Voyager Academy High School News, April 2, 2021

GO VIKINGS GO!


In this issue...


FEATURED

  • Yearbooks Are Now On Sale!

  • Thank You Sr. Parents and El Rodeo

  • Summer Programs for Students

  • 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. A free webinar April 8th

  • 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

  • Scholarship Money for SECU Members  

  • College Board opportunity Scholarships 

  • Getting College Funding (for Seniors): Check Out CFNC's “Take Your College  Dreams off Hold”

  • 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 dates.


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Yearbooks Are Now On Sale! 

Buy your 2021 yearbook at www.jostensyearbooks.com

**Senior Ad sales are CLOSED**
**Portrait submissions are CLOSED**
**Senior quote submissions are CLOSED**


Thank You Sr. Parents and El Rodeo

The Drive Through Senior Lunch was a huge success and a lot of fun! Thank you to the senior parents and El Rodeo for providing the food for our seniors! Also, a big shout out to the VAHS Advanced Band for the live music, and National Honor Society for their support! See below for the "Who's Who of the Drive Through".


Summer Programs for Students

Now is the time to find programs to keep your child engaged and active this summer.  See the flyer for summer enrichment opportunities (Summer Programs).



April Student Social

Join the Student Services Team on Wednesday, April 14 (3:45-4:15) 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



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:

CLICK ME!


* 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 VideoGreenlight 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!   

(click here for flyer)




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)

  • Create a learning space for your child.

  • 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!!


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.

Click here to apply.



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/



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 VAHS Counselor’s Blog


The Voyager Academy Athletics Website




Important Dates


Dates

Events

March 31

12-12:30pm, Senior Drive Through Lunch

April 8

7-8:15pm, Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Teen Mental Health (free webinar). Zoom link here

April 2 - 12

Spring Break

April 12

Class begins

April 14

April Student Social

April 12-23

ACT Workkeys Tests

May 3-14

AP Exams

May 18-26

Final Exams

May 26

Last day of school

May 27

Graduation




VOYAGER VIKING VALUES

CONFIDENCE   -   CURIOSITY   -   EMPATHY

REFLECTION   -   INTEGRITY