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 Name: Derron Kenneth Weekley
From: Columbus
Grade: 12th
Derron is involved with the Earn and Learn program and volunteers at COSI
(Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus
What is your favorite thing about VCS? That I can do schoolwork at anytime, so I can have time for extracurricular activities. I also love all the teachers, they're awesome!
What are your plans for after graduation? I am hoping to go to college. I have narrowed it down to either Columbus State or Ohio University at the Pickerington campus.
What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I love to play my guitar, even though I'm not that good at it. But my favorite thing to do most of all is practice my taekwondo form and techniques. Every chance I get, I go to the taekwondo academy and practice. It's a huge part of my life.
Do you have any siblings? I have one brother who is eleven years older than I am. He is married, so technically I have a sister.
Do you have any pets? Yes, we have three cats. Max, Mercy, and Obi.
What made you choose VCS versus a traditional school? I just couldn't take the school system I was in. I had a lot of bad experiences with both students and teachers. Also, the teachers at VCS actually want to help you learn. Most of the time at a traditional school, the teachers won't help explain something to you.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? I take taekwondo at the Pickerington ATA Black Belt Academy. Like I said before, it's a huge part of my life. I have been doing it for three years now, and I am a second degree black belt. I have met a lot of my friends there and it's so much fun. I train there almost every day. Last year, I was awarded the State Championship for the State of Ohio for my form, weapons form, and sparring. It was a really good feeling. My next goal is to work hard and become a World champion in any of the three categories, but I'm really shooting for a world champ title in sparring.
Any advice you would like to share with your fellow students? DO NOT GET BEHIND! I had trouble with this for a long while. Also if you get discouraged or feel that you can't accomplish something, just remember, whatever is not possible today, will be possible tomorrow.
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As the semester is winding down, we would like to collect feedback from our students and parents on how the school year is going thus far. Surveys were posted in the LMS and students were instructed to complete a survey for each teacher they have this semester. The surveys will be open until Friday, January 21 at midnight. Please encourage your students to participate and post the link in your classroom.
Everyone at VCS probably knows our mission by heart, to make a difference in the life of a student. But we would love to know, how have you made a difference this year? Have you helped a student to graduate? Kept them from dropping out? Boosted their confidence? Share your success stories with us! VCS would like to compile our student success stories into a comprehensive book. If you have any stories to include, please send them to 
The SMART notebook software is now available on all student computers. Installation CDs were mailed to students still in need of the full version and should now be available for use. If your students are experiencing any technical difficulties with their SMART notebook software, or did not receive a CD in the mail, please have them contact the 
The "Student Participation" School Leadership Improvement Team has been working on ways to increase participation within the student body at VCS. One idea is to implement