Voyager Academy High School News, May 21, 2021

GO VIKINGS GO!


In this issue...


FEATURED

  • Spring 2021 Final Exam Schedule

  • Graduation Information

  • Shelly Dowaliby is VAHS Teacher of the Year, Allie Kehoe is VAHS Outstanding Young Educator of the Year

  • First Day of School Next Year

  • Senior Awards & Parade: May 25

  • Yearbooks will be delivered August 2021

  • Congratulations to our Senior Superlatives!

  • AP Exam Prep: Take a Practice Digital Exam

  • "Virtual" Spring 2021 Chorus Concert!

  • Seniors and Transcripts

  • Parchment is the digital credential service used to securely send official transcripts. Seniors will need to use their accounts to send their final transcripts to their colleges and universities after graduation. Please be sure to create an account if you have not done so already.  

  • VAVA ZOOM!  The VAHS Art Gallery

  • Driver's Education Opportunity

STUDENT HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND CLUBS

  • Your Stress is Busted! (check out student produced stress-buster videos) 

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

  • Summer Programs for Students

  • 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.

COLLEGE, CAREER, & GRADUATION 

  • College Board opportunity Scholarships 

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

  • Seniors: Frequently asked Questions About Financial Aid for College 

  • 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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Spring 2021 Final Exam Schedule
(click here for a printable copy)


 

NC Statewide EOC (End-of-Course) Exams

ALL EOC TESTING BEGINS AT 8:45AM.

Students must arrive by 8:30AM.

Fri. 

May 21

Mon.

May 24

Tue. 

May 25

Wed. 

May 26

English 2 

EOC Exam

Estimated time 180 min


Max allowed 240 min

Math 1 

EOC Exam

Estimated time=180 min

Max allowed=240 min

Biology 

EOC Exam

Estimated time 120 min


Max allowed 180 min


EOC Exam 

Make-ups

Math 3 

EOC Exam

Estimated time=180 min

Max allowed=240 min

 

Dismissal for EOC Exams:

  • EOC exams provide a break approximately every hour. A student may leave at a break, ONLY IF, he/she provides a note or email to the front desk (ahendriks@voyageracademy.net) by 8:30am the day of the exam.

  • Students may also leave when the last student in the room completes the test.



AP Exam Prep: Take a Practice Digital Exam

Digital practice for AP exams will roll out over several days starting April 8 and will be available for all digital exam subjects by April 12. It is highly recommended that students do digital practice before AP exam day.

The digital practice allows students to see each type of multiple-choice and/or free-response question on their exam.


They’ll get to preview the pre-exam steps (exam setup and check-in), as well as the directions, screens, tools, features, and reminders they’ll see on exam day.
Completing a practice experience also helps confirm before exam day that their testing technology, including any approved assistive technology, works as expected.

Find out all about AP Digital Practice at
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap-2021/updates/digital-exams/practice


Graduation Information

Please click here for information about VAHS Class of 2021 graduation (May 27, 2021)



Shelly Dowaliby is VAHS Teacher of the Year, Allie Kehoe is VAHS Outstanding Young Educator of the Year

Please join us in congratulating VAHS Exceptional Children Teacher Shelly Dowaliby, and Health/PE Teacher for being selected as Teacher of the Year, and Outstanding Young Educator of the Year respectively!  You will not find anyone as committed and caring for their students as these two outstanding teachers. And what makes this honor extra meaningful is that they were selected by their colleagues. Congratulations Allie and Shelley, we are lucky to have you!


First Day of School Next Year

The first day of school for the 2021-22 school year is Thursday, August 5. This is a VERY important day and we need our students at school on the first day.  Our school funding is based on Day 1 Attendance, but beyond that, we’re sure you agree that it is MOST IMPORTANT that students not miss those critical first days of school, so that they can get off on the right foot. Please schedule your vacations, trips, etc. around August 5 so that your Voyager Viking can begin on Day 1!



Senior Awards & Parade: May 25

Congratulations to the VAHS class of 2021! We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Senior Awards & Parade event on Tuesday 5/25 at 11:30! Don't forget to bring your caps and gowns for the parade!   

