Dear Voyager Community,
It’s been another wonderful week on campus! Our students are working hard as they settle into the second semester. Across campus our buildings are also focusing on Black History Month and recognizing and celebrating the important contributions of African Americans. Lessons are being incorporated throughout the curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade on African American authors, playwrights, civil rights leaders, scientists, artists, musicians, and mathematicians. Highlights are also spotlighted during morning announcements. The Middle School Student Council created a black history month trivia program and our second graders created a freedom quilt as part of their learning process and to create greater awareness.
The NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has compiled information about 10 places in NC that families can explore to learn more about North Carolina’s African American History. You can learn more at their website linked here. One example is the Pea Island Life-Saving Station, the only U.S. Life-Saving Service station with a crew of African Americans that performed many heroic acts. Their 1896 rescue of all nine passengers on the three-mast schooner E.S. Newman during a hurricane earned them a posthumous Gold Lifesaving Medal in 1996. Their efforts are honored at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station on the Outer Banks, one of the most complete, historic stations of its kind in the United States.
Our Middle School Science Olympiad students have also been working hard as a team. They will compete this weekend and we wish them all the best in the Science Olympiad Competition. The high school band and chorus groups held their final dress rehearsal for parents to prepare for upcoming competitions. We can’t wait to see them perform and wish them all well at the competitions. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the Nashville Songwriter’s Night at DPAC on Friday, February 11th. Part of the proceeds will help support the Arts programs at Voyager.
This is also the time of year that we start the planning for our admissions and lottery process. Wednesday night we held a virtual information session for all prospective families and had approximately 300 attendees. The entire leadership team as well as two parents, Kelli Anderson (PTO President) and Kate Buchanan (SIT Chair) shared their roles and perspective about the value of a Voyager education and our community experience. The Parent Info Session was recorded and will be shared with all families that applied. Mary Beth Hawkins, our Student Enrollment manager, will be sending all current families an intent to return form so that we can determine the potential open seats at each grade level when we run our lottery. We appreciate your quick response to this short form.
Check out all the updates below for additional information including details about the 1st Annual Pete Shankle Classic, a fundraiser to support the Stand Up to Cancer Foundation in memory of Coach Shankle. 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.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Upcoming Events:
2/7 - 2/11 - Staff Appreciation Week
2/7-2/10 - Kids Jump Rope Heart Challenge (Elementary PE)
2/10 - 8th Grade Basketball Players recognized at game on 2/10
2/11 – Country Songwriter’s Night at DPAC
2/12 - Mattress Sale @ ES
2/14/22 - Singing Friend-A-Grams at the Elementary School
2/14 - 2/18 MS Winter Spirit Week
2/16/22 - Parent Enrichment Night: Social Media and Internet
Dangers (6:30p)
2/17 & 2/18 - Teacher Workdays
2/21 - Remote Day for Students and Staff
2/22-2/25 - ACCESS for ELLs testing
2/24 - Board Meeting
3/1 - ACT (all 11th graders)
Early March - 8th grade course registration during Core Connections
22-23 APPLICATION AND LOTTERY PROCESS
The 2022-2023 application process is now open. 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. We will be hosting a virtual information night on February 3, 2022 for all prospective families. 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 committee will be recruiting 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
UNCW Watson College of Education Educators of Color Network
The purpose of the UNCW Educators of Color Network is to support the recruitment and retention of teachers of color K-12 in NC. Anyone interested in or has a commitment to the topic are welcome in the network. Additional details linked here.
DPAC Country Songwriter’s Night 2/11/22
NURSES CORNER
YOU’VE GOT MAIL!
Did you know that Friday, February 4th is National Thank a Mail Carrier Day? Today is a reminder that someone makes sure the mail is delivered 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. It goes without saying just how important mail carriers are to our daily lives. And we could not be more thankful for their services throughout the pandemic.
Recently COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits became available for home delivery through the United States Postal Service. Every home in the United States is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests that will be delivered straight to your door! And these tests are completely FREE. For more information about this program through the United States Postal Service you can click here: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/At-Home-COVID-19-Test-Kits
To order home test kits for you and your family through COVIDTests.gov, you can click the link located here: https://www.covidtests.gov/
You can find our current Sick Child Policy in Spanish here: https://www.voyageracademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Voyager-Academy-COVID-Sick-Policy_Spanish.pdf
Voyager Sick Child Policy & Guidelines
STUDENT SUPPORT
Please join the Student Support Services Team for a riveting and informative Parent Enrichment Night focused on addressing "Social Media and Internet Dangers." This eye-opening session will be hosted by a special guest presenter on February 16th, from 6:30-7:30p. All adults caring for or working with a young person will benefit greatly from this session, as it will provide valuable insight as to how to keep our youth safe when interacting with today's technology. Adults will also learn the common "code language" and "secret" apps/websites that youth utilize in order to evade adult attention and knowledge. You are not going to want to miss this hot topic!
LUNCH PROGRAM
MEAL APPLICATIONS
All families need to complete an application now that Voyager Academy is approved as an NSLP school. Even if you do not qualify for reduced meals or order meals from the school, your input on the applications matter. The data used helps Voyager Academy qualify for certain programs and grants each year. The meal application can be completed online at Family.TitanK12.com. I have attached the FAQ Free and Reduced School Meals for more detailed insight on the program and a paper application. If you need assistance, please email foodnutritionservices@voyageracademy.net.
Families that qualify for Direct Certification based on their eligibility for State and Federal programs will receive an email from Food & Nutrition Services. Those families will not need to reapply at this time. If your family currently receives FRL meals but does not qualify under Direct Certification, you must resubmit an application dated after January 3rd. Families that do not, will lose their eligibility and are responsible for the cost of meals ordered.
Any applications received/processed after January 3, 2022 do not need to be resubmitted.
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. 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
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Enrichment classes begin next week. Classes run from February 7th through May 13th, except Soccer Shots (starts on March 21st for 6 weeks). There are no Enrichment classes on February 17th,18th, 21st, March 14th & 15th, and the week of April 11 – April 18 (Spring Break). Enrichments pickup will take place in the carline. We ask that parents be there to pick up their students on time. Please use your red/blue pick up card for enrichments. The instructor will escort the students to the carline door.
If you need assistance, please email enrichments@voyageracademy.net.
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 weeks for those special sessions will be announced soon. Registration for Summer Camp will begin in mid February. Space will be limited and on a first come first served basis. There will be no waitlist for summer camp registration.
ATHLETICS
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”