Dear Voyager Community,
We’ve had quite the rainy week here in Durham, but at least it’s not snow. I look forward to a sunny spring that is on its way. It’s been a great week on campus and our students continue to shine and work hard to make the most of their Voyager education experience.
This past weekend, the VAHS Show Choirs travelled to their first competition of the season in Winfield, WV. Both choirs brought home Best Stage Crew and Bull City Lights placed 2nd in their division! We also want to congratulate our two showmanship winners -- Karli McKenna and Riley Fernandez. We also had a member of Bull City Lights, Melody Wimberley, place first in the Solo Competition. We can't wait to see where this season takes our Vikings!
Live Stream video of the show : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIok0HpeoPc&t=1s
To watch Vocal Affinity, start the video at 3:51:06.
To watch Bull City Lights, start the video at 7:06:22.
Results for the Middle School NC Check Ins showed continued growth for our students across the subject areas. Our elementary students also continue to work hard demonstrating their literacy skills and showing growth on their middle of the year mClass assessments. The Middle School boys and girls basketball teams took home the championship in our conference this week during an exciting final against Vance Charter. We’re so very proud of our Vikings for all of their accomplishments academically, athletically, and musically!
The Board also met this week for their monthly meeting. Meeting documents are posted on the Board of Directors tab on our website. Public comment was heard on the different views and perspectives of our families with respect to the mask policy. The Board listened to all feedback and reviewed recommended changes to the Voyager Policy. The mask policy was updated to reflect that Voyager will continue to have a mandated mask policy when students, staff, and visitors are indoors on campus. The policy was modified to allow for optional masking when students, staff, and visitors are outside on campus. The updated policy is linked below for your reference.
Voyager will also be adopting the updated NCDHHS recommendations in the Strong Schools Toolkit updated on 2/10/22. Summarized below are the key modifications.
Elimination of contact tracing and quarantines for asymptomatic individuals in schools
Exposed individuals should still test on day 5 and monitor for symptoms
COVID exposures are still recommended to quarantine from the community
5 Day Quarantine for those with COVID symptoms or diagnosed with COVID. Able to return to school as long as fever free and symptoms are improving. 10 days of Mask wearing required
Our school nurse will be sending out updated guidelines and procedures and the information will be posted on our website as well. Voyager will also offer Rapid Antigen Testing to students exposed to COVID with parent permission with these updated changes. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
Please know that we are all here to support your child grow, learn, and find their passion. Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher, building administrator, or student support if we can assist your family in any way. Check out all the additional updates below and important upcoming events.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Upcoming Events:
2/22-2/25 - ACCESS for ELLs testing
2/24 - Board Meeting
3/1 - ACT (all 11th graders)
3/4 - Lottery
3/8 - Atlantic Coast Theater Presentation K-3 at 1:00 in middle school gym
3/9-3/10 - HS Mid-term Exams
3/10 - DPI Visit to Voyager - PBL
3/11 - End of 3rd quarter
3/14 - No School Teacher Workday
3/15 - No School Teacher Conferences
3/16 - Parent Enrichment Night
3/18 - MS Pictures
3/24 - Board Meeting
3/21-3/25 - Science Week at Elementary
3/24 - Science Engineering Night - K-3
3/28-3/29 - Remote Day for students
3/30 - HS Project Exhibition Night
PTO SAVE THE DATE – SPRING FLING – FRIDAY APRIL 22ND, RAIN DATE – APRIL 23RD
22-23 APPLICATION AND LOTTERY PROCESS
The 2022-2023 application process is now open. We have received over 1,700 applications to date. Please remember to submit an application by the February 28, 2022 deadline for any siblings that you would like to enroll for the 2022-2023 school year. Students that are already enrolled at Voyager do not need to reapply. Information, resources, and the timeline for the application and lottery process are under the admissions tab on the website. The recording from the 2/3 information session is posted on the website under the admissions tab.
Voyager continues to strive to reach a diverse demographic that reflects our community. Please reach out to your friends and neighbors and share information about our wonderful school community. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion distributed our school brochure and info session flyer at area preschools and community centers. Voyager also partners with the Head Start program and has already shared our school brochures and participated in their open house.
Link to Parent Info Night held on 2/3/22
AUTISM TEAM
The Voyager Autism Team has been meeting monthly this year to find ways to better support teachers' classrooms for students with sensory needs to be successful. This group of teachers and administrators wrote and applied for grant funding which was approved by the Department of Public Instruction. With the grant, they purchased sensory items to make “Classroom Support Kits.” for each grade level. (K-3). These kits included items such as weighted blankets, hand fidgets, flexible seating options, as well as visual timers. The Autism Team's plan is for all students to be able to benefit from these items in order to support language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, social interaction and emotional regulation.
If you would like more information about this project or to make a donation, please contact Tracey Edler-Exceptional Children Director-Tedler@voyageracademy.net.
