Viking Weekly News
January 20, 2023
Dear Voyager Community,
It’s been another busy and productive week on campus. The High School has been enjoying all the spirit week festivities along with a pep rally. The celebrations will continue into the weekend with their winter semi-formal at Umstead Pines. The Board hosted an information session for prospective board members. Thank you to the members of our community that attended. Details about the application process are linked here for those interested in serving on the board in the future.
The high school also hosted an information session for the rising 9th graders to learn more about the opportunities available at Voyager High School. The slide presentation can be viewed here if you missed the event. Middle School students did a great job staying focused and doing their best on the NC Check In testing. Our elementary students are digging into their next project-based learning experiences. And the 2nd graders kicked it off with a field experience at the NC Museum of History. Elementary students are also completing their mid-year mClass assessments and 2nd graders completed their mid-year math assessment. We are proud of all of our Vikings for working so hard.
Next week continues to be action packed with events. Voyager will host a program for our EC 8th grade parents on January 31st. Our celebration of black history continues next week with a Read In event at the elementary school on February 1st. We will also welcome prospective new families for tours on January 31st in each of the buildings. The schedule and detailed information can be found on the admissions tab of our website. We are also holding a virtual information session to share information about Voyager, explain the admissions process, and have new families meet the Voyager team. Additional information is shared below. Please share with your family and friends who may be interested in having their children attend Voyager.
2023 -2024 Application Process is Open – Virtual Info Session on February 1, 2023
The 2023-2024 application process is now open. Please remember to apply by the February 28, 2023 deadline for any siblings that you would like to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. Students that are already enrolled at Voyager do not need to reapply. Information, resources, and the timeline for the application and lottery process are under the admissions tab on the website. We will be hosting a virtual information night on February 1, 2023 for all prospective families. Voyager continues to strive to reach a diverse demographic that reflects our community. Please reach out to your friends and neighbors and share information about our wonderful school community. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will be recruiting at area preschools and community centers. Voyager also partners with Communities and Families Rising (formerly Head Star) and has already shared our school brochures and participates in their open house events.
Please remember 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:
1/28/23 - HS: Winter Semi Formal (Umstead Pines)
1/31/23 - Prospective Family Tours
1/31/23 - 8th grade EC Parent night zoom meeting
2/1/23 – Prospective Family Information Session Virtual
2/1 - Black History Read In Event at Elementary School
2/6-2/10 - Kids Heart Challenge at Elementary School
2/6-2/10 - Kindergarten and First Grade Mid-Year Math Assessment
2/10 - Super Bowl Friday at Elementary School
Come out and support the Voyager Academy Arts Program!
In honor of the upcoming February-long celebration of the human heart, this week’s update focuses on one of the best preventative decisions a person can make to promote the health of their heart. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Each day, about 1,600 youth will try their first cigarette.
What about E-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol, or mix of small particles in the air. The liquids used in e-cigarettes often contain nicotine and flavorings. Users inhale the e-cigarette aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales it into the air. E-cigarette devices can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs. While e-cigarettes are often considered less harmful than regular cigarettes, that doesn’t mean e-cigarettes are safe.
What’s the bottom line on the risks of E-cigarettes for kids, teens, and young adults?
The CDC has determined that the use of e-cigarettes is UNSAFE for kids, teens, and young adults.
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. Young people’s brains continue to develop into their mid-20s.
The use of e-cigarettes and cigarette use have been associated with mental health symptoms such as depression.
There has been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping.
E-cigarettes also present a safety risk. Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions.
There have been cases of children and adults becoming poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin and eyes. Nationally, approximately 50% of calls to Poison Control centers for e-cigarettes are for kids 5 years of age or younger.
5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
I’m a parent, what can I do?
Parents can help their child navigate cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco use by knowing the facts and talking with their child. Before talking with your child or teen, gather credible information about e-cigarettes. Consider making an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider so that they can hear from a medical professional about the health risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Pick a time to talk to your child. Be patient and ready to listen. Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not deliver a lecture. Parents can also set a positive example by being tobacco-free. If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit. For free help and smoking cessation counseling, visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Durham County Department of Public Health also offers classes to help people quit smoking. Classes are free and open to anyone who wants to quit using e-cigarettes or other tobacco.
Bull City Breathes
For more information about quitting smoking and free classes in Durham click here: https://www.dcopublichealth.org/home/showpublisheddocument/35882/637728280481830000
For additional resources, see below:
Parents, Talk with Your Teen about E-cigarettes Tip Sheet: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf
Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with Use of E-cigarettes and Vaping: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
Today is a Great Day to Quit! Become a Smokefree Teen: https://teen.smokefree.gov/
COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION WEEKLY UPDATE:
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
The YMCA families will be accepting 23 new seats for aftercare and 22 new seats for before care. Families who were on the waitlist will be given priority and should have received the registration link from our Operations Manager Latasha Lunsford yesterday. Seats are on a first come, first served basis. Waitlist families have until January 31st to register for those seats. On February 1, 2023 if those seats have not been filled the link will be sent out to all Voyager families interested in before/aftercare.
Middle School Athletics
The boys basketball team (11-3, 6-1) dropped their first conference game of the season last night as they lost 37-36 at Vance Charter. The team will have another opportunity against Vance Charter when we host them on Tuesday, February 7th at 5:45pm. Make sure you’re at the game, we’ll need our crowd to be loud!!!
The girls basketball team ( ) at the time of writing this we do not have specific details on our games. However, our girls’ team has made tremendous strides throughout the season. The girls continue to work hard in each practice and game and remain positive! We have a lot of new basketball players on our team and we can’t wait to see their continued growth and success!
