Today is a great day at Voyager Academy. Our students have settled in at school and are beginning to understand it is our job to TEACH and it is their job to LEARN. We are so excited that everyone is trying so hard to do their job well. The following announcements will be helpful for you and your family for the week of Sept. 20-24.
STEP IT UP: Step It Up is OVER!! I cannot believe the success of this program. The Step It Up company stated that Voyager Academy has shattered every fundraising goal in North and South Carolina. We have made a profit of over $55,000. The middle school and elementary school will be splitting those profits. Thank you so much. Now that the work is done, it is time to celebrate. Our Day of Awesomeness will take place on October 8. Do you want details? Here we go:
K-2 students will celebrate from 8:30 to 10:00
3rd grade students will celebrate from 10:15-11:45
There will be 8 Ninja Warrior Type blow up activities for the students to enjoy, a dance party station, prize station and more.
The prizes that students have earned will be delivered to their classrooms on October 8 (to take home)
All students celebrate and enjoy the fun and games. We are all one community and we all support and care for each other.
Students will wear masks at all times. This event is totally outside.
Now that the work is over, we need your help to pull off the fun. We will need 12 volunteers per play period to help us run the activities and package the prizes. If you would be willing to help us with this event, please click on the link below to sign up for a time to help.
FALL CONFERENCES: Voyager Academy will be hosting Fall Conferences on and around Sept. 24. SCHOOL IS CLOSED FOR STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24. Be looking for details from your child’s teacher to sign up for this event.
VAES BIRTHDAY ROCK: Our first student has been honored with the Voyager Birthday Rock. Thank you to the Brogan Family for donating and delivering our amazing BirthdayRock! If you are interested in signing up to paint the Voyager Elementary Birthday Rock for your child, please click on the link below for details.
Birthday Rock Details and Sign Up
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES: Registration for Enrichment Programs is now open. Dance, String Lessons, Beats by Girlz, Piano, Guitar & Ukulele, Drums, Basketball, Crafts, Robotics, Spanish Club and Yoga are the sessions being offered this fall. While the program happens after school, it is not a part of the after school program. Students not enrolled in after care will need to be picked up from the instructor immediately following the session. We are unable to provide wrap-a-round care to enrichments due to staff shortages in after care. The students will be dismissed from school directly to enrichments unless they are in after care. After care students will be escorted to their enrichment and picked up after enrichments. All students, including returning students, must complete new registration forms each semester. This information will be given to the enrichment instructor.
***ALL VOYAGER ACADEMY ENRICHMENTS HAPPEN ON VOYAGER'S CAMPUS***
If you need assistance or would like to offer a course, please email enrichments@voyageracademy.net.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
Below you will find instructions on how to pay via Charter Pay. The course descriptions are also included below. Each course is hyperlinked directly to the Charter Pay registration page for that course. For example, just click the title Fun Yoga & Mindfulness For Kids and it will take you to the class link. Each course has a minimum and maximum enrollment for each class. If the minimums are not met, the instruction has the option to cancel class. Once the maximum is reached, we will implement a waitlist. registration is on a first come, first served basis.
How do I know if my student is in the class or on a waitlist? If the system does not prompt you to pay. You are on the waitlist.
How to Register & Pay for Enrichment Courses
Log into your Charter Pay account.
Enrichment class are under Activities and Fees
Complete Registration Form
Submit payment
Voyager Academy Refund Policy
Cancelled Classes
Parents are able to receive full refunds for camps/enrichment classes that were cancelled by the vendor/instructor due to low enrollment.
Refunds for Other Reasons
Parents will only be eligible to receive full refunds up to 2 days after the class tuition has been paid. Refunds will not be given for classes that will still be in session after that 2-day period has ended. Additionally, full refunds for classes may only be given for reasons of extenuating unforeseen circumstances.
BULL CITY MUSIC SCHOOL
SESSION DAYS:
Mondays 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Grades 2-3 (September 20th - December 6th)
Mondays 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Grades 2-8
Cost: $250
CAPACITY: Min. 3 / Max 6 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
Beats By Girlz is an international organization on a mission to engage girls, women and non-binary youth with electronic music production technology. BBG works toward closing the gender gap both in the classroom and the industry by forging a path to both destinations. No experience necessary and all equipment provided. Classes are held with approximately six learners and one teacher. A typical class starts with a group lesson and is followed by individual work time.
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at https://www.bullcitymusicschool.com/beats-by-girlz-nc
Email: jeanetta@bullcitymusicschool.com
MUSIC GROUP LESSONS
Strings - Violin or Viola Capacity: Min 4 / Max 6
Drums - Snare Drum Capacity: Min 4 / Max 6
Piano Lessons Capacity: Min 2 / Max 6
Contact the instructor for instrument rentals. Piano keyboards are provided.
