Viking Weekly News
February 17, 2023
Dear Voyager Community,
Although it was a short week of school for students, they were very productive and engaged in learning. Teachers and staff were on campus on Thursday and Friday participating in professional development and team collaboration. Please remember that Monday, February 20, 2023 is a remote learning day for all. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
The culture and climate team are working together to finalize the surveys and roster files for students, families, and staff. We anticipate sending out surveys by the end of the month and look forward to getting your feedback. It was great to partner with a group of students to get their input on the survey design and for their assistance in creating a video that will be shared in the near future. Thank you to Cayson Clayton, Amaris Iwari, Ryann Cochran, Umar Chaudhry, Jude McDonald, Taylor Cuthriell, Ena Scott-Benson, Thaddeus Robinson, Maura Carden, and Maximus Oliva-Juarez. We appreciate their insights and talents.
Project-based learning continues to be a hallmark of Voyager’s instructional strategies. This week our third-grade students held a project celebration to demonstrate their learning about landforms by creating innovative islands for investors. They did a great job showcasing and marketing their ideas to their potential investors. Our PBL coaches collaborated with their colleagues on Thursday to provide support and assistance for future project designs.
Congratulations to our Middle School Ultimate Frisbee Club for a fabulous season. The season ended with a successful showing at the MS Championship Tournament which included 37 teams from across all of NC. One of our teams went almost undefeated in the tournament, with the only loss being in a tied game that ended in a tie-breaker, sudden death, final point loss. The coaches and leaders of this team are very proud of these kids. Coach Credle shared, "It is truly a magical sport and it was great to see 35+ of our kids compete, have fun, and learn teamwork through good competition."
Our Middle School Boys Basketball team has had an incredible season led by Coach Patterson. Good luck to the Middle School Boys Basketball team as they take on Vance Charter on Friday night for the TNAC Middle School Championship game. The game will be held at the high school gym. Our Middle School Girls basketball, High School Men’s Basketball, and High School Women’s Basketball teams finished their seasons strong. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and for their dedication to the sport.
The PTSO is sponsoring a spirit night at Panera on February 23rd. Come join in on the fun, meet some new friends, and support the Voyager PTSO. See flyer below for details.
Voyager continues to celebrate and recognize black history month through lessons, announcements, and special programs. The Museum of Life & Science will be hosting a Meet the Heroes of Black History at an upcoming family event. Please see below for details.
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:
2/16 -2/17 – No School Teacher Work Days
2/20 – Remote Learning / Work Day
2/20- Winter Jamboree Charter School Fair at Durham Charter School 3:00-5:00
2/21-2/22 - ELL ACCESS Testing
2/21-23 - Biology NCCI 1 (2nd semester)
2/21-23 - English 2 NCCI 1 (2nd semester)
2/22 - Middle School Fall/Winter Athletic Awards 6pm
2/22 - Elementary Snack with the Principal (K-3)
2/23 - Brite Star Theater Presentation at Elementary School
2/27 -1st Grade Project Celebration
Prospective Board Members – Apply Now
The Voyager Board of Directors oversees the strategic direction of Voyager and supports the school in achieving our mission and vision. We are looking for candidates that might be interested in serving on our board in the future. The Board of Directors hosted an information session for people interested in applying for a position on the Voyager Board of Directors. Presentations from the information session are linked here for your review. Details about the application process are linked here for those interested in serving on the board.
2023 -2024 Student Application Process
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. 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.
WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:
WHEN HANDS CAN SAVE A HEART
On January 2, 2023, much of the country watched and waited as CPR helped save the life of Damar Hamlin, a professional football player for the Buffalo Bills. CPR is an acronym for “cardiopulmonary resuscitation.” CPR is critical in instances when a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. In cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer pumping blood, which means no oxygen is traveling to the brain or other organs. Chances of survival decrease the longer a person goes without oxygen. CPR mimics a pumping heart which keeps blood flowing and the use of a defibrillator (AED) shocks the heart which can cause it to start beating again.
You don’t have to be a medical professional or healthcare provider to save a life. Being CPR certified means you know how to quickly respond and properly administer CPR. This can mean life or death for someone in medical distress.
1. CPR Saves Lives!
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone at any time or place. Outside of the hospital, most cardiac arrests occur in the home. Victims of SCA must be treated immediately. If CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple the person’s chance of survival.
