GO VIKINGS GO!
In this issue...
FEATURED
Transition to Plan A (K-12) Effective April 12, 2021
Seniors Are Invited to a Drive Through Lunch
Getting College Funding (for Seniors): Check Out CFNC's “Take Your College Dreams off Hold”
April Student Social
SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Club Wants You!
Resources for Talking to Children about Anti-Asian Racism
Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Teen Mental Health
Voyager Chorus Wants YOU in 2021-22!
Join Voyager Band!
Senior Cap and Gown Orders
TO DO ITEMS FOR STUDENTS
All Students Please Set Up This Account Now: Directions and links to set up your Greenlight Account (The new morning check-in screener for entering the school)
Student Parchment Accounts Needed (The Place Where Students Get Their Transcripts)
STUDENT HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND CLUBS
Got Zoomitis? Re-Connect! Join an Extra-Curricular Club at VAHS
Freshman Lunch Bunch
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Free Tutoring From National Honor Society Tutors/Viking Buddies
Free Academic Assistance: Our Community Partnership with Student U
Remote learning tips for parents: How to help your child be successful in a remote learning setting.
HELP NEEDED AT VAHS
Hey Parents: Supplies Needed!
COLLEGE, CAREER, & GRADUATION
Hey Juniors: You Must for Your Junior/Counselor College Planning Meeting
Scholarship Money for SECU Members
College Board opportunity Scholarships
Hey Seniors and Parents: CFNC Financial Aid FAQ
How CFNC (College Foundation of N.C.) can help you plan, apply, and pay for college
Take community college courses at Durham Tech. while at VAHS: How to attend an information session.
STAYING ORGANIZED AND INFORMED
Stay up-to-the-minute on your child’s progress: become a “parent observer” on his/her Canvas account.
Check out the VAHS counselor’s blog (and subscribe).
Parents: sign up to receive text messages from the school.
Other great sources of information for and about VAHS.
Important High School Athletics Update
Important dates.
--------------------------------------------------
Transition to Plan A (K-12) Effective April 12, 2021
Now that Covid 19 procedures are in place and working well and our staff have had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated, we are ready to reopen under Plan A on April 12, 2021 as recommended and approved by our Board last night. Plan A allows for full capacity with minimal social distancing (3 feet recommended to the extent possible). The State Board of Education also met yesterday in a special called session to allow for charter schools to open under Plan A for grades 6 - 12.
The Voyager team has started the preparation for the transition to Plan A for all grades K- 12. The enrollment survey for K-5 has already been finalized and all class adjustments, and supports needed by teachers are being implemented. Families of our 6th -12th graders received an enrollment survey from Dr. Nolan and Ms. Johnson to make a selection about whether they would like to enroll their child in Plan A or remote instruction for the remainder of the year. Please understand that class structures could change based on the results of this new Plan A - remote enrollment survey. We need your selection by Monday, March 29, 2021 in order for us to plan and be prepared. If you don't respond and our teacher cannot reach you to get an update on your preference, we will keep your child in their current cohort.
Thank you to all families and staff for your patience, understanding, and grace this year as we have navigated through the many challenges we faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We appreciate the partnership and support of all families with remote instruction to ensure the success of all of our students. We are ready for a strong finish to wrap up the 4th quarter of the school year.
Seniors Are Invited to a Drive Through Lunch
The Class of 2021 is invited to attend the Drive Through Lunch on Weds. 3/31 from 12:00-12:30. Pull on in to the back parking lot for a free lunch provided by El Rodeo and the Senior Parents. For your listening pleasure, there will be live music being performed by our very own VAHS Advanced Band! Don't miss this chance to wave hello to your friends!
Getting College Funding (for Seniors): Check Out CFNC's “Take Your College Dreams off Hold”
The pandemic has put a lot of things on hold for North Carolina high school seniors. But the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) and our statewide education collaborators want to support schools, counselors like you, and most importantly — SENIORS — who may need guidance refocusing on college plans.
