South Carolina Virtual Charter School

October 2017 Newsletter

Issue 1, 2017-2018

In This Issue
Student of the Month
Most Improved Student of the Month
Induction Day
Nominees for Student of the Month
Nominees for Most Improved Student of the Month
Club Information
Student Spotlights:
Julie Canete
Abigail Sawyer
Staff Spotlight:
Melissa DeWalk

Under the Folly Pier Awaiting Irma, photo cred: Melissa DeWalk
 Congratulations, Congratulations,
Student of the Month: Most Improved Student of the Month:

Sealey M.
I selected Sealey as my student-of-the-
month because she has great Class Connect
attendance and adds so much to the discus-
sion in the class. She also has terrific grades to
go with her attendance. I enjoy having her in
Honors English IV.
-Mrs. Brewer
Mary M.
Mary is a superb student who strives really hard
on all of her assignments in Honors Chemistry.
She exemplifies wonderful leadership skills in the
classroom and participates in all of our class ac-
tivities during our live lessons. Mary always ask
fact finding questions during class to make sure
she and her peers completely understand the
Honors Chemistry content. Mary is an excellent
student who works hard to complete all of her
assignments and submit them in a timely man-
ner. She is very respectful and kind. I am truly
honored to have Mary in my class because she is
a joy to teach and an outstanding student!

-Ms. Hatcher

South Carolina Virtual Charter School is proud to recognize

two students monthly for attaining Student of the Month status:
one student for overall Student of the Month and one for Most
Improved Student. SCVCS teachers and advisors recommend
students for this honor.

Each month we will have various prizes for our winners!

This month we will be sending out an SCVCS t-shirt
to each of our winners.

Congratulations to all of our nominees and winners!

Hay Days from Union, SC, photo cred: Joni Crocker

 SCVCS Induction Day
will be October 27th at 10am at
South Carolina Archives and History Center
8301 Park Lane Road, Columbia, SC 29223

The following clubs will be present:

National Honor Society
Beta Club
English Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society)
Rho Kappa (Social Studies Honor Society)
Science Honor Society
Sociedad Honoraria Hispnica
Hope to see you there!

