Voyager Academy Middle School News, Jan. 27, 2020

Hello Middle School Families, 
Thanks to all of you for putting forth much effort and energy to ensure your child/children get to school on time.  It really makes a difference when your child is in class when the teacher begins teaching. Remember, students need to be in their classroom before the 8:15 tardy bell rings. Instruction begins immediately after the tardy bell rings.


Parents of Rising 9th Graders
Parents, you have asked about a 9th grade Parent Information Session.  Stand by, a date will be provided to you in the VERY near future! 

100th Day
On Friday many of our fourth graders celebrated the 100th Day of School.  The classrooms had many activities centered around the number 100.  As I visited the students, I was greeted by many students who reminded me of Grandmas and Grandpas.  There were students that I hardly recognized!     
         
                                      


See Something Say Something Training for Grades 6, 7, and 8
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.

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. 


Fall Break 2020 in New York City!
Interested in going to New York City during the 2020 Fall Break!  If you are a 6th – 12th graders and are interested, please click on the lick below to learn more.  You may also contact Mr. Doug Price at dprice@voyageracademy.net.


Capital Campaign
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. 


Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation week is quickly approaching.  This year it is scheduled for February 10-14, 2020.The PTO has historically given gift cards to the staff on the last Friday of Teacher Appreciation Week. We would like to repeat this as a HUGE thank you to these folks who spend so much time with our kids.

We have made it super easy, please follow this link and you can contribute and then be done!! https://checkout.square.site/…/9e874d243493480fa61b4f2516c9…

Remember, ANY amount is so appreciated and it all ADDS up!!!
Again, thank you for all you have done for the teachers and THANK YOU in advance for your help in supporting and loving our teachers!!!
Sincerely,
PTO and volunteers

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

                                                             
SchoolStore Fundraiser
Some of you asked if you could sent your Spirit and Pride envelope with School Pride order to me on Monday.  YES, please do. I will place orders in the mail Monday afternoon. Thanks to all who have placed orders.

AUCTION
It’s back – Voyager’s Auction!  The date of the auction is March 27.  Mrs. McKenna and Mrs. Kelly Andrew are coordinating.  Be on the lookout for more information!

Calendar of Events
Tuesday, Jan. 28      Little Viking Cheer Camp, 3:45-6:00, contact lallen@voyageracademy.net
Tuesday, Jan. 28      Basketball teams at Excelcior
Wednesday, Jan. 29 School Tour for parents interested in Voyager for the upcoming year.
Thursday, Jan. 30     Schoolwide Spelling Bee, 9:00.  
Thursday, Jan. 30     Geography Bee, 2:00
Friday, Jan. 31          Basketball teams play at Voyager against Oxford Prep 
If you have questions or concerns, please send me an email!  gjohnson@voyageracademy.net
Gwen
Gwen Johnson 
Middle School Principal