Voyager Academy
Dear Voyager Community,
It’s been another exciting and busy week of learning and growing together on campus. We also had a range of emotions as we celebrated excitement during Fall Festival and deep sadness as our community came together to mourn the loss of Laura McGhinnis. Her memorial service was a beautiful celebration of her life and the deep connections and impact she had on her church community and Voyager Academy. Our students and staff honored her in many ways and were there to support her family during this challenging time.
At Monday's game against Vance, the HS Boys Soccer Team did a balloon release in honor of Mrs. McGhinnis. The balloons were orange, her favorite color. Both teams stood in the shape of a heart in the center of the field. The balloons were released after a moment of silence.
Thank you to Robin Lalor, Elaine Bahr, and our incredible PTSO volunteers that supported the fabulous Fall Festival held this past weekend. It was wonderful to see so many families and community members joining in on all the fun and excitement. Below are a few highlight photos showcasing some of the activities.
The School Improvement Team met this week to review the improvement plan and discuss ways to further engage our local community with Voyager. Thank you to our parent volunteers on the team for sharing your ideas and input. The School Foundation Board also recently met and approved additional facilities upgrades for campus. In addition to awnings for the Middle School and Elementary School, the Middle School bleachers will be replaced and new locks installed on all doors. We will also be purchasing a gator vehicle to better maintain our turf field and support other facilities needs on campus.
We are so grateful to all the families that supported the Elementary and Middle School Step It Up Fundraiser. The School Board met on Thursday evening and approved the school’s plan to utilize the fundraiser to purchase new interactive boards, iPads, and other instructional supplies needed. The state budget was recently approved and our finance committee reviewed a proposal to re-evaluate staff compensation for 22-23. The Voyager Board approved the proposed staff compensation recommendation to ensure we remain competitive with area district schools so that we retain our highly valued staff members.
Academic results from the 21-22 school year state testing was also shared at the board meeting. We highlighted the success of our students during the 21-22 school year, comparisons to other schools, as well as initiatives that will be implemented to support our struggling learners. Thank you to all the parents that partner on the educational journey with us to foster growth for all children. The state is evaluating options to change the state report card and are seeking community input. A separate email was sent sharing the press release with additional information. A summary and link to the survey can also be found below.
Thank you to all the parents that attended the fall conferences as well. We appreciate your involvement in our school community. Please remember that 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 below. A help wanted section is also added to highlight the current open positions posted on our website. Please feel free to apply online or share with your contacts.
I am also excited to share that the library and PTSO will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair next week. Check out additional details below. Have a wonderful weekend.
All the best,
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
9/26 – 9/30 – Scholastic Book Fair
9/28 – Senior Parent Info Session
9/29--EXPO Parent night meeting (virtual)
10/5-6 HS Mid-terms
10/07- Day of Awesomeness for K-8
10/10 – 10/14 – School Closed for Fall Break
10/18 – PTSO Meeting
10/25 PSAT
10/27 – Board Meeting MS Art Room
We would love for you to come and join our Voyager Family!!
First link is for the Book Fair-tons of information.
Parents are able to load Edollars-basically a credit card for kids-this is infinitlely easier for checkout and teachers.
Emily has made a TEACHER WISHLIST for all TEACHERS. PLEASE COME ON FRIDAY AND FILL OUT YOUR CARDS-she even made one for Credle.
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/voyageracademy
We also need to staff this with volunteers
Please see her link below
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/30E0E4CA5A62DA2F58-voyager
***Library keeps 100 percent of all money made for this event!!!***
Thank you all so much!!!!
Redesigning N.C.’s School Performance Grades
EdNC Staff | September 22, 2022
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has convened an advisory group to redesign the state’s school performance grades between now and January 2023. This survey, run by EducationNC, seeks to gather your input on how school performance should be evaluated. All results will be used anonymously in aggregate, and a final report will be provided to DPI ahead of its next meeting in October.
This survey will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, October 10. Once the survey closes, the results will be posted publicly. Thank you for your participation.
NC DPI Press Release | Sept. 22, 2022: Survey Seeks Input on Model for Measuring School Quality
The public is encouraged to complete the survey.
