Voyager MS Parent Bulletin
December 3, 2021 Weekly News
Home of the Wolverines
Our mission is to prepare our youth today for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Land Acknowledgement
The Mukilteo School District acknowledges that we gather on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin since time immemorial. We respect this place and honor the sacred spiritual connection to the land, water, and its people, past, present, and future. The district serves a diverse population of about 15,000 students who live near the Puget Sound about 15 miles north of Seattle. Dedicated staff help prepare our community's children to be successful, contributing members of the community. Our students learn in an environment that is positive, caring, and focused on their highest academic potential.
The Voyager MS Parent Bulletin is available in multiple languages
Thought of the Week
“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Health and Safety Information for In-Person Learning
The in-person learning family guide has been posted on the Return to School website. As with last spring, school staff will follow the health and safety guidelines provided by the Washington State Department of Health. You’ll also find information about cleaning, transportation, physical distancing, masks and other in-person learning protocols.
Attendance Reminders to All Families
We want to remind students and families about the importance of daily attendance. In order for students to do their best learning in school, students need to be present at school, on time, as many days as possible. Additionally, please be mindful about scheduling appointments outside of the school day whenever possible, or to bring students back to campus so that they miss as little school as possible.
Sick or Unable to Attend
Health and Safety Reminders
As we approach cold and flu season, it is important to remind all our Voyager families that students should be symptom-free to come to school and before/after school activities.
Stay Home if You’re Sick – Helpful Information: A COVID -19 Toolkit https://www.snohd.org/DocumentCenter/View/8109/COVID-Toolkit-FINAL
While we recognize that many conditions can cause these symptoms, such as the “common cold” or allergies, the best way to rule out COVID is to be tested.
If your student has tested negative or is fully vaccinated for COVID, they should STILL stay home until their symptoms have improved to avoid bringing other viruses or contagious conditions to school, or coughing, wiping, or blowing their nose in the classroom, for example.
Please review the COVID-19 DAILY HEALTH SCREENING AND RESOURCE FORM. If your student has ANY of the outlined symptoms, they should stay home, (even if you believe it’s not COVID!)
Thank you for your help in keeping Voyager Middle School as safe as possible.
Week at a Glance
December 6 - December 10
Activity Bus Leaves Promptly at 4:05pm
12/6 - Monday - B Day:
Before School
7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice - 6:15 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
VO Homework Room - 2:50 - 4:00pm - VO Library
ELL Club 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# B151
Journaling Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#B141
8th Grade Girls Volleyball Games vs. Explorer 3:45pm @ Explorer
7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Field
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Games vs. Explorer MS - 3:45pm - Voyager
12/7 - Tuesday - A Day:
Before School
7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice - 6:15 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
VO Homework Room - 2:50 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Cribbage Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# Library
Craft Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# B153
8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Commons
7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. College Place MS - 3:45pm @ Goddard Stadium
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Games vs. Evergreen MS - 3:45pm - @ Voyager
12/8 - Wednesday - B Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
STEAM Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#C140
Homework Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
7th/8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Commons
7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Field
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice - 1:30 - 3:00pm - VO Gym
12/9 - Thursday - A Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
VO Homework Room - 2:50 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Pride Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# A130
7th/8th Grade Girls Volleyball Games vs. College Place MS - 3:45pm - @ Voyager
7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. Harbour Pointe MS - 3:45pm @ Kamiak HS
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Games vs. College Place MS - 3:45pm @ College Place
12/10 - Friday - B Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:10am
After School
7th/8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Gym
7th/8th Grade Boys Soccer Practice - 1:30 - 2:30pm - VO Field
7th/8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice - 1:30 - 3:00pm - VO Field
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice - 1:30 - 3:00pm - VO Gym
Learning Improvement Time (LIT) Dismissal, Fridays
On Fridays Voyager students are usually released from school at 1:30pm due to Learning Improvement Time (LIT) time for staff. There are no after school activity buses on early dismissal Fridays.
School News
Recent Events
To the families at Voyager Middle School,
Yesterday, several students reported seeing a veiled written threat on girl’s bathroom stall. We have reported the threat to local law enforcement and are working with law enforcement and staff to assure all school campuses are safe. There will be extra law enforcement presence at the school today as a precaution.
