August 4, 2020
Dear Voyager Community.
Welcome to the 2020 – 2021 school year! We are all very excited to connect remotely with your children on Monday, August 10, 2020, which is our first day of the new school year. The Voyager staff and leadership team have been preparing for the exciting year ahead throughout the summer and are eager to greet students virtually. Our staff has been participating in professional development to further enhance their skill set with remote learning platforms to ensure student success. Please be assured that during our remote learning environment, we are holding all students and staff accountable for the academic, social, and emotional programs that are expected during in-person instruction. Lesson plans, projects, attendance, and grading will be similar to what is experienced during in-person instruction. We also understand that each family may have unique challenges and we will partner with you to ensure that all have an enriching educational experience that aligns with our vision, mission, and core values. Please remember that your Voyager family is here to support your needs as we partner together in the year ahead.
Attendance and School Funding
Participating in classes and being fully engaged with their teachers on the first day and every day is critical for student achievement and ensures that students become acclimated for success. School attendance and participation also has financial ramifications and determines our funding levels so it is crucial that all students are engaged with their teachers on the first day. We will be taking attendance remotely in multiple ways to ensure that we have accounted for all students and support all children on their educational journey. A short google form will be sent out daily for parent or student completion to ensure that students are engaging with their lessons and teachers for the first 20 days of school which is how our funding will be determined. A student will be counted as present when they participate in their zoom classes, complete their course work, and /or engage in communications with their teacher.
Welcome to New Families and Staff
The Voyager community has also grown throughout the summer with many new families and we welcome all to our school community. We have also expanded our staff and welcome the many new personnel with a wealth of educational experience to our school community. Attached for your reference is a listing of the new staff joining Voyager to support your children. Please join me in welcoming all to the incredible Voyager community.
Building Level Update
The Principals and teachers have been sending out updates to all families about upcoming Open House events, supply lists, and computer and school materials distribution. Our School Counselors and School Social Worker have been working with the school leaders and our Technology Director to ensure that we provide all students with needed computers. Thank you to the many families that have responded to our needs assessment survey. We have also gathered input on internet needs and will be able to provide support for families that are economically disadvantaged to ensure that all students have equitable access to their education. We are also aware of families that live in areas without full connectivity. Our Social Worker and Technology Director have identified a list of free public WIFI locations that may assist as well and this document is attached for your reference. Durham County Public Library is also circulating hotspots to assist in internet connectivity and bridging the digital divide. They are currently circulating 70 hotspots, and an additional 30 hotspots have been ordered. The Durham County Library will also offer virtual reference services and a host of other programs outlined in the attached document for your reference.
Child Care
We also understand that remote learning presents many challenges to families trying to balance working while caring for their children who are now learning at home. Another member of our Voyager community has shared an opportunity for child care at their local church. Please see the attached flyer for additional information if you are still in need of child care during the remote learning period. Our PTO has also graciously offered to coordinate matching families interested in establishing COVID pods to share in child care as well. Please reach out directly to the school PTO for additional information on the co-op child care pods.
UNC will also be offering a free well-child health exams during the month of August and September. Please see the attached flyer if your family is interested in this service.
Back To School Forms - Now Online Through School Mint System
All families should have received an email to complete the 2020 -2021 school forms online through our new School Mint System. All forms should have been completed already to ensure we have an accurate headcount and your student seat is confirmed. If you have not received the information or if your family plans have changed, please email marybeth@chartersuccess.com. Your child’s seat may be offered to a candidate on our waiting list if we do not have your paperwork and receive confirmation of your intent to return.
The incredible blending of traditional and project-based learning experiences offered at Voyager Academy will be a journey throughout the year that allows our students to discover their passions and talents. Together we are living out our vision, “Inspiring lifelong learning in every Viking”. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your children and family. Please reach out to one of our school counselors, your building principal, or me if you have any questions or need support. Please check out the attached files below for additional information. I am honored to partner with you and look forward to the year ahead.
All the best,
Ellie