Voyager Academy High School News, May 13, 2022

GO VIKINGS GO!

In this issue...

  • Final Exam Schedule
  • Voyager Votes! (First time voters)
  • 2022 Graduation Information
  • Viking Alumni in the News
  • High School Group Interviews for Before & After Care
  • AP Exams: May 2 - 13
  • A Senior Trip to Carowinds
  • Teacher/Staff Gifts - End of the Year
  • 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.
  • 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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Final Exam Schedule

Final exams begin on Wed. May 18. Please click here for the Spring 2022 Final Exam Schedule

Good luck to all!!


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Voyager Votes! (First time voters)

Voyager AP US Government and Politics students took an active role in our democracy by voting in the 2022 Primary Elections. We encourage the entire Voyager community to get out and vote. Early voting is open now and the Primary Election Day is May 17th.



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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 all graduation details, including ticket information. 

Please click here for important graduation information.


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Viking Alumni in the News

“Her presence has been a gift…” These are words used to describe VAHS class of 2018 alumnae Jaclyn McVey, by Director of Marketing and Community Development at NC State Entrepreneurship. Majoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Jaclyn graduates from NC State this Spring tied for number one in her class!



Click here for a wonderful article about VAHS alumnae Jaclyn McVey.


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High School Group Interviews for Before & After Care



Group Interview for 2022-23 After School Group Leader are happening next week! You must RSVP online on SignUp Genuis.  All group interviews will be held at the Voyager Academy Elementary Gym. Applicants should wear appropriate clothing, but do not need to dress up for the interview. If you have any questions about the group interview process, please don’t hesitate to email careprogram@voyageracademy.net.

 

Job Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years old before August 1st for the fall.

  • In satisfactory standing with Voyager Academy High School.

  • Able to lead a small group of children with minimal supervision.

All After School Group Leader applicants must attend one of the Group Interviews below:

 

  1. Tuesday, May 17th from 4:30pm-5:30pm

  2. Wednesday, May 18 from 4:30pm-5:30pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4AA4A623A1FB6-interview



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A Senior Trip to Carowinds

A group of thoughtful VAHS parents are planning a day trip for VAHS seniors to Carowinds amusement park. This is not a Voyager sponsored, nor affiliated trip. If you are interested in joining the group, here is the information you need:

Sign up for the trip here http://evite.me/sPNQfw85kN

If you have questions, please send your email, tkpenn@aol.com.


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Teacher/Staff Gifts - End of the Year

Parents, please consider contributing to the teacher/staff gift collection as a way to thank them for their hard work and dedication this school year!  You can use the link to the PTO Square site to contribute to the end of the year teacher/staff gifts. https://voyager-academy-pto.square.site/


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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

 

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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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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

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
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