2. CPR Protects from Brain Death
The heart stops pumping blood to the brain and other vital organ during cardiac arrest. With a decrease in blood flow to the brain, the victim falls unconscious. The brain can suffer brain and organ damage in as few as three minutes without proper blood flow. After nine minutes without blood flow to the brain, there can be irreversible damage. CPR helps to keep blood flowing and may help minimize damage to the victim’s brain.
3. You’ll Know What to do During a Cardiac Emergency
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is witnessed by a bystander in approximately 37% of cases. That bystander could be you! Being trained in CPR provides the knowledge, confidence, and skills to stay calm in a medical emergency and help a person in need. Individuals certified in CPR are prepared to make a difference in their community by being ready to jump into action anywhere a cardiac arrest happens.
4. CPR Makes Home Safer for Everyone
The most recent data suggest that 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, with the vast majority of the victims dying before help arrives. That’s 250,000 lives lost each year in American homes. Learning CPR can empower you to act and provide help when and where a loved one needs it most.
5. Anyone Can Learn CPR
There are only a few simple things you need to remember in order to recognize sudden cardiac arrest and save a life. Studies have shown that even children as young as nine-years-old are capable of learning, retaining, and properly performing CPR. There are quick and inexpensive CPR classes offered throughout the United States and right here in our community. For more information about CPR certification classes through the American Red Cross, click here: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class
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
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.
Great News. Summer enrichment is here. Registration is open now open until April 14th. The process will look a little different from Fall and Spring enrichment sign up. Enrichments will be offered Monday through Thursday for 3 weeks during the month of June. Beginning June 5th and ending June 22nd. There will be 3 different session times offered depending on the individual enrichment. There will be a google form used to register for each individual enrichment. Each enrichment must meet the minimum number of participants before payment will be assigned in Titan. You will receive an email letting you know that your student is being placed on the roster, based on a first come first served basis. You will have until April 14th to make the payment. If your payment is not made your spot will be forfeited and will be given to the next student. Please go to our website to see a full description of each enrichment. https://www.voyageracademy.net/resources/summer-camps/.
Voyager Academy is dedicated to making sure your child has a healthy and enjoyable School lunch. Please take a minute to take this brief Lunch Survey so that we can work together with you, your children, and our caterer to better meet their lunch needs. Thank you for your time and we appreciate all feedback. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to our nutrition department at: foodnutritionservices@voyageracademy.net
Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants: Youth Service America (YSA) is searching for Heartwarming Young Heroes with creative ideas to foster meaningful connections, promote inclusion, and teach empathy. Awards are $50,000 in $100, $250, and $500 grants for Global Youth Service Day (April 28-30, 2023) projects. All youth ages 5-25 are eligible to apply. For more information or to apply, please click the following link: https://ysa.org/grants/hershey/ The deadline is MARCH 5th.
Laws of Life Essay Contest: This contest encourages middle school and high school students to reflect and write about a core value that means the most to them – and why.
• The program is available to all students in grades 4 through 12 across the world.
• All essay writers will be recognized by Character.org. We will also recognize the most compelling essays and feature them on our website and social media channels.
Submissions are due MARCH 23rd, and can be submitted through this online form. For more information, please click on the following link: https://character.org/laws-of-life-contest/
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen dating violence affects millions of young people every year and can include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological abuse, and stalking. If you know a young person who may benefit from learning more about healthy relationships, please share the love is respect website with him/her.
Final Voyage into Service K-12 Event: Guess what?!?! We have one more in-person “Voyage into Service” event with the NC Diaper Bank! For everyone who is interested, please sign-up at: https://x.gldn.io/e/hfSgEoGhXrb to solidify your spot today! We will be on-site on Saturday, March 18th from 9:30-11:30a. Here are the important details:
Each participant - each parent, child, and staff member, must fill out the link above.
All volunteers guarantee that they are not feeling ill before their shift.
Masks are optional; however, anyone who is not vaccinated, must wear a mask at all times.
Bring a cool drink!
Close-toed shoes are required.
Address: 1311 E. Club Blvd, Durham, 27704 - inside the green fence at the corner of Kiss Dr. and E. Club Blvd.
