technology Mr. Michael Spradlin to get real about Artificial Intelligence in Granville County Public Schools.Here’s the "inside scoop" from their conversation:🧠 The "Struggle" is Real (And That’s a Good Thing!)Dr. Winborne and Mr. Spradlin talk about why learning isn't always supposed to be easy. Think about when you first learned to ride a bike—the wobbles and the falls are what actually taught you how to balance.The Goal: Use AI as a "tutor" to help explain hard concepts, not a "cheat sheet" to give the answers.The Philosophy: We want students to use tech to work smarter, while still doing the "brain work" that helps them grow.📉 Tech ≠ Higher Grades?Surprisingly, the district committee found that simply spending more time on a screen doesn't automatically mean better test scores. Because of this, the district is calling for "Tech-free Tuesdays and Thursdays" and more intentional balance. We aren't just adding tech because it’s new; we’re adding it only where it actually helps.🤝 We’re Learning TogetherThis isn’t just for the kids! Teachers are also getting trained on how to use these tools effectively so they can guide students safely through this new digital world.(Description has been generated with the help of A.I.)

In this episode of District Discussions, host Kamiya Estes is joined by Danielle Hayes and Amanda LaBrecque, two key education leaders from Granville County. The conversation delves into their personal backgrounds with their education and their visions for the school district's future. They discuss the challenges posed by the increasing number of charter schools and the need for public schools to differentiate themselves by enhancing unique programs like career and technical education. The episode also addresses the difficulties in decision-making within the board, emphasizing transparency and community involvement in shaping educational policies.(Description Added by Alitu A.I.)

In the latest episode of 'District Discussions,' host Kamiya Estes explores the fascinating world of AIG programs with our district AIG Coordinator Beckie Bishop. AIG, or Academically and Intellectually Gifted, initiatives focus on identifying and nurturing talents in young students who show exceptional potential beyond the standard curriculum. Through universal screening, particularly using the CogAT(Cognitive Abilities Test), schools are equipped to provide personalized educational experiences for each student. The program emphasizes accessible identification methods, acknowledging multiple pathways to recognize diverse forms of giftedness. By engaging parents and employing rigorous monitoring, the AIG program ensures every child's intellectual capabilities are developed and celebrated.

In this vibrant episode of 'Beyond the Bell,' elementary students from Wilton Elementary share their love for the holiday season. Hosts engage with students Lenny, Avery, Autumn, and Mason as they talk about their favorite treats, from Santa cookies to cinnamon rolls, and holiday activities like decorating and playing in the snow. The kids express their creativity through crafting snowflakes and decorating their homes with bright lights. Charming elf names and delightful holiday movies highlight their Christmas spirit. The episode concludes with the students’ imaginative holiday creations, offering a heartwarming reminder of the joy and wonder the season brings.

The podcast episode sheds light on the collaborative efforts across different counties to support students facing homelessness. It highlights various initiatives, including transitional shelters, community drives, and partnerships with local churches and organizations. The McKinney Vento program plays a pivotal role in offering stable environments for students, enabling them to focus on education. Efforts include donation drives and awareness campaigns throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and tackling homelessness beyond mere temporary measures.

This is segment 1 of a two part podcast.In this segment, Kamiya Estes explores the critical role McKinney Vento liaisons play in addressing homelessness in their districts. Guests include representatives from various North Carolina counties, who share insights into how they support families facing housing instability. This discussion talks about the importance of raising awareness about homelessness, the collaboration of the "Five County Collaborative" for resource sharing, and the increase in students identified as homeless. By breaking down barriers and engaging in community collaboration, these liaisons strive to provide educational stability and resources to families in transition.

In this episode of Together We Teach, host Kamiyah Estes explores the factors behind Granville Early College High School's success in surpassing their projected growth goals for the 2024-2025 school year. Teachers and staff, including math teacher Ms. Bond, Principal Gwen Roulhac, and Mr. Newton, the Dean of Students, share their insights on effective teaching strategies, the importance of personalized attention through small class sizes, and student support systems. The team emphasizes the value of collaboration, continuous assessment, and fostering a strong school culture that promotes student leadership and engagement.

In this enlightening podcast episode, Principal Kristin Wilson and teachers Kelly Farley and Sherri Wilkins from Wilton Elementary School share their effective teaching strategies that led their school exceeding their growth goals for the 2024-2025 school year. The educators discuss their approach with host, Kamiya Estes, which includes hands-on manipulatives, flipped classrooms, visual aids, and small group instruction. They emphasize the importance of data in driving instruction and student-led progress tracking. Building student confidence and fostering collaboration among teachers are highlighted as key components to creating a thriving educational environment focused on individual student success.