NURSES CORNER
LOVE YOUR HEART-PART 3
February is National Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States so it’s never too early to start creating heart healthy habits! During this special month, both kids and adults can take a moment to recognize the importance of a healthy heart and actions we can all take to live a heart healthy life. Throughout the month of February, be on the lookout for Friday RN Updates focusing on different ways to take action and show our hearts some love!
Our final tip for our Love Your Heart series is about STRESS…or having less of it.
Stress can be defined as “the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with physical, mental, or emotional pressure.” Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. Stress can be positive - keeping us alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger. But stress can also be problematic when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation. Both children and adults feel and react to stress in different ways. But did you know that the amount and frequency of stress you experience and how you react to it can lead to a wide variety of health problems? Increased stress levels have been associated with increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Identifying sources of stress in your life and recognizing how stress impacts you personally are important steps in learning to manage stress. And it’s never too early for parents and caregivers to help children learn to manage their stress.
Here are a few tips to help de-stress -
Exercising regularly. It can relieve stress, tension, anxiety and depression. Consider a nature walk, meditation, or yoga.
Making time for friends and family. It’s important to maintain social connections and talk with people you trust. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, these relationships can become even more important. Consider having a family night to re-connect, calling a friend just to say hello, or video chatting with a relative you haven’t seen in a while.
Getting enough sleep. The CDC recommends that children aged 6-12 should aim for 9-12 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers aged 13-18 should get 8-10 hours of sleep. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours a night.
Maintaining a positive attitude. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Click here for more information about the benefits of thinking positively: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-think-positive#tips
Practicing relaxation. Find what relaxes you – maybe it’s exercise, or listening to music, or just 5 minutes of quiet time to yourself. Taking a moment to mindfully relax may help you reset and feel better able to tackle the stress in your life.
Finding a stimulating hobby that can be fun and distract you from negative thoughts or worries.
Ask the professionals. It’s ok to not be ok and ask for help. A healthcare professional is a great resource that may be able to help you find ways to manage your stress.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Go to: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/black-history-month for more information!
Calling all interested 6th-8th Middle School students: There is still time to join Dr. Link's second group, created just for you! It is focused on Healthy Coping and the group will be held on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30p. Please review the attached flyer and contact Dr. Link with any questions. Parents: To enroll your 6th-8th grade student, please complete the Permission Form and return it to Dr Link as soon as possible. This will be a safe, fun, and informative environment, where students will learn skills related to emotion regulation, self-management, self-care, healthy expression, and effective communication!
LUNCH PROGRAM
LUNCH ORDERING
The Linq Online Meal Ordering system is updated each Friday with your Titan account balance. The price for lunch under NSLP will be $4.00 for full price, $.40 for reduced and free for students that are eligible for reduced priced student meals. The monthly lunch menu is attached and also available on our School Nutrition website by clicking here. Please be sure to select a milk option before adding to your cart. The milk is a part of the meal. When ordering please remember to deposit funds into your Titan portal to cover the cost of meals ordered. Accounts with a negative balance, will lose their ability to order online until the balance is paid. If you need assistance, please email foodnutritionservices@voyageracademy.net.
LUNCH FUND DONATIONS
Some families require more help than others with daily purchases and outstanding meal balances. A few extra dollars from families with the ability to donate can help us make sure all of our children have consistent access to nutritious school meals, while keeping Voyager Academy’s finances strong! If you would like to contribute to the Voyager Academy Lunch fund, you can do so on the School Store at TitanK12.com
VIKING SUMMER CAMP
Voyager Academy is offering 4 fabulous weeks of summer camp for Rising 1st – 8th graders. Camp begins Monday, June 6, 2022 and will end Thursday, June 30, 2022. Camp hours are Monday - Thursday from 8:00am - 4:30 pm. All campers must be picked up by 5pm. Each week has its own theme incorporated into crafts, activities, and games. Campers will also go on weekly field trips, swim (pending pool availability due to COVID) or water play and participate in STEM activities.
We are also offering "Specialty Camps". The camp dates and details for these special sessions can be found on the camp webpage. Registration for Summer Camp is live on the Titan Family portal. You can quickly view all camp sessions by changing the "Category" in the school store to "Summer Camp." Complete the Summer Camp Registration Form for each child at the attached link. The $30 registration fee will be applied to your account after registration is complete. Registration is not complete until camp registration from, registration fee and session payment is made in Titan or by Check/Money Order. Space is limited and on a first come first served basis. There will be no waitlist for summer camp registration.
ATHLETICS
Winter Athletics
Middle School:
Congratulations to The boys basketball team (15-0, 12-0) who won the 2022 TNAC Conference Championship by beating Vance Charter School this past Tuesday! The boys finished their season undefeated and were crowned both the regular season and tournament champions.
Congratulations to The girls basketball team (10-1, 9-1) who also took home the 2022 TNAC Conference Championship this past Tuesday! The girls avenged their only loss of the season by beating Vance Charter in the Championship game in overtime.
