Voyager Academy
Viking Weekly News
October 7, 2022
Dear Voyager Community,
Fall is in the air all around campus. It’s been an active week with high school students completing mid-term exams, middle school students celebrating spirit week and finalizing work before break, and elementary students engaging in learning and social and emotional growth. Please remember that school will be closed for Fall Break from October 10th – 14th, and will reopen on Monday, October 17, 2022.
School safety continues to be a top priority for all on campus. The Voyager team has an emergency crisis manual and have trained staff on all procedures. School safety procedures and emergency preparedness are critical components to ensuring the safety of all students and staff in the event of any security incident, severe weather event, or crisis situation. Teachers have had conversations about school safety with their classes and explained drill procedures for a fire, lockdown, shelter in place, and evacuation of the school in age appropriate language.
Fire drills are conducted in all buildings on a monthly basis and students and staff exit the building and report to a safe location. During a lockdown, students will remain secure in their classroom with their teacher away from all windows and doors and remain silent. During a shelter in place students will remain secure in their classroom and instruction will continue. A shelter in place may be called if there is a medical emergency and we need to keep all hallways clear for paramedics. There may also be an emergency that would require us to evacuate from the school to an alternate location. Practice drills allow us to ensure that our staff and students will be prepared and know how to respond if we experience an emergency situation.
Partnering with families is important as we continue to improve our school safety and emergency preparedness. Please talk with your children and assure them that the safety drills are a precaution to ensure that we practice and prepare to keep everyone safe in the event of an emergency. Please remind your children that they should feel calm and safe and listen to their teacher’s directions.
If the school has a lockdown due to a severe weather event, or a threat inside the school or in the surrounding neighborhood we ask that parents do not enter the school or come to campus. However, if parents are already at school during a safety drill or lockdown we ask that parents proceed to the nearest classroom and remain with the class until the announcement is made ending the lockdown.
The School Messenger system that we use for newsletter updates will be used to notify parents for weather alerts or if an emergency event does occur at the school. Please keep in mind that the first priority is to ensure the safety of all and that emergency personnel are contacted as needed. A notification will be communicated to parents as soon as possible in the event of an emergency situation. Parents are not notified when drills are conducted. It is important to make sure you update the school if you should change your phone or email address so that we can reach you in an emergency.
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 also had the privilege of being escorted by Gabriel through a museum tour of the first kindergarten project celebration. Our kindergartners learned all about themselves, their community, and the important role they play in their family and community. See some photos below highlighting their great work as well as additional important updates.
Have a wonderful fall break!
All the best,
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
10/07- Day of Awesomeness for K-8
10/07- Elementary Family Walking Club Begins
10/10 – 10/14 – School Closed for Fall Break
10/18 – PTSO Meeting
10/25 – PSAT
10/26- 1st Grade Human Body Project Celebration (1:30)
10/27 – Board Meeting MS Art Room
11/5 – Voyager Community Service Project - Diaper Bank (9:30-11:30a)
12/1-12/2 - Viking Troupers presents Seussical
12/13-12/21 - HS final exam
7th and 8th grade Fall Dance
Friday, October 28th 6-8pm
Middle School Gym
$5 admission
We hope to see all 7th and 8th graders there having a blast!!
We would love to have you as apart of our Voyager Viking Family!
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
This year I am working to bring more awareness to health conditions that impact our students, staff, families, and community using a “Health Spotlight” series. Managing a chronic health condition as an individual, a parent, as a family, or as a school can present challenges - many of which are rooted in differences in understanding. When we attempt to drop our biases, share empathy, and learn more about the unique situations of others we build a stronger, more caring community. Throughout the year I will be sharing information about various health conditions in an attempt to bring awareness and understanding with the hopes of promoting action, safety, inclusion, and acceptance.
So, what exactly is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease, which comes from the Greek word for “abdominal,” is a lifelong intolerance to gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and also in oats that have been contaminated with gluten from other products. In people with Celiac Disease, gluten damages the lining of the intestines. This can prevent them from absorbing nutrients and cause a variety of other symptoms. When food enters the stomach, it’s broken down into tiny digestible particles, which then travel through the small intestine. The small intestine is lined with villi — tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from the food passing through. In Celiac Disease, gluten damages the intestine and causes the villi to break down, leaving a smooth lining that can no longer absorb nutrients.
Is Celiac Disease a food allergy?
While both Celiac Disease and food allergies refer to the body’s intolerance for certain substances, there are some important differences between Celiac Disease and food allergies:
Food allergies are the result of a different kind of immune process.
Children may outgrow certain food allergies beginning in infancy, while Celiac Disease is a life-long condition.
In contrast to Celiac Disease, exposure to certain foods in patients with food allergy may cause breathing problems or other sudden life-threatening reactions.
Common symptoms of Celiac include pain in the abdomen or joints, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
You can find out more about Celiac Disease here: https://www.beyondceliac.org/ and https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/celiac-disease
There are resources for families with Celiac Disease
This resource was shared from a Voyager parent who actively participates in the GIG Cares program. GIG Cares is an action-oriented organization driving grass-roots efforts aimed at tackling the biggest challenges facing the gluten-free community. GIG Cares is an independent organization that is on a mission to tackle the real needs of the gluten-free community, starting with food insecurity.
Each month GIG Cares sends a box of shelf stable, Celiac safe foods. Examples of items include 1:1 flour, gnocchi, gluten free tortillas, breakfast bars, and other snacks. They’ve also sent items such as gravy packets, baking mixes, soup mixes, and canned goods in previous months.
Their goal is to help gluten free individuals and families afford a well-balanced diet. If you or anyone you know needs this service, please apply on their website. For more information about the GIG Cares program, please click here: https://www.gigcares.org/who-we-are
COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION WEEKLY UPDATE:
Our CDC COVID-19 Community Level is: LOW
People may choose to wear a mask for any reason at any time.
However, people with a positive test for COVID-19 MUST wear a mask for 10 days.
People with symptoms or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Did You Know That October is:
Bullying Prevention Month/National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
Crime Prevention Month
Computer Learning Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
LGBT History Month
National Book Month
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
Positive Attitude Month
Important Dates in October:
7th – World Smile Day: Do an act of kindness; help someone smile
Learn More At: https://www.worldsmileday.com/index.php/article-index/item/373-about-world-smile-day
10th – World Mental Health Day: Making Mental Health and Well-being for all a global priority
Learn More At: https://wmhdofficial.com/
12th – National Stop Bullying Day: This day in October offers an opportunity to bring together students, faculty, and parents to end bullying. This annual designation promotes standing up against and putting an end to bullying
19th – Wear and Share Orange Day: Show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying
Voyager Academy College Fair:
When: November 10th, 12-1p
Where: Voyager Academy High School
Who’s Coming (so far!): UNCG, UNCW, UNCC, ECU, Alabama, UAB, South Carolina, Gardner Webb University, Campbell University, Durham Tech, US Military Recruiters
For Questions Contact: Ms. Jill O’Kane - jokane@voyageracademy.net
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!
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.
Before and After Care:
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.
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.
Have an AWESOME fall break!