In this engaging episode of Our Voices, students from Granville Central Middle School take center stage, sharing their thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Hosted by Kamiyah Estes, the conversation highlights the importance of listening to young voices in education. Students discuss their favorite subjects, the impact of good teachers, and the lessons learned from sports and teamwork. They share their preferred learning methods and even delve into personal fears and aspirations, such as skydiving and riding roller coasters. This episode shines a spotlight on the students' diverse perspectives and emphasizes the value of education in nurturing their potential.

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, eighth grader Riley Martin shares her passion for hands-on learning at Northern Granville Middle School with our host Kamiya Estes. She highlights her favorite subjects, math and science, and discusses how these subjects challenge her to push her boundaries. Despite disliking reading, Riley suggests innovative ways to make learning more engaging, such as through interactive projects. Touching on the importance of respect and understanding in friendships, she shares her vision for teaching these values in class. Riley’s stories emphasize the significance of personalized learning methods and the need for mutual respect among peers.

In a bid to tackle the negative effects of technology on students, the district has introduced 'Tech-Free Tuesdays and Thursdays.' This initiative aims to limit students' exposure to screens, promoting real-world interactions and enhancing mental well-being. Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne talks with host, Kamiya Estes and highlights the program's potential to improve student engagement and decrease behavioral issues. The tech-free days encourage students to develop interpersonal skills, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster genuine friendships. Amidst growing concerns about the impact of digital media on mental health, this initiative offers a balanced approach, giving students a break from the digital realm. Dr. Winborne also talks about the district's strategic plan and how it drives the work of Granville County Schools.

In the latest season of Granville County Public Schools' podcast series, Kamiya Estes steps into the role of host as the series undergoes an exciting transformation. Now titled 'Our Voices,' the podcast aims to amplify community stories with a focus on inclusivity. The series consists of three distinct segments: District Discussions, Together We Teach, and Beyond the Bell. Each segment has undergone a refreshing change to better capture the essence of educational journeys, both within and beyond school walls. The new season promises rejuvenated content with a positive outlook on the vibrant community of Granville County Schools.

In this final episode of District Talk, Maggie Lynch, now a graduating senior, discusses her transformative experience leading 'District Talk'. Highlighting the skills she gained, such as stepping out of her comfort zone and engaging with diverse perspectives, Maggie reveals her future plans to further explore podcasting at college. This episode also features insights from Dr. Linda Fredrickson on the importance of early childhood education and resources available in Granville County. Smart Start's initiatives and the role of PBS Kids in educational development are explored, emphasizing child growth and learning support.

In this episode of the Voices podcast, host Kamiyah Estes dives into the experiences of students at Wilton Elementary School in Granville County. Students from different grades share their favorite aspects of school, from engaging math lessons to exciting leadership opportunities. They discuss how Leadership Day helps them grow and develop important life skills. The episode also highlights students' enthusiasm for extracurricular activities, including chess and STEM clubs, as well as show choir practices. Through candid conversations, listeners gain insight into the vibrant learning environment and the supportive community that defines Wilton Elementary.

In this episode of District Talk, host Maggie Lynch interviews Amy Rice, the Director of Students and Family Services and Director of Testing and Accountability at Granville County Public Schools. The conversation delves into the steps the district takes to ensure that testing procedures are equitable, focusing on the importance of standardized testing and the accommodations available for students with special needs. Rice emphasizes that testing is only one part of assessing student growth and highlights the importance of using multiple measures. The discussion also covers new policies and efforts to prepare students for testing without causing undue stress.

In this episode of School Spotlight, Alivia Webb interviews Daniel Delany, the Coordinator of the SPARK North Carolina program at South Granville High School. Delany discusses how the program emphasizes student-centered, hands-on learning, moving away from traditional grading to focus on skill competency. The initiative introduces students to AI, cybersecurity, and game development, preparing them for future careers in high-tech fields. By collaborating with local companies like Revlon and Plastics Ingenuity, the program offers students real-world problem-solving experiences, fostering essential career-ready skills and encouraging them to explore new interests and aptitudes.

In this special episode of Voices, Bain Cameron and Lucas Snyder from Granville Academy offers a unique blended learning environment, where students attend in-person twice a week and virtually for three days. Middle school student Lucas Snyder created “Helping Hand,” a club focused on community service, out of a classroom project. Under the guidance of Mr. Cameron, the club is organizing a food drive to support a local pantry post-holiday shortages. The episode highlights the school's innovative approach to education, community involvement, and student empowerment.

This Voices episode explores Granville County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program during February which is celebrated as CTE Month, particularly its popular automotive technology program. Ernie Conner, the district’s director of technology, talks with a delegation from from South Granville High School, where students are introduced to automotive fundamentals and progress through advanced levels. Instructor Kenny Towne emphasizes practical skills and safety. Various students share their experiences and aspirations, highlighting how the program helps them understand vehicle maintenance.

