The mission of Voyager Academy is to provide students in kindergarten through grade twelve an academically challenging and supportive learning environment. Staff utilizes experiential and traditional learning strategies so that students become responsible, engaged, and innovative members of society. The school’s expectation is that all students, working with dedicated faculty and family, will excel academically and socially.
April 29th, 2016
Dear Viking Families:
We are getting ready for our elementary project celebrations next week and look forward to seeing you all here! I hope you got to spend some time in the English 1 project presentations from the Romeo and Juliet unit. The kids did an excellent job!
Parents, please take a few minutes today to review the new BYOD policy and requirements headed your way for the 2016-2017 school year. This new technology device policy is for Eighth grade-twelfth grade students only and will go into effect for the new school year. The information includes system requirements and supporting documents as you make selections or decisions for your children’s technology. Please know that we will be upgrading our internal networking infrastructure to allow for greater data access and speed and to enable our teachers and students to infuse technology with education in a more productive manner. We are very excited about this program to expand our student offerings! As always, if you need assistance, please email me directly, or reach out to our technology director, [email protected].
EASE ON DOWN, EASE ON DOWN the ROAD…
The Wiz is at Voyager Academy! Come see our Spring Musical cast of Dorothy, Addaperle, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion and many more in The Land of Oz on April 28th, 29th, and 30th! Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at www.vafoa.org
We are working on our traffic plans for arrival/dismissal/sibling drop off for next year as well as any changes to hours for the Care program. We should be able to post our new maps and operating hours for you by next Friday.
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
GOVERNING BOARD VACANCIES
We will have 2 vacancies on our Board next year as our staggered terms expire. If you are interested, please make sure you apply directly to me through the application I will be sending out when we return. All interested applicants will be reviewed, and top candidates will have in depth interviews by a sub- committee of the Board. Experience in Finance or Budget Management is a plus, but not required. Parents are encouraged to apply, but we will interview community members as well, so feel free to reach out to other friends/family who may be a good fit for our school. Applications are due by April 29th.
Regards, Jennifer Lucas, M. ED Managing Director [email protected]
Athletics Update:
RICK HENDRICKS CHEVROLET
VOYAGER ACADEMY GOLF CLASSIC
MAY 7, 2016
HILLANDALE GOLF COURSE
DURHAM, NC
SHOTGUN START 8:00 AM
Voyager Academy Athletics is pleased to announce our annual golf classic at Hillandale Golf Course!! Breakfast and Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost of play!!
Please come out and join Voyager Athletics in a fun day of family and golf! This is the biggest fundraiser our athletic department hosts and the money raised supports all Voyager Academy student athletes. We need your help in continuing the success of all of our athletic teams!!
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
If you would like to volunteer, play in the tournament, or make a donation please contact us at the information below.
Deuce Harris [email protected] 919-491-5114
Wendy Henderson [email protected] 919-308-4209
You may also sign-up to volunteer at the link below.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090945A4AF2FA57-annual
Please come out and support the Vikings!!
Important Announcement
May 3rd – College Sports Signing Celebration
11:05 – 11:40 am in High School Gym on May 3rd we will be celebrate those student-athletes that will be continuing their education and athletic careers at the next level next year. All are invited to attend the celebration.
May 18th – Physical Night at Triangle Orthopaedics. All Voyager student-athletes can get sports physicals for 10 dollars. More information will follow, however, Triangle will be using the proceeds from this night as a fundraiser for our school. Please make plans to have next years physical taken care of that night, again please support those that support our student-athletes.
Also a coupon is attached at the end of this message.
Supporters
Voyager Families we ask that you continue to support those that support our athletic programs. The companies below have made huge contributions to allow our student-athletes the opportunity to participate in educational driven athletics;
North Durham Orthodontics- Who reminds us that a smile is always in style
Triangle Orthopaedics- who work hard to keep our athletes on the court and fields
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
The Law Offices of Shelley Campen Brown - there to assist you with any of your legal needs
Roxboro Road Chick-Fil-A who helps us feed the fire and can provide catering for any of your gatherings
Upchurch Drugs and Gift Shoppe – there to help with all your medication, or optical needs while providing a place to find a perfect gift to just show someone you care.
