Voyager Academy High School News, Dec. 18, 2020

 

GO VIKINGS GO!

In this issue...

  • Spring 2021 Return-to-School Update
  • ACTION NEEDED: Directions and links to set up your Greenlight Account (The new morning check-in screener for entering the school)
  • Help with the Greenlight App (The new morning check-in screener for entering the school) 
  • Project Based Learning Exhibition: Explore the Hispanic World with Dr. Bankhead's Spanish Classes 
  • Job Opportunity at Voyager Academy 
  • HS Chorus Virtual Holiday Videos 
  • Seniors Need to Order Caps and Gowns A.S.A.P. 
  • Buy a Senior Ad in the Yearbook! 
  • The VAHS Yearbook Needs You 
  • FREE TUTORING: National Honor Society Tutors/Viking Buddies Back In Business 
  • Virtual Driver Education classes information 
  • Science Olympiad Competition Team – Signup now open

CAMPUS SAFETY

  • The SAVE Promise Club Creates Lasting Change That Leads To Safer Schools 
COLLEGE, CAREER, & GRADUATION 
  • Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors
  • College Board opportunity Scholarships 
  • Durham Tech. Information  Sessions for Seniors 
  • How CFNC (College Foundation of N.C.) can help you plan, apply, and pay for college 
  • Take community college courses at Durham Tech. while at VAHS: How to attend and information. 
  • Ordering 2021 graduation items like caps and gowns/Class Rings.

STAYING ORGANIZED AND INFORMED

  • Stay up-to-the-minute on your child’s progress: become a “parent observer” on his/her Canvas account. 
  • Students must regularly check their voyager academy email accounts. 
  • Remote learning tips for parents: how to help your child be successful in a remote learning setting. 
  • Check out the VAHS counselor’s blog (and subscribe). 
  • Parents:  sign up to receive text messages from the school. 
  • Other great sources of information for and about VAHS. 
  • Important High School Athletics Update 
  • Important dates.

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Spring 2021 Return-to-School Update

On Tuesday Dec. 8, 2020, we hosted a VAHS Town Hall to provide information about our return to school after the Winter Break.



As promised, please click here to view the slideshow that was presented.


Also…

Please click here for the
“Voyager Academy K-12 Hybrid Plans and Procedures Manual”




ACTION NEEDED: Directions and links to set up your Greenlight Account (The new morning check-in screener for entering the school)

Setting up your account is simple.  Select the link below and enter the email address you use to receive Voyager newsletters. Families with multiple children can select any school their children attend.  Once your account is set up you will see all of your children associated with your account and be able to complete the daily health screening for each of them. After you complete your first survey you will see the Greenlight pass cleared indication.  We will have students select that option to show the larger pass during car line for screening along with their temperature check.   Each student will be able to show their Greenlight pass to ensure they are healthy and can attend school.  The app also provides support for families that need access to health care, testing, or additional community resources.  Please select the link below to set up your family account now.


Activate account here:
https://glit.me/go/voyager-high

Directions and a step by step video of how to install and use the Greenlight App can be found here. GreenLight Directions VideoGreenlight Directions Video #2


Project Based Learning Exhibition: Explore the Hispanic World with Dr. Bankhead's Spanish Classes

Dr. Bankhead’s Spanish classes have worked extremely hard this semester and against unprecedented odds to create these stories that are set in various locations in the Hispanic world, which they chose to study in-depth this semester. Since we cannot meet presently for a live "Exhibition" event, please look at these exhibits the students have worked so hard to create. 


At the beginning of the semester, the students divided into groups, chose places that interested them, and began to research the places they had chosen. Afterwards, they were given the task of creating a story driven by their research. Please look through the Spanish stories and note all the items in boldface and you will be able to see how well they accomplished their task. Then feel free to enjoy the English versions that accompany them. 


Hopefully, some of you have enough knowledge of Spanish to be able to appreciate the intense effort these students have put into their work, but in case you do not, I assure you that these stories show a sometimes phenomenal aptitude for working in Spanish at length. 


Our Spanish class projects

La visita en Agosto 

Memoria Duradera.. 

Perdido

Congratulations/Felicitaciones to...

