Good Afternoon,
As a school system, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators and administrators.
To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health & wellness professionals and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students.
On Tuesday, January 28, 2019, Voyager Academy will undergo training to launch the “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System” (SS-ARS). This program, which fulfills the mandate requirement under 115C-105.51 of NC Law, teaches middle and high students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates participants to:
- Recognize the signs and signals of at-risk behaviors – especially within social media
- Take every sign and signal seriously; act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR
- Report it anonymously through SS-ARS 24/7 Crisis Center, mobile app, or website
- Respond to and manage the submitted tip via multi-disciplinary educator and administrator teams
- Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities and call-to-action weeks
Our students often are aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to know the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to be looking out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. SS-ARS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student.
Please double click on the file below for a full brochure outlining the SS-ARS program:
The SS-ARS program is being provided and sustained at no cost to us through Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national non-profit organization. More than 7.5 million students and adults have been trained in their signature, evidence-based Know the Signs programs that includes Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). They have an exceptional track record, reputation, and level of expertise in working effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture.
We anticipate that SS-ARS will help stop school shootings, suicides, and gun threats; it will help reduce bullying and cyberbullying; help intervene upon cutting, drug use, racial conflicts, and other violent and victimization acts.
APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING BREAK DRIVER’S ED IS OPEN!
If you are interested in this Spring Break class, please:
Subject line: Yes VA class - student's name
Registration form will be sent to you, once you have expressed your interest.
More information:
VOYAGER ACADEMY is interested in offering a SPRING BREAK class to students and VA friends the opportunity to complete the NC requirements for obtaining their NC Learners Permit and NC Driver's License. This private program for Voyager Academy students and invited friends, will offer 30-hours classroom instruction as well as 6-hours behind-the-wheel instruction by certified instructors, as required by NC DMV. Class dates:
Apr. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 2020 – 8:30A – 2:30P
Requirements:
- Students must attend and pass the 30-hour class
- Driving requirements: 6-hour BTW (behind the wheel)
- Fee for class $395
- Class minimum: 20*
*As soon as 20 students have expressed interest, the class will be confirmed. If the minimum is not met, a final decision will be made 7-days before first day of class.
Thank you to the very generous donors who have given to our capital campaign to purchase school buses for all students. If you haven’t already donated, please consider “Giving to Voyager” for our capital campaign fundraiser. We need activity buses to help transport our kids to all the wonderful events and activities they enjoy such as field trips, sporting events, arts competitions and much more. Please visit the donations page here: https://www.voyageracademy.net/support-voyager/
You can simply donate through the paypal link or you can view many different “sponsorship opportunities” by downloading the sponsor forms below the link. Your donations can also provide you or your company with advertising, banners, and other great benefits when you support the Voyager community. If you need additional information on sponsorships opportunities please email me directly at jlucas@voyageracademy.net
Some families have asked if they can send in a check made out to Voyager Academy Capital Campaign and the answer is of course you can! Please send a check in a sealed envelope and Capital Campaign on the outside so your child’s teacher can make sure it makes its way into the business office. If you would like a receipt we will certainly send you one via email and we thank you in advance for your support.
Regards,
Jennifer Lucas, M.ED.