Click here for all details.



Yearbooks will be delivered August 2021
What a year!  We are so proud to have documented this extraordinary year.  In a year of changes and firsts, your VAHS yearbook staff has extended our book to include more of your memories.  We look forward to sharing the 2021 yearbook with you after it is delivered.

Buy your book now to enjoy pictures of spring sports, graduation, prom, and more.  The book should arrive in time for an early August delivery.


THANK YOU for being supportive of the Voyager students.



Congratulations to our Senior Superlatives!

2021 Senior Superlatives
Most Athletic - Sydney Rogers & Tanner Reo
Most Talented - Leigha Hoffman & Caleb Brewer
Most Likely to Succeed - Bridget Fox & Ethan Hubrich
Most Spirited - Maiza Mrozkowski & Bradley Heckman
Most Likely to be Famous - Francesca Cedeno & Zack Jones
Best Citizen - Jordan King & Adyn Dail
Wittiest - Meredith Young & Roosevelt Edmund
Most Changed - Tatum Greenhill & Derek Langley
Most Likely to be President - Dallas Knight & Zeke Epps
Best Personality - Elani Miller & Liam Holder



"Virtual" Spring 2021 Chorus Concert!

This year has been very different for our HS Chorus & Band students...but they persevered & competed in 2 virtual competitions--and the results are in!!! Congrats to both Vocal Affinity & Bull City Lights for placing 2nd in the Powhatan Virtual Diamond Classic....and Bull City Sound for winning BEST SHOW BAND in BOTH Women's & Mixed Divisions, plus several other awards. We've put together a "Virtual" Spring concert so you can all see the competition shows & celebrate how hard these students have worked this CrAzY year!

The entire concert lasts about 30 mins and features both show choirs 2021 virtual competition shows (Vocal Affinity & Bull City Lights) accompanied by our all-student band (Bull City Sound)! Enjoy the show!

SPRING 2021 VIRTUAL CHORUS CONCERT: https://youtu.be/cCNwzjy0V_I





Seniors and Transcripts

Parchment is the digital credential service used to securely send official transcripts. Seniors will need to use their accounts to send their final transcripts to their colleges and universities after graduation. Please be sure to create an account if you have not done so already.  



VAVA ZOOM!    VAHS Art Gallery

Check out the fabulous artwork VOYAGER ACADEMY VISUAL ARTS (VAVA) high school students have been working on this year via ZOOM
https://sites.google.com/voyageracademy.net/vava/home


 

Driver's Education Opportunity

Jordan Driving School of the Carolina's has some openings for their June Driver Education class.  All classes are virtual and students will work on assignments after meeting with the instructor each day.
Class Dates/times:
-June 7th-11th
-6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
If you are interested, please visit:  https://www.jdscarolinas.com/private-instruction
Or email:    jdsvanceboro@gmail.com



Yearbooks Are Now On Sale! 

Buy your 2021 yearbook at www.jostensyearbooks.com


Your Stress is Busted!  

In Ms. Kehoe's Health/PE class, students learned about stress.  More specifically students were taught about the many ways stress can affect their body, effective strategies to handle it in a positive manner and why mental health is so important to take care of. 

So, below are video links to select students' videos on demonstrating this knowledge.  They share how stress affects the body, the importance of healthy coping mechanisms and personal "stress busters" to lower their feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Stress Buster Videos by:
https://youtu.be/bPYe6iQGBh8 - J. Jones
https://youtu.be/IKRcvCi5KoA - O. McMurray
https://youtu.be/0vJnd3LZ-UM - A. Privette
https://youtu.be/eHmXgDxu7hE - J. Draughon
https://youtu.be/yEjldtVzGG8 - R. Cochran
https://youtu.be/LTTteluBA3A - M. Palma



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).



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.

 


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 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/



Seniors: Frequently asked Questions About Financial Aid for College 

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





VOYAGER VIKING VALUES

CONFIDENCE   -   CURIOSITY   -   EMPATHY

REFLECTION   -   INTEGRITY