GO VIKINGS GO!
In this issue...
- You Can Chip In to Get Biotechnology Labs for Our Future Scientists
- What Are Parent/Guardian Needs, Desires, and Interests for the 2021-22 Year?
- The Annual Voyager Academy High School Blood Drive is Oct. 22
- Oct. 4-8 is Spirit Week!
- Make Up Date for Yearbook Pictures for All Grades is 10/4/21
- Financial Aid for College: FAFSA Day is Back This Year
- 6 Great Options For Finding Scholarships
- Senior Cap and Gown Orders Due on October 15
- Private Driver's Education Class
- Oct. 20 is Parent Enrichment Night
- NC Countdown to College 2021 Events
- Thank You to the Elementary School!
- Class of 2022 Individual Senior Meetings With The Counselor
- Check Out the New Student Lunch Bunch
- Teen Services (Book Clubs, Tutoring, Gaming…) at Durham Public Main Library
- VCF (Viking Christian Fellowship) meets Friday mornings from ~7:30-8:30 in D124
- VAHS Safety Guidelines for Students and Staff
- Check out the VAHS Counselor’s Blog (and subscribe)
- What to Do If You Are Not Receiving Group Emails From Voyager Academy
- Sign up to receive text messages from the school.
- Subscribe to the “21-22 VA Parent Calendar” (google calendar)
- Other great sources of information for and about VAHS.
- Important dates.
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You Can Chjp In to Get Biotechnology Labs for Our Future Scientists
VAHS Science teacher Joy Batty wants to give students real world experience at learning skills they need in order to work in a lab. In order to do this, she created a DonorsChoose page. She has chosen kits that will help them be able to do the most common biotechnology lab procedures: restriction digestions, transformation, purification, and gel and polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Ms. Batty has also chosen these particular kits because they are the coolest way to learn these techniques. Our ultimate goal is to insert a gene for bioluminescence (from a jellyfish) into bacterial cells. If done correctly we will make bacteria glow! With these skills they will be able to apply for internships with confidence.
Here is the link to our DonorsChoose page:
https://www.donorschoose.org/project/biotechnology-labs-for-our-future-scient/5856475/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=directlink&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_6880804&rf=directlink-dc-2021-09-project-teacher_6880804&challengeid=21508562
Thank you, Voyager community!
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What Are Parent/Guardian Needs, Desires, and Interests for the 2021-22 Year?
The Voyager Student Support Services Team is interested in learning more about our parent's/guardian's needs, desires, and interests for the 2021-2022 school year. We invite you to complete a short survey that will help us to identify and provide support and programming just for parents/guardians! All responses will be collected anonymously. The survey will be open through October the 8th and is available at: https://forms.gle/y7ZW9PQCjeeaNxkf6
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The Annual Voyager Academy High School Blood Drive is Oct. 22
Led by VAHS Junior, Lauren King, the VAHS Blood Drive will take place this Fall on Oct. 22nd from 8am to 2pm in the high school parking lot. All eligible donors are welcome!
Sign-Up Link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time (Simply go to this link and type in “Voyager” to schedule your appointment today!)
Click here for the message sent to all families, containing details.
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Oct. 4-8 is VAHS SPIRIT WEEK ! !
VAHS students, show your spirit and join the fun!
Monday (the 4th) - Pajama day
Tuesday (the 5th) - Duke vs UNC
Wednesday (the 6th) - Your Favorite Holiday Day
Thursday (the 7th) - Throwback Thursday
Friday (the 8th) - Sports Jersey Day
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Make Up Date for Yearbook Pictures for All Grades is 10/4/21
On October 4th, Strawbridge will be at the high school for yearbook make up pictures. This includes the senior tux and drape pictures as well as make ups for grades 9-11. Any high school student who missed pictures the first go round, should plan to attend the make ups.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR AN ORDER FORM.
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Financial Aid for College: FAFSA Day is Back This Year (Oct. 23). It’s FREE!
On October 23, campuses across the state will be hosting parking lot drive-in sessions for students and their families who need help with the FAFSA. Below is a link for students to register. Be sure to check back, as every day campuses are signing on to host FAFSA Day events. You will find more information on http://CFNC.org/pay (click here) by early October.
Please complete and submit the form below to indicate your interest in receiving Financial Aid information or help in completing the FAFSA form on October 23, 2021 (FAFSA Day). This is a FREE service; there is no fee or service charge.
You may ask for and receive FAFSA help or Financial Aid help from any college, whether or not you plan to attend that particular school.
FAFSA Day Form:
https://register.etransfer.com/cgi-bin/acct/OI1AG3TER4/displayForm.pl?dir=LYGYCCAN_2021
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6 Great Options For Finding Scholarships
Students and parents are encouraged to check out the attached list of websites for scholarship platforms that are available. All seniors were invited by Ms. O'Kane to sign up for Going Merry (https://www.goingmerry.com) -- it’s free! Going Merry has thousands of national, regional, and local scholarships. There are also opportunities for every grade level, from freshmen to seniors.
Click here for more details about 6 Great Options for Finding Scholarships
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Senior Cap and Gown Orders Due on October 15
Seniors who did not submit paper orders for their graduation items on Monday 9/10, can now order from the Herff Jones website:
https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home
There are a variety of choices and products available, including class rings and graduation announcements. Please review the options and place your orders by October 15.
