"Tech-Talk" is a monthly addition to our VCS e-newsletter where we will answer any 'tech' questions you may have, give you some "tech-tips" and share some fun apps! 

• Tech Question of the Month: "I cannot download my assignments that are in Microsoft Windows. How can I fix this?
  • Great Question! Go to the site below and download the latest version of Microsoft word to your computer. This should do the trick! Go to http://openoffice.org and click: "I want to download open office".

• Fun Apps (Click on the 'title' to go to the link)
  • Google Translate: Translate words and phrases up to 65 languages! Try the app on your Smart phone too! Most languages you can speak your phrases and hear the corresponding translation! Great for language practice!
  • Sticky Notes: Need a quick way to jot down notes? Try "Sticky Notes." It is a virtual note taking program that lets you type or write (if you have a touch screen) notes that save to your computer. Try it out!
  • Drop Box: This free app makes storing your files, pictures and videos easy as 1,2,3. Once you store your 'stuff' you can access from anywhere that has Internet connection and you can share it with others if you like (like sending a link to your teachers for a video project if your video file is too large to upload).

• Logo Contest: (Win this Wolf-Transformer memory drive shown above!) Send us your pictures for our "Teck-Talk" logo and the winner will get this cool "Wolf-Transformer" memory drive!

*Please send your "tech" questions, suggestions or fun apps to, Bryn Stepp: bryn.stepp@vcslearn.org or Christian McCloskey: christian.mccloskey@vcslearn.org. (Please title your e-mails "Tech-Talk" for questions, suggestions and apps; and "Logo Contest" for the logo picture contest. All pictures must be original art work from you and not copied from a source.)

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As you may or may not know, VCS was chosen as a recipient of a 3-year, very competitive grant called the School Improvement Grant. We are currently in the second year of this grant. The members of the SIG team have been working hard planning and implementing this grant and would like to share their progress. You can read about Year 1 and Year 2 of this grant below.

Year 1 - We received just under $1,000,000.

• About 80% of the grant $ supports temporary (grant funded) staff positions that are responsible for carrying out the Grant goals.
  • Math Specialist
  • Literacy Specialist
  • Coordinator of Teaching and Learning and Coordinating Grant Initiatives
  • 8 Parent Engagement Specialist (also known as Student Advisors)
  • About 20% of the funds are allocated for professional development, family/community supports, support services and supplies for the initiatives.

Primary Goal:  To increase math and reading achievement for all students.

Secondary Goal:  To increase student engagement and... click here to keep reading.  

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We had a great turn out this year for the holiday craft event, with more than 80 people in attendance! You can see some photos from the event below or view them all by clicking here.

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The middle school students are very proud to share the first issue of their school newspaper, "Leader of the Pack." You can see some highlights below or read the entire newspaper by clicking here. They did a wonderful job!   

Newspaper articles include topics such as...

Book and video game reviews
Decoding Taylor Swift
Interesting animals  

Thanksgiving

Football
Student spotlights and artwork
Keeping your grades up and much more!

Click here to read the middle school newspaper! 

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You're invited! To the upcoming events at the COSI Success Site.  

Afternoon at the Movies at COSI

Friday, December 14, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
     * Movie to (TBA) To Be Announced

Family Feast at Hometown Buffet off of W. Broad St.

3670 Soldano Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio

Wednesday, December 19, 2:00 PM 

     * Enjoy a grand feast with the VCS family! 

     * The cost of lunch is on your own

VCS Success Site at COSI closed for Christmas Break

Thursday, December 20 through Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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Every month, our teachers participate in professional development training. Some are virtual and some are in-person at the office. On November 20th, the staff gathered in the office for a day of sharing, learning, celebration and even a little bit of fun! At the end of the day, we honored Ms. Campbell for her Teacher of the Quarter award and Mr. Reynolds for his upcoming retirement. You can see some photos below, or view them all by clicking here. 

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What is your favorite thing about VCS? Learning at home

What is your favorite subject? Math and Art

What do you want to be when you grow up? Artist and Scientist  

What do you like to do in your free time? Play computer games and draw pictures using the Paint app on my computer (see examples below)

What is your favorite book? History of Trains

What is your favorite movie? Mega Shark 

Do you have any siblings? I have an older sister named Selisa 

What is your favorite food? Cheeseburgers 

What made you choose VCS versus a traditional school? I was being bullied in public school for being different

Any advice you would like to share with your fellow students? Never ever be a bully! 

To see more of Austin's artwork, click here. 

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Ms. Campbell teaches 5th grade

What is your favorite thing about VCS? I love getting to work with so many wonderful families across the state of Ohio.  I also like that I can teach (which I love to do) and be able to be home for my own children.  

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