On this episode of School Spotlight, Alivia Webb introduces Ms. Mary Breedlove, a passionate kindergarten teacher at West Oxford Elementary School, who shares her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success. With a strong emphasis on the science of reading, Ms. Breedlove discusses how she keeps young learners engaged through small group instruction and a balanced use of technology. She also reflects on the importance of understanding each student's unique needs while fostering a love for learning. Through collaboration with colleagues and families, Ms. Breedlove aims to create a nurturing environment that supports growth and achievement.

In this episode, students from Granville County Schools engage in lively debates over fun hypothetical scenarios. From preferring the ability to turn invisible or fly, to choosing between never sleeping or never eating, the discussions provide insights into their personalities and priorities. Time management surfaces as a significant theme, with students weighing the value of always being ten minutes early. The conversations then pivot to deeper topics, such as whether they'd rather lose the ability to speak or read. These dialogues highlight the unique perspectives of GCPS students as they balance practicality and imagination.

In this episode of District Talk, Granville County School Board members Dr. Helen Lindsey, Ms. Katrina Waters, and Ms. Vicki Baker discuss their motivations and backgrounds that led them to their roles. Their emphasis is on leveraging personal experiences to enhance the district's educational system. Key priorities such as safety, academic achievements, and community engagement are outlined, highlighting the necessity of a collaborative approach. The discussion also touches on addressing key challenges including funding constraints and fostering productive parental involvement, which are pivotal in creating an enriching environment for Granville County students.

Madison Lavrack, Manager of the GCPS Podcast Production Team hosts this special episode of 'Voices' that introduces the hosts of the three new shows within the podcast series. From their personal stories to their inspiration behind joining the team, listeners will get to know the individuals that bring the podcast to life. The hosts discuss the dynamics of their shows and the uniqueness behind each of them.

In this podcast episode, GCPS students Kamiya Estes, Tyee Spencer, Alivia Webb and Maggie Lynch discuss efficient strategies to manage study time with approaching exams. They shed light on exam stress and goals they set for optimal outcomes. Students share how they incorporate study time into their daily schedules and prioritize subjects according to their significance and difficulty.

In this episode of District Talk, host Maggie Lynch discusses with Granville County Commissioner Tony Cozart various issues concerning the educational system and community development in the county. They discuss the importance of improving the support for local schools and retaining quality teachers, while also touching on the county's security and safety implementation measures in schools.

Alivia talks with Kelly Helner, the Principal of Granville Academy. Principal Helner explains the unique structure and flexible learning environment of the school. Serving students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, the school provides some on-site schedule and some home-learning experiences. She talks about how the school is structured and how they're attempting to build a sense of community despite having students who meet physically only two days a week.

This first episode of District Talk with host Maggie Lynch features Keith King, the District Safety Officer for Granville County Public Schools, who shares his journey from being inspired by his parents’ public service to joining law enforcement and eventually opting to make a difference in public schools after early retirement. Keith identifies an incident from his past where he dealt with a bomb threat at a school, showcasing his commitment to the safety of students. He also discussed how he works with the administration and staff of Granville County Schools works hard to ensure the safety of the students.

This first podcast episode of Inside the Minds of GCPS Students delves into the thoughts, habits, and challenges of three Granville County students – Genevieve, Megan, and Grayson. From overcoming a fear of public speaking to fighting through demanding schedules, the student's route to success is laden with numerous obstacles. However, their competitive spirit, resolve, and motivation shine through the challenges.

This first episode of School Spotlight with Alivia Webb showcases Dr. Gwen Roulhac principal of Granville Early College High School, who is transforming the school through her innovative leadership. She has formulated a vision and is clearly communicating this to her entire school community. She believes that establishing a positive school culture is key to achieving academic success.

In an episode celebrating Principals Appreciation Month, Kamiya Estes interviews three School Principals from Granville County. Each Principal shares personal experiences, journey to leadership, and provides insights into their challenges and successes. Through their distinct stories, listeners get a deeper understanding of the crucial role principals play in the school system and how communities can thoughtfully acknowledge and support them.

In an episode celebrating Principals Appreciation Month, Alivia Webb interviews three School Principals from Granville County. Each Principal shares personal experiences, journey to leadership, and provides insights into their challenges and successes. Through their distinct stories, listeners get a deeper understanding of the crucial role principals play in the school system and how communities can thoughtfully acknowledge and support them.

In this episode of the Voices podcast, marketing specialist Kory Hammett delves into the impact of social media on Granville County Schools. By leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Kory has enhanced communication and engagement both internally with staff and externally with parents and students. The episode also explores specific campaigns and strategies that have successfully promoted school events. Kory sheds light on addressing privacy concerns, training educators for responsible social media use, and using digital platforms to support educational activities.