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Private Driver's Education Class
Jordan Driving School of the Carolinas is offering a PRIVATE TEEN DRIVER EDUCATION CLASS for teens 14.5 yrs and older
The next private class will be:
Oct 11-22, 2021 (Monday-Friday each week)
Daily Zoom class will begin at 6:00 P.M.
For more information and registration:
https://www.jdscarolinas.com/private-instruction
JDSC - jdsvanceboro@gmail.com
(Tel) 252-244-1220
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Oct. 20 is Parent Enrichment Night
The VA Student Services Team is hosting it's second Parent Enrichment Night event on Weds, Oct. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This is a virtual event, and will cover topics about Bullying and Mental Health Supports. Please see the flyer below for more information and a link to join the event.
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NC Countdown to College 2021 Events
The College Foundation of NC (CFNC) is hosting a month of live virtual events and How-To videos to support high school seniors in completing three important college enrollment steps: Residency, FAFSA, and applications. Check the calendar to see all of the events and colleges that are waiving their application fees in October: https://www.cfnc.org/apply-to-college/nc-countdown-to-college/2021-events-schedule/
Click here for the NC Countdown to College Calendar
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Thank You to the Elementary School!
Thanks to the Elementary School car line for donating $157.31 to Light the Night (Leukemia and Lymphoma Research). That brought our total collected at Voyager to more than $1,550.00! Kids have also been raising money outside of school bringing the Grand Total for Light the night to over $3,000.00! Thank you for your generous support!
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Class of 2022 Individual Senior Meetings With The Counselor
Congratulations to the VAHS class of 2022! Senior Planning Meetings are well under way, and all seniors are encouraged to sign up to meet with Ms. O'Kane to plan for graduation and post high school plans. Seniors can use the link below or contact Ms. O'Kane to arrange a meeting. Seniors should also be sure to keep checking the VAHS Counseling Blog and their email for updates and important news.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c44a5a62aa5f58-senior
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Check out the New Student Lunch Bunch
Calling all new students to VAHS!
Please join us every Wednesday during lunch in B118 to get connected with other students and have some fun. This is a chance to make new friends and learn everything that you need to know about VAHS. There are a lot of new students, and we want to welcome you and get to know you!
(Click here for printable version)
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Teen Services at Durham Public Main Library
Book Clubs, Tutoring, a Gaming Center, and more are all available for teens. The Durham County Main Library is now open and everyone is welcome to come visit! Below are some of our programs and services. Don't miss the Young Adult Career Expo in October! (see VAHS Counselor Ms. O’Kane for more info.)
(Click here for printable version)
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VCF (Viking Christian Fellowship) meets Friday mornings from ~7:30-8:30 in D124
Viking Christian Fellowship (VCF) meets Friday mornings before school from 7:30-8:30am in room D124 (Mrs. Paradis's room). All are welcome!
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VAHS Safety Guidelines for Students and Staff
It is important that students begin school each day with a mask that fits them properly. Please make sure your child has a mask that will stay over their nose. This is our number one safety feature.
When we returned in April of last year, we had specific directions for lunch. We will continue to reinforce the fact that students will have 14 minutes to eat lunch and then their masks will go back on. If students do not finish their lunch in that amount of time, we will have the students who need more time to sit at a table while the other students can talk as they will have on their mask.
Students will be asked to keep their masks on for outdoor lunch if and when they cannot be at least 6 feet apart.
Students need to continue to wash hands and use hand sanitizer when needed.
If students have any symptoms of sickness, the student should remain home until they have no symptoms. Please do not send a child to school if he or she has a fever.
Our school nurse and managing director are keeping a very close eye on the ever changing safety guidelines for schools. We will keep you updated as information is shared with us.
If we have a student who tests positive for Covid, that student will be asked to isolate for 10 days before returning to school. Voyager will send out a health email that tells families we had a positive case within our school community. Positive cases are reported to the health department. Students who are exposed to a positive Covid individual within their home, should report that to the building principal as soon as possible. That student will be asked to quarantine based on the most recent guidelines. All cases will be followed by the school nurse. If a student begins to show any Covid symptoms then that student would need to quarantine. Thank you for working with us as we seek to keep every student and every staff member as safe as possible. I understand we may not like the various guidelines, but I think we can all agree we need to do everything possible to keep our Voyager family healthy.
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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
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What to Do If You Are Not Receiving Group Emails From Voyager Academy
Please click here if you are not receiving group emails from Voyager Academy. This is a form, on which you can provide us your email address.
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PARENTS and STUDENTS: 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). Click below for subscription instructions, sorted by student’s graduation year.
PARENTS
Texting from your cell phone…
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
For parents of class of 2025:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp25
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STUDENTS
Texting from your cell phone…
For the class of 2022:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss22
For the class of 2023:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss23
For the class of 2024:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss24
For the class of 2025:
In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss25
Subscribe to the 21-22 VA Parent Calendar
You can view this calendar in two ways:
1. You can subscribe to the 21-22 VA Parent Calendar, so that it merges with yours. Here are the instructions:
Go to your google calendar
Go to settings, the little gear in the upper right corner----->
Settings
Add calendar
Subscribe to calendar
In the “Add Calendar” field, paste the following:
c_rf81ppekino4980nbie6tkvggs@group.calendar.google.com
OR
2. You can simply view it on our website, by going to https://www.voyageracademy.net/calendar/.
You can also add it from there, by clicking on the “+” sign at the bottom right of the calendar..
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OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR AND ABOUT VAHS
Voyager Academy Academic Calendar
The Voyager Academy High School Website
Important Dates