Actors Among Us

I know I have been at Vantage for quite awhile now and I can honestly say that I don't ever remember having actors among our students (I could be mistaken, so I apologize beforehand). However, this year is a little different. Just the other day I was told that Jeremiah Simerman (Senior Construction Equipment Technology program) was in a movie that is out on DVD and available through Amazon. I quickly went to Amazon and searched for "Two Steps From Hope" and sure enough there was the cover of the DVD and Jeremiah was on the cover. The trailer was available to watch, so I thought I would see how good of an actor he was. I was instantly intrigued. From what I saw, he looked very good and the movie looked very professional. I knew I would have to watch it over the weekend. I am very glad that I did. The movie is a Christian movie and it was written and produced by junior and senior high school students. The acting was very good and the quality of the film is outstanding. This is a great movie to get the family together and watch, however, I will warn you that you may shed a tear or two. The movie is about when tragedy strikes, a teen struggles to keep her once perfect family from falling apart. I believe the entire movie was filmed in Indiana. In speaking with Jeremiah, he told me that it took over two years to produce and film. I think it's pretty cool to be watching a movie and to know one of the actors. Congratulations Jeremiah on an excellent movie and I hope to see you in many more.


We also have Josh England (Senior - Auto Tech) who is currently in a play at the Van Wert Civic Theater. Opening night was last Friday and they will have two more performances coming up next Saturday, November 4th in the evening and then a Sunday matinee. I am hoping to make the matinee next weekend. I have seen Josh perform last year at the Van Wert Civic Theater and he was very good. This play is called "Sitting in a Tree" and from what I hear it is hilarious, however, I believe this one has a sad ending also. Josh, starring as Archie, has a major role in the play. When he showed me the script book last week I was blown away by how many lines he has to remember. I have no idea how Josh can perform in front of a live audience, but he does an excellent job when he is on stage. I believe we will see much more of Josh at the VWCT even after he graduates.

Congratulations to both Jeremiah and Josh. They are truly actors among us.

Need Help? Call 2-1-1

I know that if I asked almost any student "what does the 4-1-1 mean?", they would be able to answer by saying, "oh that is slang for information, like give me the 4-1-1 on what's going down next week". I also know that I could ask almost everyone "what number do I call in an emergency?" and they would answer 9-1-1. Well I have a new number for you that I also hope you remember. It is 2-1-1.

2-1-1- is a free, confidential and non-emergency number that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a fantastic resource that was started in our area by the United Way. The idea behind the 2-1-1 is to get you connected and to help you get answers with many of the problems our students and adults in this area face. Whether you need to find after school care, counseling, help caring for an aging parent, putting food on the table or simply making ends meet. United Way's 2-1-1 provides confidential, easy-to-use and free access to the information you need. If you know me, you know that I have a folder of resources in my office. I try to keep them updated and organized, but that is not always easy to do. With this tool, you will have immediate access to my "folder" with all that information and so much more. Not only is the service free but it is CONFIDENTIAL. Please, if you need assistance with anything and you are afraid to ask, call 2-1-1. Just a few of the many things they can help you with are:

Basic Needs Assistance
Financial Assistance
Children and Elderly Services
Physical and Mental Healthcare
Volunteer Opportunities

As winter sets in, if you are in need of clothing, food or shelter, please call 2-1-1. If there is anyone you know who needs help during this cold weather, either call for them or tell them about 2-1-1. There is no way anyone should go hungry or without warm clothes. There are just to many agencies willing to help out in our area. They also can help you if you are looking to volunteer somewhere. This would be great for our Student Ambassadors, National Technical Honor Society or any student that is looking to help out in the community. Speaking of volunteering, I would hope all of you would volunteer to help somewhere or someone at one point in your life. There is no greater reward. This is all a part of making you the best person you can be, and you know that is what I want for you in life.

If I can quote author and teacher Ron Clark about being the best person you can be, he said "Throughout life, you are going to be lonely at times, you are going to have your heart broken on occasion, and you are going to feel as if something is missing from your life. No life is lived without some amount of pain and heartache. No matter how bad things get, however, make sure you are always developing into the kind of person you want to be, and the kind of person others will want to be around. It is important not to let external factors keep you from developing who you are and the person you are trying to become. Always make sure there are seven things in your life at all times: laughter, family, adventure, good food, challenge, change, and the quest for knowledge. With all of those things, you will grow, enjoy life, and become the type of person you can be proud of. You will also be in a better position to help others, give advice, and learn from your mistakes, because you will be a stronger, healthier, and happier person."  Take care and thanks for reading!