When an incident of this type occurs, we provide as much information to you as possible. We do, however, have to be cautious not to share information that may interfere with the investigation of the incident. Thank you in advance for avoiding speculation about this incident and not spreading rumors.
We appreciate the students who saw the writing and reported it right away. If you or your student has any information regarding today’s situation or any other threat to our students, please call 911 or submit a tip through district Safe Schools system any time.
We take any threat seriously. As always, the safety of our students is our priority. We will continue to inform you of any event that may have an impact on your child and will provide you with as much information as possible.
Sincerely,
Voyager Middle School
Free Tutoring Services for Middle and High School Students!
As part of the district’s efforts to support students in recovering academic skills impacted by the pandemic, students in grades 6
through 12 will have free online tutoring services beginning December
8 through a partnership with Revolution Prep. Academic tutoring will be accessible through the student portal on the district website in many key academic subjects (math, science, English Language and literature, foreign languages, history, etc.). Students also have the option for test preparation sessions for SAT and ACT.
We invite students and families to learn more about the tutoring services through a Zoom webinar in the next few weeks. Please see the webinar schedule below. Zoom links are at the end of this message.
December 8, 5:30 p.m. – presented in English with simultaneous interpretation options in Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Korean and Vietnamese
December 9, 5:30 p.m. – presented in Spanish
Additional family webinars in other languages will be presented in January. Webinars will be recorded and shared on the district website for families who cannot attend.
More about Revolution Prep
Revolution Prep has been offering one-on-one or small group settings to provide online tutoring for academic support and test prep services since 2012. They have over 200 full-time faculty that include PhDs, STEM specialists, Special Education teachers, and English Language teachers. The sessions are offered in one-hour blocks with up to 5 other students. They are available after school, evenings and weekends. Students may drop-in to a session, but reservations are recommended as some session may fill up.
December 8, 5:30 p.m.
Click here to join
Passcode: 572621
Or One tap mobile:
US: +12063379723,,97000283765#
Or Telephone:
Dial +1 206 337 9723
Webinar ID: 970 0028 3765
December 9, 5:30 p.m. – presented in Spanish
Click here to join
Passcode: 085217
Or One tap mobile:
US: +12063379723,,92633677115#
Or Telephone:
Dial +1 206 337 9723
Webinar ID: 926 3367 7115
SOS Signs of Suicide
Dear Parent / Guardian,
During this challenging year, school staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. The Mukilteo School District is using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.
SOS has been used by thousands of schools over the past few decades. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.
Through the program, students learn:
- that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
- how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
- to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
- who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it
Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a response slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns. School counselors will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk. The following day students will review the signs/symptoms of depression and how to ACT.
Students in all grade levels will participate on:
8th Grade: 12/7 and 12/8 7th Grade: 12/13 and 12/14 6th Grade: 1/11 and 1/12
We encourage you to visit http://www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.
Username: voyager-par Password: screening
IF YOU DO NOT WISH FOR YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SOS SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM THAT WILL BE SENT HOME SOON AND HAVE YOUR CHILD GIVE IT TO THEIR CLASSROOM TEACHER. IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU, WE WILL ASSUME YOUR CHILD HAS PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. FORM DUE BEFORE THE FIRST LESSON.
Please know that if your student is currently in crisis (e.g. has thoughts of suicide, or experiences depression) please seek help immediately. You can call your child’s school counselor at 425-366-5300 for more information on community resources and mental health needs.
Community Resources for Suicide Intervention and Support:
- SnoCo Care Crisis Line 1-800-584-3578
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- Cocoon House: Project SAFE 425-317-9898 (Mental health support for parents of teens)
- Teen Link (6-10pm) 1-866-833-6546
- Crisis Chat lines www.carecrisischat.org / www.imhurting.org
- Crisis Text Line text ‘hello’ to 741-741
Donuts with Your Grown Ups - Monday, December 13 - Drive Thru Event
Dear Voyager Families and Students,
Extraordinary times call for creative avenues. This year we will hold our annual Donuts with Your Grown Ups event with a take home treat, but with you and your families in spirit!
