Dear Voyager Community,
Welcome back to all after a wonderful spring break. Our students returned to school refreshed and eager to learn. Students continue to work hard mastering their coursework and enjoying active learning opportunities.
The fifth-grade students experienced life in colonial times with an on-campus field trip with visitors from Camp Flintlock. Our visitors camped out on campus and greeted our families with fife and drum music during carline. Students engaged in activities to experience life during colonial times. Below are some highlight photos.
Our 8th graders have experienced deeper learning about the Constitution through their project work. The culminating activity of their Dreams of Democracy: The Legacy of the U.S. Constitution project was to create an American version of an Arpillera.
Arpilleras were created by women in Chile during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Chilean women used burlap sacks and cloth to create art which illustrated the feelings that they were unable to voice in their society.
Eighth grade students were asked to think about a social change that they would like to see in America. The artwork had to represent the reality of the issue and the dream for "A More Perfect Union". Students were also asked to synthesize knowledge gained through the study of the Constitution in their artist statements. Highlight photos below show their artwork on display.
We are very proud of our Science Olympiad winners as well for their dedication to exploring science and showcasing their knowledge in competitions. Review the details and list of award winners below. There is also a STEM institute opportunity in the area for interested families to check out below as well.
Don’t forget tonight is our PTO sponsored Spring Fling from 5pm- 8:30 pm. Come out and enjoy a beautiful spring night with the Voyager Community. Join us for food, games, music, activities, and emergency community vehicles to explore while having fun with your family and friends. Next week the Middle School will perform “Footloose” and Student Support is hosting the final parent enrichment night on Monday, April 25th.
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 the upcoming events and all the updates below from our School Nurse, Student Support Team, Operations Manager, and Athletic Director.
Enjoy the beautiful spring weekend!
Upcoming Events:
4/22 - Spring Fling
4/25 - Parent Night - Gender Identity and Sexuality (6:30)
4/27 - New Family Get Acquainted Day
4/25-4/29 - Spirit Week (HS)
4/28 - Board Meeting
4/29 - Homecoming Parade (HS)- 1:30?
4/29 - Footloose, 7:00, MS Gym
4/30 - Footloose, 7:00, MS Gym
4/30- Chick-Fil-A Book Drive 7 to 7
5/1 - Footloose, 2:00, MS Gym
5/5 - Talent Show - K-5 at MS - 5 pm -6pm
5/10- Spring Choral Concert (7-8pm, HS gym)
5/10 - PTO Meeting
5/10 - Elementary Field Day
5/10 - 7th Grade Science Fair, 5:00-6:00
STEM SUMMIT AT THE FRIDAY INSITUTE
#IAmCS 2022 Summit
Join DPI and NC State University on April 30 from 10am-5:30pm for the #IAmCS student-led Computer Science and STEM Summit at the Friday Institute.
K-12 students interested in STEM topics will participate in hands-on workshops, games, more.
Learn more and register here.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD COMPETITION UPDATES AND AWARD WINNERS
Four of our middle school team members qualified and will be competing at NC State University this weekend in the State Science Olympiad Tournament. Much luck to Zoe Robinson, Sophie Chorosevic, Samantha Kolls and Brian Eckert!!
Our elementary varsity and JV teams did an amazing job at the Durham Regional Science Olympiad tournament on April 9th!! They won the 1st place team award and numerous individual medals!! We are so proud of this entire team of 1st thru 5th graders: Naomi Alem, Xavier Anderson, Maura Carden, Callen Cardwell, Mary DuBois, Reagan Gross, Genesis Haynes, Jason Iwara, Rory Jantz, Ruby Kovach, Amelia Kovach, Ava Moss, Phoebe Oakley, Vivien Page, Saiah Park, Gavin Peaks, Luna Penedo Vicens, Isabella Portilla, Ella Ritter, Thaddeus Robinson, Jungsoo Shin, Insoo Shin, Shiloh St. Fleur, Elijah Taylor, Isabella Ton, Arianna Walker, Rose Wiley and Margaret Wiley.
