Voyager Academy High School News, April 22, 2022

GO VIKINGS GO!


In this issue...

  • Senior Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, May 11, 2022
  • Homecoming Week is April 25-29
  • College Fair 5/9/22
  • Voyager team to compete in State Championship of the NC Personal Finance Challenge
  • Spring Fling April 22, 2022 ! !
  • Congratulations to VAHS Senior Riley Fernandez 
  • VAHS Hosts a Blood Drive on May 13, 2022

  • Free STEM Summer Camp Opportunity
  • 2022 Graduation and Ticket Information
  • Parents: How to Stay Up-To-The Minute On Your Child’s Grades and Performance in Class
  • Free Tutoring From The National Honor Society!
  • Class of 2022 Individual Senior Meetings With The Counselor
  • VCF (Viking Christian Fellowship) meets Friday mornings from ~7:30-8:30 in D124
COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID INFO.
  • C-STEP: Durham Tech's Guaranteed Admissions Pathway to UNC Chapel Hill
  • Seniors: The SECU Scholarship Application Is Now Available
  • Scholarship Search Websites
OTHER GREAT WAYS TO STAY INFORMED
  • Check out the VAHS Counselor’s Blog (and subscribe)
  • What to Do If You Are Not Receiving Group Emails From Voyager Academy
  • Sign up to receive text messages from the school.
  • Subscribe to the “21-22 VA Parent Calendar” (google calendar)
  • Other great sources of information for and about VAHS.
  • Important dates.
  • 2 Important COVID Announcements

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Senior Breakfast and Awards Ceremony ,May 11, 2022

All seniors and their parents are invited to attend the class of 2022 Senior Breakfast and Awards Ceremony! The celebration will be held in the VAHS gym on Wednesday May 11, from 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. The traditional Senior Parade in graduation regalia. will occur  directly after the ceremony.   Please click on this link for more details. 



Homecoming Week! (April 25th-29th)

VAHS Student Council is so excited to finally celebrate a homecoming in person next week.  We will start the week off with a Pep Assembly during Monday's advisory where the Homecoming Court will be announced. We will continue the week with spirit days where the top winners in each grade level will be able to win cash prizes.

Spirit Days:
Monday: Colors: 9th grade Black,  10th grade Red,  11th grade White,  12th Grade Blue
Tuesday: Country Day   Yeee Haw!!!!
Wednesday: Surfers vs Bikers
Thursday: 9th: Babies,  10th: College Kids,  11th:Moms and Dads  12th: The Elderly
Friday: Viking Pride

On Friday the high school will hold a parade for the elementary and middle schools at 1:40pm

Student Council's final event will be a Block Party on Friday night from 6 to 8pm (High Schoolers only)  This will be a Tailgate Theme. Students can buy their tickets next week during lunch. $2 will get you into the block party and hotdogs, chips, drinks, and s'mores. Students, come enjoy the music by DJ Puhala and celebrate the end of the year.




College Fair 5/9/22

VAHS is hosting an R3NC Regional Admissions College Fair on Monday May 9, 2022. Students will have the opportunity to meet with 6 different admission officers  during Advisory and lunch. This is a great opportunity for students to collect admissions information, and ask questions of potential schools and help them narrow down or begin their college search options. Please click here for the list of participating Universities. 



Voyager Team Competes In State Championship Of The Nc Personal Finance Challenge

A team of 4 students from Mr. Baker's Personal Finance class was one of only five teams in the state that advanced to the State Championship of North Carolina's Personal Finance Challenge on April 8. The 4 students were sophomores Clifford Burton and Constantine Papanikas, and freshmen Caden Densmore and Theo Offenberg. 


(Pictured left to right: Theo Offenberg, Mr. Baker, Caden Densmore, Constantine Papanikas, and Clifford Burton)



Spring Fling, Friday April 22, 2022 ! !

Click here to see everything you need to know about Spring Fling. Please join us!!



Congratulations to VAHS Senior Riley Fernandez!
Riley is the recipient of the  Chick-Fil-A Leadership Scholarship. Representative's from Chick-Fil-A came  to VAHS this week to present the scholarship award. We are all grateful for the  leadership, teamwork, creativity, service and passion that Riley has demonstrated over her years at Voyager Academy!  



VAHS Hosts a Blood Drive on May 13, 2022

Made possible by the leadership of VAHS student, Lauren King, VAHS will be hosting a blood drive on May 13, 2022 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.  Everyone is encouraged to donate!


Please click here for details



Free STEM Summer Camp Opportunity

The Durham Soil and Water Conservation District will be sponsoring a high school student to attend the 2022 NC Resource Conservation Workshop (RCW): This is an Overnight camp for high school students interested in conservation and natural resources. Students will spend the week at NCSU learning about a wide range of conservation areas of study for college and careers after graduation.


Interested students should fill out an official application and return to the Durham SWCD office by 5 pm Wednesday, April 27, 2022, or email them to Lisa Marochak lmarochak@dconc.gov.

 

RCW video: http://youtu.be/3QiBfkAUPtE

 

RCW Application Packet- https://www.dconc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/36238

 

RCW Brochure- https://www.dconc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/36240



2022 Graduation and Ticket Information

Congratulations to the Voyager Academy class of 2022! Graduation will be at the Carolina Theatre on May 26, at 5:00. Senior parents/guardians, have received an email with a ticket order form for the big event.  Please click here for ticket information.

