Viking Weekly News
December 2, 2022
Dear Voyager Community,
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving break with family as much as I did. Our students and staff returned energized to take on all the challenges ahead to finish the first half of the school year on a high note.
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Viking Trouper production of Seussical. It was a smashing success and one of the highlights of my week. Students and staff have been working hard to perfect their lines and songs. It was incredible to see our students light up on the stage and share their love and joy for musical theatre. It was also wonderful to see all the families and extended families come out to support our students. We are so very proud of our Vikings who share their talents, and demonstrate our core values of curiosity, confidence, empathy, integrity, and reflection in all their learning experiences. A special thanks to Ms. Thompson, Ms. Sawyer, and Ms. Wicker for creating this incredible opportunity. Way to go Vikings!
I also want to send out a special thank you to Expo for sponsoring the buses for our K-5 students to compete at the Special Olympics bowling event held this morning. It was incredible to see the excitement as our students enjoyed their bowling experience together. The kids were cheering and supporting one another as they competed. Go Vikings Go.
Our schools celebrated Native American Heritage month during November and shared their learning through informative student led announcements at the Middle School. Many of us volunteered to read to our elementary classes during a school wide “Read In” event held on Thursday to celebrate the rich histories and diverse cultures of Indigenous people and communities. Thank you to Ms. Vargas for organizing the school-wide program to increase cultural awareness and understanding.
The High School held it’s first Project Exhibition day highlighting students’ Project Based Learning experiences. Students demonstrated their depth of inquiry and exploration into deep driving questions while showcasing their presentation and technological skills. Their projects made connections to cross curricular topics, current events, and our greater community. I enjoyed connecting with our students and hearing about their learning experiences. Topics ranged from an examination of colorism in English, an exploration of self portraits in art, discovery and experimentation of a crime scene in Forensics, a book club podcast comparing and contrasting the influences of culture, values, norms, and religion in the text Things Fall Apart and its relevance today, just to name a few. Our separate setting class created a video production and slide show on how to do laundry in preparation for a job shadowing experience. The band class analyzed the similarity between musical compositions to assess the link between influence and stealing while demonstrating the pieces. The English 4 class project focused on all aspects of the college planning process video created.
Parent Enrichment Night
Please join the Student Support Services Team on Monday, December 5th from 6p-7:40p for an exciting night filled with enriching topics that are meaningful to YOU! Participants will be able to choose TWO of the three available sessions to attend, in seminar format. We kindly ask that you sign-up in advance in order to help us plan for space, refreshments, and childcare. We are looking forward to this evening of enrichment and fellowship with you! For questions or support signing up, please contact Dr. Link at mlink@voyageracademy.net or 919-433-3301 X 146.
Positive Parenting
Supporting Students Academically from Home
Promoting and Supporting Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Calendar Update
The calendar committee will be meeting to review and update the 23-24 school calendar. Remote learning days were previously approved to be added to the school calendar. However, the State Department of Instruction has recently provided new guidance on the use of remote learning days. Remote instruction may be used when schools are unable to open due to severe weather, energy shortages, power failures or other emergency situations. The days may be scheduled prior to the anticipated event or after the fact. Remote instruction for emergency closure is limited to 5 days or 30 hours.
The calendar committee will be meeting in the near future to review the 23-24 calendar and make modifications to comply with this updated guidance. The start date and the last day of the 23-24 school year will not change. The team will also create a draft 24-25 school calendar. Both calendars will be reviewed for approval by the school board at the January meeting. Calendars will be shared once we have board approval.
Before and After Care
We understand the importance of providing a high quality affordable before and after care program to meet the needs of our families. We are very thankful to the staff that have led our program this year to make that possible. As you know we have been challenged with securing enough permanent staff for our before and after care services with the current labor shortages. As a result, we have been evaluating alternative options to ensure that we can continue to provide our families with a high quality before and after care program. We are exploring a partnership with an experienced provider that will come to our campus and manage the program. Our goal is to ensure that the pricing and current staff remain in place throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition. More details will be shared as soon as possible.
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. Have a great weekend!
All the best,
Upcoming Dates:
11/14 - 12/13 Toy Drive for Rescue Mission – NJHS
12/1-12/2: Viking Troupers presents Seussical
12/1 - December to Remember Events, 7th grade
12/2 - 8th Grade Spanish Students to Las Palmas for lunch
12/2 - Special Olympics K-5 Bowling
12/5 - Parent Night
12/7 - 8th Grade Estuarian Trip
12/9 - 7th Grade Health and Wellness Expo/Project Celebration
12/9 - Winter Concert at Elementary School 1:00 pm
12/13-12/21: H.S. final exams
12/20 - 7th and 8th Grade Winter Dance
12/20 - Fourth Grade Holiday Celebration, 12:00
12/20 - Holocaust Guest Speaker for 6th Grade
12/21 - Early Release
1/16/23 - Voyage into Service (NC Diaper Bank), 9:30a
Come on out and support the Voyager Academy Community!
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
DID YOU KNOW??
