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| Quick Links |
vcsbranching.orgTo read the latest edition of the VCS Voice newsletter for students and families, click here. |
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Calendar of Events | |
December 20-January 2
Winter Break
No School
January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No School
January 21
Last day of first semester
January 24
First day of second semester
March 14-18
OGT Testing
March 28-April 1
Spring Break
No School |
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| Greetings! | |
 It's hard to believe 2010 is coming to a close, but I'm excited about all the great things in store for 2011. I look forward to working with each of you to provide educational opportunities for students in your districts. I'm planning to schedule a meeting with all ESC partners at our VCS office in January. The date is to be determined, but I wanted to give you a heads up. Watch for more information soon. Thanks for a great year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Rick Teeters
Director of Special Programs | | | | | | |
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Welcome, partners! | |
Welcome to our returning and new ESC partners! Key contacts are listed for each organization.
Returning ESC partners:
Portage County ESC............Jim Rykaceski and Cheryl Hanley
Montgomery County ESC....................................Bonnie Terry
Ross-Pike ESC..................................................Tom Kitchen
New ESC partners:
Knox County ESC.........................................Bonny Buffington
Miami County ESC.................................................Tom Dunn
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| We are already thinking about summer! | |
 Although we haven't finalized our summer school schedule for 2011 yet; it is in the works. Last year we offered two sessions during the summer so students could choose the one that best fit their schedule. It was a huge success! Watch for more details soon. Also, if you have any input about what you'd like to see in a summer school program, contact Eric Williams and offer your suggestions.
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Kent State dual credit deadline approaching | |
 VCS Ohio has entered into a unique partnership with Kent State University to offer dual credit for high school and college courses. All courses will be offered online, so students do not have to travel to a college campus. It is possible for a student to earn two years of college credit before graduating from high school. This program is FREE for full-time VCS students. All others can purchase these courses at a rate of $185 per semester hour.
Students must apply before December 22, 2010 to begin classes in January. Click here for a brochure and application form. For more information, contact the VCS guidance office at (866) 501-9473, option 7. We are also in discussion with Columbus State Community College to offer online dual credit courses. Watch for more details on that developing partnership!
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Student Spotlight: Shalaria Lankford |
 Shalaria is a 2010 graduate of VCS Ohio and a former student in the P.A.S.S. (Parent and Successful Student) program
Why did you enroll with VCS? I had a baby about a year and a half ago. It slowed me down a bit and public school wasn't the right thing for me. But someone gave me the information to VCS and I started and didn't stop from there.
How did you balance school with taking care of your son? It was very easy. When he wanted to play, I could stop and play. When I had to feed him, I could stop and get back online when he's asleep. It was very, very easy.
What did the P.A.S.S. program teach you? The P.A.S.S. program taught me things I didn't know; different ways to read to him, different ways to bathe him, different ways to take care of him. It was really great information.
How do you feel about graduating? It was very emotional. I really didn't think I would come to this point in my life. And VCS has helped me to get here; with the timeframe, with the classes. Even with not physically seeing your teachers, they are so helpful.
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Earn and Learn program helps working students | |
The community is the classroom, is the motto, and VCS teacher Mrs. Jacque Prichard believes this wholeheartedly. Her Earn and Learn program is more than just work study, it's a quality mentoring program that allows students to earn a diploma, earn a paycheck and earn elective credits.
Students in the Earn and Learn program hold a variety of jobs and volunteer positions from restaurant employees and medical receptionists to selling Avon and even working in a reptile warehouse like junior, Tyler Oliver. He worked 40 hours a week at Reptiles by Mack in Xenia, Ohio, while going to school full time with VCS. "I had trouble sitting in a classroom and with the traditional style of teaching," said Oliver. "Now, I can get on anywhere with internet access. I can get on from my mom's or my dad's, my friend's house or even at work during lunch." On top of credit, Earn and Learn functions as a mentoring program, teaching students valuable life lessons such as goal setting, completing job applications, writing resumes, employability skills, time management skills, problem solving skills and how to dress for an interview. To learn more about the Earn and Learn program, cllick here to listen to the Columbustoday.com radio podcast.
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| Have specific questions? We're here to help! Meet your key contacts at VCS Ohio. | |
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| TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: Mrs. Heidi Varner | |
Mrs. Varner teaches 4th grade Reading and Language Arts and 7th grade English
1. What is your favorite thing about VCS? VCS has the best teachers, administrators, students and families!! All of the VCS employees are like a big family---everyone is caring, helpful, supportive & willing to share ideas.
2. What do you want students to accomplish while they attend VCS? I want all of my students to learn to LOVE reading & writing and be able to read, write and comprehend at or above their reading level for their grade.
3. What advice do you want to pass on to students? Communication with your teachers is a big key to success at VCS and in life. Your teachers are ready and willing to help you when you need it and they want to celebrate with you when you share the great things you have accomplished. Taking charge of your own educational path will bring you success in all of your future endeavors!
Favorites:
Color: all shades of PINK!
Food: I could eat PIZZA everyday--Tommy's Pizza on Lane Avenue in Columbus is my all-time favorite pizza!
Animal: My faithful teacher's assistant, our black Standard Poodle named Champ, is my favorite animal (he would be devastated if I listed any other animal!)
Sport: Currently swimming & basketball--I love whatever my sports my children happen to be competing in at the moment, which changes according to the seasons!
Hobby/Interest: Reading, Running, Traveling and Family time
Season: Shorts & t-shirts, swimsuits & flip-flops - SUMMER!
Vacation Destination: Walt Disney World or any warm, sandy beach will do!
School subject: Reading, of course!
Childhood memory: Every summer when I was in elementary school, my grandmother kept her 'pin money' or 'loose change' in a jar for us to take to the local market to pick out our favorite penny candy. She also kept Double Bubble pink bubble gum in a drawer--we had bubble blowing contests! In the early summer evenings, we caught fireflies in a glass pickle jar & played flashlight tag or ghost-in-the-graveyard until our 11pm curfew. I think I lived outside all summer long when I was young!
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Watch for the VCS Partner Post to arrive in your e-mail the second Thursday of each month. If you have any content ideas, send them to Lori Berkheimer or Jill Workman. |
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