Viking Weekly News
Dear Voyager Community,
It was another wonderful week on campus. Thank you to our parents that attended the Student Support Parent Enrichment night. And special thanks to our School Counseling Team that planned the information sessions. Partnering with families is such an important element to support the success and education of all students.
Our project-based learning experiences continue to engage our learners. The 6th grade driving question was “How can theater help us creatively make connections between past and present.” Students shared their play productions at their culminating project exhibition held at Braggtown Baptist Church.
Our 7th graders held a Health and Wellness Expo/Project Celebration on Friday with our Elementary School 1st and 3rd grade students. The driving question they explored was, “How do we create a health and wellness program designed to inform 1st and 3rd grade students about the connection between nutrition, mindful living, fitness, and the human body systems. Some topics included biochemistry, meditation, cardio, strength training, and cultural food diversity. The kids did a great job leading the exhibits.
Our 8th graders had a fabulous trip to the NC Estuarium this week as well. They learned about estuary ecosystems, the water cycle, and biomagnification in food webs. We have not visited the estuarium since the fall of 2019, so it was great to have our teachers and students back at this little gem in Washington, NC. They had a great day learning and exploring!
Voyager is fortunate enough to have Brookdale Senior Living as neighbors. A couple of high school classes visited there this week to build community. Students played games with seniors, as well as played music on the piano. Conversations were had; songs were sung; chess was played; fun was had by all.
The High School Gay Straight Alliance Club visited the LGBTQ Center of Durham on Wednesday. Students were able to donate the funds they raised for the center during Voyager's Fall Festival this year by selling snacks and handmade bracelets. The students toured the center's facility in downtown Durham, and met with the Youth Programs Director about resources and services provided for the area's queer youth.
The elementary, middle, and high school students collaborated together with a chorus and band concert for parents and students. It’s a joy to see our students make beautiful music together. What a fabulous end to a busy week.
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. The Board has approved our transition to having our before and after care Services provided by the YMCA. 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. Families currently enrolled in before and after care should look for an email from our Operations Manager, Latasha Lunsford, with details about information sessions.
On December 21st there will be NO aftercare!
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.
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:
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 - NO AFTER CARE
1/16/23 - Voyage into Service (NC Diaper Bank), 9:30a
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.
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
Who is ready for some wintertime fun!? Activities like sledding, throwing snowballs, and ice skating can be some of the highlights of wintertime here in North Carolina. It’s also a great way for kids to get the 60 minutes of daily exercise they need - especially during a season when people naturally tend to spend more time indoors. Outside play in colder temperatures can be a safe choice. Just be sure your child is dressed right and knows when it’s time to come in and warm up. Children exposed to extreme cold for too long and without warm, dry, breathable clothing can get frostbite or be at risk for a life-threatening condition called hypothermia.
LITTLE BODIES, BIG CHILL:
Children are more at risk for dangerous conditions that can result from the cold than adults. Because their bodies are smaller, they lose heat more quickly. Especially if they’re having fun, they may be less likely to notice and/or come inside when they’re getting too cold.
Frostbite happens when the skin, and sometimes the tissue below it, freezes. Fingers, toes, ears, and the nose are most likely to get frostbite. Frostbitten skin may start to hurt or feel like it’s burning, then quickly go numb. It may turn white or pale gray and form blisters.
What to do:
If you suspect frostbite, bring your child indoors to gently warm up. Don’t rub the affected area, and don’t pop any blisters.
Avoid placing anything hot directly on the skin. Soak frostbitten areas of the body in warm (not hot) water for 20 to 30 minutes. Warm washcloths can be applied to a frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
After a few minutes, dry and cover your child with blankets. Give them something warm to drink.
If the pain or numbness continues for more than a few minutes, contact your child’s pediatrician.
When the body’s temperature drops below normal from the cold, a dangerous condition called hypothermia begins to set in. A child may start shivering, a sign the body is trying to warm itself up, but then become sluggish, clumsy, or slur their words.
What to do: Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away.
Until help arrives, bring your child indoors. Remove any wet clothing, which draws heat away from the body.
Wrap your child in blankets or warm clothes, and give them something warm to drink. Be sure to cover core body areas like the chest and abdomen.
If your child stops breathing or loses a pulse, give CPR immediately.
PLANNING OUTSIDE PLAY SAFELY:
Here are some wintertime planning and safety steps that can help protect your child from frostbite and hypothermia.
Check the wind chill - In general, playing outside in temperatures or wind chills below -15° Fahrenheit should be avoided. At these temperatures, exposed skin begins to freeze within minutes.