  
Thank you to the VAHS Class of 2022 for sparking hope, and for your inspirational, big dreams for the future! 


 

Parents: How to Stay Up-To-The Minute On Your Child’s Grades and Performance

Parents–just a reminder on how you can stay informed (“up-to-the-minute”) with your child’s VAHS classes and performance.  You may login as an “Observer” on your VAHS student’s Canvas account. You can check grades and assignments any time and receive automatic alerts and notifications. Click on the link below for instructions.


VAHS Canvas – Voyager Academy

 


Free Tutoring From The National Honor Society!

The NHS is excited to let parents and students of all Voyager schools know that the NHS Buddy Program is up and running. We offer tutoring services for all ages in person or via Zoom. Please use the link below to sign up for tutoring and we will get you connected with a NHS member in the area needed.


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6jWqwE5RpjuSo0fhtuBq82jlmPxuNL4Xs39deNfmiKnb0Og/viewform

 
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Class of 2022 Individual Senior Meetings With The Counselor

Congratulations to the VAHS class of 2022!  Senior Planning Meetings are well under way, and all seniors are encouraged to sign up to meet with Ms. O'Kane to plan for graduation and post high school plans. Seniors can use the link below or contact Ms. O'Kane to arrange a meeting. Seniors should also be sure to keep checking the VAHS Counseling Blog and their email  for updates and important news.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c44a5a62aa5f58-senior


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VCF (Viking Christian Fellowship) meets Friday mornings from ~7:30-8:30 in D124

Viking Christian Fellowship (VCF) meets Friday mornings before school from 7:30-8:30am in room D124 (Mrs. Paradis's room). All are welcome!


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C-STEP: Durham Tech's Guaranteed Admissions Pathway to UNC Chapel Hill

Seniors and parents are invited to a virtual information session on Durham Tech’s guaranteed admissions pathway to UNC Chapel Hill.  


C-STEP is Durham Tech’s guaranteed admissions pathway to UNC Chapel Hill.  If you are interested in learning more about the program and how to apply, please join a C-STEP Information Session on Monday, March 7, or Tuesday, March 15, at 4:30 pm via Zoom.  Join Zoom Meeting

Click here for a flyer from UNC Chapel Hill, with more information.

Click here to see Who Is Eligible for C-STEP and How to Apply


The deadline is April 1.


Scholarship Search Websites



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OTHER GREAT WAYS TO STAY INFORMED


VAHS Counseling Department Blog

Please be sure to check the VAHS Counseling Department blog frequently. The blog provides news, information, and opportunities for VAHS students and parents all in one convenient location. Topics range from Career/College Counseling and Application Support to Summer Programs and Opportunities. Check it out!


CLICK HERE FOR THE VAHS COUNSELING DEPT. BLOG


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What to Do If You Are Not Receiving Group Emails From Voyager Academy
Please click here if you are not receiving group emails from Voyager Academy. This is a form, on which you can provide us your email address. 


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PARENTS and STUDENTS:  Sign up to receive text messages from VAHS

Even though you may have been subscribed from last year, all must re-subscribe.  This is because some cell phone numbers may no longer belong to last year’s subscribers (as people may change numbers or mobile providers). Click below for subscription instructions, sorted by student’s graduation year.  


PARENTS

Texting from your cell phone…

 

For parents of class of 2022:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp22

 

For parents of class of 2023:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp23

 

For parents of class of 2024:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @df2ah6

 

For parents of class of 2025:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahsp25


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STUDENTS

Texting from your cell phone…

 

For the class of 2022:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss22

 

For the class of 2023:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss23

 

For the class of 2024:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss24

 

For the class of 2025:

In the “To” section of the text, please type 81010 and in the message section please type @vahss25



Subscribe to the 21-22 VA Parent Calendar

You can view this calendar in two ways:


1.   You can subscribe to the 21-22 VA Parent Calendar, so that it merges with yours. Here are the instructions:

-Go to your google calendar

-Go to Settings, the little gear in the upper right corner----->

In Settings:

-Add calendar

-Subscribe to calendar

-In the “Add Calendar” field, paste the following:

c_rf81ppekino4980nbie6tkvggs@group.calendar.google.com


OR


2.   You can simply view it on our website, by going to https://www.voyageracademy.net/calendar/.


You can also add it from there, by clicking on the “+” sign at the bottom right of the calendar..  

 


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OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR AND ABOUT VAHS
Voyager Academy Academic Calendar

The Voyager Academy High School Website

The VAHS Counselor’s Blog


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Important Dates

Dates

Events

April 22

Spring Fling 5:00-8:30pm

April 25-29

Homecoming Week! Homecoming Parade April 29

May 2 - 13

AP Exams

May 9

College Fair at VAHS

May 10

Spring Choral Concert 

7:00-8:00pm, VAHS Gym

May 11

Senior Awards Breakfast

9:00-10:30am VAHS Gym

May 13

VAHS Blood Drive

9am-2pm VAHS front parking lot

May 18-25

Final Exams

May 26

Graduation 

Location: Carolina Theatre

Time: 5:00-6:00pm




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.


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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





VOYAGER VIKING VALUES

CONFIDENCE   -   CURIOSITY   -   EMPATHY

REFLECTION   -   INTEGRITY