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October 2011
Student advisers
Fun facts about branching
Reminder: OGT testing
Fall fling picnic
Get to know your ESC partners
Student adviser spotlight
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To read the latest edition of the VCS Voice newsletter for students and families, click here.

 

Calendar of Events

VCS Board Meeting

October 20

 

OGT Testing

October 24-28

 

Race to the Top News

As reported in several previous issues of The Partner Post, VCS was awarded Race to the Top and School Improvement Grants to improve student performance. Here is an update on our recent activity.

 

We are working hand-in-hand with grant specialists to keep our progress on track. As a part of this collaboration, the grant specialists will be observing live Elluminate sessions and visiting classrooms periodically.

 

These observations are not for evaluative purposes, but merely a "walk-through" to gain a sense of changes we are implementing according to our RttT and SIG grant plans. In our online world, they have to jump into Elluminate to get a sense of how our teachers teach. We welcome these visitors as we strive to improve student performance.

Greetings!

Rick

 

I hope that you have been enjoying this beautiful fall weather! We've already had many exciting events at VCS this fall such as the COSI Open House and the annual fall picnic. We are also busy preparing for the fall OGT testing, which you can read more about below.

 

As your connections in the community continue to grow, please think about any new people that might benefit from this newsletter. Please send their contact information to Jill Workman or forward them this e-mail by clicking the link at the bottom of the page.

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Rick Teeters

Director of Special Programs

 

Student advisers are here to help!

As you may know, VCS was recently awarded with a three-year School Improvement Grant. This grant goes hand-in-hand with Race to the Top and will significantly improve the quality of VCS and our programs. With this grant, we have had the opportunity to employ eight new student advisers. These advisers will work regionally around the state and are available for you to utilize! See the list of new and returning student advisers below. Please contact them should you have any questions.  

 

Eric Williams - Student Adviser Supervisor 

 

Jon Butchko - Knox County and Mid-Ohio ESC

 

Jessica Caughlan - Central Ohio

 

Benita Cook - Montgomery County ESC

 

RacQuelle Major - Central Ohio

 

Matt O'Bryant - Ross/Pike and Athens/Meigs ESC

 

Mike Rietzke - Northwest Ohio ESC

 

Mike Shubert - Portage County ESC

 

Larry Smith - Miami County ESC

 

Karra Todd-Patridge - Northeast Ohio

 

 

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Fun facts about Branching

Branching enrollment is skyrocketing with more than a 500% increase from this time last year! We currently have 377 students enrolled in 635 courses. Amazing! Thank you for all your hard work in promoting VCS in your area. While talking to school districts, it might be beneficial to use these statistics to promote the tremendous growth and success of our program. We have also compiled a list of the top 5 branching courses with the highest enrollment. See this list below.

 

1. African-American History

2. French I

3. Web 2.0

4. Physical Education

5. Art History I

 

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Reminder: OGT testing coming up 

OGTThe fall Ohio Graduation Test will take place October 24-28, 2011. Many of you have allowed us to use your facilities to test students. This will be a huge help for VCS, so thank you in advance! For testing question, please contact Eric Williams at 866-501-9473 ext. 2013 or eric.williams@vcslearn.org. 

 

 

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Students and faculty gather at the fall picnic

Students, families and staff members gathered at the Hoover Y Park in Lockbourne on Saturday, October 8 for the annual fall picnic. Attendees enjoyed mingling with their teachers and classmates and activities such as an inflatable bounce house and refreshments from Donatos. Even some Branching students were in attendance! It was a wonderful event. See some photos of the picnic below. 

 

 Fall Picnic 11 TableFall Picnic 11 Playground

 Fall Picnic 11 BouncehouseFall Picnic 11 Boys

 

 

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Get to know your ESC partners!

 

How do utilize VCS and our services?  Right now, we are just beginning to roll out VCS and the services. We have several districts interested in partnering with us at some point.

 

 What has been the most popular VCS program or course within your schools? Branching seems to be generating the most interest, especially in districts where they have had to cut personnel and need to find a way to still offer a relevant and rigorous curriculum.

 

Where do you see the future of our partnership going?  I think as we convince districts to leave their comfort zones and explore the many options that VCS offers, we will see an increase in usage. I am sure the number of schools and students taking advantage of the flexible options via online learning, will continue to grow.

 

Any additional comments?  I've been extremely impressed with the level of support that VCS provides its students and its partners. VCS staff always seem to be available to answer my questions and I always receive a response promptly. I believe in addition to their outstanding curriculum, VCS has put thought and effort into their customer service approach.

 



Student Adviser Spotlight: Eric Williams

Eric WilliamsWhat is your role at VCS? I have several roles at VCS, including student adviser supervisor, Branching coordinator and testing coordinator. 

 

What is your favorite thing about VCS? The people I work with and the postive effect we have on our students.

 

What has been your most rewarding experience at VCS? Helping a particular student I visited at their home. It wasn't until the parent called later that I realized the postive impact I had on him. He began doing his work and is on track to graduate. 

 

Fun Facts

When I am not working... Spending time with my wife, son and extended family. My son and I golf and work out together. I also coach my son in baseball and basketball. 

If I won the lottery I would... Pay off my debts, save a lot of it and help my family. I'd also splurge on a Lexus SUV and a home at the beach that's big enough for my entire family.

The best vacation I ever had was... Cancun. I didn't have to drive anywhere, cook any food or do any dishes.
 
If I could travel anywhere, I would go... Germany. My dad talks about how much he loved being there when he was in the military. 
 
I am most proud of... Personally, my awesome family. Professionally, going back to school at the age of 33 and getting my master's degree in Education. 
 
The person I admire the most is... My dad. He's the greatest man I know. I admire his work ethic and the way he's always cared for his family.

 
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.

Go Wolves!