That’s why CFNC is launching Take Your Dreams Off Hold: College Is Within Reach! This campaign supports high school seniors and parents, to help them complete the three important steps for college enrollment for the fall semester: college application, FAFSA, and residency. Click here for a list of colleges that are still accepting applications. For more details go to the website: https://www.cfnc.org/apply-to-college/take-your-dreams-off-hold/
April Student Social
Join the Student Services Team on Wednesday, April 14 for a fun game of 20 Questions. See the flyer for additional information (April Student Social). The Student Socials/Parent Enrichment Calendar
SAVE Promise Club Wants You!
SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Clubs are a place for young people across the country to show their leadership, creativity and passion for protecting their friends, schools and communities from violence BEFORE it happens. Voyager Academy has started a SAVE Promise Club under the sponsorship of Ms. Huntington to promote school-wide activities, events and reminders that reinforce looking out for one another and preventing violence and self-harm as well as promoting overall wellness to build a strong Viking culture. Please complete this form to indicate your level of interest. Virtual meetings will be held on designated Wednesdays at 1-1:30. Interested join here https://forms.gle/HAUmoHUhqCnPtSo29
Resources for Talking to Children about Anti-Asian Racism
In light of the recent violence and discrimination against people of Asian descent, the Student Services Team has compiled a list of resources to help parents/guardians talk to children about anti-Asian racism (Resources for Talking to Children about Anti-Asian Racism). If your child needs additional support, please reach out to your child's school counselor and/or the school social worker.
Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Teen Mental Health
FREE WEBINAR
Pandemic Parenting:
Supporting Teen Mental Health
Thursday, April 8, 2021
7 - 8:15 PM ET | 4 - 5:15 PM PT
----------------------------------------------
Parenting a teen has been especially tough this past year. You've been doing your best to support your teen, being a warm and engaging presence in helping them to learn effective coping skills.
But you know from experience: it's really hard to support them when you're struggling to maintain your own mental wellness. To be able to give of yourself, you need to be giving to yourself!
Here's the good news: there are ways you can help yourself and your family to be mentally well. Join us for "Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Teen Mental Health" to learn how.
In this upcoming webinar, participants will learn
How the pandemic is affecting teen, parent, and family mental health
How to use practical, evidence-based strategies to manage parental stress
How to communicate with and support teens and young adults.
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mNLFrdZfTkuYeVhHThXUDA
Voyager Chorus Wants YOU in 2021-22!
YouTube info video: https://youtu.be/0YKdEAf6eI4
Want to be part of a nationally-recognized, award-winning choral program? Make lifelong friends & join the Voyager Chorus family! You won't regret it!
Vocal Affinity is the all-women's ensemble at Voyager Academy High School with recent awards including Best New Choir (NCASA Show Choir Competition, 2019), 1st runner up (NCASA Regional Show Choir competition, 2019), 1st place Show Choir Division (Carowinds Festival of Music, 2019).
Bull City Lights is Voyager's mixed choir, performing an array of pop songs, show tunes, and concert choir arrangements. Competing nationally since 2016, BCL has traveled to competitions in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida. Recent awards include: trending choir, showmanship, best costumes, and best soloist as well as 1st place in the NCASA State Show Choir Competition (2015, 2016, 2019).
In addition to show choir both groups consistently earn Superior ratings in both sight reading & concert choir repertoire.
For more info or questions about registering for Chorus for the 2021-22 school year, contact Director Jenny Hobgood: jhobgood@voyageracademy.net
Facebook: @VikingsChorus
Instagram: @bullcitylights @vocal.affinity
Join Voyager Band!
Everything you need to know is right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdUoc5L_Tvs
Senior Cap and Gown Orders
Please see the following message from Herff Jones about cap and gown ordering:
MAKE PAYMENTS or PLACE YOUR ORDER at:
https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home
Please click on the link below for important Cap & Gown information. Immediate attention recommended for a virtual experience:
* If you have already placed your graduation order and have a balance due, please make your final payment ASAP in order to receive your supplies at the delivery date which is to be announced soon!