Lowcountry sunset in Johns Island, photo cred: Cynthia VanNorte

 Student of the Month Nominees
Teacher: Subject: Nominee:
Howze Image Design & Editing Carrington A.
Betris Spanish 2 Jaykob A.
Boyd Biology Caroline A.
White Electives/Other Austin A.
Folks Game Design Anthony B.
Howze Marketing I Reilly B.
Miller Advisor Tasheena B.
Lowery English 3 Kayla B.
Shuler Honors Algebra 2 Kayla B.
Folks Google Applications Matthew B.
Jolly Law and Order Cameron B.
Boykin Economics Piper B.
Blanton Electives/Other Zachary C.
DeWalk Physical Education Precious C.
Hatcher Honors Chemistry Ainsley C.
Betris Spanish 3 Honors Julie C.
Davis Electives/Other Faith C.
Spicer Electives/Other Faith C.
McMahon Electives/Other Martyca C.
Hill Advisor Rebecca C.
Folks Computer Fundamentals Alexis C.
Connell Web Design Marsha C.
Howze Computer Fundamentals Daniel C.
Spicer Electives/Other Faith C.
Hawkins Earth Science Cody C.
Shuler Algebra 2 Brandon Myles C.
Patterson Computer Fundamentals Cheyanne C.
Walker Advisor Dejean D.
Brewer AP English Literature Cary D.
Team English 403 Josiah D.
Yon Journalism Valeria G.
Smoak Blocked English 303 Kayle G.
Blankenship Developmental Algebra Timothy G.
Nyland Computer Fundamentals Brandon G.
Haynes Family/Consumer Science Owen G.
Smoak English 306 CR Ryan H.
Smith Astronomy McKenzie H.
Cullop Advisor Samuel H.
Boyd Environmental Science Evan H.
Jolly Public Service Jacob H.
Pennington Government Shane H.
Morris Physics Jennifer H.
Morris Physical Science Jason H.
Witbeck Health Science Jennifer H.
Smith Block Earth Science Megan H.
Buoy McMahon Electives/Other James K.
Washed Sprott Advisor Hunter K.
Ashore in Yon English 103A Alexandra K.
Hilton Hylton Advisor Bailey K.
Head, Merritt World History Celine L.
photo cred: Boykin Archaeology Sandra L.
Porter Advisor Brandon M.
Brooke Jolly Criminal Justice Gary M.
Nyland Reed Algebra 1 Amia M.
Huddle Computer Science Dylan M.
 Teacher: Subject: Nominee:
Huddle Computer Fundamentals Breeana M.
Durner AP U.S. History Mary M.
Team AP English Comp Mary M.
Brown Intro to Ag Science Jack M.
Carroll Prob and Stats Lauren M.
Capone Honors English 104 Richard M.
Huddle Audio Engineering Brendan M.
Dowling Developmental Algebra Caelan M.
Willis Prob and Stats Jennifer M.
Hooper Advisor Abigail N.
McMahon Electives/Other Brett N.
Carroll Prob and Stats (Block) Brody P.
Smith Earth Science Brielle P.
Knoerr ENG 103 Elizabeth P.
Hawkins Anatomy & Physiology Alana P.
Renfroe English II Alana P.
Cromer Electives/Other Alexxis P.
Nyland Entrepreneurship 1 Alexxis P.
Spicer Electives/Other Alexxis P.
Kendrick Anthropology Lauren P.
Richter Algebra 2 block Hank P.
Genco Geometry Wilson P.
Ray English 203 Andaleeb Q.
Durner US History Reagan R.
Nyland Hospitality & Tourism Charles R.
Crocker Continuing Algebra Jasper R.
Blankenship Honors Algebra 1 Katelyn R.
Clouse Chemistry Tyler R.
Forrest Honors U.S. History Rebekah R.
Hatcher Chemistry Sajwa S.
Nesbitt Advisor Sajwa S.
Chambers World History Chloe S.
Brewer English IV Lexi S.
Baumann Spanish 1 Jordon S.
Capone English 103 Keith S.
Kendrick Government Halley S.
Lauricella Honors Biology Jacinda S.
Willis PreCalculus Joel S.
Calhoun Advisor Dixie S.
Whitehead Anatomy & Physiology Brittany S.
Smoak English 303 Beatrice S.
Brown Earth Science Elizabeth S.
Green Geography Elizabeth S.
Sherbert Geometry Honors Elizabeth S.
Richardson Forestry James T.
Capone English 303 Kalie T.
Lauricella Biology Haleigh T.
Haynes Early Childhood Madeline T.
Patterson Sports Marketing Oleg U.
VanNorte Electives/Other Robert W.
Wood Psychology Hannah W.
Richardson Electives/Other Vincent W.
Clouse Physical Science Elizabeth W.
Young Advisor Jada W.
Haynes Culinary Arts Taylor Lindsey Y.
