From the Voyager Academy Managing Director, April 21, 2023

 

Viking Weekly News 


Dear Voyager Community,

It’s wonderful to have everyone back on campus after spring break. There were several facilities projects completed over the spring break.  The elementary school awnings were installed and will provide shelter from the rain and sun during car line. This project was funded through the Foundation capital improvement budget. The Middle School awnings will be installed over the summer.

 

The High School Outdoor classroom and reflection space was also completed. This space will provide students and staff a great place to learn, relax, perform, and have lunch outside together. This project was funded by the SHAC grant from the NCDHHS. Ms. Todd’s Yearbook class was already using the space for a class planning session.



New locks were installed on all classroom and office doors in the Middle School to ensure the safety of all in emergencies. This project was funded by the School Safety Grant.

Signal Boosters completed an upgrade for cellular coverage at the Middle School to ensure Voyager has cell coverage for emergencies. This project was also funded by the School Safety grant.

Additionally, wall repairs and painting were completed in the Middle School locker rooms, 4th/5th grade bathroom, and the HS art hallway.

Registration and Re-enrollment for 2023 -2024 School Year Coming Soon

The re-enrollment process will be starting on May 1st so that all current families can complete their updated registration and beginning of the year paperwork. Reminder emails have started to inform families that the process will begin soon. All 23-24 paperwork for returning families must be completed by May 19, 2023. Please contact your building principal immediately if your plans to return to Voyager for the 23-24 school year have changed so that we can ensure we have all seats filled on the first day of school. Please know that our school funding is based on attendance starting on the first day of school, August 9, 2023.

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.

All the best,

Upcoming Dates:

4/21-Special Olympics-Elementary

4/21- 4/24 Middle School Matilda Play Dates

  • Friday, April 21 at 7:00

  • Saturday, April 22 at 7:00

  • Sunday, April 23 at 3:00

  • Monday, April 24 at 7:00

4/22 - HS Choir & Band: NC Show Choir Competition (Charlotte) 

4/22 – Angels Among Us Run/Walk

4/26 - NJHS Induction, 6:00

4/27 Kindergarten Project Celebration “Change Over Time”

4/28 - Special Olympics High school

4/28 - Spring Fling

4/28 - 5th Grade Shark Tank, 1:15

The PTSO has been hard at work creating a new apparel design for our Spring Fling! 

 We are excited to announce that our SPRING POPUP MARKET IS NOW LIVE! 

Click the link below and shop til you drop! 

Remember - the market is open from 4/19 to 5/1.

Once the market closes - it will go to production and then will be delivered to school for distribution the week of May 16th. 

Please note: We *WILL* have some shirt sleeve Adult and Youth shirts available for sale next Friday at the PTSO table.  However, a larger selection (long sleeve, tank tops, hoodies, tie dye) can be chosen from on our Spring PopUp Market!

We appreciate all of the support for the PTSO and Voyager community! Go Vikings Go!

https://markabull.commonsku.com/shop/6020055a-984e-44b5-8795-89cf4d5d56ec

WEEKLY NURSES UPDATE:

Why does sunscreen and sun protection matter?

Sunscreen and sun protection are very important for children and adolescents. Skin cancer is becoming more common in young people.  Research shows that even just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Protecting your child’s skin from too much exposure to the sun can greatly reduce this risk. Sunburn is a sign of skin damage that you can see, but invisible damage occurs too, in all skin types. Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. 

There are two types of sun rays that are harmful to the skin: 

  • UVA rays cause skin aging and skin cancer, such as melanoma.

  • UVB rays cause sunburns, cataracts, and also contribute to skin cancer.

What types of sunscreen should I use?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids wear sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen has these characteristics: 

  • Broad spectrum, which protects against UVA and UVB sun rays. 

  • Water-resistant sunscreens can no longer be labeled as “waterproof.” Sunscreens are now labeled as water resistant for up to 40 to 80 minutes. Know the water resistance time and make sure to reapply.

  • Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. 

Check the front label and the ingredient label of the sunscreen. The product you choose should include one of these ingredients.  These tend to be thicker in consistency, but provide better protection for the skin. 

  • Titanium dioxide 

  • Zinc oxide 

  • Avobenzone 

How to apply sunscreen

It seems pretty basic, right?  But there are some specific guidelines for applying sunscreen such as how soon before sun exposure sunscreen should be applied and how much to use.

  • Apply generously to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outside.

  • Don’t forget ears, nose, lips, and tops of the hands and feet which often go unprotected. 

  • Reapply at least every 2 hours and after water exposure, such as swimming or sweating. 

  • Reapply the sunscreen when outdoors in both sunny and cloudy weather. Sun rays still come through the clouds and can still affect the skin. 

  • Check the expiration date of the sunscreen. If the sunscreen has changed in color or consistency, you should throw it away and get new sunscreen. 

Lotion vs Spray? 

Spray sunscreens are popular because they are easy to apply and help cover hard-to-reach areas like the back and shoulder. They can also be handy for a quicker application when trying to get sunscreen on young or eager children who are ready to get out and play! However, there has been some recent debate about risks linked to inhaling some of the sunscreen ingredients when it becomes aerosolized into a spray.  The FDA has not specifically determined the health risks of inhaling sunscreen sprays, but recently advised not to use them near the face. What spray sunscreen studies DID find was that many people only apply one-quarter of the recommended amount versus when they used a lotion or gel sunscreen. In order to achieve a sun protection factor similar to when applying a lotion sunscreen, you’ll need to spray each body area for up to six seconds. For guaranteed sun protection, you are probably better off using a lotion or gel.

COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION WEEKLY UPDATE:

  • Our CDC COVID-19 Community Level is: LOW 

  • Masks are welcome but are not currently required

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including recommended booster doses

  • Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19

  • Follow recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19

World Autism Month: April is World Autism Month!! You are invited to wear blue and Light It Up Blue (homes, cars, businesses, yards, etc.) in recognition of and support for those who meet criteria for Autism and for those who love and care for them.

Parent Resource: Parents and caregivers!! Please check out the AMAZING newsletter completed by our Student Support Services Intern, Ms. Danielle Wright, titled “Parent Engagement: Connecting Home to School” This wonderful resource is FULL of useful articles, strategies, learning tools, and more, focused on engagement and involvement between the home and school. After reviewing, please provide your thoughtful feedback to inform us of the impact this newsletter had for you and your family!

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: April 23rd – 29th: This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect change.” The focus this year is to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where they will have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported (ovc.ojp.gov). There are a number of services available to assist in a variety of areas of need:

If you are in need of support for an area not listed, please contact Dr. Link, as she may have a resource available to assist you!

Guess What!: We can proudly offer one last “Voyage into Service” event this academic year after all! For those who are willing and able, please sign-up for the May 13th event with the NC Diaper Bank from 9:30-11:30a at the following link: https://x.gldn.io/e/hfSgEoGhXrb 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.

All ability levels and those age 4+ are welcome to attend! 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!

Quick Reminder!! 

If your student is planning to participate OR has already signed up for a Summer Enrichment please make sure the funds are placed on the account by May 1, 2023. If you have not yet signed up please make sure to visit our website https://www.voyageracademy.net/resources/summer-enrichments/ to complete the google form for the enrichment of your choice. Once your student is signed up an email with payment instructions will be sent.









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