Voyager Academy
Viking Weekly News
Dear Voyager Community,
It has been another great week of learning on campus. Please note that school will be closed on Friday, September 30, 2022 due to the impending weather-related impacts from Hurricane Ian. Messages have been sent out via phone and email to notify all families as early as possible of the change in schedule. We are anticipating heavy rain, flooding, strong gusts of wind, downed trees, power outages, and possibly isolated tornadoes across the 13 counties where our families and staff live. All sports, clubs, aftercare, and after school activities are cancelled for Friday and Saturday.
This month each of our schools have been celebrating and honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. The elementary students have been learning about Hispanic music and dance and enjoying the engaging and interactive activities. Our Middle School students have been creating stories in Spanish class and reading them during morning announcements in Spanish and in English. Students have been thrilled to take over morning announcements. The High School Spanish classes also created Spanish stories and books and read them to our elementary students providing a bilingual experience. What a treat for our students to collaborate and learn from one another during Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Hock Media Center was action packed this week as all classes visited the Scholastic Book Fair. The kids were so very excited making all their selections. Thank you to all the parents that volunteered at our Book Fair to make the event a success for all. A special thank you to the PTSO coordinator, Emily Brogan, and our librarians Candi Zipes and Amy Dillon. Some highlight photos from the book fair are below.
The Voyager Family would love to welcome you to the team!!
COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION WEEKLY UPDATE:
The health and safety of our students, teachers, staff, and volunteers are our top priorities. Voyager Academy is following the CDC COVID-19 Community Level guidance. We sincerely appreciate your consideration.
Our CDC COVID-19 Community Level is: LOW
Masks are welcome but are not currently required
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
As many families might be aware, the 2022-2023 Sick Policy is a little different this year compared to last year. As we head into the Fall season and we can anticipate an increase in various illnesses, it is important to remember that while some requirements for students returning to school after symptoms of illness HAVE changed, some have not. Here are some important reminders:
If your student tests positive for COVID - please let the school know as soon as possible so that we can provide you with their correct return to school date and masking guidance. ANY person that tests positive is still REQUIRED to follow the CDC guidelines for their 5-day isolation period and 10-day masking period when they return to school. This is a Durham Department of Public Health protocol and is NOT optional. Open, transparent communication between families and the school when their student tests positive for COVID helps keep everyone informed and able to make smart decisions that keep students, teachers, and staff healthy and safe.
Nobody likes to be at school/work when they are sick. If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home from school until they are feeling better. Please reach out to your child’s teachers so that they can assist with any assignments that may be able to be completed at home and links for daily attendance. Please refer to the Voyager Sick Policy for other recommendations for students with symptoms.
Fever (100.4F and above), vomiting and/or diarrhea still REQUIRE that a student stay home from school for a minimum of 36 hours. A student may return to school once they have been symptom free without medication for at least 36 hours.
Anytime someone has a known exposure to COVID, it is a good idea to wear a mask while at school and extracurricular activities for 10 days after the exposure. Testing on day 5 is highly recommended. Voyager remains a mask-friendly environment and offers both weekly screening testing AND post-exposure rapid antigen testing by request. Email Mrs. Skoff (cskoff@voyageracademy.net) for more information on these testing services.
Anytime someone has symptoms of illness it is a good idea to test for COVID-19. A PCR test is considered the diagnostic gold standard for COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests are also great resources to test for COVID-19 infection and are readily available in the community. If using rapid antigen tests, make sure that you follow the directions outlined by the manufacturer (usually included inside or printed on the box) and remember you might need to test every day or every other day for a few days to ensure the test result’s accuracy.
