Viking Weekly News
February 3, 2023
Dear Voyager Community,
It’s been an exciting week of learning on campus. We’ve also held multiple events this week to welcome prospective families interested in Voyager and prepare students for the 23-24 school year. Tours were held on Tuesday at each building for almost 400 visitors. The leadership team held a virtual information session for prospective families on Wednesday night as well. The recording will be posted on our admissions page and shared with all applicants through School Mint when available. Families had some great questions about our school, the admissions process, and the upcoming lottery. The EC Department also held an information session for our rising 9th grade EC students to prepare the students and families for the transition to high school.
Each of our schools kicked off black history month celebrations. Thank you to all the parents and staff that volunteered to participate in the elementary school read in event. I enjoyed reading to Ms. McDonald’s 3rd graders on Thursday as well.
I am also pleased to share that Voyager was selected as a School of Distinction and featured in a newsletter published by Cognia, our accreditation company. Voyager was selected from over 1,500 engagement reviews around the world and is the only North Carolina school that received this distinction. The Cognia newsletter information is shared below for your review.
Voyager Academy – Cognia School of Distinction
During the 2021-2022 school year, Cognia conducted approximately 1,500 school engagement reviews for accreditation. Ninety-six schools and 38 systems in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and nine countries are recognized. Congratulations to Voyager Academy (Durham) for recognition as a 2022 Cognia School of Distinction!
Schools of Distinction earn this recognition based on the results of Cognia’s rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process demonstrating evidence of growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership. Congratulations to Managing Director Ellie Schollmeyer, staff, students, and families of Voyager Academy.
https://www.cognia.org/services/accreditation-certification/schools-of-distinction/
Culture and Climate Survey Coming Soon
Demonstration of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement is part of our Cognia accreditation requirements. We will be reaching out to all of our key stakeholders, students, families, and staff in the near future with an important culture and climate survey because your thoughts and opinions matter. Your input allows us to continue the great work at Voyager and identify areas in need of improvement so that we continue to offer the best learning experience for all of our students, a great work environment for our staff, and a strong sense of community where everyone belongs.
Prospective Board Members – Apply Now
The Voyager Board of Directors oversees the strategic direction of Voyager and supports the school in achieving our mission and vision. We are looking for candidates that might be interested in serving on our board in the future. The Board of Directors hosted an information session for people interested in applying for a position on the Voyager Board of Directors. Presentations from the information session are linked here for your review. Feel free to share with community members that may be interested in serving on our board. Details about the application process are linked here for those interested in serving on the board.
2023 -2024 Student Application Process
The 2023-2024 application process is now open. Please remember to apply by the February 28, 2023 deadline for any siblings that you would like to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. Students that are already enrolled at Voyager do not need to reapply. Information, resources, and the timeline for the application and lottery process are under the admissions tab on the website. Voyager continues to strive to reach a diverse demographic that reflects our community. Please reach out to your friends and neighbors and share information about our wonderful school community. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will be recruiting at area preschools and community centers. Voyager also partners with Communities and Families Rising (formerly Head Star) and has already shared our school brochures and participates in their open house events.
Please remember we are all here to support your child grow, learn, and find their passion. Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher, building administrator, or student support if we can assist your family in any way. Check out the upcoming events and all the updates below from our School Nurse, Student Support Team, Operations Manager, and Athletic Director below. Have a great weekend!
All the best,
Upcoming Dates:
2/6-2/10 - Staff Appreciation Week
2/6-2/10 - Kids Heart Challenge at Elementary School
2/6-2/10 - Kindergarten and First Grade Mid-Year Math Assessment
2/10 - Super Bowl Friday at Elementary School
2/15 - 3rd Grade Project Celebration
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
28 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR HEART
February is Heart Health Month! Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. But we can do a lot to protect our hearts and prioritize cardiovascular health. Being physically active, eating healthier foods, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress can help prevent heart disease. When we take care of our hearts, we set an example for those around us to do the same. This month’s Friday Nurses Updates will focus on different aspects of heart health and ideas that families can add into their everyday lives keeping their hearts in mind.