Kade Bryant, Devin Carter, Johnathan Harmon, Daniel Higdon, Gabrielle Hodges, Daylea Mickle, Parker Odell, Taylor Pendergraft, Sarah Pope, Cori Pritchet, Nate Scott-Benson, Josiah Smith, Gavin Stewart, Valencia Stubbs, Parker Yancey, Juan Zarazúa, Graham Buchanan, Bryce Chappell, Reece Fernández, Addi Murray, Ethan Oakley, Abbey Privette, Lauren Segers, Simone Viverette, Charley Whight, Connor Woodward, Kelsey Woodward, Umar Chaudhry, Kara Cullipher, Andrew Fox, Lauren Galbraith, Eneye Gbedee, Mira Hanspal, Dylan Ohlendorf, Zayden Parks, Kaymille Sherman, and Samara Williams.  Happy Holidays/Felices Fiestas. 


Job Opportunity at Voyager Academy

Voyager Academy is seeking enthusiastic positive role models to fill open positions in the Before and After school programs for grades K-8. The part-time shifts are Monday-Friday 6:30am-8:30am & 3:00pm-6:00pm beginning mid January 2021. Applicants must be 18years old. You can apply online at https://nc.teachermatch.org/applyteacherjob.do?jobId=485603

For more information contact the Operations Manager, Patrice Johnson at pjohnson@voyageracademy.net.



HS Chorus Virtual Holiday Videos

Both Bull City Lights & Vocal Affinity are spreading a little holiday cheer "virtually" this year....nothing can replace the usual holiday concerts they'd be performing this month...but we hope you enjoy these videos with a few sounds of the season & memories from last year. :)
- VA Virtual Holiday Surprise: https://youtu.be/hoyn0VOBkFc

- BCL Virtual Holiday Concert 2020: https://youtu.be/XAHZgkoJ8tg



Seniors Need to Order Caps and Gowns A.S.A.P..

There are still many seniors who have not ordered their caps and gowns for graduation. Refer to the paper information pamphlets that were provided during the Senior Yearbook Photos shoots or go to http://highschool.herffjones.com, select Voyager Academy as your school, and place your order today!


Buy a Senior Ad in the Yearbook!

Yearbook recognition ads are a great way for parents, families and friends to commemorate student achievements and important milestones. In addition, revenues from recognition ads help our school to create a better yearbook. To purchase your ad online, follow the instructions on the form below.


Jostens is managing your school's yearbook ad sales so please do not contact or send materials to the school. Please take into account our school's ad content guidelines on the bottom of this form during the creation of your ad online. All ad orders must be placed online by 12/31/2020.  Please click here for a flyer with all the details.



The VAHS Yearbook Needs You!

Please contribute a photo to the 2020-21 VAHS yearbook to help us tell the story of the year.

Use this link to send us your PICTURES!



FREE TUTORING: National Honor Society Tutors/Viking Buddies Back In Business

The NHS is excited to be "virtually" back in full swing this year (although we miss seeing each other in person) and going strong! We are starting to plan some events for the upcoming school year. The NHS is most excited to have the tutoring/buddy program back up and running. We have sent out links to your child's teachers for them to request tutors. But in addition, this year we are also providing a link for parents to request tutors for their children! 


We all know that these are trying times and we are glad to be able to help with anything from homework to studying for a test. Maybe your student could just benefit from talking to a peer and would like to sign up for a Viking Buddy to talk to through the day, who can give some tips on time management or test taking strategies. 



Please click here to request tutoring from NHS!



Science Olympiad Competition Team – Signup Now Open

Voyager’s Science Olympiad teams compete in science related events against other schools. We begin preparing in the fall and compete in the spring. Examples of event topics include: forensics, cryptanalysis, astronomy, virtual builds in CAD, oceanography, circuits, fossils, genetics, engineering and geologic mapping to name a few! If you are interested in science, this is the team for YOU! More information about the team can be found in this PRESENTATION. If you are interested in joining the team, please fill out this INTEREST FORM so that we can send you the team signup when it opens. For questions, please email Kristin Jantz at scienceolympiadteam@voyageracademy.net