You can access a copy of the 2022-2023 Voyager Academy Sick Child Policy on our website here: https://www.voyageracademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Voyager-Academy-Sick-Policy-2022-2023-UPDATED-8.4.22.pdf
Below are links for locations that offer FREE at-home rapid tests as well as PCR testing locations in our community:
Free At-home Test Pick-Up Locations: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/PickUpTests
Free On-Site Testing Locations: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-place/no-cost-community-testing-events
Retail COVID-19 Testing Locations: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/testing-treatment/find-covid-19-tests/find-covid-19-testing-site
Everyone following these guidelines helps keep our students, teachers, and staff healthy and protects our in-person learning environment. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Did You Know That October is:
Bullying Prevention Month/National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
Crime Prevention Month
Computer Learning Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
LGBT History Month
National Book Month
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
Positive Attitude Month
Important Dates in October:
7th – World Smile Day: Do an act of kindness; help someone smile
Learn More At: https://www.worldsmileday.com/index.php/article-index/item/373-about-world-smile-day
10th – World Mental Health Day: Making Mental Health and Well-being for all a global priority
Learn More At: https://wmhdofficial.com/
Voyager Academy College Fair:
When: November 10th, 12-1p
Where: Voyager Academy High School
Who’s Coming (so far!): UNCG, UNCW, UNCC, ECU, Alabama, UAB, South Carolina, Gardner Webb University, Campbell University, Durham Tech, US Military Recruiters
For Questions Contact: Ms. Jill O’Kane - jokane@voyageracademy.net
Voyager Academy’s Inaugural K-12 Community Service Initiative: The Student Support Services Team is pleased to announce our inaugural K-12 Community Service experience for the 2022-23 school year: “Voyage into Service.” This is a school-wide volunteer opportunity that is available to all students, parents, and staff throughout K-12! The Vision of Voyage into Service is “Building the capacity for positive regard and respect for self, others, and the world around us.” The Mission is to “Provide confident, empathic, curious, and reflective service to and throughout the community, with integrity.” We invite and encourage all of those who are interested in serving to join us Saturday, November 5th from 9:30-11:30a for our first Community Service Event: The Diaper Bank of NC (1311 E. Club Blvd, Durham, 27704 - inside the green fence at the corner of Kiss Dr. and E. Club Blvd.). The Diaper Bank of NC requires the following:
Sign up link: https://x.gldn.io/e/hfSgEoGhXrb (Each participant must fill this out parents, children, and staff).
*Volunteer guarantees that they are not feeling ill before their shift.
Masks are optional for all staff and volunteers. Those who wish to continue wearing masks are encouraged to; however, anyone who is not vaccinated, please wear a mask at all times.
Volunteers will work inside a ventilated warehouse. Please note that this area is in a warehouse that is not climate-controlled. The loading dock doors open will be open and large fans will be going, but it does get warm!
Bring a cool drink!
Close-toed shoes are required.
If anyone is interested in attending but needs transportation to/from the event, please contact Dr. Monique Link, School Social Worker at 919-433-3301 X 146 / mlink@voyageracademy.net
Also, if anyone will be attending who is under the age of 18, please contact Dr. Link, as this needs to be noted for the Diaper Bank on the Group Waiver form by Dr. Link. Certificates of Participation will be awarded to everyone in attendance AND there will be a raffle for a few sweet give-aways!
National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15th – October 15th, 2022 This month is dedicated to recognize, honor, and celebrate, the achievements and contributions of Hispanic/Hispanic-American champions who have inspired others to achieve success and progress. This is also a great time to learn about the rich histories and cultures of the Hispanic populations.
Learn More At: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
Check out these fun events:
Hispanic Heritage Celebration of Community and Players
Day of the Dead Ofrenda Workshop
Before and After Care:
Before Care is Open for Registration all grades. Please email Careprogram@voyageracademy.net to register.
There are currently no openings in after care at the ES. We will continue to reevaluate space availability based on staffing.