Rick Hendricks Chevrolet – Partnering with our Athletic Programs as our title sponsor for our Golf Tournament
Week of May 2nd Athletic Schedule
2nd Monday
MS Soccer – 1st round of Conference tournament – Kestrel at Voyager GAP 4:30pm
MS Baseball – 1st round of Conference tournament – Kestrel at Voyager GAP 4:30pm
HS Soccer – Game vs. Kestrel at NCCU field 6:30pm
HS Softball – Game vs. Rivermill at Southern High School TBA
3rd Tuesday
HS Tennis – 1st Round Playoff TBA
HS Soccer – Game vs. Roxboro Community School at Northern High School 6:30
HS Baseball – Game vs. Rivermill at Southern High School 7pm
4th Wednesday
MS Baseball – Conference TBA
MS Softball – Conference TBA
MS Soccer – Conference TBA
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
MS Tennis – Match vs. Carolina Friends School at Rock Quarry Park 4pm
5th Thursday
HS Baseball – Game vs. Roxboro Community School at Optimist Park 7pm
HS Softball – Game vs. Roxboro Community School at Bushy Fork Ball Park 4pm
6th Friday
HS Baseball – Game vs. Riverside High School at Duke University 7pm
MS Baseball – Conference TBA
MS Softball – Conference TBA
MS Soccer – Conference TBA
Elementary Update:
Dear VAES Families, We have had a great week at Voyager Academy Elementary! Last night, many of our current and past students from the elementary performed in our school musical, “The Wiz”!! They all did a marvelous job!! If you didn’t go to see it last night, you can still purchase a ticket for $10.00 and see it tonight or Saturday night. You will not be disappointed!! Here are a few pictures from last night. Enjoy!! I hope everyone has a terrific weekend!!
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
Field Day on Friday, May 6: Kindergarten and 1st grade: 9:30-11:30 & 2nd and 3rd grade: 12:30-2:30 Please sign up to volunteer to help with Field Day! This event is a lot of fun for students, teachers, and parents. However, we need many parent volunteers to make this day a success!! Follow this link to volunteer: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0949a4ae28a5f49-field
4th Quarter Progress Reports Sent Home: Friday, April 22 Special Olympics Spring Games @ Durham Academy: Friday, April 22 mClass Reading End of Year Testing: April 25 – May 20 Buddy Class Day: Monday, April 25 @ 8:45 AM Elementary Class Pictures: Wednesday, April 27 Spring Musical/The Wiz: April 28 – 30 @ 7:00 Pm in the HS Gym Kindergarten and Third Grade Project Celebration: Monday, May 2 @ 5:30 PM First and Second Grade Project Celebration: Thursday, May 5 @ 5:30 PM
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
2nd Grade Field Trip to Marbles Museum in Raleigh: Wednesday, May 4 Elementary Field Day: Friday, May 6 Correction to Third Grade EOG Dates: Third Grade End of Grade Reading and Math Tests: Thursday, May 12 & Friday, May 13 Voyager Golf Tournament: Saturday, May 7 Voyager Academy Athletics is pleased to announce our annual golf classic at Hillandale Golf Course!! Breakfast and Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost of play!! Please come out and join Voyager Athletics in a fun day of family and golf! This is the biggest fundraiser our athletic department hosts and the money raised supports all Voyager Academy student athletes. We need your help in continuing the success of all of our athletic teams!! If you would like to volunteer, play in the tournament, or make a donation please contact Deuce Harris at [email protected] & 919-491-5114 or Wendy Henderson at [email protected] & 919-308-4209. You may also sign-up to volunteer at the link below. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945a4af2fa57-annual
Middle School Update:
Hi Middle School Families, If you haven’t purchased your tickets to attend the musical, The Wiz, you are missing a terrific production. As I watched the show tonight, it was great to see so many middle school students participating in so many ways. Great job to all!
Most of you know that one of our families lost everything to a house fire about a week ago. We are continuing to collect gift cards. If you would like to help this family, please feel free to donate a gift card or cash. You may bring to the middle school and we will make sure the family receives it. I know it will be appreciated!
As the end of the year is rapidly approaching, we need you to help us keep our students focused. This is an important time of year as our EOG tests will be administered the week of May 16. We will also participate in science/social studies Final Exams the week of May 23. PLEASE talk with your child/children about the importance of staying on task as the learning process needs to continue!!!!!
