Voyager Academy Elementary School News, March 11, 2022

 NEWS FROM ELEMENTARY:  We hope that you and your family have had a wonderful week of learning.  The following announcements will be helpful for you and your family for the week of March 7-11.


TEACHER WORKDAYS:  Monday and Tuesday, March 14 and 15 are scheduled Teacher Workdays.  There is NO school for students.  Many parent conferences have been scheduled during these two days.  


AIG TESTING:  AIG testing will be completed on March 30 for 2nd graders and March 31 for 3rd graders.  If your child qualified for testing, you should have received a letter from the school on Friday, March 11.  The students brought it home in their folders.  Please sign and return the form to your child’s teacher.  


2nd GRADE FIELD TRIP:  The 2nd grade classes will be visiting the Museum of Life and Science on March 25th.  Please see your child’s teacher if you have any questions about this educational trip.  


CAMPFIRE SONGS AND UKULELE UNIT:  Students in grades K-3 have been enjoying a wonderful unit in music related to campfire songs and how to play a ukulele.  Ask your student to share one of their favorite campfire songs with you.  


https://photos.app.goo.gl/51EUKSyisRHYuTScA


PBL CELEBRATIONS:  Students in grades 2 and 3 shared the knowledge they have gained during project work during an amazing Project Celebration that was held on March 11.  Way to go Vikings!


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HhlAZvG1dVxQ4mYuweItTNZptnp2Xvhr/view?usp=sharing


EC FUNDRAISER: With Spring Fling around the corner, Voyagers Exceptional Children Pineapple class has decided to sell DONUTS. The Dunking Booth was such a big hit at the fall festival we are hoping to have it return for Spring Fling. We are trying to raise money to help cut the cost for the booth and raise money for materials that are needed for our classroom. Beginning today and until Friday, March 18th we will be selling donuts by the dozen for $13.00. If you would like to order, please complete the order form listed below. It you have any questions please reach out to  Crissy Wilson- Cwilson@voyageracademy.net


 DOUGHNUT ORDER FORM


DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME:  Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13.  


CHICK-FIL-A BOOK DRIVE:  Chick-Fil-A is such a wonderful supporter of our school.  They will be hosting a BOOK DRIVE for us on Wednesday, March 30 from 7 to 7.  If you  bring three new or gently used books to Chick-Fil-A (on Roxboro St.) they will give you a FREE biscuit or sandwich.  Spread the word!


ChickFilA Flyer


VOYAGER ART SHOW:  VAES will be hosting its first Elementary Art Show on Tuesday, April 5 from 5:30 to 7:00.  Mark your calendar now for this exciting event.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oRy1IW6gfZ88NAG0SyDtAx0I0mI0BBVi/view?usp=sharing



TRAFFIC STUDY:  Voyager will be conducting a traffic study in the near future to obtain more data to help as we strive to ensure the car line experience is as smooth as possible. 


 WISH LIST FOR SCIENCE WEEK:  As we prepare for our amazing Science Week, we are in need of a few supplies.  If you are able to assist with this, please click on the link below.  Thank you so much.


ATLANTIC COAST THEATER COMPANY:  VAES had a wonderful time watching The Fairy Tales of Grimm on March 8.  The students were excited to have their FIRST all school assembly.  Please ask your student to tell you which of the 4 plays they enjoyed the most.  This was a great way for VAES to celebrate Read Across America Week.  





2 IMPORTANT COVID ANNOUNCEMENTS


  • Voyager Academy Masking Policy Update

  • ALLERGY SEASON and COVID-19 PROTOCOLS


Voyager Academy Masking Policy Change

Voyager Academy has adopted a mask-optional policy effective March 7, 2022. In general, students, staff, and visitors will be permitted to decide whether or not to wear a mask. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, even in this mask optional setting, masks will be required for individuals at the discretion of the Managing Director in the following circumstances:

  1. To be in accordance with guidance from the Strong Schools Toolkit, NCHHS, Durham County Public Health Department, and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”)

  2. Where an individual tests positive for COVID-19

  3. Where an individual has symptoms of COVID-19

  4. Where an individual has experienced a potential exposure to COVID-19

  5. To be in accordance with state or federal law, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments.


For the safety of others, when a mask is required, the school requires a two-layer cloth face mask or medical mask. Masks must cover the nose, mouth, and chin. Mesh masks, bandanas, neck gaiters, and face shields are not an acceptable face mask covering and are never permitted. There are many reasons why an individual may or may not mask. All employees are expected to be supportive of their co-workers' choices with respect to masking. And, all parents/students/guardians are expected to be supportive of staff and students with respect to their choices. Any staff member who violates this policy will be subject to discipline. Any student who violates this policy will be subject to discipline under the Schools Code of Conduct. Any parent/guardian who violates this policy will be contacted by the Principal or Managing Director.