Start your week off with a delicious morning sweet treat together and put a smile on your child’s face! Enjoy some donuts, compliments of Voyager Middle School!
On Monday, December 13 Voyager will be holding a Drive-Thru "Donuts with Your Grown Ups" pick-up event after school between 3:00pm - 3:45pm. We will be proving you with a paper bag with donuts to share the following morning with your student (s) as you start the day together. Please make sure and stop by curbside to pick up your bag of sweet treats.
“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvements of parents.”
~ Jane D. Hull
Universal Human Rights Month - December 2021
In honor of this observation, please take the time to learn about another culture that is different from yours. For additional information, please visit:
Universal Human Rights Month – Everything You Need to Know ...
Winter Spirit Week at Voyager - December 13 - 17
Participate & Have Fun!
Snooze Day Monday
Mad About Plaid Tuesday
Animal Day Wednesday
Snowman Day Thursday
Crazy or Cozy Sweater Friday
Operation Community Holiday Cards Drop - Ends Friday
Operation Community Holiday Cards Drop - Ends Friday, December 10!
In the spirit of the World Kindness Movement, Voyager students are writing holiday cards to local elderly neighbors living in nursing homes.
Accepting Holiday Card Donations
In support of our student's kindness efforts we would like to ask parents/guardians to consider donating new blank holiday cards to Voyager so that every student is able to send cheer to a senior resident through a hand written holiday card. In consideration of our diverse community, we ask that cards donated remain inclusive. “Happy Holidays” is accepted as the broadest and most inclusive greeting at this time of year.
Please drop off new holiday cards at Voyager Middle School's Front office in the donation box anytime now through December 10. Thank you in advance for your kindness.
Holiday Community Resources
Christmas House 2021
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and also to apply for Christmas gifts assistance, please visit www.christmas-house.org
Snohomish County - 2021 Holiday Dinners and Toy Distributions
The Arc of Snohomish County is offering assistance with holiday meals and toy distribution. In addition, the link also provides a list of foodbanks throughout Snohomish County. For information, please visit Snohomish County Holiday Meals & Toy Distributions 2021
Please note: These resources were gathered by The Arc of Snohomish County in early November 2021. Resources often change over time. You may want to verify the information with the individual source.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree – Christmas Assistance
Marine Toys for Tots - Christmas Gifts Assistance
If you would like to make a donation or apply for assistance from Marine Toys for Tots this Christmas CLICK HERE to find the Local Marine Toys for Tots Campaign in your community and visit their local campaign website for details and instructions.
Helpful Resources
Links
Mukilteo School District Web Site
Voyager Middle School Web Site
https://www.flashalert.net/login/
Mukilteo School District 2021-22 School Calendar
Voyager Clubs for the 2021/2022 School Year: Voyager Clubs (mukilteoschools.org)
FAMILY ACCESS: link
FlashAlert Newswire and Messenger
Covid Data Dashboard Return to School / COVID cases dashboard (mukilteoschools.org)
Free Student Meals for the 21-22 School Year! Complete the application
Transportation Department (425)366-1306 or visit Find Your School Bus Route.
VO Facebook @voyagermiddleschool
VO Instagram @voyagerwolverines
Voyager School Counselors
Brenna Reid, 6th Grade Counselor ReidBC@mukilteo.wednet.edu, 425-366-5334
Vincenza Moody, 7th Grade Counselor MoodyVC@mukilteo.wednet.edu, 425-366-5333
Margaret Peterson, 8th Grade Counselor PetersonMJ@mukilteo.wednet.edu, 425-366-5332
Season Two Sports
For Season 2 Sports Schedules, please visit: Fall Athletics Schedule
Mukilteo School District is Hiring!
State Mask Mandate
COVID-19 Testing Locations
Visit the Washington State Department of Health’s Testing for COVID-19 page for the latest updates, information about who should be tested, what you should do after you’re tested, vaccine information, testing locations and data dashboard.
Back to School Resources
If your child has a need for school supplies, food, clothing or community resources, please contact Kristen Anderson, Lead Student Support Advocate at AndersonKM@mukilteo.wednet.edu or Olga Mantilla, Family Engagement Liaison at Mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Stay Connected!
