Hello Middle School Families,
I hope all of you enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. It's hard to believe that the Winter holidays are rapidly approaching. Our last day prior to Winter Break is Wednesday, Dec. 18. We will have an early release on Dec. 18. The middle school releases at 11:45. Please plan to pick up your middle schoolers no later than 12:15.
Please Consider “Giving To Voyager”
NC Check Ins
The first round of the NC Check Ins are complete and we have received the reports indicating strengths and areas of need for each student. You should have received or will receive information indicating how your child did on the reading and math NC Check Ins. Fifth and eighth graders also had a science NC Check In. Please remember that our NC Check Ins do not give a 1, 2,3, 4 or 5. There are approximately 25 problems on each check in. For EOG tests, there are many more questions so there is no comparison between the two tests. You will receive the percent correct for each of the assessments. If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher.
Our teachers are using the data received to provide additional support as needed to each student. We use IXL and MyOn to help during MTSS time to help close the gaps. Teachers are also working with small groups during MTSS time to provide additional teaching time to students who need more time on a skill.
Rainbow Fish
It’s coming soon! The Rainbow Fish will be performed by our first semester drama classes on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Durham Arts Council. Show time is 7:00. There is an admission and money will be collected at the door.
8th Grade Field Trip
The 8th grade field trip to the NC Estuarium was a fantastic experience. The program director was impressed with the students' knowledge of water quality and estuaries. The students learned about bioindicators and environmental stressors in an estuary.
National Geographic Geography Bee
The National Geographic Geography Bee has been held at the middle school for the last ten years. In the fall, a preliminary qualifying test is given to students in grades 4-8 to determine which 10 students will be contestants in the final competition held in late January. Acceleration sessions are held after school during the months of November, December and January to assist those competing in the final competition and to provide an enrichment opportunity for those who are interested in the field of study. Mrs. Michele Harris is our Geography Bee sponsor. The students have already been studying and working with Mrs. Harris.
Counselor Corner
Here is the link to Mrs. Farrish’s website. It has information that might be helpful to you. https://sites.google.com/voyageracademy.net/voyagermiddleschoolcounselor.
Movie Night
Due to a conflict with another activity, our Movie Night has been moved to a night after the first of the 2020 year. Be on the lookout for more information!
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, Dec. 10 Basketball at home against Excelcior, 5:00 girls, 6:00 boys
Wednesday, Dec. 11 7th / 8th graders perform The Rainbow Fish, Durham Arts Council, 7:00
Thursday, Dec. 12 7th / 8th graders perform The Rainbow Fish, Durham Arts Council, 7:00
Friday, Dec. 13 Snack Sale
Monday, Dec. 16 ACT Time during lunch, Achieving Character Together
Monday, Dec. 16 Mrs. Easterly’s homeroom visits Brookdale Assisted Living Facility
Tuesday, Dec. 17 7th Grade Field Trip
Tuesday, Dec. 17 Basketball away at Oxford Prep, 5:00 girls, 6:00 boys
Wednesday, Dec. 18 Early Release, 11:45
Thursday, Dec. 19 – Sunday, January 6 Winter Break
If you have questions or concerns, please send me an email! gjohnson@voyageracademy.net
As always, thanks for all you do for VAMS!
Gwen
Gwen Johnson
Middle School Principal