Hello Middle School Families,
It's been a busy week at Voyager Middle School. Our staff had professional development as we reviewed Project Based Learning and how to strengthen our project work. Our sixth graders spent the week at Durham Arts Council preparing to present their play projects to our fifth graders and to their parents. Our 7th/8th grade music and drama classes prepared to present the musical The Rainbow Fish. The singers, dancers, and cast were awesome. Our Student Council had a Snack Sale to raise money to support their service projects. Let’s not forget our athletes as our girls’ and guys’ basketball teams had a home game. Both teams played hard and were very successful against Excelsior Charter School. In addition to all the projects, performances, sales, and games our students continued to work on their class assignments.
NC Check Ins
The student reports that match the first round of Check Ins were sent home with our students. We did mail the 8th grade reports. Please review your child's report. Remember that students do not receive a 1,2, 3, 4 or 5. The students receive a percent correct. The report will show strengths and areas of need as related to your child. If you have questions, please contact the classroom teacher.
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.
Rainbow Fish
If you had the opportunity to attend one of the The Rainbow Fish performances, I hope you noticed that this musical goes well with our Core Values. The performances were outstanding. We have some amazing students with lots of talent.
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.
Sunshine Award
Our Sunshine Committee has been very busy this year celebrating our teachers. During each staff meeting, one of our teachers is recognized by his/her peers for the great work he/she is doing and how the teacher is an asset to VAMS.
This week our Sunshine Award was giving to Marina McKenna. Mrs. McKenna is our technology teacher. Ms. Vurnakes presented the award to Mrs. McKenna. Ms. Vurnakes shared that Ms. McKenna radiates positivity everywhere she goes. She truly brightens up a room. Ms. McKenna is also incredibly supportive of her students and the people that she works with and we truly appreciate her!
Addison Bailor, 6th grader at Voyager, providing all of us an opportunity to share Christmas joy to others. During our ACT (Achieving Character Together on Monday, many of our groups will create cards to support Addison's cause.
Hi Viking Scholars,
I am asking for a huge Christmas wish. I want you to get creative and create cards for patients that are in the hospital over the holidays. UNC Hospital has reached out to see if we can make cards to share with their patients on Christmas. The patients LOVE receiving these cards each year and it supports their Carolina Care to those who do not get to be home for the holidays. Your support will bring much joy to many patients. A couple of requirements, students may write a note but should not include their last name, age, nor grade on the card. Make this fun and inspiring! Addison said, Let's really show the Viking love to the UNC patients. Please bring cards to Mrs. Johnson by Tuesday. Let's make sure the patients know we love them!
I am asking for a huge Christmas wish. I want you to get creative and create cards for patients that are in the hospital over the holidays. UNC Hospital has reached out to see if we can make cards to share with their patients on Christmas. The patients LOVE receiving these cards each year and it supports their Carolina Care to those who do not get to be home for the holidays. Your support will bring much joy to many patients. A couple of requirements, students may write a note but should not include their last name, age, nor grade on the card. Make this fun and inspiring! Addison said, Let's really show the Viking love to the UNC patients. Please bring cards to Mrs. Johnson by Tuesday. Let's make sure the patients know we love them!
SchoolStore Fundraiser
Thanks to those of you who purchased gift cards for our teachers by way of the SchoolStore fundraiser. You all were extremely generous with your purchases.
Calendar of Events
Monday, Dec. 16 ACT Time during lunch, Achieving Character Together
Tuesday, Dec. 17 7th Grade Field Trip
Tuesday, Dec. 17 Basketball away at Oxford Prep, 5:00 girls, 6:00 boys
Wednesday, Dec. 18 Mrs. Easterly’s homeroom visits Brookdale Assisted Living Facility
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