The Titan Family Portal and LINQ Online Ordering system work together like a checking/ debit card account. All student lunch accounts must be preloaded with funds for ordering. Parents then order lunches for students based on the funds availability in their Titan account. Families who have a negative balance on the account will no longer be permitted to order lunch online. Please be sure to send your student(s) to school with lunch if no meal was ordered. If your student's lunch account currently has a negative balance, we please ask that you pay this balance as soon as possible by either form of payment:
Online at https://family.titank12.com There is a $2.80 flat fee charged by the bank per deposit online. (Example: $100 deposit + $2.80 fee = $102.80)
A check/ money order made payable to Voyager Academy. Please include your child's name and id# on the memo line. You can also use this pre-printed form.
Lunch menus are published for the month of October. The lunch ordering rule is a week in advance. If you need assistance email foodnutritionservices@voyageracademy.net.
LINQ ONLINE ORDERING - View and order student/staff meals. Website: https://family.onlineordering.linq.com
TITAN FAMILY PORTAL -Pay your school fees, manage your students accounts and apply for free and reduced meals. Website: https://family.titank12.com
TITAN SCHOOL STORE:
Pay your school fees, manage your students accounts, and apply for free and reduced meals. Use the chart below as a guide for where to pay your fees or deposit money for lunch.
ONE TIME ACCOUNT PAYMENT - This option will only allow you to place money onto your child's meal account. It will not pay for Before care, After care, Field trips, or anything listed in the Titan School Store.
RECURRING PAYMENT - This option will only allow you to place money onto your child's meal account. It will not pay for Before care, After care, Field trips, or anything listed in the Titan School Store.
**Please make sure if there is a need to pay for a field trip, before or after care, or anything else listed in the Titan School Store that you find it within the store and add it to your cart. Once you have it in your cart you will move forward with the checkout procedures.
We believe that our athletic programs are valuable to our students, school, and our community. We want to be able to continue to provide exceptional programs and the best possible experience for our students. Your continued support of Voyager athletics is greatly appreciated. Please make your online contribution to the athletic department using our Titan Online Store payment system. If you would prefer to donate with a check, please make the check payable to Voyager Academy and write “athletic contribution” on the subject line. You can place the check in an envelope with my name on it and drop it off at the front desk of any of our schools.
The recommended contribution per athlete is outlined below:
Recommended Contributions:
● Participation in one high school sport - $135
● Participation in two high school sports - $230
● Participation in more than two high school sports - $325
● Participation in one middle school sport - $105
● Participation in two middle school sports - $180
● Participation in more than two middle school sports - $255
We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing and passionate support of our Viking athletes, coaches, and teams. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me any time at jgatcomb@voyageracademy.net.
With Gratitude,
Ms. Jordan C. Gatcomb, M.Ed, RAA
Voyager Academy Athletic Director
How to contribute to Voyager Athletics
You will want to start by going to the following web address: Family.Titank12.com and you will see to the right where it says “Don’t have an account? Sign up today!”
1. Once you create your account you will see a green + button to the lower right of the computer screen. Once you hit that button it should give you an option where you can select “add student”. It will ask what your district is. Start to type Voyager Academy and it will automatically populate for you to select. It should now prompt you to enter your child’s name and their date of birth.
2. You should now see a box on the screen with your child’s name. If you want to add a payment method you can go to the top right of the screen, click name, select profile. Here is where you can add your payment method.
3. Use the menu on the left to select "Store." This is the future home of all fee payments at Voyager Academy.
4. Select the Recommended or Custom Athletic Contribution tab. Each tab has a picture of our V logo with Athletics written across it.
5. Select your student(s) name from the drop-down list.
6. Select the contribution you would like to make. In the recommended Athletic Contribution tab there are pre-set amounts listed depending on how many sports your child participates in. In the Custom Athletic Contribution tab, you are able to write in the amount you wish to contribute.
7. Press the add to cart button.
8. A pop up button will appear with the option to continue shopping or view the cart. If you have additional contributions you would like to make, click continue shopping. Otherwise, continue to the cart for payment.
9. Review your cart before completing your purchase. To delete an item. Click the 3 dots to the right of the item.
10. The system should email you a receipt. You can also view your transaction history from the dashboard menu under "History."