SESSION DAYS:
Mondays 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., Grades 4-8 (September 20th - December 6th)
Mondays 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Grades 2-3
Cost: $250 + $20 music book
CAPACITY: See classes info for min/max. - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
Music taught in a collaborative environment designed to increase learning and enjoyment with the modern approach to music. At Bull City Performing Arts, we are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for all. We are a hub for music education, independent artist and teaching artist to grow exponentially beyond their wildest dreams. We seek to contribute to the social, emotional and cultural understandings of society through the genre of music and the arts. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
Contact the instructor for instrument rentals.
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at https://www.bullcitymusicschool.com/group-lessons
INSTRUCTOR: Bull City Music School
Email: jeanetta@bullcitymusicschool.com
FLOWTIOUS SOUL YOGA
pronounced (Flow-Choo-Us) is an online/mobile yoga studio based out of Durham, North Carolina.
Fun Yoga & Mindfulness For Kids
Fridays 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., Grades K-3 (September 20th - December 6th)
Fridays 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Grades 4-8
Cost: $250
CAPACITY: Min 5 / Max 30 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
Tiana of Flowtious Soul Yoga will be providing a yoga and mindfulness experience for children to engage in that will assist in promoting coping skills and mindfulness strategies to help calm their bodies. The class time will involve engaging in a gentle yoga sequence alongside a topic relative to mindfulness. Each week will focus on different positive character-building traits that will be specific to promoting self awareness and self regulation. Students can wear active or comfortable clothing. Mats and snacks included in price. Please bring a water bottle.
Tiana is a Certified Yoga Teacher through My Vinyasa Practice. She has the desire to provide a safe space for others to explore alternative methods of self care, healing and prioritizing one’s mental health. Tiana believes that a holistic approach is vital to healing as an individual and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at https://flowtioussoulyoga.com
INSTRUCTOR: Tiana, Flowtious Soul Yoga
Email: flowtious.soul.yoga@gmail.com
NC DugOut Dance Company
Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical Dance Classes
Tuesdays 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Grades K-8 (September 20th - December 6th)
Cost: $250
CAPACITY: Min 5 / Max 30 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
NC Dugout Dance Company In our program your child will learn the foundation and art of dance. We are a hip-hop based dance company but we also train in jazz fusion, lyrical and African styles. In addition to dance training we teach leadership skills, focus on confidence building, and lifelong skills. We accept students ages 5-18. No experience necessary. Students can wear dance clothing or comfortable clothing.
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at www.ncdugoutdance.com
INSTRUCTOR: Nicole Tripp
Email: ncdugoutdance@gmail.com
ROBOTICS ACADEMY
S.T.E.M. Robotics 101
Thursdays 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Grades 4-6 (September 20th - December 6th)
Thursdays 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Grades 1-3
Cost: $195
CAPACITY: Min 3 / Max 16 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
STEM Robotics 101 - This program designed for 3 different groups -
Beginners Group - Complete set of lessons for anyone new to Robotics. They start with an introduction to Robot Design parts and concepts like gear ratios and its effect, differential motor, gear boxes, etc. Students learn to build Robot using custom made Lego material and complete assigned tasks. Fun starts after robot is ready to race and compete with other groups.
Intermediate Group- These lessons are for group ready to learn how to create complex robot design, use advance parts, and incorporate Parallel Beams, etc. Assignments become more advanced to incorporate obstacle course, critical thinking e.g. choose between tires or treads to complete missions. Racing and Compition with other groups is now more exciting.
Advance Group- These lessons are intended for a students who has completed earlier lessons and wants to try something more. They are given more interesting missions to accomplish, using there own creativity for robot design, complex attachments /sensors, and creating programs to complete multiple missions given a certain timer interval.
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at https://roboticsacademy.com/
INSTRUCTOR: Robotics Academy
Email: deepa.kardekar@roboticsacademy.com
BASKETBALL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
T3 LAB NC
Mondays 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Grades K-3 (September 20th - December 6th)
Mondays 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Grades 4-8
Cost: $275
CAPACITY: Min 7 / Max 25 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
T3LAB is a fundamental & skill development basketball program. T3LAB main goal is to instruct and develop the student athlete focus is physical fitness & sports fundamentals while increasing self-confidence and basketball skill.
Group Training- Basketball Skill enhancement, Shooting, Ball Handling, Footwork, Passing, IQ, and Speed/Agility. Bring water and towel. Mask must be worn.
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at https://www.t3labnc.com/
INSTRUCTOR: Coach Holden
Email: coachholden@t3labnc.com
Spanish Club K-3
Spanish Club K-3
Mondays 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Grades K-3 (September 20th - December 6th)
Cost: $250
CAPACITY: Min 5 / Max 15 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
Introduction to Spanish Students will be introduced to Spanish language, traditions and holidays. By the end of the fall session students will learn the following in Spanish:
-Greet and answer “What is your name?”
-Letter name and sound recognition
-Count from 1 to 20 -Understand and answer the question “How old are you?”
-Colors -Understand and answer the question “What color is this?”
-Days of the week and concepts like day and night, today, yesterday, and tomorrow
-To understand and answer the question “What day is today?”
-Feelings -To understand and answer the question “How do you feel?” or “How are you?”
The kids will be taught in a fun and engaging environment by a native Spanish speaker.