Patterson Engineering Design Taylor Lindsey Y.
Connell Computer Fundamentals Jasmine Z.
Forrest U.S. History Jasmine Z.
Hawkins Forensic Science Jasmine Z.
Most Improved Student of the Month Nominees
Teacher Subject Nominee:
Lauricella Biology Imani A.
Miller Advisor Imani A.
Betris Spanish 2 Abby A.
Howze Marketing I Regina B.
Lowery English 3 Shanelle B.
Willis Prob and Stats Jackson B.
Hawkins Earth Science Olivia B.
Wood Psychology Kelsea B.
Hawkins Forensic Science Halie B.
Huddle Computer Fundamentals Amber B.
Boykin Economics Ernest B.
Dowling Developmental Algebra Alyssa B.
Shuler Honors Algebra 2 Haley B.
Lauricella Honors Biology Haley B.
Knoerr ENG 103 Megan B.
Capone English 103 Mariya B.
Haynes Family/Consumer Science Zachary C.
Reed Algebra 1 Stephanie C.
Folks Game Design Kevon C.
McMahon Electives/Other Kevon C.
Hill Advisor Katrina C.
Hawkins Anatomy & Physiology Anasia C.
Blankenship Developmental Algebra Noah C.
Durner US History Fawn C.
Capone Honors English 104 Katherine C.
Howze Computer Fundamentals Zachary C.
Whitehead Anatomy & Physiology Kathryn C.
Walker Advisor Mia D.
Jolly Criminal Justice Tenequa D.
Nyland Hospitality & Tourism Haley D.
Baumann Spanish 1 Nell D.
Capone English 303 Elliott E.
Crocker Continuing Algebra Taylor E.
Folks Google Applications Stephanie E.
Smith Block Earth Science Erin E.
Smith Earth Science Chava F.
Boykin Archaeology Brandon F.
Patterson Sports Marketing Ryan F.
Boyd Environmental Science Hailey F.
Forrest Honors U.S. History Emma F.
Genco Geometry Elyna G.
Durner AP U.S. History Samuel H.
Green Geography Joyiah H.
Carroll Prob and Stats Jose H.
Folks Computer Fundamentals Faith H.
Pennington Government Emmarie H.
McMahon Electives/Other Alexis H.
Blankenship Honors Algebra 1 Natalie H.
Hylton Advisor Destiny I.
Cullop Advisor Kiera J.
Morris Physical Science Krista J.
Patterson Computer Fundamentals Joseph J.
 Teacher: Subject: Nominee:
Clouse Physical Science Courtland K.
Sprott Advisor Alexandra K.
Blanton Electives/Other Angel K.
Yon Journalism Sandra L.
Haynes Culinary Arts Jada L.
Ray English 203 Alicia L.
Richardson Forestry Jonathan L.
Cromer Electives/Other Katia L.
Howze Image Design & Editing Meisha M.
Boyd Biology Tyliana M.
Shuler Algebra 2 Abigail M.
Clouse Chemistry Dustin M.
Davis Electives/Other Avery M.
Brown Earth Science Jaydon-Isaiah M.
Richter Algebra 2 Block Gavin N.
Hatcher Chemistry Gavin N.
Porter Advisor Yasmen N.
Huddle Audio Engineering Viola N.
Spicer Electives/Other Brian N.
White Electives/Other Samuel P.
Yon English 103A Savannah P.
Smith Astronomy Jeffrey P.
Nyland Computer Fundamentals Kare P.
Hooper Advisor Alexandra R.
Spicer Electives/Other Malena R.
DeWalk Physical Education Elaena R.
McMahon Electives/Other Jasper R.
Renfroe English II Mamhood S.
Huddle Computer Science Daysha S.
Nesbitt Advisor Travon S.
Forrest U.S. History Jamal S.
Witbeck Health Science Clinton S.
Chambers World History Mary-Margaret S.
Brown Intro to Ag Science Zachary S.
VanNorte Electives/Other Michael S.
Nyland Entrepreneurship 1 Jonathan S.
Connell Computer Fundamentals Jade S.
Kendrick Government Savannah T.
Betris Spanish 3 Honors Jakyri T.
Calhoun Advisor Jasmine T.
Haynes Early Childhood Tyler T.
Kendrick Anthropology Steven T.
Smoak English 303 Ava T.
Carroll Prob and Stats Block Emily W.
Willis PreCalculus Molly W.
Jolly Law and Order Molly W.
Spicer Electives/Other Michael W.
Smoak Blocked English 303 Hannah W.
Connell Web Design Bradasia W.
Patterson Engineering Design Tyler X.
Sherbert Geometry Honors Tyler X.
Young Advisor Mattie Y.
Richardson Electives/Other Marisia Y.
Morris Physics Marisia Y.
Jolly Public Service Bobby Y.
 Club dates can be found on the school calendar on the school home page.

