Dear Voyager Community,
It was an incredible week on campus with action packed learning. Our students across campus are focused on our core values confidence, empathy, curiosity, reflection, and integrity. Our core values are the foundation of our social and emotional learning and our students are reflecting those values in their actions.
Project based learning experiences are another foundation of a Voyager education that engage our students in deeper learning through inquiry, problem solving, collaboration, and public exhibition. This week there were several project celebrations across campus that showcased the authentic learning taking place in our classrooms. Our Curriculum Director, Building Principals, and I visited classrooms with two representatives from the NC Department of Public Instruction so they could learn about the Voyager approach to Project Based Learning.
At the Middle School we saw 5th graders presenting projects addressing the driving question, “Who are some of the famous African Americans throughout history and how have they impacted American history and our lives today?”. Our 4th graders were tackling “What impact has electricity had on our community over time?”, and demonstrated how additional power produced brighter light using circuits and additional batteries. The 6th graders showcased advertisements and innovative theme parks to illustrate how they can educate and entertain guests. Our 7th grade students were tackling, “How can you predict, create, and share an accurate weather forecast?”, as they completed science experiments and prepared to be meteorologists. The 8th graders were challenged to solve equations as part of an escape room challenge making math a fun competition that engaged our students.
Our high school students showcased a civics literacy project focused on “Do I have a right?”, as they researched various amendments and laws. In calculus students tackled the driving question, “Can I use trigonometry to measure the whole world?”, and set out to identify the tallest object on campus. The Personal Finance class tackled real life challenges of “How to buy a car and how do I pay for college and career training for future success?”.
The elementary 3rd grade classes focused on “How are countries unique and why would people want to visit them?”. The 2nd grade class tackled “Who has played a major role in the 1800s and how can we teach others about them?”. The driving question in 1st grade focused on “How do plants and animals survive in different habitats around the world?”. Students demonstrated their learning through songs, illustrations, and presentations.
The learning process is the most important part of the project based learning experiences as students develop foundational content knowledge, team building skills, communication skills, and technology skills. Through reflection and critique, they continue to improve and refine their work along the way which further cements a growth mindset and striving to do your best. We are so proud of our Vikings!
It is also amazing to see the collaboration among our students at all grade levels and between buildings bridging the connections across campus. Our elementary students enjoy their high school reading buddies and appreciated partnering with them on their most recent project. Our middle school students were also in on the action attending the elementary project celebrations and learning along with the elementary students.
We look forward to welcoming parents back to campus for more spring project celebrations in the near future. 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:
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
NURSES CORNER
ALLERGY SEASON and COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
It's officially "that" time of year….ALLERGY SEASON! We realize that many students and families experience symptoms of seasonal allergies. And unfortunately, many allergy symptoms can look like COVID-19 symptoms, and vice versa.
As Voyager moves into a phase of less restrictive COVID-19 measures, testing remains a powerful and valuable tool that helps prevent the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 and keeps our students, teachers, and community safe and able to continue in-person learning. We ask that parents continue to practice an abundance of caution and follow the testing requirements for their children if they are experiencing any symptoms or have had a recent, known exposure to COVID-19.
Below are a few reminders as we head into allergy season. The Durham Department of Health guides our sick child/symptomatic individual protocols. Please note that Voyager Academy teachers, front office staff, or school nurse CANNOT diagnose allergies nor excuse a student that is currently experiencing any of the symptoms listed below from following the Sick Child Policy due to an assumption of seasonal allergies.
· NCDHHS and Durham Health STILL require a PCR COVID test for any student with symptoms on the list below. Even as other COVID protocols have changed, this policy has not changed.
· Negative at home rapid tests are not sufficient to clear a student to return to school at this point in time. While they are an informative tool, a student with symptoms needs a PCR test (with a negative result) in order to return to school prior to 5 days.
If a student is experiencing any symptoms listed below and a parent/caregiver feels that the symptoms are due to seasonal allergies, they have THREE OPTIONS. The student can either:
get a PCR COVID test with a negative result, OR
obtain a note from the doctor excusing the student from testing due to allergies, OR
stay home for 5 days following the onset of symptoms and they may return after the 5th day and will need to wear a mask indoors and outdoors for the next 5 days.
The only time a student with symptoms on the list below is not required to get a PCR COVID test is if they have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
If your child takes daily, over the counter medication for management of their seasonal allergy symptoms, now is a great time to speak with their pediatrician about starting that. For questions about medication management of seasonal allergies, please reach out to your child’s pediatrician.