The SAVE Promise Club Creates Lasting Change That Leads To Safer Schools

As a follow up to the SAY Something Anonymous Reporting System training that occured in Advisory, VAHS is organizing the 20/21 SAVE Promise Club. Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club is the student leadership initiative of Sandy Hook Promise. The aim is to empower student leaders to take an active role in increasing school safety and preventing different forms of violence in schools and communities. All students  who would like participate are encouraged to complete the  20/21 SAVE Promise Club Interest Form located below and on the HS website.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIZ4jtorZfnZVX0aLIbt-bCgBYHZn2Lpj1G5Q9mj_s4RvCuw/viewform?usp=sf_link



Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors

See below some great scholarship opportunities. Deadline for these is March 1, 2021


Achievement Scholarship for Refugees & Immigrants of Wake County, Up to $16,000

Benjamin F. Ward Scholarship, $10,000

Elizabeth Marie Roberts Scholarship, $8,000

Felicia Brewer Opportunity Scholarship, Up to $80,000

GSK Opportunity Scholarship, Up to $20,000

Jason and Jessica Evans Memorial Scholarship, $4,000

Jay Spence Memorial Scholarship, $8,000

Joseph Nystrom Working Student Scholarship, Up to $16,000

Juanita McNeil West End Scholarship, $2,000

NC American Indian Fund Scholarship, $1,000

Richard Whitted Scholarship, $1,000

Triangle Scholarship Fund, $10,000

Umesh and Usha Gulati Scholarship, $2,500

Van and Luella Thomas Family Scholarship, $1,000 

William L. Wall Family Scholarship, $4,000


Click here for more information, and to see how to apply.


College Board opportunity Scholarships 

A Clearer Path to College for All Students...
Applying to college is a complicated process, so the College Board has created  a program that guides students through it. This scholarship program is open to all students and it doesn't require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards efforts and initiative. Students complete key steps al ong the path to college for a chance to earn scholarships. Watch a short video ans see the resources with details below to get started! https://youtu.be/2CPku32bj5I    


Click here for more information.

Click here to apply.


Durham Tech. Information  Sessions for Seniors

Any senior who is interested in learning about the programs and application process at Durham Technical Community College is invited to attend one of two upcoming meetings with Adam Desantis, the Durham Tech. Liaison for VAHS. The first session on 12/2 is for seniors  who plan to apply for fall 2021,  and the second session is for seniors who may be interested. Please see this flyer to sign up to attend one of these sessions.


How CFNC (College Foundation of N.C.) can help you plan, apply, and pay for college

Any student or parent who missed the live  CFNC webinar is invited to view the  recorded version:    https://youtu.be/hq1XpNAuH9I

Additional resources include  these two new "how-to" videos.

1. How to Create Your CFNC account - https://youtu.be/S0L0_OeM67E
2. How to Use CFNC Career Tools - https://youtu.be/jKlk17y53J0


Take community college courses at Durham Tech. while at VAHS: How to attend an information session

Information Sessions are now available to Juniors and seniors who are interested in taking dual enrollment courses at Durham Tech. Community College during the second semester. Attending a virtual information session is  the first step in this enrollment process. Please visit
https://www.durhamtech.edu/dual-enrollment to find out more and register for an Information session. Also, see the slides below to meet the Durham Tech. College liaison with Durham Tech. at Voyager.     



Stay Up-to-the-Minute on Your Child’s Progress: Become a “Parent Observer” on His/Her Canvas Account

Click here to become an “Observer” in your child’s Canvas account. Once there, you can set it up to receive notifications about upcoming assignments, and grades just entered, keeping you updated on progress, daily.



Students Must Regularly Check Their Voyager Academy Email Accounts

Voyager Academy High School strives to make all students career and college ready. Good email communication skills are essential for a student to experience that success. 


Parents, please remind your students to check their VAHS student emails often. This account is set up so that the staff can readily communicate with the students through a secure server. Also please remind your students to use their VAHS email account when emailing teachers as many times their personal emails do not contain their names or are inappropriate and we do not know who is contacting us in regards to an assignment or question. 



Remote Learning Tips for Parents: How to Help Your Child be Successful in a Remote Learning Setting (see full article here)

Create a learning space for your child.

Make a schedule and stick to it.

Reduce distractions.