Most clubs meet online in the SCVCS Clubhouse. http://tinyurl.com/SCVCSclubhouse.

Beta Club This meeting is for all Beta Club Members. Sponsors: Holly Dowling and Cindy Reed
The SCVCS High School Book Club meets monthly to enjoy open discussion about the 2015-2016 YABA
Book Club Nominees. The SCVCS High School Book Club is open to all students enrolled in high school cours-
es. Sponsor: Holly Sasser

The Journalism Club is an opportunity for students to be reporters and dig up news. In club meetings,
Journalism Club we come up with story ideas, discuss interview techniques, and learn how to write news stories. We
are planning to publish the news stories in the spring. Everyone is welcome! Sponsor: Katie Yon

Mu Alpha Theta is the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society dedi-
cated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and pro-
Mu Alpha Theta moting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students. Mu Alpha Theta
meets once monthly and our regular meetings are open to all SCVCS students. Sponsor: Jessica Sher-
bert
National Honor
This meeting is for members of the National Honor Society. Sponsor: Susan Brewer
Society
Students will learn different aspects of photography such as the use of light, shadow, angle,
Photography
etc. Topics will be discussed in monthly meetings. We will use personal knowledge from both students,
Club
sponsors, online tutorials, and guest speakers. Sponsors: Harriet Smith and Melissa Boyd
The Science Club is open to all students that are interested in participating in science beyond the
Science Club/
classroom. We do a live Demo at each meeting. Science Club Activities will begin in Novem-
Science National
ber. Student enrolled in Honors level Sciences are encouraged to join the Science National Honor So-
Honor Society
ciety. Sponsors: Andrea Lauricella, Lorena Hatcher and Penny Morris
Rho Kappa - Na-
Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and
tional Social
seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. Rho Kappa provides national recogni-
Studies Honor
tion and opportunities for exploration in the social studies. Sponsor: Lee Ann Forrest
Society
The Sociedad Honoraria Hispnica (SHH) is an international honor society for high school students en-
Spanish National
rolled in Spanish, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portu-
Honor Society
guese (AATSP). Sponsor: Terri Betris and Donnette Baumann
Students Ministering and Serving Him will allow students the opportunity to minister, serve, socialize, and
SMASH (FCA) impact others through their faith in Jesus Christ. All high school students are welcome to attend. Spon-
sors: Kenny Richardson, Brooke Nyland, Cindy Reed and Heather Ray
The goal of SGA is to provide an opportunity for students to learn and participate in the democratic
Student Govern-
process and leadership develop. Students will also be provided the ability to represent their fellow
ment Association
(SGA) classmates to help promote positive school relations among students, faculty, and staff. Sponsors:
Michelle Patterson and Casie Jolly
If you enjoy music, join us to listen to and participate in discussions of musicians, composers, music
Tri-M (Music) composition, musical styles, and the music business. Open to all high school students. Sponsors: Mar-
garet Young
Come share your poetry, fiction, or other creative work in a fun, supportive environment! Explore writ-
Writers ing websites, contests, and helpful tips. Well shake things up and try new things each month so that
Roundtable you stay motivated. Newcomers always welcome. Just pop in! Sponsors: Melissa DAnnunzio and
Melissa Creech-Renfroe

For more information about SCVCS clubs, activities, field trips

and events, visit us at:

www.scvcshighschool.blogspot.com
 SCVCS Student Spotlight: Julie Canete
Julie Canete is a

member of the Karate National

Team and is an elite athlete in kara-
te. She competes at an extremely
high level while representing the
United States. She began practic-
ing karate at a young age, and
it quickly became more than just a
hobby. Julie explained this by
stating, I practiced karate since I
was 5 years old. My mom took me
to our community center to watch
a dance class and a karate class. I
picked karate and from that day on
I never stopped. It is more than a
sport, it is a path in life. I started
competing at 7 and it is a wonderful
experience. Julie went on to
explain that her family moved to South Carolina in order to train with the
Karate National Teams sensei, My family and I moved to South Carolina last
November in order to let my sister and I to train with Sensei Tommy Hood, who is
the USA head coach of the Karate National Team.