What is EXPO? EXPO is the official Voyager Academy organization whose role is to inform, support, and advocate for parents, guardians, and caregivers of Voyager students with exceptional talents and needs. The members of EXPO are parents and teachers who care deeply about providing our students with a safe, nurturing, and academically stimulating school environment. EXPO’s primary function is to provide parents with the information they need to support their students while they are at Voyager. This information can come in many forms and can come from sources outside of the immediate Voyager community. In the past, we have provided outside speakers to come and speak on topics such as how to advocate for students during the IEP meeting, and caring for our students with disabilities when they reach adulthood.
EXPO the organization was established some years ago when concerned parents and teachers realized the need for an organization that could and would address the unique needs of students at both ends of the “needs curve.” As parents and educators, our role is to advocate for the needs of both AIG students as well as those students with learning disabilities.
On Thursday, September 29, at 6:00 PM, EXPO will be hosting an online video chat with Mrs. Tracey Edler, the Director of the Exceptional Children program at Voyager Academy. Mrs. Edler will be discussing the Exceptional Children’s program as well as addressing other related topics of concern. I do hope you take this opportunity to introduce yourself to Mrs. Edler and to EXPO as well. Bring good vibes, and good questions to what should be an interesting and informative discussion.
Voyager Academy Exceptional Children Parent Organization (EXPO) promotes and
advocates for the general welfare and educational opportunities for all AIG and Special
Needs students.
COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION WEEKLY UPDATE:
The health and safety of our students, teachers, staff, and volunteers are our top priorities. Voyager Academy is following the CDC COVID-19 Community Level guidance. We sincerely appreciate your consideration.
Our CDC COVID-19 Community Level is: MEDIUM
**Masks are encouraged indoors if you or a loved one are at risk of severe illness**
If you have symptoms of illness, COVID-19 testing is highly recommended
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
YOU HAVE A SPOT. GET YOUR UPDATED SHOT.
Following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization on August 31st, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 12 and older get an updated COVID-19 booster, when eligible, to protect against the latest COVID-19 variants. The updated COVID-19 booster targets both the original coronavirus strain and the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. It offers the most up to date protection against COVID-19. As of mid-August, these subvariants make up nearly 90% of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina. The booster, like all COVID-19 vaccines, is safe to take alongside the annual flu vaccine.
It’s important that as we all head into the Fall and Winter months and spend more time gathering indoors, everyone stays up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to help protect against serious illness, hospitalization, death, and long-term complications from the virus. There are many people across our state who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications – and are also at risk for serious flu complications – older people, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Flu vaccines are also available now and often at little to no cost.
Click here to find locations offering updated COVID-19 boosters:
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines?utm_source=myspot.nc.gov&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=(none)
Voyager Academy’s Inaugural K-12 Community Service Initiative: The Student Support Services Team is pleased to announce our inaugural K-12 Community Service experience for the 2022-23 school year: “Voyage into Service.” This is a school-wide volunteer opportunity that is available to all students, parents, and staff throughout K-12! The Vision of Voyage into Service is “Building the capacity for positive regard and respect for self, others, and the world around us.” The Mission is to “Provide confident, empathic, curious, and reflective service to and throughout the community, with integrity.” We invite and encourage all of those who are interested in serving to join us Saturday, November 5th from 9:30-11:30a for our first Community Service Event: The Diaper Bank of NC (1311 E. Club Blvd, Durham, 27704 - inside the green fence at the corner of Kiss Dr. and E. Club Blvd.). The Diaper Bank of NC requires the following:
Sign up link: https://x.gldn.io/e/hfSgEoGhXrb (Each participant must fill this out parents, children, and staff).
*Volunteer guarantees that they are not feeling ill before their shift.
Masks are optional for all staff and volunteers. Those who wish to continue wearing masks are encouraged to; however, anyone who is not vaccinated, please wear a mask at all times.
Volunteers will work inside a ventilated warehouse. Please note that this area is in a warehouse that is not climate-controlled. The loading dock doors open will be open and large fans will be going, but it does get warm!
Bring a cool drink!
Close-toed shoes are required.
If anyone is interested in attending but needs transportation to/from the event, please contact Dr. Monique Link, School Social Worker at 919-433-3301 X 146 / mlink@voyageracademy.net
Also, if anyone will be attending who is under the age of 18, please contact Dr. Link, as this needs to be noted for the Diaper Bank on the Group Waiver form by Dr. Link. Certificates of Participation will be awarded to everyone in attendance AND there will be a raffle for a few sweet give-aways!