Calendar of Events April 29 and 30 The Wiz, tickets are on sale April 30 Science Olympiad Competition, Southern High School May 3 National Junior Honor Society meeting for current members, 7:15 in Ms. Green’s room May 5 8th Grade Presentation of Learning, 10:30-11:30
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
May 6 5th Grade Egg Drop, 8:30-10:00 May 12 6th Grade Space Project Presentation May 12 National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony, 6:30, MS (Information was sent home on Thursday to students who were nominated for induction. Students need to return info to Mrs. Johnson by Monday, May 2.) May 12 Collection of 8th grade Chromebooks May 12 EXPO, 6:00, ES May 13 6th grade to Carolina Theater May 13 All books need to be returned to the library May 16 Math I EOG May 17 Reading EOG May 17 PTA General Membership Meeting, 6:30 May 18 Math EOG May 19 Make-ups in necessary – hopefully there will be NONE!!!!!! May 20 5th and 8th grade science EOG May 20 4th Grade Project Presentation May 23 Awards’ Celebration, 6:30 May 24 Field Day for 4th and 5th May 24 Science Exam for 6th and 7th graders May 25 Social Studies Exam for 6th and 7th graders
Please make sure you add all the dates to your calendars! Gwen Principal [email protected]
High School Update:
There are a number of congratulations to share for our students and teachers at VAHS. First, the 9th grade students participated in a culminating event for their Shakespeare project. Students led guests on a gallery walk, describing artifacts from their historical research and readings of Romeo and Juliet. What was most important was the way in which students were able to clearly explain connections from Romeo and Juliet with historical artifacts through mainstream media. Students demonstrated a deeper understanding of the content through the project requirements.
Mr. Christian Gloade earned Teacher of the Year for the entire Voyager Academy campus K12. He is a fantastic math teacher, working to meet the needs of his students every day. Mr. Gloade gives up his planning period every day to offer an AP class to a group of seniors, and tutors students after school everyday.
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
Ms. Molly Deans, Mrs. Jenny Hobgood and Mr. Max Puhala from the high school have done a fantastic job with Voyager’s production of The Wiz. I attended the musical last night and was blown away by the talent demonstrated from all of our students. I highly recommend you attend the musical, especially to see the secret guest performer.
Please continue to check your student's grades on Canvas and PowerSchool. It is important students continue to demonstrate focus and attention as they complete 4th quarter work and the final exam.
Cory Draughon Principal, VAHS “Persist for Meaning”
--Graduation ticket order forms went home today. Please complete the form and return it to the school ASAP.
--Mark your calendars for ***Senior Award Night**** Monday May 16, 6pm-7pm (invitations will be sent to all Seniors receiving an award)
--Service Hours Due May 11th for Seniors who are pursuing the award.
--College and Career Promise Program Students at VAHS are eligible to take FREE courses at local community colleges via the NC College and Career Promise Program (CCPP). This is open to all 11th and 12th grade students. Please take a minute to fill out the short form below so we can begin to gather a list of names of students who are interested in taking courses via the CCPP. An email will follow shortly to talk about the admission process, deadlines, course selection, and test scores. If you are eligible to participate in the program we will host orientation here at VAHS. Use the following link to find out more information: www.durhamtech.edu/ccp/ If you have already filled out the form below you do not need to do it again. We are just sending out one final email to collect any additional names. This is an amazing opportunity to get a jump start on your college education- for free!! I hope this programs grows in our school and our students continue to be successful both at the high school and college level! http://goo.gl/forms/cw5ccvOty3
Dan Schmoyer, M.Ed, LSC
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
Voyager Academy High School Counselor
--VAHS will host the classroom portion of Driver's Ed for 2 weeks on July 18-21 and July 25-28 from 8:00-12:00each day.
**Sign ups will take place in person at the High School on May 17th in Room E140. Students who are 17 years old or older, sign ups will start at 7:00am on May 17th in Room E140. Students who are 14 1/2 -16 years old, sign ups will start at 7:10am on May 17th in Room E140.
The class can hold 25 students. Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Parents will not need to be present on May 17th for their child to sign up for Driver's Ed. Students will be able to sign themselves up for the class. The cost of the class is $45. Students will be required to bring a check for $45 made out to Durham Public Schools on the first day of class. Please contact David Roberson with questions. [email protected]
--We are proud to announce the following results from Saturday's Science Olympiad State competition, held at NC State:
Medals: Leif Kelley and Michael Kariher in "Fossils" (10th place)
Honorable mentions: John Robert Vance in "Anatomy and Physiology" (15th place) Sam Williamson and Devan Desai in"Geologic Mapping" (23rd place)
Luke Cunningham and Will Hoffman in "Electric Vehicle" (39th place)
Keep in mind that there were 117 teams from all over the state at this competition, so all of our results should be viewed with pride! Just getting to this level meant that these students all were FIRST PLACE overall winners in our regional event. Join me in celebrating their grit, intellect, and effort as part of our larger science olympiad team. We hope to bring the whole posse to the state level next year!
--Austin Collins-Martin, a 9th grade student at Voyager, competed in two consecutive horse shows this weekend at Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh.
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net
AMAZINGLY, She won Champion at both shows! She is the OVER-Fences Field Hunter Champion for the Spring Classic 4-H show. And she won Pre-Child Champion at the Triangle Farms show. Congratulations Austin, proud to have you as a Viking!
101 Hock Parc Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919.433.3301 Fax: 919.433.3305 www.voyageracademy.net