Below is the list of possible COVID symptoms as defined by the CDC and NCDHHS:
· temperature above 100.4F or chills
· cough
· headache
· sore throat
· congestion or runny nose
· fatigue, muscle or body aches
· nausea or vomiting
· diarrhea
· shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· new loss of taste or smell
For links to Voyager’s updated COVID-19 protocols and policies please see below. These documents are also available on the Voyager Academy website under “COVID-19 Info.”
· UPDATED Voyager Academy COVID Protocols as of 2/28/22: https://www.voyageracademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Voyager-Academy-COVID-5-Day-Guidance-and-Policies.pdf
· UPDATED Voyager Academy Sick Child Policy: https://www.voyageracademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Voyager-Academy-COVID-Sick-Policy.pdf
· UPDATED Voyager Academy Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.voyageracademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/COVID-19-Guidelines-FAQ.pdf
COVID -19 Policy Updates
There have been several changes in guidance from the state and local health departments which warranted us to review and update our COVID 19 policies. As you know Durham Public Health lifted their mandatory mask mandate effective Monday, 3/7/22. The NCDHHS held a webinar earlier this week to discuss updates on their policy changes and mask recommendations along with updated data and statistics statewide. The revised Strong Schools Toolkit from NCDHHS will be released later today. The latest information which has led to the mask recommendation changes from NCDHHS are outlined below.
The COVID-19 landscape is different as we emerge from the latest surge; as we have throughout the pandemic, we are adapting our response based on the current stage of the pandemic.
We are learning more about the virus, and we now have a wider array of effective tools to reduce risk:
Vaccines and boosters are widely available and help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Immunity in the community is increasing
Treatment is available for those at higher risk of severe disease.
Trends are decreasing, lowering the risk of infection, and improving hospital capacity.
Our goal is to use the most tailored and effective tools for the stage of the pandemic, get people back to the experiences and places they love, and reduce the risk of COVID-19 and to protect those at highest risk of severe illness.
Universal mask mandates are a less important tool in lower risk settings like schools.
After a thorough review of all updated guidance from the state and local health departments, the board has approved a Mask Optional COVID 19 policy and updated the employee and volunteer vaccination policy at the emergency meeting today. The approved policies are linked for your convenience. Mandatory testing of student athletes was also eliminated. These policies will go into effect on Monday, 3/7/22 and continue to transition as guidance recommends.
I recognize that there may be mixed feelings about the changes to the mask policy. Some of you may be excited to remove your masks while others may still have concerns. Please know that we respect family’s individual choices and we ask that you respect the choices of others as well. We also ask that you please speak with your children about respecting the choices of others and not to question them about why they might be wearing or not wearing a mask.
Please remember that individuals that return from a quarantine will be required to wear a mask per guidelines from NCDHHS. We will continue to monitor the COVID metrics and stay abreast of all guidance from the health departments and adjust as needed. Thank you for all your flexibility as we continue to navigate the ever changing plans due to the COVID 19 challenges.
The school nurse has shared updated information and links to documents on COVID protocols as well in the nurse’s corner. Please keep in mind that all individuals that have been required to quarantine for 5 days will be required to mask for an additional 5-day period when they return to school per guidelines from the NCDHHS. Voyager will also offer Rapid Antigen Testing to students exposed to Covid with parent permission with these updated changes.
STUDENT SUPPORT
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Women's History Month! Check out these exciting events...
For more information, go to: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/women-making-history-north-carolina-live
Check out 5 Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month - various events at Duke and in Durham to honor the contributions of women.
For more information, go to: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/women-making-history-north-carolina-live
Check out 5 Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month - various events at Duke and in Durham to honor the contributions of women.
Attention all Adults: Did you miss the amazing Parent Enrichment Night session on "Social Media and Internet Dangers" or do you simply wish to view it again?! Well here's your chance! You may view the informative presentation facilitated by Mrs. Shelly Calrk Epps at either of the following links:
https://voyagercounseling.wixsite.com/home
Please be reminded that this presentation is NOT intended for youth; therefore, make sure that any youth are not within hearing or viewing of the content.
LUNCH PROGRAM
March is #NationalNutritionMonth! To celebrate, we'll be sharing the weekly theme here in the Weekly Newsletter as well as on social media. National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. For more information on National Nutrition Month, you can visit https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month.
Week One: Eat a variety of nutritious foods.
Include healthful foods from all food groups.
Learn how to read Nutrition Facts labels.
Incorporate your favorite cultural foods and traditions.
Choose foods that have little to no added sodium, sugars or saturated fat
Try new flavors from around the world.
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 flavor 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. 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" in Basketball, LEGO Robotics and Ukulele/Guitar.. 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. The last day to register is April 30th, if space is still available.
ATHLETICS
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!
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
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”