Adriana’s Viewpoint
Adriana, 12, attended since age 10
What do you like doing at DVS?
A: I like hanging out with my friends. Sometimes we talk, and sometimes we go on bike rides to the park. We sing — a lot!
Over time, have there been changes in the things you like doing?
A: When I first came here I used to sit on the computer, but now that a lot of people in my age group come here, I hang out with them more.
If you need resources, how do you get them?
A: I usually ask Anne-Martine or Vicente (staff members). If I wanted to make crafts, I would ask Anne-Martine if she could teach me how to do something. Sometimes I will just pull out some paper, get some markers, and start drawing.
What are you most proud of that you’ve done during your time at DVS?
A: Well, last week I had a sentence that I couldn’t do any other activities until I finished all my chore points. So I did that, and I feel really proud of myself that I did that.
What is your best skill or talent?
A: Singing.
Is there anything you are working on improving?
A: Singing.
Has the staff helped you in any way?
A: I think that they’re really helpful. Anne-Martine is always there to help you if you get hurt, because she can put band-aids on. Anne is there if you need to talk to someone because you’re sad, and Vicente will help you with building stuff.
What do you think about how decisions are made at DVS?
A: When the JC meeting is really long, it can be kind of boring to sit there. But if it’s only maybe 10 complaints, it’s OK, and if there are really bad complaints, then I would usually suggest charges.
How do people get along together here?
A: A lot of the little kids fight, but it’s play fighting. Then eventually they get mad at each other and start running around the school, but then they are best friends the next day.
How does DVS compare to other schools you have attended?
A: I think that it’s better for kids. At public school you don’t have a choice; they basically say, “Do this, do this, do this, and don’t stop until you finish it.” At my old school, our teacher would make us do the same test over and over until every single person in the class got every single question right.
What would you advise another kid who is thinking of coming to DVS?
A: I would say, “You should come to this school that I go to, it’s all about responsibility and learning to do stuff that you probably wouldn’t do in a public school.”
What did you learn here that you don’t think you would have learned somewhere else?
A: To be calmer. All my friends say to me, “You’ve gotten a lot calmer and nicer, and you’re not all strung up like you were before.” I’m not all tense about not having enough time and taking tests. And I’ve been on the yearbook committee last year and this year.
What are you thinking of doing after DVS?
A:I’m going to go to the Cordon Bleu with Anna Kate, and open a restaurant with her, and we’re going to be all famous.