Courtney Currin, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations at Granville County Public Schools, discusses the district's comprehensive approach to recruiting teachers and staff. Hosts Maggie Lynch and Alivia Webb lead the discussion and ask questions concerning the process. GCPS utilizes word of mouth from current employees, active social media campaigns, and innovative programs like student internships and tuition reimbursement. These efforts help highlight Granville's supportive, family-like environment which appeals to prospective teachers and staff.

Granville County Schools' Exceptional Children's Department provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities. The department focuses on identifying students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the appropriate testing, and designing individualized education programs (IEPs). With a team-oriented approach involving teachers, parents, and specialists, the program helps students build coping skills and overcome educational challenges. Through detailed assessments and tailored interventions, students benefit from customized support, leading to significant success stories, including grade-level advancements and improved social skills. Senior Director, Suzanne Cotterman, Alisha Ewell, Behavior Program Specialist, and Nekia Lawson, EC Pre-K Coordinator join our host Maggie Lynch in the studio to talk about about the program.

In this episode of Voices, Our hosts, Madison Lavrack and Maggie Lynch take our remote studio on the road to the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The CTE Internship Awards Ceremony was held at the Expo Center where various stakeholders discuss their experiences. Angie Salisbury, Senior Director for Career and College readiness, highlights the broad range of skills students gain through these internships. Various students and employers share insights on how they benefited from the program and what they learned. The students emphasized the importance of consistency and teamwork.

Lynn Cooper shares her humorous and unconventional path into teaching, starting from a casual job interview in a t-shirt and shorts to becoming an influential 8th-grade social studies teacher at Butner - Stem Middle School. Her story highlights the importance of support from administration and the need for effective time management. Cooper emphasizes the value of leaning on experienced colleagues, performing personal research, and being adaptable to varied classroom situations to succeed in a teaching career. Principal Ashley Clark shares her experiences as a Principal and talks about how important it is for schools to have great teachers and how she supports her staff and students.

In this episode of Voices, Madison Lavrack and Maggie Lynch interview Dr. Scott Gerard, a consultant specializing in AI, who emphasizes the broad spectrum of artificial intelligence beyond popular language models like ChatGPT. Dr. Gerard highlights the importance of AI literacy, human skills, and ethical considerations in preparing students for future AI-centric careers. He also discusses the significance of AI applications in industries such as eldercare and how schools can partner with businesses to align their curriculum with workforce needs.

In this episode of Voices, hosts Madison Lavrack and Maggie Lynch delve into the transformative influence of artificial intelligence in education. Featuring insights from fifth-grade teachers Sonia Hernandez and Lee Clark, the discussion explores how tools like ChatGPT are being utilized for lesson planning and student engagement. Both educators emphasize the potential of AI to generate creative teaching ideas while also highlighting the importance of fostering critical thinking skills in students. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between leveraging AI as a powerful educational tool and maintaining intellectual rigor in the classroom.

In this podcast episode, hosts Madison Lavrack and Maggie Lynch explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education in Granville County Public Schools. Joined by Jamar Perry, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Erne Conner, Director of Technology, the discussion covers how AI tools aid teachers in lesson planning and curriculum alignment, the importance of maintaining the human element in teaching, and North Carolina's guidelines for ethically implementing AI in schools. The conversation emphasizes that while AI can enhance educational practices, it should complement rather than replace human interaction and critical thinking.

This episode of Voices podcast highlights the partnership between Granville County Schools and Fidelity Investments. Fidelity Investments has adopted the Star team of Granville County Schools, providing opportunities for students to work with their tech team. The episode features interviews with members of Fidelity Investments who discuss their roles and responsibilities within the company. They also share their experiences working with the Star team and the benefits of the partnership. The episode emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving field of technology and offers advice for students preparing for life after high school. The guests from Fidelity Investments also discuss the positive work environment and work-life balance offered by the company. Overall, the episode showcases the valuable collaboration between Granville County Schools and Fidelity Investments in supporting students in the tech field.

Granville County Public Schools is excited to launch their very first podcast, Voices. In this episode, Technology Director, Ernie Conner, introduces the host Madison Lavrack and her team who have worked hard to create marketing materials for the podcast. The special guest for the episode is Dr. Stan Winborne, the Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools. Dr. Winborne shares his unexpected journey into education and discusses his role and responsibilities as a Superintendent. He emphasizes the importance of safety in schools and improving academic opportunities for students. Dr. Winborne also discusses his plans for the future, including enhancing facilities and building stronger school-community relationships. Overall, the episode highlights the mission of Granville County Public Schools to engage students, teachers, parents, and the community through their podcasting initiative.