2nd Place 3,2,1 Blast Off: Ava Moss & Vivien Page
1st Place Backyard Biologist: Phoebe Oakley & Saiah Park
3rd Place Bridge-A-Roni: Margaret Wiley & Rose Wiley
2nd Place Code Busters: Insoo Shin & Jason Iwara
1st Place Describe it build it: Margaret Wiley & Rose Wiley
1st Place Duct Tape Challenge: Noami Alem & Ruby Kovach
3rd Place Fossil Frenzy: Mary DuBois & Genesis Haynes
1st Place Genes R Us: Noami Alem & Jason Iwara
1st Place Landformers: Isabella Ton & Insoo Shin
1st Place Marshmallow Catapult: Mary DuBois & Genesis Haynes
1st Place Science Password: Reagan Gross & Rory Jantz
1st Place Sky Quest: Isabella Ton & Vivien Page
1st Place STEM Challenge: Reagan Gross & Rory Jantz
2nd Place Super Sleuths: Ella Ritter & Ava Moss
1st Place Weather Permitting: Reagan Gross & Rory Jantz
1st Place Chew the Fat (JV): Maura Carden & Isabella Portilla
1st Place Marshmallow Catapult (JV): Jungsoo Shin & Thaddeus Robinson
1st Place Super Sleuths (JV): Gavin Peaks & Shiloh St. Fleur
NURSES CORNER
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
STUDENT SUPPORT
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Please check-out the resources below for more information focused on the safety and well-being of our youth:
Multimedia Gallery
Videos that showcase the importance of community involvement in preventing child abuse and neglect. The conversations highlight the true value of community-based child abuse prevention programs.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/multimedia-gallery/
Child Maltreatment Data
Each year, the Children's Bureau releases a detailed report of national data about child abuse and neglect and the State and local services that address it.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/about/child-maltreatment-data/
Publications
Child Welfare Information Gateway offers a number of publications related to preventing child abuse, protecting children from the risk of abuse, and promoting healthy families. The publications provide evidence-based information for professionals and families.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/publications/
The Student Support Services Team is proud to announce that we are able to host our final Parent Enrichment Night in April! The topic will be focused on: Gender Identity and Sexuality. All parents/guardians, as well as all adults working with and supporting youth are encouraged to attend. This FINAL recorded Session will be held on MONDAY, April 25th, at 6:30p. Our special guest presenter is just as excited as we are, to bring forth this meaningful and timely content! The flyer for this event is also included and has the zoom link attached ("Click Here to Join" or copy the URL from the bottom). We hope to see you there! For those who missed or who would like to review the Parent Enrichment Night session focused on Nourishing Children with Picky Eating Behaviors, please feel free to view the recording at the following link: https://youtu.be/fA0yagpR-LY
Child safety is an area of concern that matters to and impacts us all! We kindly ask that everyone please mind the laws and safety regulations that govern child safety while in the carline. Children should be buckled up and properly restrained at ALL times when in the carline, EVEN while the carline is stationary. Children should NOT be hanging out of windows, tapping on roofs, or be half-way in the car as the car is pulling off. Please be aware that EACH car is carrying, dropping off, and picking up the MOST precious cargo that we can possibly carry - our children! Let's all be safe! Please make sure the children in the car with you are properly buckled and restrained, and that they are inside the vehicle at ALL times!
PARENT ENRICHMENT NIGHTS
The Student Support Services Team is proud to announce that we are able to host a second Parent Enrichment Night in April! The topic will be focused on: Gender Identity and Sexuality. All parents/guardians, as well as all adults working with and supporting youth are encouraged to attend. This FINAL Session will be held on MONDAY, April 25th, at 6:30p. Our special guest presenter is just as excited as we are, to bring forth this meaningful and timely content! The flyer for this event is also included and has the zoom link attached ("Click Here to Join" or copy the URL from the bottom). We hope to see you there!