“THANK YOU!” The Student Support Services Team would like to extend a resounding “Thank you!” to everyone who donated to the PTSO Canned Food Drive at the Fall Festival last week! This was a huge success ~ we were able to fill our wagon to the top three times! For anyone who would still like to donate non-perishable food items and/or donations of gift cards to grocery stores, you are still able to do so! Please contact Dr. Monique Link, School Social Worker at 919-433-3301 X 146 / mlink@voyageracademy.net in order to set up a donation delivery or to address any questions. “THANK YOU!”
National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15th – October 15th, 2022 This month is dedicated to recognize, honor, and celebrate, the achievements and contributions of Hispanic/Hispanic-American champions who have inspired others to achieve success and progress. This is also a great time to learn about the rich histories and cultures of the Hispanic populations.
Learn More At: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
Check out these fun events:
Hispanic Heritage Celebration of Community and Players
Create Your Own Maracas: 4-4:45p / 9.28.2022 / Free
Duraleigh Road Community Library
5800 Duraleigh Road
Raleigh, NC 27612
Day of the Dead Ofrenda Workshop
September is National Suicide Prevention Month: If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental or behavioral health, or to understand the risk and warning signs commonly associated with suicide, please reach out for assistance. You may contact the national 9-8-8 hotline for help, or at Voyager, please contact a member of the Student Support Services Team:
Mrs. Melissa Meckes - Elementary School
Mrs. Tonya Farrish - Middle School
Ms. Savannah Purdy - Middle/High Schools
Ms. Jill O'Kane - High School
Dr. Monique Link - K-12
Nurse Chelsea Skoff - K-12
We welcome everyone to wear purple and turquoise throughout the month to symbolize awareness and prevention efforts that are ongoing across the nation.
Before & After Updates
Before Care is Open for Registration all grades. Please email Careprogram@voyageracademy.net to register.
There are currently no openings in after care at the ES. We will continue to reevaluate space availability based on staffing.
School Lunch
The school lunch menu for October is ACTIVE!!
The Titan Family Portal and LINQ Online Ordering system work together like a checking/ debit card account. All student lunch accounts must be preloaded with funds for ordering. Parents then order lunches for students based on the funds availability in their Titan account. Families who have a negative balance on the account will no longer be permitted to order lunch online. Please be sure to send your student(s) to school with lunch if no meal was ordered. If your student's lunch account currently has a negative balance, we please ask that you pay this balance as soon as possible by either form of payment:
Online at https://family.titank12.com There is a $2.80 flat fee charged by the bank per deposit online. (Example: $100 deposit + $2.80 fee = $102.80)
A check/ money order made payable to Voyager Academy. Please include your child's name and id# on the memo line. You can also use this pre-printed form.
Lunch menus are published for the month of October. The lunch ordering rule is a week in advance. If you need assistance email foodnutritionservices@voyageracademy.net.
LINQ ONLINE ORDERING - View and order student/staff meals. Website: https://family.onlineordering.linq.com
TITAN FAMILY PORTAL -Pay your school fees, manage your students accounts and apply for free and reduced meals. Website: https://family.titank12.com
TITAN SCHOOL STORE
Pay your school fees, manage your students accounts, and apply for free and reduced meals. Use the chart below as a guide for where to pay your fees or deposit money for lunch.
ONE TIME ACCOUNT PAYMENT - This option will only allow you to place money onto your child's meal account. It will not pay for Before care, After care, Field trips, or anything listed in the Titan School Store.
RECURRING PAYMENT - This option will only allow you to place money onto your child's meal account. It will not pay for Before care, After care, Field trips, or anything listed in the Titan School Store.
**Please make sure if there is a need to pay for a field trip, before or after care, or anything else listed in the Titan School Store that you find it within the store and add it to your cart. Once you have it in your cart you will move forward with the checkout procedures.
The 22-23 Voyager Parent Activities calendar lists all programs and activities so all families have access to the events and programs offered on campus. The calendar is posted on the school website.
To subscribe to 22-23 VA Parent Calendar
· View 22-23 VA Parent Calendar on Voyager Website under the Calendar tab
· Select the plus sign at the bottom right of the calendar to add to your Google calendar
· This will open your Google calendar
· Select other calendars, add calendar
· Select subscribe to calendar
· Once subscribed, Voyager events will populate on your Google calendar
Join the Voyager Academy PTSO
Have you joined the PTSO? We are hoping to have 100 families per grade join PTSO. We are a non-profit and all membership goes to providing support for our staff and students. Please click on the link below to join Voyager’s PTSO.
Please click here if you would like to join the PTSO!