Voyager Academy Middle School News, April 29, 2018

Dear VAMS Families,

It has been a very busy week at the middle school.  There are very few days left with lots that must be done.

*********We need students to be on time.  I have made this request several times but it seems our tardies are getting worse.  Our instruction begins immediately. Students who enter class late disrupt the class as the teacher is already teaching.  PLEASE help us by getting your child to school on time.

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.

4th, 5th, 6th Grade Social
The 4th, 5th, and 6th grade social was lots of fun!  There was lots of dancing but more importantly the students had the opportunity to talk to each other and have fun together. It was great to see the students in a social environment.

8th Grade Semi-Formal
The 8th grade semi-formal was Saturday night. The girls were beautiful and the boys were handsome.  The students had a great time!

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.

*********If you did not return your elective form, you need to do so by Tuesday morning.  If we do not receive your form, it’s possible you will not have electives of your choice.



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

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

Important Dates
Saturday,
April 28
8th grade semi-formal, 7:00-9:00, no outside guests
Tuesday,
May 1
Friday Institute representatives in Chapel Hill visit Mr. Price’s class.
Friday,
May 4
8th Grade Presentation of Learning, 12:30-1:30, MS gym
Friday,
May 4
Spring Fling, 5:00-8:00
Monday,
May 7
National Junior Honor Society Induction, 6:00, MS gym
Monday,
May 7
Mayor Steve Schwell visits 5th grade
Tuesday,
May 8
7th Grade Field Trip
Thursday,
May 10
Spring Sports’ Celebration, 6:00, MS gym
Thursday,
May 10
PTO Lunch
Saturday,
May 12
C.O.L.E./Battle of the Books Competition, East Wake Charter.  We have two teams competing.
Monday,
May 14
Social Media Presentation by Doug Price
Wednesday,
May 16
Grades 4 – 8 Reading EOG
Thursday,
May 17
Grades 4 – 8 Math EOG
Friday,
May 18
EOG Make-ups
Tuesday,
May 22
5th and 8th grade Science EOG, 6th and 7th grade Science Final Exam
Wednesday,
May 23
5th – 8th grade Social Studies Final Exam
Wednesday,
May 23
4th Grade Project Celebration, 1:00
Thursday,
May 24
5th Grade Project Celebration, 10:00
Friday,
May 25
Last Day of School

                    





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