For Questions:
cwieczorek@herffjones.com
(336) 228-7770
All Students Please Set Up This Account Now: Directions and links to set up your Greenlight Account (The new morning check-in screener for entering the school)
Setting up your account is simple. Select the link below and enter the email address you use to receive Voyager newsletters. Families with multiple children can select any school their children attend. Once your account is set up you will see all of your children associated with your account and be able to complete the daily health screening for each of them. After you complete your first survey you will see the Greenlight pass cleared indication. We will have students select that option to show the larger pass during car line for screening along with their temperature check. Each student will be able to show their Greenlight pass to ensure they are healthy and can attend school. The app also provides support for families that need access to health care, testing, or additional community resources. Please select the link below to set up your family account now.
Activate account here: https://glit.me/go/voyager-high
Directions and a step by step video of how to install and use the Greenlight App can be found here. GreenLight Directions Video ; Greenlight Directions Video #2
Student Parchment Accounts Needed (The Place Where Students Get Their Transcripts)
Parchment is the digital credential service used by VAHS. All students need Parchment accounts to view and send official transcripts. Registration codes were sent to students this week that include easy instructions for creating their accounts. Once an account is made, students can view their transcripts, which is needed to consider course selections for next year.
Click here for the how-to guide
Got Zoomitis? Re-Connect! Join an Extra-Curricular Club at VAHS
Gamers Club, Spanish Club, Visual Arts Club, Yoga Club, Service Club, Science Olympiad, and more… VAHS has a host of extra-curriculuar clubs and student organizations for students. Even given the restrictions of the COVID environment, VAHS is trying to make these work to the greatest extent possible. Click here to learn more about our clubs, and to see who to contact.
Freshman Lunch Bunch
All Freshman are invited to attend the Freshman Lunch Bunch Group on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30. Sophomore group leaders guide discussions and fun games for all. Bring a friend and get connected!
FREE TUTORING From National Honor Society Tutors/Viking Buddies
The NHS is excited to be "virtually" back in full swing this year (although we miss seeing each other in person) and going strong! We are starting to plan some events for the upcoming school year. The NHS is most excited to have the tutoring/buddy program back up and running. We have sent out links to your child's teachers for them to request tutors. But in addition, this year we are also providing a link for parents to request tutors for their children!
We all know that these are trying times and we are glad to be able to help with anything from homework to studying for a test. Maybe your student could just benefit from talking to a peer and would like to sign up for a Viking Buddy to talk to through the day, who can give some tips on time management or test taking strategies.
Please click here to request tutoring from NHS!
Free Academic Assistance: Our Community Partnership with Student U
Student U will provide a supervised remote learning space for families of Voyager Academy Middle School and High School students to complete their Voyager school work in a safe supervised learning center while Voyager is operating in a remote learning environment and parents are working. This community partnership will support struggling Voyager families in need of free child care while they are working during the remote learning environment. Applications for the learning center will be prioritized by Student U for families that qualify for free or reduced lunch, have parents that are essential workers, or have become recently unemployed, are experiencing homelessness, are part of the foster care system, or live in public housing.
Apply to Student H (Click here)
Remote Learning Tips for Parents: How to Help Your Child be Successful in a Remote Learning Setting (see full article here)
Make a schedule and stick to it.
Reduce distractions.
Use a calendar and color-code it. Use an electronic calendar if possible, like Google, or Canvas.
Stay in touch with your child's teacher.
Get plenty of exercise.
Hey Parents: Supplies Needed!
Hi Parents! We are looking forward to students coming back to the high school building in March! It's been very very quiet inside the building.
We currently have classrooms stocked with sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, gloves, etc. As you can assume, when students are in the building we will be going through these supplies very quickly! If you are able to donate a container of sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels, or Kleenex, we would greatly appreciate it! Please contact Amey Hendriks with any questions. ahendriks@voyageracademy.net
Thank you!!