Contact Dr. Monique Link, School Social Worker at 919-433-3301 X 146 / mlink@voyageracademy.net with any questions or needs. Certificates of Participation will be awarded to everyone in attendance AND there will be one last raffle for a few sweet give-aways! Thank you in advance for your commitment to service and volunteerism!
February is Black History Month: February is reserved as the month to celebrate, learn about, and engage in moving and inspiring exhibits, tours, and events that will highlight the life-experiences and contributions of Black/African-American business owners, leaders, artists, and trailblazers. It is also a time to reflect on the history of this population and to understand how this amazing group of people have overcome many barriers; yet, still face challenges that impact their lives on a daily basis. Check out these links for exciting opportunities:
Visit Discover Durham to learn more about Durham’s rich Black history!
Learn more about the significant impact of African Americans in Durham through a profound and robust collection at the Franklin Research Center (Duke University)!
Fun fact: Did you know that Andre Leon Talley graduated from Hillside High School and NCCU?! Did you know that David Garrard graduated from Southern High School and ECU?! Did you know that David Noel graduated from Southern High School and UNC?!
Middle School Athletics
The boys basketball team (17-3, 11-1) will be playing for the TNAC championship this evening after beating Henderson Collegiate in the conference semi-finals, 39-29. The team had been down by as many as 11 points in the first half before coming out on fire after halftime. 8th grader Ray Draughon had a game high 15 points while fellow 8th graders McKinley Hemsley and Everett Galik had 6 points each. The boys will play for the TNAC championship tonight at the high school as they host Vance Charter in a 6pm tip-off.
PC: Claire Schnee
The girls basketball team (2-14, 1-10) concluded their season last week as they fell in the 1st round of the TNAC tournament. The team showed a lot of growth over the course of the season and never gave up. The team will be losing their three amazing 8th graders as they move up to the high school, but with so many hardworking and talented 6th and 7th graders the team will be competitive the next few seasons.
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.
Spring tryouts for middle school, 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
Congratulations to the women’s swim team and those swimmers who qualified for the state championships! The women’s team finished 35th overall in 1A/2A. The team’s 200 yard medley had the highest state placement, finishing 12th overall. The team was comprised of Ashlin Wootton (’23), Izzy Kuehner (’26), Sage Kuehner (’24), and Lilly Bullock (’25). The swimmers also saw their 200 Free relay finish 17th overall which consisted of S. Kuehner, I. Kuehner, Katelyn (Austin) Elliot (’24), and Wootton. In addition to their 400 free relay team come in at 22nd overall with team members S. Kuehner, Elliorr, Bullock, and Woottoon.
Wootton and Izzy Kuehner were the only swimmers to have competed in the individual state championships. Kuehner finished 24th overall in the 100 breaststroke as a first year student.
Wootton competed in the individual 500 free, coming in 22nd overall in 1A/2A, capping the end of an amazing swim career at Voyager.
Congratulations to the team on an amazing season!
The JV men’s basketball team (20-1, 9-0) dropped their last game of the season at Discovery Charter, 63-60, putting an end to the team’s undefeated season and seeing the potential beginnings of a great rivalry moving forward. The team should be incredibly proud. Over the course of the season the Vikings beat 4A schools such as Northern Durham and Jordan High School and top private schools such as Durham Academy and Ravenscroft.
The men’s varsity basketball team (15-8, 9-1) played for the TNAC championship last night in Henderson but would fall to defending TNAC champs, Henderson Collegiate, 67-49. The Vikings completed the regular season as TNAC regular season Co-Champions along with Henderson Collegiate, winning their first TNAC regular season title. Next up for the team is the NCHSAA state playoffs. Seedings, location, and opponent will be release tomorrow afternoon. Keep an eye out on our social media accounts to see who the guys will be playing in the first round.
The women’s basketball team (13-7, 7-3) made it to the conference championship for the first time in the program’s history, but fell to defending champion Vance Charter 28-27 last night. The team never gave up, trailing by as much as 5 points with under a minute left in the game. Chloe Holland (’25) brought the team within 1 point with 4 seconds remaining, but that’s as close as the team would get. Despite only having 8 players this season the Vikings still managed to finish 2nd overall in the TNAC and will look to make some noise in the state playoffs next week. Seeding, location, and opponent will be release by the NCHSAA tomorrow afternoon. Keep an eye on our social media accounts to see who the team will be playing in the 1st round.
PC: Claire Schnee
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!
Important Notes:
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