Child safety is an area of concern that matters to and impacts us all! We kindly ask that everyone please mind the laws and safety regulations that govern child safety while in the carline. Children should be buckled up and properly restrained at ALL times when in the carline, EVEN while the carline is stationary. Children should NOT be hanging out of windows, tapping on roofs, or be half-way in the car as the car is pulling off. Please be aware that EACH car is carrying, dropping off, and picking up the MOST precious cargo that we can possibly carry - our children! Let's all be safe! Please make sure the children in the car with you are properly buckled and restrained, and that they are inside the vehicle at ALL times!
FIELD TRIPS AND SCHOOL PAYMENTS IN TITAN SCHOOL STORE
The Family Portal is where families pay your school fees, manage your students accounts, apply lunch funds and apply for free and reduced meals. When making purchases, you will need to visit the "Store," which is on the left hand side of the Home screen. The one time payment and recurring payment features are where you apply funds for lunch orders. Select the Categories button to filter through the list of items available in the store. Then select the item you are wanting to purchase for your student.
If you have trouble logging into your account or have questions, call or email the Titan Support team. Support is available from 7 AM to 7 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to answer your family portal questions at (844) 467 4700, option 2. Refunds are issued at the school level.
VIKING SUMMER CAMP
Summer Camp 2022 Webpage
The last day to register is April 30th. We have added wrap-a-round care to students participating in the Summer Bridge program. Voyager Academy's summer camp is for Rising 1st – 8th grade Voyager students and their siblings. 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. Parents wanting wrap-a-round (before and after care) can register online in the Titan school store.
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." When registering a sibling that does not attend Voyager Academy, select a Voyager student from the dropdown. Then select the sibling's rising grade and name in the labled text box. 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.
BEFORE AND AFTERSCHOOL 2022-23
Planning for the 22-23 school year is gearing up! Registration will begin on or after July 18, 2022. An email will be sent with all the details over the summer. We are hopeful for a full staff of energetic and engaged after care workers. Please keep in mind as the job market continues to fluctuate, so will the number of slots available in aftercare. I encourage all families to anticipate a waitlist and make alternate plans for the coming year. If you know someone wanting to join our team, please have them email the Operations Manager or apply online at https://nc.teachermatch.org/jobsboard.do?districtId=569410884
LUNCH PROGRAM
We are full swing into field trip season this spring here at Voyager. On full day field trips, classes will not be on campus to eat hot lunch. Please be sure to cancel your lunch order for those days in LINQ. If you need assistance, please email foodnutritionservices@voyageracademy.net.
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.
May Menu IS LIVE!
Nutrition
Good nutrition leads to great academic performance
Your body needs healthy fuel to perform, to grow and to ward off illness and disease. Would you feed a million dollar racehorse junk food & soda? Of course not, so think about what you eat...because you are worth far more than a horse!
Good nutrition has a positive and direct impact on your ability to do well in school. When your nutritional needs are met, you have the cognitive energy to learn and achieve. You will be better prepared to learn, more likely to attend school, and are more apt to take advantage of learning opportunities.
Protein – Choose a variety of foods with lean protein
Protein is an indispensable nutrient and can be found throughout every tissue in our body. Protein is a vital source of energy but the most important function of protein is building and repairing tissue. We also need protein for our immune function, proteins transport vitamins and minerals throughout our body.
Grains – Make half of all the grains you eat whole grains
Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides health benefits. Dietary fiber from whole grains, may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Grains are important sources of many nutrients, including several B vitamins, magnesium and selenium.
Vegetables - Make at least half of your plate fruits and vegetables
Eating vegetables provides health benefits — people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.
Fruits – Make at least half of your plate fruits and vegetables
Eating fruit provides health benefits — people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.
Dairy – Always choose fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
Milk and dairy products are especially important to bone health during school aged years, when bone mass is being built. It provides important sources of calcium, potassium and vitamin D, and help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and help to lower blood pressure in adults.
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!
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 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”