INSTRUCTOR: Nuria Vicens
Email: nvicens@voyageracademy.net
Fall Craft Club
Tuesdays 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Grades K - 2 (September 20th - December 6th)
Cost: $150
CAPACITY: Min 5 / Max 15 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Course Description:
Fall Craft Club- Unleash your inner artist and explore different art mediums while creating beautiful and fun fall & winter themed crafts. We will get messy and have fun with paint, oil pastels, glue, and of course- glitter! All our projects will be aligned with the season and various holidays like Dia de Los Muertos, Halloween, and Diwali. We might even sneak in a snowman or two. Session fee covers all materials and as well as a T-shirt that students will decorate and take home during one of the sessions. All sessions are 1 hour in length.
INSTRUCTOR: Ariana Vargas
Email: avargas@voyageracademy.net
UKELE & GUITAR W/VLAD KARY
Ukulele & Guitar Club
Mondays 1:00 – 1:45 p.m., Grades 1-3 (September 20th - December 6th)
Wednesdays 4:00 – 4:45 p.m., Grades 4-8 (September 20th - December 6th)
Contact the instructor for instrument rentals.
Cost: $250
CAPACITY: Min 4 / Max 12 - Instructor reserves the right to cancel class due to low enrollment.
Students need to bring a ukulele/guitar. Contact instructor about rental information.
Course Description:
The Guitar & Ukulele program is open for all levels from absolute beginners to experienced players! We typically find out what students are interested in and guide our instruction accordingly to keep classes engaging and fun. Students learn about all areas of their instrument as well as play all-time favorite songs. The ensemble atmosphere uses positive peer pressure to inspire students to want to learn and practice more frequently. Students need to bring an instrument - guitar or ukulele
Learn more about the classes and your instructor at www.muzicexperience.com
INSTRUCTOR: Vlad Kary
SEPTEMBER FIRE DRILL: VAES hosted our monthly Fire Drill on Sept. 15. We were able to get all students safely out of the building in a little over 3 minutes.
CARLINE UPDATE: Please remember to have your children ready to exit the car/truck/van as you pull up for morning drop off. Many students are still buckled and not ready to exit when the parent arrives. Thank you for helping us with this.
FALL PHOTOS SEPTEMBER 21:Elementary Fall Yearbook Pictures will be taken Tuesday, September 21 by Strawbridge Studios. An order form was sent home to select a prepaid photo package.
You can also order online at
ENTER CODE: FM371009
ACCREDITATION UPDATE: Voyager Academy is a fully accredited school. Every five years the school goes through a re-accreditation process. That process will take place this year during the month of November. We are thrilled to be able to share all the great things Voyager Academy does to create amazing, life-long, independent learners.
FALL BREAK IS COMING: October 11-15. Make plans now to enjoy this season with your family.
QUARANTINE GUIDELINES: Listed below are the guidelines we have been given as they are related to quarantine:
When your children need to stay home to learn, always contact me and your child's teacher.
The teacher will provide remote assignments for your student. As long as the student is doing some work at home and you complete the attendance link provided below they will be counted present. The link to complete your child’s attendance is HERE
Because your student has been directly exposed to someone, outside of school, who has tested positive for COVID, your student needs to quarantine for 10 days. They may return to school after the 10 days of quarantine have been completed AND have no symptoms from the time of exposure.
The 10 day quarantine protocol is not school days, it also includes the weekend. For example, if your child was exposed on Aug. 9, they can return to school on Aug. 20 (10 days).
Please keep me, your child’s teacher, and our school nurse, Mrs. Skoff updated on your child’s symptoms and/or test results.
See below for details for siblings where ONE tests positive, another tests NEGATIVE. Or for students and a parent tests positive, but student tests NEGATIVE.
Your positive student will need to complete a 10 day quarantine and may return to school after those 10 days so long as they are fever free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. With regard to siblings - as of now, IF you are able to isolate the positive child from the family, eat in separate spaces, wear masks in the home, use separate bathrooms, etc the negative child may return at the end of the positive child’s 10 day quarantine IF you were able to ensure the above protective measures were taken in the home.
The negative child(ren) would need to have NO symptoms and obtain a COVID test NO SOONER THAN 5 days following their last exposure to the positive sibling. So, if you used Monday as Day 1, they could test after Friday. If that test is negative AND you have been able to keep the positive student isolated the entire time, then the negative siblings could go back to school after the positive child's 10 day quarantine is over. We would request that you provide us documentation of their negative PCR tests before the children return. IF any of your other children develop symptoms at any point, they should get tested. If they then test positive they would then just complete a 10-day quarantine from the onset of symptoms.
These are the recommendations that the Durham Health Department has provided us as of today. They will continue to assess and monitor the situation and may update their guidelines. We will make changes to our protocols here at Voyager if that happens.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID?
Contact Mr. Manning and your child's teacher
Mr. Manning or the school nurse will contact the family and talk you through the quarantine/isolation process.
Students may still work from home during this quarantine period. The teacher will provide assignments for the student and the parent will need to complete a daily on-line attendance.