Dear Voyager Community,
Well it has been another exciting and productive week on campus. Students and staff continue to work hard through the third quarter strengthening their academic skills, completing updated benchmarking, and learning through inquiry and project based experiences. While students are enjoying two days off from school, our teachers and staff had the opportunity to participate in professional development, team meetings, and vertical planning so they can also continue to grow and learn while focusing on improving their practice.
Students were also excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their friends this week. The elementary school students had a special Valentine treat and classes were serenaded by our High School Service Club and given hand-made cards. The Middle School also had some additional excitement as they celebrated spirit week with style.
Black History month continues to be celebrated across campus as one middle school class I observed focused activities learning about Mae Jemison an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Students then created portraits that exemplify her strengths and achievements as shown in the photo below. Integrating art into the lesson added creativity and visual reminders that inspire our students.
Student artwork is also on display in the Hock House conference room and hallway to showcase the many talents of our students. See the photos below which highlights some of the artistic talent on campus.
I also wanted to share some exciting news about improvements that have been approved by our Foundation Board. The school will be upgrading our elementary and middle school playgrounds, adding fencing around the perimeter behind the field to increase security and safety, and adding awnings for the elementary school and middle school carline areas to provide shade and cover for all those rainy days. We are excited to make these important capital improvements to the property to enhance the Voyager experience for our students.
And finally a special thank you to parent, Shelly Epps Director of Security Management at Duke, for sharing her expertise at the Parent Enrichment Night this week on Social Media and Internet Dangers. Ms. Epps shared incredibly useful resources and tips to help parents protect their children and guide them on appropriate use of social media and the internet. And thank you to the parents that joined in on this powerful and informative presentation and our Student Support team that planned the event.
Please remember that Monday, February 21st is a remote day for students. Teachers have provided assignments for students to complete at home. 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:
2/21 - 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
3/8 - Atlantic Coast Theater Presentation K-3
PTO SAVE THE DATE – SPRING FLING – FRIDAY APRIL 22ND, RAIN DATE – APRIL 23RD
A Wellness & Mindfulness Event! - Sponsored by the PTO
Something that we can all agree on, is that the last few years have been particularly stressful for our kids, the staff, and ourselves!
There is no magic wand to wave it all away, but maybe there are some helpful tools that can help us manage. Please join the VA PTO Wellness and Mindfulness event on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7pm!
Zoom link:
https://duke.zoom.us/j/97206174896?pwd=VEladjFNRUhYdlFGN0RxTStGVUdTQT09
COGNIA ENGAGEMENT REVIEW REPORT
Voyager completed the Cognia Accreditation review process in the fall of 2021 with a final Engagement Review during November. All stakeholders including students, parents, staff, leadership, and the Board were involved throughout the process. We are grateful for the collaboration and partnership gathering evidence throughout this process. Overall Voyager scored a total of 384 on the Cognia Index of Education Quality compared to other schools in Cognia’s network that scored an average range of 273 - 283 over the last five years. Voyager also saw a growth of 90 points since the 2016 Cognia accreditation review process.
Of the 30 standards evaluated Voyager received the highest rating of “Impacting” which demonstrates that the desired practices are deeply entrenched in the organization on 26 of the 30 standards. Voyager received the second highest rating “Improving” on a scale of 4 which identifies areas that Voyager can further analyze and use results to guide continuous improvements. The Cognia final report detailing all of their findings is linked here for your review.
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 2
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 health 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!
This week…LET’S GET ON THE MOVE! The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity each week for adults and 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity everyday for children ages 6-17. But only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise each week. Being more active can help all people think, feel, and sleep better and perform daily tasks more easily.
Here are a few tips -
A little means a lot! Simply just moving – standing, walking, taking the stairs, even stretching – improves your heart health.
Remember that sports and physical activity should be fun and that children benefit most when they try a couple of different activities before settling on just one.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be structured – just running around the playground or having a dance break is great exercise!
Limit sedentary activities like watching TV and video games.
Do activities as a family – such as a hike or playing at the park together.
Voyager Sick Child Policy & Guidelines
STUDENT SUPPORT
There is still time to join Dr. Link's second group for 6th-8th grade Middle School students, which is focused on Healthy Coping! The group will be held on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30p. Please review the attached flyer and contact Dr. Link with any questions. To enroll your 6th-8th grade student, please complete the Permission Form and return it to Dr Link by February 23rd. 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
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.
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." 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:
The boys basketball team (13-0, 10-0) won big this past Monday against rival Excelsior Academy, 49-21. Elliott McMurray and Jonathan Scott led 11 different Viking scorers with 8 and 9 points respectively. With the win the boys team captures another regular season conference title and the #1 seed entering the conference tournament next week. The boys team will have a 1st round bye tonight and host the winner of the Roxboro Community / Henderson Collegiate game at home on Monday, 6:30pm. The winner of Monday night’s game will play at Voyager Academy on Tuesday, 6:30pm for the championship.
The girls basketball team (8-1, 7-1) squeaked out a 1-point win against Excelsior Academy on Monday night. At the time of writing this, statistics had not been released for the game. The girls team also finished as the regular season conference champions last week and will be the #1 seed in next week’s TNAC conference tournament. The girls will have a bye this evening and host the winner of Excelsior Academy / Oxford Prep. on Monday, 5:00pm. The winner of Monday night’s game will play for the conference championship at Voyager Academy on Tuesday, 5:00pm
High School:
Congratulations to our Swimming team who competed in states this past weekend. The women’s 200 medley relay team finished 6th in the state! Also, a huge congratulations to Senior swimmer, Ede Kosik. Kosik is the NCHSAA 1A State Champion in BOTH the 100 and 500 freestyle! Congratulations, Ede. We are so proud of you!
Speaking of state championships, wrestler Jordan Reudi will be traveling to Greensboro on Friday and Saturday as he looks to become the 172# State Champion after pinning his opponent in his semi-final match last Saturday. Logan McElroy had a strong showing in regionals but fell in the third consolation round. Jed Rose also qualified for regionals but fell short of states by losing in the second consolation round.
The men’s basketball team (14-7, 8-2) advanced to last night’s TNAC Conference Championship game by beating Vance Charter School this past Tuesday, 67-41. The Vikings played Henderson Collegiate in the championship game last night and lost a tough game, 46-59. At the time of writing this there were no statistics reported. The men will find out where they are ranked and who they will play in the state tournament when NCHSAA releases their seeding on Saturday.
The women’s basketball team (9-6, 5-3) dropped their heartbreaking semi-final game on Tuesday, 39-43 at Oxford Prep. The Vikings were led by senior Nialah Khan with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Sophomore J’Nyah Walden and Senior CeCe Whitacker contributed 8 points a piece in the loss. The women’s team will await NCHSAA seeding on Saturday to see if they get one of the Wild Card bids.
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”