A Day in the Life of a VES Student

Follow a Day in the Life of a VES Student

8 a.m.

Head to Breakfast Eggs, yogurt, granola and fruit, and grab an apple to go!

8:30 a.m.

Classes Begin In English, I’m finding my voice as we discuss communities and power in Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me. My classmates are so encouraging as I share my ideas.

In AP Spanish Language and Culture, we converse with Mrs. Rhem—in Spanish, of course— about the summer trip to Madrid and the coast of Spain­.

10:30 a.m.

11:35 a.m.

Chapel / Assembly

AP Environmental Science

I really enjoyed the Chaplain’s message and got so excited that my friend nailed her counselor talk that I almost forget to announce our lacrosse game tomorrow!

Today we are collecting water samples from the James River to test acidity levels. As we learn what factors are impacting the water, we will begin to develop solutions to address environmental sustainability.

12:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

Lunch

Statistics

The whole school eats together like one big family. It’s loud and fun, and I learn so much about my classmates and teachers.

Today, I’m sitting with my advisory. On Thursdays, we have special seated lunches followed by a Student Life program.

My statistics class is awesome!

Dr. Krusz is so energetic and who knew stats would be so relevant to what I’m working on in science?

2:10 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

AP World History

Afternoon Activities

In AP World History, Dr. Nealis asks big, thought-provoking questions so my friends and I have to think critically and clearly form our opinions.

This season it’s lacrosse. Last season it was swimming, and in the fall I ran cross-country.

I never thought of myself as a three-sport athlete, but at VES we are encouraged to try new things and I am definitely benefiting from cross-training.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Off to Dinner

Play Practice

It’s Italian night…my favorite! I am sitting with my Computer Science teacher and his wife, and my friends from Mexico, Raleigh, Beijing and Washington D.C., who all have become my extended family at VES.

I love this group. We’re running lines for our upcoming musical. The captain of our basketball team is our male lead and our Robotics team leader is heading up our tech crew. It’s great how many people get involved in the arts at VES!

7:45 p.m.

9:45 p.m.

Study Hall

Down Time

Need a little direction on my math homework, so I’m going to get some extra help from my teacher. Then it’s on to my history project. Study hall is so helpful because there are no distractions, and I need to focus.

Calling mom and dad, then watching a show with my friends.

11 p.m.

Lights Out VES stresses the importance of sleep, and I’ve discovered I learn much better when I get a full night’s sleep. Cell phone off and I’m out.