The ground is covered in snow and ice, but it's not too early to start thinking about summer school! VCS Ohio's summer school program is open to VCS students, as well as non-VCS students. So, tell your friends about this opportunity! 

This year, we will offer summer school courses for grades 6-12, not just high school. Unlike many schools, we'll offer two sessions of summer school. First session will take place June 13 through July 8 (grades 6-12), and second session will take place July 11 through August 5 (grades 9-12). VCS students will receive a discounted rate. Watch for more details soon! 

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VCS students are doing great things at COSI in Columbus and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton! 

At COSI, students will work on test-taking techniques in February and enjoy hands-on math activities in March. Students in Dayton will attend a play, King Tut, at the Victoria Theatre. Students from both sites went on a college visit to Wright State University in January. Also, students from both sites will go on a field trip to the Columbus Zoo in March. Want to do fun things like these? To get involved, contact Teresa Walton at COSI or Stacey Whittaker at the Boonshoft Museum. Don't miss this chance to meet other VCS families and have fun!

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Discover Languages^® is a national campaign developed to raise awareness about the cognitive, academic, social, cultural and economic benefits that language learning provides our nation's students.  February is Discover Languages Month and VCS would like to help you celebrate!

Last week, Mrs. Linik hosted a "Careers in Foreign Languages" exploration day. During this Elluminate session, Foreign Language Ambassador Romain Paumard discussed the different areas that use foreign language such as business, education, law and travel.  He also showcased specific job listings where knowledge of a foreign language was highly recommended or even required.  The view this recorded session, click here. 

For more information on Discover Languages Month including fun games and activities, visit www.discoverlanguages.org. 

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Name: Derron Kenneth Weekley

From: Columbus

Grade: 12^th

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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Mrs. Terrell teaches high school health and Web 2.0 

What is your favorite thing about VCS? I have so many favorite things that it is hard to narrow it down to one thing! I love working with our students. I love our staff. I love our quest for making a difference in the lives of our students.

What do you want students to accomplish while they attend VCS? A quality education with quality teachers who care about your success!

What advice do you want to pass on to students? Make a schedule and try to stick with it. If your teacher has given you a timeline or syllabus, try your best to stick to it and stay current with your work. Time management is very important for your success in your classes.

Favorites

Color: Green

Food: Chocolate

Animal: Cats

Sport: Volleyball

Hobby/Interest: Digital Scrapbooking -- and then publishing into books

Season: Summer

Vacation Destination: Cruise to the Caribbean

School subject: English

Childhood memory: I grew up in Missouri. I always looked forward to going to Colorado during the winter to ski. I loved skiing! When we went skiing, it wasn't just my family, but my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins would all load up into a van or two and we would make the drive through the night. We would leave late at night and be on the slopes in the morning.

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