Use a calendar and color-code it. Use an electronic calendar if possible, like Google, or Canvas.

Stay in touch with your child's teacher.

Get plenty of exercise.



VAHS Counseling Department Blog

Please be sure to check the VAHS Counseling Department blog frequently. The blog provides news, information, and opportunities for VAHS students and parents all in one convenient location. Topics range from Career/College Counseling and Application Support to Summer Programs and Opportunities. Check it out!


CLICK HERE FOR THE VAHS COUNSELING DEPT. BLOG



PARENTS:  Sign up to receive text messages from VAHS

Even though you may have been subscribed from last year, all must re-subscribe.  This is because some cell phone numbers may no longer belong to last year’s subscribers (as people may change numbers or mobile providers). See subscription instructions below, sorted by student’s graduation year. 

 

For parents of class of 2021:  

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp21

 

For parents of class of 2022:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp22

 

For parents of class of 2023:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp23

 

For parents of class of 2024:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @df2ah6



OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

FOR AND ABOUT VAHS


Voyager Academy Academic Calendar


The Voyager Academy High School Website


The VAHS Counselor’s Blog


The Voyager Academy Athletics Website




Important High School Athletic Updates

 

Attention students and families interested in participating in Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Cross Country, and Swimming/Diving.  With the return of participation anticipated for these three sports coming up in January, myself and our coaching staff would like to have virtual interest meetings to relay all necessary information to those interested.  As we all know this year will certainly look different from years past so it is important that we are all on the same page.  Please also make sure to have correctly filled out all paperwork on our FormRELeaf website here prior to tryouts/participation:

https://app.formreleaf.com/organizations/voyager-academy/programs/20192020-sportscopy-21

 

Information regarding physical date extensions:

Date of Current Physical


Requirement for 2020-2021

Prior to 03/01/19

Need valid, up-to-date physical prior to participating.

On or after 03/01/19 through 05/01/20

Granted a temporary extension to participate through the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.

On or after 05/02/20

Will participate based on the current policy of being “valid for 395 days”

 

Boys Basketball Interest Meeting- Tuesday December 15th @6pm

Topic: Men’s Basketball Interest Meeting

Time: Dec 15, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98854496543?pwd=OU9uNDh3OHJNQWc5OUV4YnJYN3hQQT09

Meeting ID: 988 5449 6543

Passcode: 0hWjrC

 

Girls Basketball Interest Meeting- Tuesday December 15th @7pm

Topic: Women’s Basketball Interest Meeting

Time: Dec 15, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/92913696811?pwd=YWNvazBOUGlqYVM1bzRESGZ5UmhtUT09

Meeting ID: 929 1369 6811

Passcode: 8Ex9d4

 

Cross Country Interest Meeting- Thursday December 17th @ 6pm

Topic: Cross Country Interest Meeting

Time: Dec 17, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/91341327171?pwd=UW5qbkJuNUxwY1VGeXhqQnZFVVFYQT09

Meeting ID: 913 4132 7171

Passcode: 6G9Gma

 

SWIMMING/Diving Interest Meeting- Thursday December 17th @ 7pm

Topic: Swimming/Diving Interest Meeting

Time: Dec 17, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96819904941?pwd=cUF3QVhFanRrdU93SUdYQit0STJqQT09

Meeting ID: 968 1990 4941

Passcode: 2nzNN5




Important Dates


Dates

Events

Dec. 19 - Jan 3

Winter Break

Jan. 4

Remote Learning Day (NC mandated)—It is a Teacher Workday for teachers. It is an asynchronous instruction day for students, for  students. Jan. 4 is devoted to students setting up their Canvas accounts and reviewing syllabi and preparing for courses.

Jan. 5-14

Synchronous (live) remote learning (same as Fall).

Jan. 11

Virtual Open House: 6:00-7:15PM

Jan. 15

Asynchronous instruction for all classes; Teachers report to VAHS

Jan. 18

MLK holiday--no school

Jan. 19

Hybrid instruction begins. Cohort A reports to school.

Jan. 21 

Cohort A reports to school.



VOYAGER VIKING VALUES

CONFIDENCE   -   CURIOSITY   -   EMPATHY

REFLECTION   -   INTEGRITY