Dear Voyager Community,
What an incredible school opening! The first two weeks have flown by so quickly. Together, your children and our team of highly qualified educators have made the kickoff to the 2020 – 2021 school year simply amazing. Teachers have started to build bonds within their learning community through many fun team building and morning meeting activities. It has been a joy to join in and observe their online learning sessions and see how quickly they have made connections with their students and started to facilitate deep learning in their remote classrooms. Another highlight for me personally this week was leading a 1st grade morning meeting and sharing a little about me and my family and reading to the class. We recognize and empathize with the challenges remote learning has placed on many families as we all navigate and balance work and family. Thank you for your continued support and flexibility.
We are grateful for the many families that participated in our elementary and high school virtual Curriculum Nights this week. We received a great deal of supportive feedback and appreciate having your input so that we can continue to support your children in the year ahead. Middle School Curriculum Nights are scheduled for next week.
The Counseling team sent out a needs assessment survey to identify family needs for technology, nutrition, and support. This information was utilized to distribute computers to all families with a need so that we ensure equitable access to education for all students. Hotspots are also being provided by the school to families that qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch and have internet needs.
We also recognize and value the importance of social and emotional learning for our students, families, and staff. A monthly calendar of social events for students and a monthly parent enrichment night is being organized to support families and build community throughout the year. The flyer of upcoming events that are scheduled can be found here.
I have also scheduled informal Family Meet ups to build connections with families in the remote learning environment and begin dialogue on topics of interest. I hope to meet many of you in the near future. The zoom links are listed in the calendar of events below.
Supporting one another during challenging times is what makes our Voyager family truly special. Our Student Services Team is organizing a COVID-19 Donation site to assist families that may be struggling at this time. Additional information and the donation link are listed below along with additional resources that may provide support and assistance. Also listed below are support services for our community from the NCDHHS.
Please remember that your teachers, administrative team, and student support teams are all here to help your children learn and grow. Feel free to reach out to any of us if you need assistance or have questions. Check out all the upcoming events listed below and save the dates on your calendar. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
All the best,
Ellie
Student Support Services Team
Our Viking community is known for its compassion and generosity toward others. We truly care for and support one another. In true Viking spirit, last school year we had an abundance of support for Voyager families who were in need during this crisis. In response to that call, a COVID-19 donation account was created. We continue to have students and families who require financial support to ensure that their daily needs are met. Donations can be made through the link that is located under the COVID-19 Information tab on our website. Please share this message with friends and community members who might be willing to support Vikings in need.
COVID-19 Donation Link
Community & Parent Resources
The Student Services Team has compiled resources to support your family during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our Team for assistance. Resources can be found here.
Support from NCDHHS
With schools opening in-person and remotely across the state under new health and safety procedures, NCDHHS is expanding the Hope4Healers Helpline (919-226-2002) to serve NC’s teachers, school personnel and their families. Hope4Healers can provide mental health and resilience supports, and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. When teachers, school personnel or family members call the helpline, they will speak to someone who is trained to listen and offer support.
Upcoming Calendar Events:
Aug. 24- Curriculum Night, Meet Up with Ellie, Gwen,
and Richie at 5 pm prior to Curriculum Sessions with teachers in Grades 4, 6,
and 8. Zoom Link
Aug. 25 - Curriculum Night, Meet Up with Ellie, Gwen, and Richie at 5 pm prior to Curriculum Sessions with teachers, Grades 5 and 7. Zoom Link
Sept. 3 – Student Social with Counseling Team after school
Sept. 7 – Labor Day Holiday
Sept. 8 - Family Connection Zoom Meet up with Managing Director - 5:30 pm Zoom Link
Sept. 10 – Parent Enrichment Night – Internet Safety – 6 pm
Sept. 11 - MS First Quarter Progress Reports
Sept. 13 - Elementary Grandparents and Grand Friends Day celebration
Sept. 29 - Family Connection Zoom Meet up with Managing Director - 10 am Zoom Link