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:

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.

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.

This 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.

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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.

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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.

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 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.