Hey Juniors: Junior/Counselor College Planning Meetings
Juniors are encouraged to schedule a meeting with Ms. O'Kane for an individual planning meeting. Parents are welcome to attend or to discuss a recap of the meeting with their students at home.
Topics to be covered include:
• High school reflection and transcript review
• Planning for senior courses
• College and career planning tips
Sign Up for a meeting here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C44A5A62AA5F58-juniorcounselor1
Scholarship Money for SECU Members
SECU Foundation established the People Helping People four-year scholarship program to help North Carolina public high school students attend college. SECU Foundation takes an active role in assisting communities across North Carolina and truly believes in “People Helping People!” Three graduating seniors attending a North Carolina regular public charter high school will each receive one (1) scholarship valued at $10,000 to attend one of the 16 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina System. Although the SECU Foundation Scholarship program wishes to recognize academic achievement,
the People Helping People Scholarship has a much broader purpose; recognizing leadership, integrity and community involvement.
https://www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search/state-employees-credit-union-foundation-people-helping-people-scholarship-high-school-scholarship-program/
Please see the VAJS Counseling Blog or the attached Eligibility Criteria. Contact Ms. O'Kane for more information and an application. Applications must be submitted by 3/26/21.
College Board opportunity Scholarships
A Clearer Path to College for All Students...
Applying to college is a complicated process, so the College Board has created a program that guides students through it. This scholarship program is open to all students and it doesn't require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards efforts and initiative. Students complete key steps al ong the path to college for a chance to earn scholarships. Watch a short video ans see the resources with details below to get started! https://youtu.be/2CPku32bj5I
Click here for more information.
Hey Seniors and Parents: CFNC Financial Aid FAQ
Seniors and Parents can find useful information about Financial Aid for college and completing the FAFSA on this informative CFNC website.
https://www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/college-financing-resources/financial-aid-faq/
How CFNC (College Foundation of N.C.) can help you plan, apply, and pay for college
Any student or parent who missed the live CFNC webinar is invited to view the recorded version: https://youtu.be/hq1XpNAuH9I
Additional resources include these two new "how-to" videos.
1. How to Create Your CFNC account - https://youtu.be/S0L0_OeM67E
2. How to Use CFNC Career Tools - https://youtu.be/jKlk17y53J0
Take community college courses at Durham Tech. while at VAHS: How to attend an information session
Information Sessions are now available to Juniors and seniors who are interested in taking dual enrollment courses at Durham Tech. Community College during the second semester. Attending a virtual information session is the first step in this enrollment process. Please visit https://www.durhamtech.edu/dual-enrollment to find out more and register for an Information session. Also, see the slides below to meet the Durham Tech. College liaison with Durham Tech. at Voyager.
Stay Up-to-the-Minute on Your Child’s Progress: Become a “Parent Observer” on His/Her Canvas Account
Click here to become an “Observer” in your child’s Canvas account. Once there, you can set it up to receive notifications about upcoming assignments, and grades just entered, keeping you updated on progress, daily.
VAHS Counseling Department Blog
Please be sure to check the VAHS Counseling Department blog frequently. The blog provides news, information, and opportunities for VAHS students and parents all in one convenient location. Topics range from Career/College Counseling and Application Support to Summer Programs and Opportunities. Check it out!
CLICK HERE FOR THE VAHS COUNSELING DEPT. BLOG
PARENTS: Sign up to receive text messages from VAHS
Even though you may have been subscribed from last year, all must re-subscribe. This is because some cell phone numbers may no longer belong to last year’s subscribers (as people may change numbers or mobile providers). See subscription instructions below, sorted by student’s graduation year.
For parents of class of 2021:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp21
For parents of class of 2022:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp22
For parents of class of 2023:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp23
For parents of class of 2024:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @df2ah6
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
FOR AND ABOUT VAHS
Voyager Academy Academic Calendar
The Voyager Academy High School Website
The Voyager Academy Athletics Website
Important Dates