Hi Middle School Families,
SPRING BREAK: VAMS will be closed April 11-18 for Spring Break. Students and staff will return on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. We hope you truly enjoy your spring break.
Today we celebrated our Teachers of the Year, Young Educators of the Year, and Teaching Assistant of the Year for each school and our K-12 award winners. These dedicated education professionals were nominated and voted on by their peers to recognize them for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to our students and school community. Winners will be recognized at a dinner in their honor this spring. Please join me in congratulating Voyager’s top educators this year.
K-12 Award Winners
Teacher: Lauren Copley
Young Educator of the Year: Arianna Vargas
Teaching Assistant: Angie Oakley
Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award Winners
Teacher: Coral McDonald
Young Educator of the Year: Arianna Vargas
Teaching Assistant: Angie Oakley
Middle School Teacher of the Year Award Winners
Teacher: Lauren Copley
Young Educator of the Year: Sadie Lee
High School Teacher of the Year Award Winners
Teacher: Dalila Lilly
Young Educator of the Year: Nicole Whitby
We completed our 3rd Check Ins as reading and math were administered to our 4th and 5th graders. I do not have any of the results as of yet but I do know our students worked hard and put forth lots of effort.
BRIEF EOG INFORMATIOM With MORE to COME!!!!!
May 16, 4th grade and 6th grade, ELA
May 17, 4th grade and 6th grade, Math
May 18, 5th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade ELA
May 19, 5th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade Math
May 20, 5th grade and 8th grade Science
I will send additional EOG information to you when we return but just to let you know that students only come to school on the days that they are being tested as we need all staff to administer the EOG each day along with all the spaces. Again, more info to come!!!!!
Our softball team, baseball team, and soccer team are all ready to play but the weather is not cooperating. The weather has also impacted our FOOTLOOSE practices. So sorry for all the changes due to weather but we take watches and warnings very seriously.
TALENT SHOW: I am excited to announce that Voyager will be having a talent show for K-5 students! The live talent show will be from 4:30-5:30pm on Thursday May 5th in the Middle School Gym. There will also be a digital talent show option. We have some seriously talented kids at Voyager and I am so excited that they will have the opportunity to share their many talents! Click on this link to see more information and to fill out the form! https://forms.gle/VEagHBrEyERXhCSb6.
Complete the form if your child is interested. Email me if you have any questions ksawyer@voyageracademy.net.
National Junior Honor Society
Our National Junior Honor Society was at it again. Their Service Project of providing toiletries to Urban Ministries was a huge success. They have tubs at the front door of the MS and tubs are full.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALWAYS SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS AS THEY WORK TO HELP OTHERS.
Recycling Program
Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Manning
This is Amelie and Kaymille (juniors from the high school). We are working with Ms. Huntington and a group of high schoolers to create and secure a working recycling program here at Voyager since that has been something the school has been lacking for quite some time. We would like to expand this system to all three schools. Before we can begin, we need to make a list of all the teachers that need a recycling bin in their classroom. If you do not mind, could you please forward the google form below to all the teachers in the middle school and elementary school? This will allow us to move forward more efficiently and start working on the next steps of this project. Thank you for taking the time to read this email. We really appreciate the help.
STUDENT SUPPORT
March 31st, 2022 was InternationalTransgender Day of Visibility! Check out the video link below to hear more about this day and of one family's journey as they support their child with her transgender experience: https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/video/international-transgender-day-visibility-8378840
DO YOU HAVE A PICKY EATER: Many young children and adults are picky eaters. Our school social worker and guidance team wanted to share this great resource with our families. Voyager will be hosting a Virtual Workshop on April 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 to help all families learn to navigate life with a picky eater.
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 all adults working with and supporting youth are encouraged to attend. We are finalizing the date at this time, but plan for either the last Monday or Wednesday in April (6:30p) - save the date! Once the date is confirmed, we will let everyone know!
We hope to see you at our last two events for this academic year!
LUNCH PROGRAM
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.
April Menu IS LIVE!
VIKING SUMMER CAMP
Voyager Academy 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.
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. The last day to register is April 30th, if space is still available.
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:
You will need to create an account on the portal first to begin making payments. Once in the Titan family dashboard
Link your student(s) to your family account. All Voyager students are in the Titan system.
Add a payment method here under profile or in your cart before checking out.
Use the menu on the left to select "Store." This is the future home of all fees payments at Voyager Academy.
Select the item you aRe purchasing (field trip, etc)
Select your student(s) name from the drop down list.
Select the plan selection.
Select your students' grade level.
Select the month of service.
Press the add to cart button.
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.
Review your cart before completing your purchase. To delete an item. Click the 3 dots to the right of the item.
The system should email you a receipt. You can also view your transaction history from the dashboard menu under "History."
Please do not set up recurring payments within the portal for field trip fees.
Bring Your Own Device: For the 2022-2023 school year we are asking that 6th, 7th, and 8th graders Bring Their Own Device to School. Many of you are aware of the BYOD policy. Program outline is below:
BYOD stands for “Bring Your Own Device”. It is a strategy for providing personal computing in business and education where the end user (employee, student), as opposed to the organization, provides, owns, and maintains his/her own device. It is typical in universities and colleges, and is gaining in popularity in K-12 education and businesses.
Daily Expectations Access to a computer is essential to learning at Voyager Academy. The student’s personal device is considered an essential school supply, just as pencils and paper traditionally have been. Students are required to be prepared at the start of each school day with their fully-charged and functional devices. This is considered a part of being prepared to learn. As with all technology at Voyager Academy, students are required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy and the Ethical Use Policy when using their personal devices.