Julies success in karate doesnt come easily, even though she is very gifted in
her sport. She trains six days per week to be at her best. She said, Being a
member of the National Team is a dream come true. Also it is a big
responsibility because you need to keep training at 100% for you, for your
Sensei and your classmates. I train six days per week Julie explained five tips
for others wanting to get involved in karate. She stated, Start as soon as
possible, do your best every class, commit yourself to work harder every time,
never give up, trust your sensei, and have fun! If you are desiring to get
involved with karate, I would definitely take Julies advice. It is clear she has
excelled in karate and Im sure she will continue to do so.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Julie!

 Student Spotlight: Abigail Sawyer
Abigail Sawyer first became interested in Spelling Bee's in her sixth-

grade year, intrigued by the opportunity to show off her supposed skills in
spelling. She didn't participate in any Bee's, however, until seventh-grade.
Her teacher quizzed her and a few other choice students in homeroom class
before sending her and a peer to participate. Abigail didn't make it past the
first word, which was achieve. The next year, thanks to the study sessions
she and her friend held during lunch, she managed to snag second place in
the school's Spelling Bee.

Participating in Spelling Bees has taught Abigail the importance of persever-

ance. Had she given up after not achieving her goal in the first Spelling Bee,
Abigail wouldnt have achieved said goal the next year. Abigail also man-
aged to build her vocabulary and confidence over the course of middle
school because she dedicated herself to improving her spelling and achiev-
ing excellence in the next Spelling Bee. Most importantly, Abigail learned
that its okay not to achieve what you hope to the first time you try, and that
if you really want to accomplish something youve got to keep at it.

As for students interested in Spelling Bee's, Abigail says its important that you
study and understand the words youre given. Its great to have a study bud-
dy to read off words to you when you study, and they also push you to im-
prove. Abigail also suggest that you never doubt yourself or give up. Just be-
cause you dont win this year doesnt mean you cant win next year, and
just because one of your opponents may seem more experienced doesnt
mean you cant succeed. Abigail says that as far as she can tell, all you
have to do is push yourself to achieve a goal, work at what you know you
can improve, and keep trying .

Thank you for telling us your story, Abigail!

SCVCS Teacher Spotlight: Melissa DeWalk

My name is
Melissa DeWalk and I
have lived on James Island in
Charleston, SC for the last five
years. I was born and raised
in the Upstate in the Green-
ville area. We love both parts
of the state, but I am not sure
we could give up the beach
and the boat life after living
on the coast.

I am married to Rick, and we

have three boys. Gabriel
(Gabe) is a sophomore in
high school here on James
Island and enjoys running
track. Christian is a sixth grad-
er, and spends almost all his
free time on the soccer field.
Jeremiah is in kindergarten
and just started his first season
of soccer. In my free time I enjoy spending time watching my boys athletic
activities, Crossfit, serving at our church, and enjoying time on the boat or
the beach.

I attended college in the small town of Cedarville, OH at Cedarville Univer-

sity. While there, I studied Comprehensive Physical Education. This is my
13th year of teaching and my 10th year at SCVCS. I currently serve as the
High School Lead Teacher, the Electives Department Chair, and the Physi-
cal Education Teacher.

My favorite thing about working at SCVCS is most definitely the students.

They amaze me with their talents, abilities, and personalities. Strangely, I
feel I know some of them better than the students I had in a brick and mor-
tar school. I think there is a bit more transparency in the online environ-
ment, and that provides me with more of an opportunity to get to know
them more personally. I love to hear the different stories that brought them
to SCVCS, and love to celebrate when they are successful in this environ-
ment.

Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Mrs. DeWalk!