Middle School Athletics
The boys basketball team (11-3, 6-1) dropped their first conference game of the season last night as they lost 37-36 at Vance Charter. The team will have another opportunity against Vance Charter when we host them on Tuesday, February 7th at 5:45pm. Make sure you’re at the game, we’ll need our crowd to be loud!!!
The girls basketball team ( ) at the time of writing this we do not have specific details on our games. However, our girls’ team has made tremendous strides throughout the season. The girls continue to work hard in each practice and game and remain positive! We have a lot of new basketball players on our team and we can’t wait to see their continued growth and success!
This week in Middle School Athletics:
Friday, January 27th
Girls Basketball @ Roxboro Community 4:30pm
Boys Basketball @ Roxboro Community 5:45pm
Wednesday, February 1st
Girls Basketball vs Henderson Collegiate 4:30pm
Boys Basketball vs Henderson Collegiate 5:45pm
Thursday, February 2nd
Girls Basketball vs Roxboro Community 4:30pm
Boys Basketball vs Roxboro Community 5:45pm
Middle School Notes:
Our Athletic Boosters Club needs parent volunteers to help work our athletic events. Funds raised through Athletic Boosters go towards awards, banners, athletic banquets, and other important items needed by our middle and high school athletic departments. For more information please email athleticboosters@voyageracademy.net. Next Athletic Boosters Club meeting will be Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00pm in the high school conference room
If you would like to help sell concessions during middle school basketball games please sigh up below.
VAMS Basketball Concession Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9AE2CA7F58-vams
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.
Spring tryouts for middle school baseball, softball, girls’ soccer, and boys tennis will be starting at the end of February/beginning of March. Details will be released as we get closer to tryouts. In the meantime, please make sure your child is registered and has a valid physical at the following link: https://voyageracademy-ar.rschooltoday.com/
High School Athletics
The JV men’s basketball team (16-0, 6-0) continues to dominate on the basketball court, having yet to lose a game this season. Nasir Westbrook (’25) has been a consistent offensive threat as he leads the team in scoring while Tristan Thompson (’24) has dominated the boards. Manny Pullium (’26) and Jacoby Purvis (’25) led the Vikings in their conference win on Tuesday with 14 and 13 points each.
The men’s varsity basketball team (10-5, 5-0) remains on fire, winning the last six games and remaining undefeated in conference play. The Vikings have outscored their opponents by a combined 125 points since returning from winter break. The team looks to continue their strong play today, as we will host Roxboro Community and recognize our seniors.
The women’s basketball team (8-3, 3-0) encountered a little bit of adversity these past two weeks resulting in some rescheduled games. The team has had to push through injuries and illness, but were back in action this past Tuesday. The Vikings got a big conference win, beating Eno River, 48-26. First year Chloe Crawford leads the team in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. Junior point guard Rashidah Muhammad has been a nightmare for opposing teams on the defensive end, averaging an amazing 4.4 steals per game. The team will be honoring their seniors this evening as they host Roxboro Community in a big conference matchup.
Our men’s and women’s swimming team will be competing this evening for the Triangle North Athletic Conference Championship. Swimming Regionals will be held February 2nd – 4th and Voyager will be sending numerous swimmers as they look for back to back East Regional Championships.
Our wrestling team (aka: Senior Logan McElroy), has completed his regular season with a 12-9 overall record and has earned a spot at Individual Regionals this weekend. Best of luck to Logan as he competes for the East Regional Championship in the 138# division.
Special Shout Out To our cheerleaders for running a successful and amazing Junior Vikings Cheer Camp! We had a little over 100 Junior Vikings cheering for our women’s basketball team this past Tuesday and it was an amazing experience for everyone involved. Everyone did such an incredible job and I can’t wait to do it again next year.
Attention Senior Athletes and Parents!!
Will you be competing in a sport at the next level (prep. school, JUCO, 4-year college, Internationally)? Please email me with where you’re going, what you will be competing in, and include a picture of yourself playing that sport! I will put something together over the next few months to share with everyone so we can see where our student-athletes are going!
This week in High School Athletics:
Friday, January 27th
JV Men’s Basketball vs Roxboro Community 4:30pm
Women’s Basketball vs Roxboro Community 6:00pm senior day
Men’s Basketball vs Roxboro Community 7:30pm senior day
Wednesday, February 1st
JV Men’s Basketball @ Henderson Collegiate TBA
Men’s Basketball @ Henderson Collegiate TBA
*** Henderson Collegiate Women’s Basketball has forfeited the remainder of their season
Thursday, February 2nd
JV Men’s Basketball @ Roxboro Community 4:30pm
Women’s Basketball @ Roxboro Community 6:00pm
Men’s Basketball @ Roxboro Community 7:30pm
Important Notes:
Our Athletic Boosters Club needs parent volunteers to help work our athletic events. Funds raised through Athletic Boosters go towards awards, banners, athletic banquets, and other important items needed by our middle and high school athletic departments. For more information please email athleticboosters@voyageracademy.net. Next Athletic Boosters Club meeting will be Wednesday, February 8th at 6:00pm in the high school conference room
If you would like to help sell concessions during high school basketball games please sigh up below.
VAHS Basketball Concession Sign Up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9AE2CA7F58-vahs
Spring tryouts will begin February 13th. Please make sure you are registered and have an updated physical. You can register for a spring sport at the following link:
Interested in playing golf this spring? Please email Coach Scearce: cole.scearce@gmail.com
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.
Go Vikings, Go!
Jordan Gatcomb, Athletic Director
jgatcomb@voyageracademy.net