Loaner devices Voyager will maintain a sufficient pool of short-term loaner devices for extenuating circumstances, such as a computer being out for repair. Loans will be day-long only. Students who need a loaner should check one out from building administration (usually the building Assistant Principal) before the start of first period, and return it before returning home. The loaner devices do not go home with students unless no other option, such as a shared family computer, is available.
Student Computer Purchasing Guide - Updated July 2022 Voyager Academy requires that every student in grades 7-12 have his or her own laptop for use in school and at home as a part of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Students use their computers extensively for academic purposes. Most software, resources, and services that students utilize are cloud-based and accessible via a modern web browser. Students use Google’s G Suite for office software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc), so Microsoft Office is not required.
Requirements
Hardware
Physical keyboard. On-screen touch keyboards are insufficient.
Battery sufficient to last an entire school day.
Operating System:
Chrome OS
Windows 10 or newer
Mac OS X / macOS
Linux
Installed Software:
Current version of a modern web browser. Options include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Google Chrome is recommended, as it includes a built-in Flash Player, which is still required by many web applications.
Adobe Flash Player
Network Connectivity:
WiFI: 802.11ac or 802.11n with 5 GHz support
This is an important requirement. Voyager has made significant investments in WiFi infrastructure to ensure reliable internet access by many simultaneous users. To take advantage, student computers must meet the above requirement. Meeting this requirement is not expensive; all devices listed in the “Device Recommendations” section are less than $300. Most new computers will have 802.11ac.
Your reseller can help make sure the computer meets this requirement. If 802.11ac is listed in the specifications, the computer meets this requirement. If 802.11n is listed, the 5 GHz band must be supported (often listed as 802.11n dual-band). Again, most new computers will have 802.11ac.
A note about cellular (3G or 4G) connections: Students are required to connect to Voyager’s WiFi for Internet access when at school. Use of cellular connections on campus is prohibited.
Device Recommendations
Voyager’s extensive use of cloud applications means that requirements for software support and local system resources are minimal. A Chromebook is an excellent, inexpensive option in our environment. Recommended models are the Lenovo (4 GB RAM), and the Acer (4 GB RAM and 14” 1080p screen). The Acer model is notable for having a 1080p 14” screen which provides more workspace. The Acer also is a 100% Aluminum chassis, while the Lenovo is hard plastic. Please note that we no longer recommend Chromebooks with less than 4 GB of RAM (some 2 GB models are still available but should be avoided).
Triangle Ecycling VIP Store
We recycle our company computers and other electronics with Triangle Ecycling, a local nonprofit that uses them in an educational program that teaches public high school students computer tech and the soft skills they need to succeed in the job market. They also donate 10% of their profits to the DPS Foundation to support innovation and equity in the public schools.
They donate many computers to local charities but also make some available to the community online through their VIP Store. They have invited us to take advantage of great deals on refurbished computers through this link. Please check it out and support a good cause if you are in the market for a high quality computer at a discounted price.
ALLERGIES AND COVID: 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.
PTO SAVE THE DATE – SPRING FLING – FRIDAY APRIL 22
RAIN DATE – APRIL 23
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.
Carline Reminder
Please follow carline procedures. We have shared that it is important for our middle school parents to arrive for car line pick up no earlier than 3:10-3:15. By waiting to arrive, we are not blocking Ben Franklin and we have less chance of accidents. We have also asked that you not cut in line as that is not how we do business. I continue to hear how the middle school needs to wait to arrive, how the middle school is not following the process, and how middle school is cutting in line. I even have pictures of license plates sent to me. Please stop cutting line. Once our line starts moving, the line goes quickly and smoothly.
Yearbooks
Yearbooks for the 2021-2022 school year are now on sale. An email was sent earlier providing you with information on how to purchase online. If you prefer to pay by check or cash, you may complete the envelope that will be in the office. It should be a great yearbook sharing lots of memories. You should have also received an envelope if you prefer to purchase with cash or check. If you have questions, contact Ms. Pam at pmurray@voyageracademy. com
CELL PHONES
We continue to have students using their phones during the day. Cell phones should be turned off and in their bookbag. We had a couple of situations this week where some of our students tried to hide their phone under the desk and began sending texts until they were found out. I recognize they think of everything but we have been clear that cell phones need to be in bookbags.I also want to ask each of you to refrain from texting or emailing our students during the day. It is distracting to our students and others. Our focus should be what we are learning, not returning a message.
WHAT IS AMAZON SMILE? AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones.
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.
ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR CALENDAR:
4/20 - 5th Grade On Campus Field Trip
4/22 - 3rd graders visit 4th graders
4/22 - Spring Fling
4/27 - New Family Get Acquainted Day
4/29 - Footloose, 7:00, MS Gym
4/30 - Footloose, 7:00, MS Gym
5/1 - Footloose, 2:00, MS Gym
5/5 - Talent Show - K-5 at MS - 5 pm -6pm
5/6 - 6th Grade Trip to Busch Gardens
5/10 - 7th Grade Science Fair, 5:00-6:00
5/11-National School Nurses Day
5/12 - 4th Grade Beach Trip
Thanks for all the support you provide Voyager Middle School. It’s
noticed and appreciated!
Gwen
Gwen Johnson
Middle School Principal
919-433-3301 ext. 101