Now Is The Time

As we head into the final week of the quarter, I want to remind you that there is still time to work on those first quarter grades. I have been running some grade reports and there are students who need to work really hard this week so that they can raise their percentage in their classes. I know Mr. Knott sent out an email to all of you today referring exactly to that point. There is a big difference from failing the first quarter with a 15% or failing the first quarter with a 50%. Please see Mr. Knott's email for a complete explanation.

I just want all of you to realize that now is the time to start working hard on improving your grades and your overall standing here at Vantage.  It is easy to say "well what can be done in five days?" or you may feel that it is to late to improve your grade. As Mr. Knott states, "EVERY POINT MATTERS". Our final grades are determined by averaging the four nine week grades and the final exams (if the class offers the final exam). Quarter grades are 20% and the exams are 10% each. If there aren't final exams, then each quarter is worth 25%. So 15% vs 50% grade DOES MATTER. Please, this week if you are struggling, work with your instructors to make sure all your work is turned in. Ask for any opportunities where you can do extra credit. Finally, study for any remaining tests or quizzes that you may have this week.

It is not to late. Grab every point that you can. Next week will start a brand new quarter. Take advantage of a fresh start. Don't fall behind, and make sure you do your homework every day. One of the biggest problems I see with failing grades is missing assignments. Look, all of you chose Vantage because it was a fresh start and you wanted to learn a trade. Now is the time to take hold of that opportunity before it slips away. The vast majority of our students are taking advantage of being here. They are learning a trade, earning great grades and will be well prepared for the future. Don't be part of the very small minority who are falling behind. Tell yourself that you are no longer going to fall into that trap. I hope you read the earlier post about hanging around good company and good friends. Maybe that is something you need to look at. Everyone here at Vantage is here to help you and make sure you succeed. Now is the time to take advantage of that. Now is the time to improve yourself and your grades.

Unleash Your Story

This week in our Media center, Mrs Knodel is celebrating "Teen Read Week". Throughout this entire week there will be various activities going on in the media center. During lunch on Wednesday, Mr. Larry Ray and Brayden Kill (Senior - Ind. Mech) will be playing their guitars. On Thursday, we will have a guest speaker who does welding art work. I have seen some of his works and they are absolutely astounding. Students who are found reading on their own this week will be rewarded. It should be an exciting time around the media center this week, so I hope you will find the time to stop by and visit.

There is also something I am very excited about going on with "Teen Read Week". The theme this year is "Unleash Your Story Through Art!" Mrs. Knodel has asked staff and students over the past month if they would like to enter drawings/paintings, poetry, metalworks, wood carvings, song lyrics, personal narratives, etc that would unleash their story. This is a way to express what you have lived through, where you are at today, what has shaped you in life and so much more. And this is done all through the wonderful expression of art. I have been overwhelmed with some of the beautiful expressions both the students and staff have depicted either through their writings, poetry, pictures or art work. It is well worth your time to go to the media center and browse some of these very personal  life stories. Some of the things you will encounter will be some art work through welding, glass blowing and wooden bowls made on a lathe. There are some touching stories that took a lot of courage to write but may help start a great conversation that may cause someone healing in their life. Finally, I can't say enough about the artwork. All I can say is that our students are really a talented group of students. Not only is some of the work very detailed and beautiful, but it goes so deep into the artists soul. It expresses so many emotions that sometimes a person can not express verbally.

I want to thank Mrs Knodel for all the wonderful activities she has going on this week. It is not just a break from routine for the students but it just might open up a conversation that will help some other student or even that student. This exercise allows a certain freedom for the students. Something they may want to say or have wanted to say but didn't know how. It allows a quiet student the chance to be heard. It allows a shy student the chance to speak out. Once again, I urge all the students and staff to head down to the media center and "listen" to these students unleash their story through art. Thanks again Mrs. Knodel.