What to wear - Several thin layers will help keep kids warm and dry. Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat are essential. Make sure children change out of any wet clothes right away.
Take breaks - Set reasonable limits on the amount of time spent playing outside to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure kids have a place to go for regular indoor breaks to warm up.
Voyager Academy’s K-12 Community Service Initiative: Mark your calendar for the next
“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 9-10:30a 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!
Did You Know… Our new School Counselor, Savannah Purdy, worked as an Admission Counselor before becoming a School Counselor?! True! She experienced great success within this role in the UNC System and she found an additional way to apply her knowledge here at Voyager. Ms. Purdy has been going into 9th and 10th grade classrooms the past two-weeks to talk about college preparation and what students in these grades can be doing now to prepare themselves for the college application process. Because of her expertise in this area, Ms. Purdy has been able to provide students with a behind-the-scenes perspective of the college application process! While university is just one of several options a student has post high school, we want to ensure that students who are interested in this pathway are prepared by providing them with as much knowledge and support as possible, in advance.
Middle School Athletics
Congratulations to our Middle School Student-Athletes of the Month, McKinley Hemsley and Addie Baker! McKinley is an 8th grader and a member of our boys basketball team. He is a well-respected leader on and off the court with his teammates and coaches while excelling in the classroom. Addie is a 7th grader and is in her first year as a member of our cheerleading team. Addie not only works hard but is always smiling and is willing to try anything at practice. Congratulations McKinley and Addie!
The boys basketball team (2-2, 0-0) split their two games this past week. Last Friday, the boys dropped a close game on the road to a talented Duke School team, 25-22. However, the boys got back on track Tuesday and handled Discovery Charter School 43-29. The boys will open up conference play today as they will host rival Excelsior Academy at the high school gym for a 5:30pm game.
The girls basketball team (0-3, 0-0) dropped a heartbreaking game in double overtime to Discovery Charter School this past Tuesday, 12-10. The girls played a great game and they continue to make improvements each time they step on the court. The girls will open up conference play today as they host rival Excelsior Academy at the high school for a 4:30pm tip-off.
A special shout out to our amazing cheerleading team! They provide the spark our teams need during our home basketball games. Make sure you’re sticking around at halftime so you can see their incredible routine! Thank you, cheerleaders!
Middle School 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
Congratulations to our High School Student-Athletes of the Month, Gabby Jeffers & Nasir Westbrook! Gabby is a junior and a member of our women’s basketball team. A true team leader, Gabby sets an example on and off the basketball court. Recently, Gabby has had to endure an ankle injury keeping her off the court. However, she is still at every game and practice supporting her teammates. Nasir is a sophomore guard on our men’s JV basketball team, where he currently leads the team in scoring. In addition, Nasir sets an example in the classroom with his grades and respectful demeanor towards classmates and teachers. Congratulations Gabby and Nasir!
The JV men’s basketball team (9-0, 0-0) remains undefeated with their big win against 4A Jordan High School on Wednesday, 57-52. On Tuesday, the Vikings handed Durham Academy only their second loss of the season as the beat the Cavaliers 43-40. The team opens up conference play this evening against rival Excelsior Academy as part of a triple header at the high school. Tip-off will be at 7pm.
The men’s varsity basketball team (4-5, 0-0) dropped both of their home games this past week. Last Friday the Vikings lost to 3A Cedar Ridge, 53-47 and on Tuesday they lost to independent school Durham Academy, 69-48. The men’s basketball team will open up conference play when we return from break, hosting Henderson Collegiate with a 7:30pm tip-off
The women’s basketball team (4-3, 0-0) had a big win last Friday as they beat 3A Cedar Ridge, 43-27. On Tuesday, the Vikings were stopped by independent school, Durham Academy 52-24. The women’s basketball team will open up conference play when we return from break, hosting Henderson Collegiate with a 6:00pm tip-off.
Our men’s and women’s swimming team will compete in their first meet on Monday, December 12th, as they will host the first conference meet of the season. The meet will be at Campus Hills Pool starting at 5pm.
Important Notes:
From Tuesday, December 13th – Wednesday, December 21st high school athletic teams will be in a complete dead period. This means no high school practices, weight room sessions, film review, etc. Students, please make sure you’re taking this time to focus on your exams and taking care of yourselves with sleep and a good diet.
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.
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
Go Vikings, Go!
Jordan Gatcomb, Athletic Director
jgatcomb@voyageracademy.net