High School:
Congratulations to wrestler Jordan Reudi who completed his wrestling career at Voyager Academy this past weekend. Unfortunately, his career did not end the way he wanted to. Jordan battled hard despite suffering a neck injury in the first round of state championships on Friday and ultimately fell in the second consolation round of the state championships the following day.
The men’s basketball team (14-8, 8-2) fell in the first round of the state tournament, losing at Perquiman’s High School 53-63. Unfortunately, the loss concludes the season for the men’s team. Thank you to seniors Nate Kornegay, Trey Turner, and Evan Nickerson for the memories on the court!
The women’s basketball team (9-7, 5-3) was awarded a wild card bid for the first round of the state tournament this past Tuesday but fell to Chatham Central, 34-52. Sadly, the loss marks the end of the women’s season. Thank you to our seniors CeCe Whitacker and Nialah Khan for all that you’ve done for the women’s basketball program.
Notes:
The winter season has officially concluded and we are now in full swing of the spring season.
If you are a student athlete (or the parent/guardian of one) and you will be continuing your athletic career at the next level please let me know which sport and where you will be playing so I may share with the Voyager Academy Community
Upcoming Home Games:
Monday, 2/28: Women’s soccer vs. NCSSM 6:00pm
Thursday, 3/3: Men’s tennis vs. Trinity 4:00pm @ Rock Quarry Tennis Courts
1st Annual Pete Shankle Classic
Own a piece of the 1st Annual Pete Shankle Classic today! Shirts are available in red only and in youth and adult unisex sizes. Shirts are $10 and pre-order ONLY!
The deadline for all orders is Wednesday, February 23 at 5:00pm. Cash or Checks payable to Lauren Allen will be accepted. If paying by check, please note "Pete Shankle Classic Shirt" on the memo line of the check and put your check and order form in a sealed envelope. If paying by cash please put your order form and cash in a sealed envelope. It is important that all payments be turned in to Voyager Academy Middle School with attention to Lauren Allen. Proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated to Stand Up to Cancer Foundation.
Shirts will be available for pick-up from 4:30-6:00 Friday, March 11 at Voyager Academy Middle School or prior to the start of the game on Saturday, March 12.
Inaugural Pete Shankle Classic T-Shirt Pre-Order Form
How to contribute to Voyager Athletics
You will want to start by going to the following web address: Family.Titank12.com and you will see to the right where it says “Don’t have an account? Sign up today!”
1. Once you create your account you will see a green + button to the lower right of the computer screen. Once you hit that button it should give you an option where you can select “add student”. It will ask what your district is. Start to type Voyager Academy and it will automatically populate for you to select. It should now prompt you to enter your child’s name and their date of birth.
2. You should now see a box on the screen with your child’s name. If you want to add a payment method you can go to the top right of the screen, click name, select profile. Here is where you can add your payment method.
3. Use the menu on the left to select "Store." This is the future home of all fee payments at Voyager Academy.
4. Select the Recommended or Custom Athletic Contribution tab. Each tab has a picture of our V logo with Athletics written across it.
5. Select your student(s) name from the drop down list.
6. Select the contribution you would like to make. In the recommended Athletic Contribution tab there are pre-set amounts listed depending on how many sports your child participates in. In the Custom Athletic Contribution tab you are able to write in the amount you wish to contribute.
7. Press the add to cart button.
10. A pop up button will appear with the option to continue shopping or view the cart. If you have additional contributions you would like to make, click continue shopping. Otherwise, continue to the cart for payment.
11. Review your cart before completing your purchase. To delete an item. Click the 3 dots to the right of the item.
12. The system should email you a receipt. You can also view your transaction history from the dashboard menu under "History."
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me:
jgatcomb@voyageracademy.net
Go Vikings, Go!
LET'S STAY CONNECTED
Let’s stay connected! Scroll on over to our Voyager Academy website to see all the updates and additions. Be sure to follow, friend, like and subscribe to all our Social Media accounts! #GoVikingsGo #VoyagerVikings
INTERESTED IN PART TIME WORK AT VOYAGER – SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS
PART TIME MIDDLE SCHOOL EC TEACHING ASSISTANT
Provides one-on-one assistance with academics and behavioral supports needed and may lead small group activities.
Assists the teacher with executing instruction and evaluating its effectiveness, participates in planning.
Assists with the delivery of special services for students in need of functional life skills.
Competitive hourly rate
Supportive school climate
PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR BEFORE AND AFTER CARE
Competitive hourly rate
Great staff and friendly children
Organized programming for before and after care
Apply on employment site on Voyager website under “About Voyager”
PART TIME BUS DRIVER OPPORTUNITIES
Safely transport students to field experiences and athletic events
Maintain safe bus environment for students
Available to drive activity bus for field trips and athletic events
Flexible hours
Competitive hourly rate
CDL license required
Apply on employment site on Voyager website under “About Voyager”