-----------------------------------------------------


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: 

  1. get a PCR COVID test with a negative result, OR 

  2. obtain a note from the doctor excusing the student from testing due to allergies, OR 

  3. 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






UPDATED MASK POLICY: Voyager Academy has adopted a mask-optional policy effective March 7. 2022. In general, students, staff, and visitors will be permitted to decide whether to mask or not. Notwithstanding the foregoing, even in a mask optional setting, masks will be required for individuals at the discretion of the Managing Director in the following circumstances:

1. In accordance with guidance from the Strong Schools Toolkit, NCHHS, Durham

County Public Health Department, and/or the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (“CDC”)

2. Where an individual tests positive for COVID-19

3. Where an individual has symptoms of COVID-19

4. Where an individual has experienced a potential exposure to COVID-19

5. In accordance with state or federal law, including but not limited to the Americans

with Disabilities Act and Amendments.


For the safety of others, when a mask is required, the school requires a two-layer cloth face mask or medical mask. Masks must cover the nose, mouth, and chin. Mesh masks, bandanas, neck gaiters, and face shields are not an acceptable face mask covering and are never permitted. There are many reasons why an individual may or may not mask. All employees are expected to be supportive of their co-workers' choices with respect to masking. And, all

parents/students/guardians are expected to be supportive of staff and students with respect to

their choices. Any staff member who violates this policy will be subject to discipline. Any

student who violates this policy will be subject to discipline under the Schools Code of Conduct.

Any parent/guardian who violates this policy will be contacted by the Principal or Managing Director.


MARCH IS RESPECT MONTH:  During the month of March, VAES is encouraging students to show RESPECT.  We are using this theme throughout our morning meetings and we are encouraging students to be RESPECTFUL throughout the day.  They have a daily RESPECT challenge–such as showing respect by being honest or by keeping your cubby clean.  Thank you for encouraging your student to show RESPECT to all.


THIRD QUARTER ENDS:  The third quarter grading period will end on March 11 and report cards are scheduled to go home on March 18.  Teachers will be available for spring conferences on March 15.  


MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  VAES will be hosting a Science and Engineering Extravaganza Week March 21-25.  Details will be provided to each family.  We hope to fill the week with fun and energizing experiments and challenges as we highlight the importance of science and engineering.  On Friday, March 25, the students will experience 5 different science and engineering learning stations and will participate in the first VAES Egg Drop Event.  


REMOTE LEARNING DAYS:  Voyager Academy will be hosting its last remote learning days of the year on March 28-29.  Teachers will be sending home assignments for students to work on during these two days.  In order to be counted PRESENT for each day, students will need to complete and submit or return the packet work to their teacher.  


VOYAGER SPRING FLING:  The fun is coming on Friday, April 22.  Rain date is set for Saturday, April 23!

IT IS TIME TO ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK:  Voyager Academy Elementary School is excited to announce our YEARBOOK ordering is up and ready at Strawbridge Studios! See attached flyer.

 

VOYAGER ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

2021-22 YEARBOOK 

$22 - UNTIL 3/04/22 

$27 - FROM 3/05/22-4/29/22 

FINAL DEADLINE TO ORDER IS APRIL 29, 2022

ONLINE CODE - YB110322   

https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB110322

 

Yearbook Order Flyer


 

FIELD TRIP PAYMENTS AT VOYAGER:  Field Trip Payments will now be made through the Titan Family portal at Family.Titank12.com. It is the same system we are using to deposit funds for lunch. If you have not set up an account yet, I've included the instructions (Spanish & English) to this email. I also created a short video tutorial of the process. Each family will need to set up an account in order to pay for field trip and classroom fees.

Watch the video here:

Titan Video Tutorial Link

 

You will need to create an account on the portal first to begin making payments. Once in the Titan family dashboard

  1. Link your student(s) to your family account. All Voyager students are in the Titan system.

  2. Add a payment method here under profile or in your cart before checking out.

  3. Use the menu on the left to select "Store." This is the future home of all fees payments at Voyager Academy.

  4. Select the item you aRe purchasing (field trip, etc)

  5. Select your student(s) name from the drop down list.

  6. Select the plan selection.

  7. Select your students' grade level.

  8. Select the month of service.

  9. 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 a sibling to register or need an additional plan, 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."

  13. Please do not set up recurring payments within the portal for field trip fees.



Labels: