Dear VAMS Families,
It has been a terrific week at Voyager Middle School. Visiting the classrooms is one of my favorite daily tasks. It is always amazing to watch the teachers as they interact with students along with observing quality instruction.
7th Grade Immunization
Students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine for individuals who have not already received those vaccines.
You have 30 calendar days from the first day of school (Aug. 7) to provide the required up-to-date immunization record for your child. If proof
of vaccination is not provided by the end of the 30 calendar day period, your child will be suspended from school until you provide proof of immunization as required by law.
Thanks from the Middle School Staff
Parents, thank you so much for today’s DELICIOUS lunch. It was difficult selecting the foods that we wanted to eat as they all looked yummy and smelled so good! We really appreciate the lunch AND the coverage provided so teachers could eat with their colleagues. Again, thanks so very much!
Student Council Campaigns
Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are running for a Student Council Office will be campaigning next week. You will probably see several of them at the back of the building during morning car line encouraging their peers to vote and to vote for them! Politicians in the making!
CURRICULUM NIGHTS COMING SOON
Mark your calendar and plan to attend our Curriculum Nights. Each grade level will share valuable information. Attending your child’s grade level session will give you an idea of what happens during the day and what will happen during the year. 4th, 6th, and 7th grade have already hosted their Curriculum Night.
5th Grade Curriculum Night - Tuesday, August 28, 6:00.
8th Grade Curriculum Night – Thursday, August 23, 6:00.
Fall Pictures
Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 21. Your child will receive a picture envelope prior to Picture Day. Be looking for the picture envelope!
11 Principles of Character Education
Our staff had the opportunity to receive training in 11 Principles of Character Education. This program supports all students, and the components focus on the social and emotional part of education. Since our training, our teachers have decided that we want to focus on Voyager’s Core Values. This year we will have ACT (Advancing Character Together) Time. ACT time provides teachers and students time to discuss core values with a small group of Voyager Vikings. Each staff member has been assigned a small group of students. The group will meet two times a month, with the focus being Voyager’s Core Values – what each value means and what we can do to exhibit each value. We are excited to spend meaningful time on the social/emotional component creating stronger students. When you visit the middle school, check the posters by the Viking to read about our core values.
Voyager’s Silent Auction
Thanks to those of you who attended the Silent Auction Interest Meeting held Thursday afternoon. Mr. E appreciated you taking time to meet with him. He also appreciated receiving emails from some of you sharing that you would be willing to help. If you could not attend and are willing to help with the Silent Auction, please email Mr. Eisenson at aeisenson@voyageracademy.net.
Middle School Sports
Tryouts have been completed and teams are now in practice mode. The fall sports are girls’ tennis, volleyball, boys’ soccer, and cross-country. Be on the lookout for team schedules so you can plan to attend some of the games/matches/meets.
Background Check Directions
Parents and Guardians are able to access a link that can be found on the Voyager web site under “Support Voyager”. The instructions will lead to a log in site where a background search can be requested. After you input their information, you will be sent an estimate cost to approve before the background is ordered. This process has been put into place to protect privacy and minimize the possibility of cyber or other fraud. If you had a background check last year, you do not need a background check this year. If you plan to drive students to a field trip location, you must also complete the driving check.
The costs for the background checks and driving records will be incurred by the parent or guardian requesting the search. This background search will be available for download and for personal use. Please allow 5 business days for the process to clear. The price for these is below:
First time -Criminal background and NC driving record ………$27.00 ($12 savings if no driving search) Out of state searches are an additional cost.
If a parent/guardian does not want to have the driving check the savings is shown above, however, they must state this on their online request. THE DEFAULT IS FOR BOTH A DRIVING AND BACKGROUND CHECK
Please call Background Inquiries and Services at 919-460-7799 with any questions.
If you plan to chaperone a field trip, you must have the background check completed prior to the field trip. If you plan to drive students during the field trip, you must also have the driving record check.
GO PLAY SAVE Books
Thanks to all of you who have either purchased a Go Play Save book or have returned the book. At the present time, Mrs. Graham’s class has the most participation. Remember that money or book needs to be returned no later than August 22. Thanks!!!!
CAR LINE, CAR LINE, CAR LINE
Thanks to all of you for the job you are doing to make arrival and dismissal run smoothly. Each day has gotten better and better! Please make sure you adhere to the pick up times that have been emailed several times. It truly makes a difference when we all follow the suggested arrival times for morning and particularly for the afternoon.
Before Care at the elementary school ENDS at 7:15 when the ES carline begins. So if parents have a MS ONLY student and arrive after 7:15, they must go through the MS carline and are not allowed to drop off at the ES.
If you have questions, please ask! You may always email (gjohnson@voyageracademy.net) me or call me!
Thanks,
Gwen Johnson
Middle School Principal