Voyager Academy Middle School News, April 22, 2018


Dear VAMS Families,
It has been a great week at Voyager Middle School!  The staff was treated with a delicious lunch. I can assure you that all of us enjoyed our lunch.  
We appreciate those of you who provided food. We also appreciate those of you who covered classes.  Not often do the teachers have the opportunity to enjoy lunch together. Because of you, teams were able to eat lunch together.  Thanks to all of you!

EOG Testing and Proctors are needed!!!!
We need about 40 proctors on May 16 and 40 proctors on May 17.  If you are available to spend the morning with us, please email me as soon as possible.  We will also need about 15 proctors on May 22. We certainly appreciate any help you can give us.  Thanks to those of you who responded to the request that I email earlier this week. My email is gjohnson@voyageracademy.net.

Pennies for Patients
A huge thank you to the elementary and middle school families.  Students have returned their boxes as have classroom teachers and the tally is in.  We are so proud to share that we collected $1900. This money has been given to Mrs. Yancey to give to the Pennies for Patients coordinator.  The donation will help those who have lymphoma as well as support those who are trying to find a cure. Great job!

4th, 5th, 6th Grade Social
Students in grade 4, 5, and 6 will have the opportunity to spend time together on Friday, April 27.  Our Student Council is helping coordinate a social for these students. The social will be in the elementary gym Friday from 4:00-6:00.  Students who are attending the social may report to Mr. E’s classroom Friday afternoon. He will walk the students to the gym.

8th Grade Semi-Formal
The 8th grade dance is Saturday, April 28 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the VAES Gym. The PTO is excited to coordinate the dance. We could use some help. Please consider volunteering or donating items using the link.
 If you have questions, please email pto@voyageracademy.net        Thanks, ~PTO

Rising 7th and Rising 8th Graders
It’s the time of year to think about schedules for next year.  We are beginning the scheduling process next week. We will begin with rising 7 and rising 8 graders.  On Monday, your child will bring home two sheets of paper. One page will describe all the electives that are being offered to our students.  The second sheet is the elective selection sheet. We are asking students to rank their top 6 choices. When they rank, 1 will be there most favorite, 2 next favorite, etc.  Again, they will select choices 1- 6. The forms must be returned to the child’s homeroom teacher no later than Friday, April 27.

Helping Schools in Greensboro
As you may know, Greensboro, North Carolina was tragically hit by a tornado over the weekend. Many families went through this week without simple things such as hygiene items, food, water, and other necessities. The sixth graders of Voyager Academy will be conducting a collection drive for the Triad families who are in need of several items. The items that are being collected are canned food, water, and hygiene products. Any amount of items can and will help! Food Lion or Walmart gift cards will also be appreciated.  You may bring items to school Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. Ms. Jackson will deliver the items to Greensboro. We will collect items in the office. Thanks for helping!

News from Mrs. McKenna
I am the process of transforming the middle school computer lab into a makerspace. Along with the current computer science courses, students will design, engineer, fabricate, create, build and collaborate. Makerspaces provide students with a place to tinker and develop 21st century thinking skills. I am so excited to roll out the space next year, however I need your help! In order for the lab to work I need specific resources. Several of the items (listed below) may be at your house and others cost money. I am currently applying for grants that will help purchase the more costly items.  
Household Items
Legos, K’nex
Erector sets
Small tools - pliers, wire snips, screwdrivers
Duct tape
Film canisters
Pipe cleaners
Straws
Card stock - plain or colored
Paper clips
Rubber bands

ANY donation you are willing to provide is appreciated. In addition to the things listed above, I have created a wish list on Amazon. The VAMS Design Makerspace  wish list can be viewed here: http://a.co/h97KiJK. I
If you have any questions about the makerspace, please contact Mrs. McKenna  mmckenna@voyageracademy.net
Thanks for your help!
Marina McKenna

Benchmark Results
Our benchmarks results are back and we increased our proficiency in all areas.  We have also received individual student reports. These reports should be sent home with your child no later than Tuesday.  Please ask your child or check the bookbag. Our students worked hard and put forth much effort. If you have questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher

2018-2019 School Calendar
Several of you have asked about the 2018-2019 school calendar.  The calendar has been created and is posted on the Voyager Academy website.  In fact, the 2019-2020 school calendar has also been created and is posted on the Voyager Academy website.    www.voyageracademy.net



Join us for an Evening of Stories, Songs & Laughter!
Nashville Songwriters Night @ DPAC on Friday, April 27th:
A Benefit Concert for Kidznotes, NC Boy's Academy &  Voyager Academy Friends of the Arts! (Sponsored by QDR & WRAL-TV.)

Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster or from the DPAC Box Office




Summer Music Camp @ Voyager (4th - 12th Graders)
Register now for Voyager's Carolina Show Choir Camp!
WHEN: Monday June 25-Friday June 29th, 9am-4pm daily with showcase performance on Friday!


For more info., contact HS Choral Director, Jenny Hobgood: jhobgood@voyageracademy.net

                              
Important Dates
Monday,
April 23
National Junior Honor Society visits Brookside Retirement Home from 2:00-3:00.
Tuesday,
April 24
Field testing for our 8th grade MATH I students
Wednesday, April 25
Administrative (Secretary) Day – Say thank you to Ms. Pam!
Thursday,
April 26
5th and 8th grade Science Benchmark
Thursday,
April 26
Progress Reports for 4th Quarter
Thursday,
April 26
Board Meeting, 5:15, high school
Friday,
April 27
-- 4th, 5th, 6th grade social in the elementary gym, time 4:00-6:00!  
Saturday, April 28
8th grade semi-formal, 7:00-9:00, no outside guests

Thanks so much for all you do to support Voyager Middle School.  I appreciate all you do!!!!!!
Thanks,
Gwen Johnson   (Middle School Principal)