We send a schoolwide weekly newsletter and other regular communications out via Blackboard, our district wide communication system. By enrolling your child in our school, you are automatically set up to receive Blackboard messages from us. If you have updates to e-mail or phone numbers that you would like to make related to these communications, please call the main office at 425-366-5300.
Upcoming Events
11/22 - 12/3: Operation Community Holiday Cards Drop - Because Kindness Matters
11/30: 7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. Alderwood - 3:45pm - 5:00pm @ Mariner Goddard Stadium
12/2: 7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. North - 3:45pm - 5:00pm @ Lincoln Field
12/3: End of 1st Trimester
12/7: 7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. College Place - 3:45pm - 5:00pm @ Mariner Goddard Stadium.
12/9: 7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. Harbour Pointe - 3:45pm - 5:00pm @ Kamiak HS
12/10: Orchestra Concerts via Zoom/Live Stream
12/13: Donuts with Your Grown Ups - Monday, December 13 - Drive Thru Event - After School
12/13 - 12/17: Spirit Week at Voyager
12/16: 7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. Explorer - 3:45pm - 5:00pm @ Mariner Goddard Stadium.
12/17: Early Dismissal at 12:00pm
12/20 - 12/31: Winter Break – No School
1/17/22: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School
2/21/22: President's Day – No School
2/22/22 - 2/25/22: Mid Winter Break – No School
4/11/22 - 4/15/22: Spring Break – No School
5/30/22: Memorial Day – No School
Friday - Learning Improvement Time (LIT) – EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE
8:05 - 9:30am - Core
9:35 - 10:50am - Elective
11:25 - 11:55am - Intervention
12:00 - 1:30pm - Core
7th Grade
8:05 - 8:35am - Intervention
8:40 - 11:40am Core
11:40 - 12:10 - Lunch
12:15 - 1:30pm - Elective
8th Grade
8:05 - 9:15am - Elective
9:20 - 12:15pm - Core
12:15 - 12:45pm - Lunch
12:50 - 1:30pm - Intervention
Don’t fall into the trap of being a friend instead of a parent
Your middle schooler is growing up before your eyes and may look more like a young adult than a child. But remember:
She is still your child and not your peer. She needs you to be the responsible
adult—and you need her to respect you and your rules. To avoid falling into the friend trap:
- Require your child to be respectful to you and other adults. Don’t continue a conversation with her if she is being rude. Walk away and agree to talk to her when she is ready to speak respectfully.
- Insist that your child continue to follow your rules. Middle schoolers don’t need a long list of rules—just a few important ones that must be followed, whether they are at home or elsewhere.
- Don’t try to be the “cool parent” in the neighborhood. You should be kind and caring to your child and her friends, but you are not “one of the gang.” Children lose respect for parents who act like children.
- Do not make decisions based on what would please your middle schooler and her friends. It’s important to always trust yourself as the adult and make decisions accordingly.
“The child supplies the power but the parents have to do the steering.”
~ Benjamin Spock
~ The Parent Institute
Do you know how to talk about the tough issues?
Middle schoolers often face some pretty tough situations—from being offered alcohol to feeling pressured by a friend to skip a class. Are you helping your child face difficult issues head on? Answer yes or no to the questions below to find out:
- Do you talk about the difficult situations your child may face before they occur?
- Do you role-play different ways to say no? “My mom would kill me!” is a favorite standby.
- Have you told your child you expect honesty—especially about serious issues?
- Do you communicate your values to your child? Remember: Values are caught, not taught.
- Do you create everyday opportunities to talk with your child? Casual conversations often pave the way for more serious talks. How well are you doing? Mostly yes answers mean you are having positive talks with your child about tough issues. For no answers, try those ideas.
~ The Parent Institute
Contact Voyager
Email: Voyager@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Website: https://mukilteoschooldistrict.sharepoint.com/sites/msd_vo
Location: 11711 4th Ave W, Everett, WA, USA
Phone: 425-366-5300
Facebook: facebook.com/@voyagermiddleschool
Family Engagement Liaison
Email: mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Location: 11711 4th Avenue West, Everett, WA, USA
Phone: (425)366-5300