Everyone 5 and older can now receive the updated COVID-19 booster specifically made to protect against targeted 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. Everyone 5 and older should get the updated COVID-19 booster two months after they finish their primary series or any booster dose. For more information about updated COVID-19 boosters and locations near you to get vaccinated, please click here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines/kids
Children and teens 5 and older may be able to get the updated COVID-19 booster and other routine vaccines they are due for at the same visit, including during routine checkups. The booster, like all COVID-19 vaccines, is safe to get alongside the annual flu shot.
It’s important that as we head into colder 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.
COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Flu vaccines are available now and often at little to no cost.
To learn more about the COVID-19 boosters, visit MySpot.nc.gov or contact the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center by phone at 888-675-4567.
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.
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.
LAST CHANCE!! Parent Enrichment Night – Fall Seminar: WE HEARD YOU! Please join the Student Support Services Team on Monday, December 5th from 6p-7:40p for an exciting night filled with enriching topics that are meaningful to YOU! Participants will be able to choose TWO of the three available sessions to attend, in seminar format. We kindly ask that you sign-up in advance in order to help us plan for space, refreshments, and childcare. We are looking forward to this evening of enrichment and fellowship with you! For questions or support signing up, please contact Dr. Link at mlink@voyageracademy.net or 919-433-3301 X 146.
Mark your calendar for the next
Voyager Academy’s K-12 Community Service Initiative:
“Voyage into Service” event! 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 Monday, January 16th from 9:30-11:30a for our second 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 - each parent, child, and staff member, must fill this out.
*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!
January menu is ACTIVE!
Please ensure that if you order your student's meals that they are ordered into the first week of the next month. This is to ensure your student has a lunch the first few days of a new month and is not missed in the lunch count. Also please ensure that your student's meal account holds a sufficient balance to cover the lunches ordered.
Enrichments are ACTIVE!
Note: Classes are filling up fast!
If any parents have any questions or concerns about Enrichments for Spring 2023 semester please do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed below.
Taylor Thomas
Enrichment Coordinator
919-433-3301 ext.158
tthomas@voyageracademy.net
Voyager Academy Spring 2023 Web Portal:
https://www.voyageracademy.net/resources/beforeafter-care/enrichments/
Middle School Athletics
It’s been a little while since we have done an athletics update. First order of business is to give some much-deserved attention and recognition to 8th grader Timothy Johnson, who was one of our Student-Athletes of the month for October! Timothy was a dedicated member of our boys cross country team and was a consistent and hardworking leader for his team. Congratulations, Timothy!
The boys basketball team (1-1, 0-0) Dropped their first game of the season to a tough Research Triangle Charter Academy team, 44-29. However, the boys got back to their winning ways this week by beating Franklin Academy at home this past Tuesday. Next game for the boys team will be on the road as they will travel to play The Duke School on Friday, December 2 with a 4:30pm tip-off.
The girls basketball team (0-2, 0-0) Continues to work hard and make improvements as the season progresses, but are still looking for their first win. Their opportunity will come on Tuesday, December 6th as the girls will travel to Discovery Charter school for a 4:30pm start.
Important Notes:
The middle school fall & winter athletic awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 22 at the middle school gym from 6:00 – 7:30pm. More details to come when we get closer.
Our Athletic Boosters Club is looking for more parent volunteers! Our Athletic Boosters play a vital role in regards to season award banquets, 8th grade recognition nights, and helping raise funds for our athletic department. If you are interested in learning more please email: athleticboosters@voyageracademy.net
High School Athletics
The JV men’s basketball team (6-0, 0-0) has started the season on fire, outscoring their opponents 452-242 in their first 6 games. The Vikings look to continue their dominant play when they host Cedar Ridge on Friday, December 2. Game time will be 4:30pm.
The men’s varsity basketball team (4-3, 0-0) lost their game on the road to 4A rival Northern High School on Tuesday, 55-38. The loss was the third straight for the Vikings as they near the end of their competitive non-conference schedule. The men look to get back on track Friday, December 2, when they host Cedar Ridge High School in a 7:30pm game.
The women’s basketball team (3-2, 0-0) dropped a heartbreaking game on the road Tuesday to 4A rival Northern High School, 39-37. Chloe Holland (’25) kept the Vikings close as she dropped 14 points, 12 rebounds, 1 block, and a steal. The Vikings look to bounce back from the loss on Friday as they take on Cedar Ridge High School in a 6pm game.
Important Notes:
High school athletic team pictures will be on Wednesday, December 7th after school
The high school fall & winter athletic awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 2nd at the high school gym. More details to come when we get closer.
I am looking for someone to operate the scoreboard during men’s and women’s varsity basketball games. If you are interested in helping, please email me: jgatcomb@voyageracademy.net
Our Athletic Boosters Club is looking for more parent volunteers! Our Athletic Boosters play a vital role in regards to season award banquets, senior recognition nights and banenrs, and helping raise funds for our athletic department. If you are interested in learning more please email: athleticboosters@voyageracademy.net