To kick things off, this fun tip sheet below offers ideas for simple ways to incorporate heart health into every day of the month of February. Consider printing a copy for the family refrigerator and try a new activity each day. Then make your favorites a part of your regular routine.
Our CDC COVID-19 Community Level is: MEDIUM
**Masks are encouraged indoors if you or a loved one are at risk of severe illness**
If you have symptoms of illness, COVID-19 testing is highly recommended
February is Black History Month: February is reserved as the month to celebrate, learn about, and engage in moving and inspiring exhibits, tours, and events that will highlight the life-experiences and contributions of Black/African-American business owners, leaders, artists, and trailblazers. It is also a time to reflect on the history of this population and to understand how this amazing group of people have overcome many barriers; yet, still face challenges that impact theirs lives on a daily basis. Check out these links for exciting opportunities:
Fun fact: Did you know that Andre Leon Talley graduated from Hillside High School and NCCU?!
National Black Lives Matter at School – Week of Action: February 6th – 10th
Established in 2016 in Seattle, this national coalition organizes for racial justice in education and designates the first week in February for an annual week of action! Learn more at: https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/2023-week-of-action.html
Middle School Athletics
Student Athletes of the Month
Congratulations to our middle school student-athletes of the month, 8th graders Calise Crawford and Cannon Draughon! Calise is a member of our middle school girls’ basketball team and leads the Vikings in scoring, rebounds, and steals. Calise is always encouraging her teammates to perform at their best and is a leader both on and off the court. Last quarter Calise was on the A honor roll in addition to her stellar play. Cannon is a member of our boys’ basketball team that is currently tied for 1st place in the conference. Cannon has played a pivotal role in the Viking’s current six-game winning streak and is an emotional and vocal leader on the court. Not only does Cannon excel in basketball but he is also a dedicated student who consistently maintains an A/B average in the classroom. Congratulations you two!
The boys basketball team (13-3, 8-1) bounced back from their first conference loss with two big conference games this past week. Last Friday, the team beat Roxboro Community School 42-21. 8th grader McKinley Hemsley led all scorers with 15 points. Cannon Draughon, DJ Lindsey, and Tristan Gibson all had 6 points apiece while Kam Dickens chipped in with 5 points. This past Wednesday the team hosted Henderson Collegiate in an intense conference matchup and came away with a hard fought 34-26 win. 7th grader Tristan Gibson led the Vikings with 12 points while Hemsley added 10.
The girls basketball team (2-11, 1-8) got their first conference win of the season Wednesday night by defeating Henderson Collegiate, 32-14. The Vikings came out aggressively and ready to play as soon as the whistle blew. The team went into halftime with a 6-point lead and never allowed the Pride to get any closer as the Vikings played staunch defense in the second half. Skyler Parker and Tatianna Boyd both came off the bench to contribute 2 steals apiece. 8th grader Calise Crawford had a triple-double for the Vikings with a game high 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 steals. Lauren Jones had 3 defensive rebounds and scored 2 points while Emma Gerhart scored a basket and defensively helped to stop the Pride.
This week in Middle School Athletics:
Tuesday, February 7th Girls Basketball vs Vance Charter 4:30pm
Boys Basketball vs Vance Charter 5:45pm
Thursday, February 9th Girls Basketball vs Oxford Prep 4:30pm
Boys Basketball vs Oxford Prep 5:45pm
Middle School Notes:
Our Athletic Boosters Club needs parent volunteers to help work our athletic events. Funds raised through Athletic Boosters go towards awards, banners, athletic banquets, and other important items needed by our middle and high school athletic departments. For more information please email athleticboosters@voyageracademy.net. Next Athletic Boosters Club meeting will be Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00pm in the high school conference room
If you would like to help sell concessions during middle school basketball games please sigh up below.
VAMS Basketball Concession Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9AE2CA7F58-vams
The middle school fall & winter athletic awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 22 at the middle school gym from 6:00 – 7:30pm.
Spring tryouts for middle school baseball, softball, girls’ soccer, and boys tennis will be starting at the end of February/beginning of March. Details will be released as we get closer to tryouts. In the meantime, please make sure your child is registered and has a valid physical at the following link: https://voyageracademy-ar.rschooltoday.com/
High School Athletics
Student-Athletes of the Month
Congratulations to our high school Student-Athletes of the Month for January, Grace Garrett and Robbie Serrano! Grace is a Junior and is a current member of our cheerleading team. She consistently shows up for her squad and her positive attitude is contagious among her peers. Grace is also an example in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Robbie is a First Year and a member of the school’s swim team. Robbie has consistently improved on his times in the pool, culminating in a TNAC championship in the men’s 100 Freestyle this past week. Robbie also maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA in his studies. Robbie will compete this weekend in the 1A East Regional for the men’s 100 Free. Congratulations Grace and Robbie!
Congratulations to the women’s swim team as they won the TNAC championship last week! Senior Ashlin Wootton took home conference championships in the girls 50 and 100 Free. Wooton was also part of Voyager’s two relay teams that won championships; the women’s 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Free Relay. For the women’s 200 Medley Relay members included Wootton, Izzy Kuehner (’26), Sage Kuehner (’24), and Lilly Bullock (’25). The 200 Free Relay team was comprised of Wootton, S. Kuehner, I. Kuehner, and Junior Katelyn (Austin) Elliott. The team will be competing for the 1A East Regional Championship this Saturday. Best of luck to our swimmers!
Congratulations to men’s swimmer, Robbie Serrano (’26) who took home a conference championship in the men’s 100 Free. Serrano will look to win the 1A East Regional Championship in the 100 Free this Saturday when he travels to Cary. Best of luck, Robbie!
The JV men’s basketball team (19-0, 8-0) remains undefeated on the season as they continue to roll over opponents. The team hasn’t lost a conference game in the past two seasons and has only lost one non-conference game to Durham Academy in that same time frame. The Vikings look to keep their undefeated record intact as they wrap up conference play next week.
The men’s varsity basketball team (11-7, 6-1) dropped their first conference game of the season, a 60-56 loss at Henderson Collegiate this past Tuesday. The loss ties the two teams atop the TNAC standings with the tournament starting February 14th.
The women’s basketball team (11-3, 6-0) remains undefeated in conference play at the time of writing this and are looking to win their first conference championship in the program’s history. The team still has four conference games remaining and is determined to stay focused to win the TNAC championship. The Vikings wrap up conference play next week before they start the conference tournament on February 14th.
Our wrestling team (aka: Senior Logan McElroy), has completed his regular season with a 12-9 overall record and has earned a spot at Individual Regionals this weekend. Best of luck to Logan as he competes for the East Regional Championship in the 138# division.
Attention Senior Athletes and Parents!!
Will you be competing in a sport at the next level (prep. school, JUCO, 4-year college, Internationally)? Please email me with where you’re going, what you will be competing in, and include a picture of yourself playing that sport! I will put something together over the next few months to share with everyone so we can see where our student-athletes are going!
This week in High School Athletics:
Monday, February 6th Women’s Basketball vs Oxford Prep 6:00pm
Tuesday, February 7th
JV Men’s Basketball @ Vance Charter 4:30pm
Women’s Basketball @ Vance Charter 6:00pm
Men’s Basketball @ Vance Charter 7:30pm
Thursday, February 9th
Women’s Basketball @ Oxford Prep. 5:00pm
Men’s Basketball @ Oxford Prep. 6:30pm
Important Notes:
Our Athletic Boosters Club needs parent volunteers to help work our athletic events. Funds raised through Athletic Boosters go towards awards, banners, athletic banquets, and other important items needed by our middle and high school athletic departments. For more information please email athleticboosters@voyageracademy.net. Next Athletic Boosters Club meeting will be Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00pm in the high school conference room
If you would like to help sell concessions during high school basketball games please sigh up below.
VAHS Basketball Concession Sign Up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9AE2CA7F58-vahs
Spring tryouts will begin February 13th. Please make sure you are registered and have an updated physical. You can register for a spring sport at the following link:
Interested in playing golf this spring? Please email Coach Scearce: cole.scearce@gmail.com
The high school fall & winter athletic awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 2nd at the high school gym. More details to come when we get closer.
Go Vikings, Go!
Jordan Gatcomb, Athletic Director
jgatcomb@voyageracademy.net
