Voyager MS Parent Bulletin
November 12, 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
“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips and shows itself in deeds.”
~ Theodore 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
November 15 - November 19
Activity Bus Leaves Promptly at 4:05pm
11/15 - Monday - 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
ELL Club 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# B151
Journaling Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#B141
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 - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Gym
11/16 - Tuesday - 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
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 Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Field
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Gym
11/17 - Wednesday - 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
Wolvy Book Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
STEAM Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#C140
8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Commons
7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. Evergreen MS - 3:45pm @ Goddard Stadium
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice - 3:00 - 5:30pm - VO Gym
11/18 - Thursday - B 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
8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - VO Commons
7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls Soccer Games vs. Meadowdale MS - 3:45pm @ Goddard Stadium
7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice - 3:00 - 5:30pm - VO Gym
11/19 - Friday - 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 - 9:10am
After School
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
A Message from Voyager's Principal
Greetings Voyager Middle School community,
The Voyager staff are grateful to have the honor to serve your students and our community. It has been inspirational to see students learning, working, socializing, and growing in person again. There is just under four weeks remaining in the first trimester and it has been full of
opportunity, excitement, and challenges.
One of the challenges that has accompanied the return to in-person learning that we are working to address is the frequency and nature of student conflicts. We have seen more students engaging in physical aggression and fighting to solve conflicts than we have seen in years past. Often, students are choosing not to report fights, potential fights, or seek staff assistance to resolve conflicts. Therefore, it is important to review key components of the Mukilteo School District Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook 2021-22 to ensure students, families, and staff are aware of the procedures and policies surrounding exceptional misconduct.
Exceptional misconduct are behaviors that are considered to have significant impact on the school environment such as safety, learning, and sense of belonging. Exceptional misconduct behaviors may result in a suspension, emergency expulsion, and/or expulsion without prior disciplinary interventions.
Causing, or attempting to cause, physical injury or behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. This includes, but is not limited to: fighting, instigating a fight and/or assault, and/or encouraging a fight in any manner including congregation, video recording, planning a fight, being a willing observer and/or failure to reveal prior knowledge of a fight to an administrator/staff member.
It has become too frequent to see a fight or potential fight accompanied by a crowd of students encouraging the conflict, phones/cameras displayed to record and later post on social media. It is important to note: students that attend a fight (congregate), video record and/or post, and/or fail to report a fight will be subject to consequences equal to those engaged in the physical altercation including suspension.
Voyager teaching staff, counselors, and administration will continue to provide lessons and interventions on appropriate ways to handle conflict. Please take an opportunity to speak with your students to review these important lessons.
Sincerely,
David M. Zirkle Ed.D.
Principal
American Education Week: November 15-19, 2021
American Education Week, celebrated November 15 -19 will present all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Please take the time to thank an educator today for their service and dedication to our children.
To learn more about American Education week click on the link below.
National Parental Involvement Day - Thursday, November 18, 2021
Since 1994 National Parental Involvement Day forms part of the weeklong observation known as American Education Week and provides a yearly opportunity for schools and families to honor and highlight the powerful contributions parents and caregivers provide at school and home to support student success. However, parental involvement shouldn’t be confined to just one day – it should be emphasized all year long. Getting involved in your child’s education has been shown to dramatically increase the chances of academic success. This annual day of recognition serves as not only a celebration of currently involved parents, but also a reminder to seek out ways to make a difference.
National Parental Involvement Day reminds students and parents that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom. Help children seek out opportunities to experience new places, people and ideas, whether that’s going to a museum or spending time talking to a community leader. Finding a passion and a mentor can open a child’s world.
To learn more please visit National Parental Involvement Day | Project Appleseed
Thanksgiving Meal Assistance
Westgate Chapel
Westgate Thanksgiving - Westgate Chapel (Free Thanksgiving meal and family entertainment, Thursday, November 25)
Volunteers of America – Western WA - Everett Food Bank
Casino Road Food Pantries – Holiday Food Distribution
November is Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate and honor the remarkable Native Americans who have contributed tremendously to the history and character of our nation. Read more.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree – Christmas Assistance
Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year. Once a child or senior adult has been registered and accepted as an Angel their Christmas wish list is shared with donors in your community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys. The gifts are distributed to the family to place under their family Christmas tree.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Application for Christmas Assistance
Marine Toys for Tots - Christmas Gifts Assistance
The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children.
Toy applications are accepted and managed by the Local Marine Toys for Tots Campaign in your area. The Foundation does not have the ability to take toy applications for families and non-profits at the National level. Please contact your Local Marine Toys for Tots Campaign for information on how to apply for 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!
New 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
11/24: Early Dismissal - 12:00pm
11/25: Thanksgiving Day – No School
11/26: Native American Heritage Day – No School
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
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
A five-step process can help your child make better decisions
Want your middle schooler to make more responsible decisions? Encourage her to rely on this five-step process whenever she’s faced with a dilemma:
- Assess the situation. Your child can’t make a wise decision if the issue at hand seems murky. So remind her to clearly define it by asking herself, “What’s the main thing I’m concerned about?”
Explore her options. What are some ways your child could handle the problem? Have her make a mental list, then narrow it down to the three most sensible choices. This list-making step is critical because it illustrates that there are usually several options for solving a problem.
Consider the disadvantages. Have your child think about the cons of each of her top three ideas. If a certain option has a particularly serious consequence, this is a good time to rule out that option.
Consider the advantages. Now ask your child to figure out the pros of her top choices. Does one option have major advantages over others? That may be the winner.
Decide on a solution. Now that she’s weighed the pros and cons of each possible option, your child can make her decision with confidence.
~ The Parent Institute
Questions & Answers
Q: There’s clearly something bothering my seventh grader, but he refuses to open up to me. How can I get him to tell me what’s going on without being pushy?
A: Adolescents and teens are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to sharing problems with their parents. But you must keep trying to find out what is bothering your son.
Although it’s very likely the “something” that’s troubling him is relatively minor, it’s important to address it. This is especially true if the issue drags on for days or weeks.
To encourage your middle schooler to share what’s happening without feeling pressured in the process:
- Tell him you are concerned. “I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me. I want you to know I care about you and I’m here for you no matter what. You can talk to me about absolutely anything. Part of my job as a parent is to help you figure things out.”
- Be clear about your expectations. “I respect your privacy and the fact that you want to handle things on your own, but I need you to tell me what’s wrong. You can have a little more time to think it over by yourself, but let’s try to figure this out together after dinner tonight.”
- Call in reinforcements. If your son still refuses to talk, go to a teacher, pediatrician, school counselor, coach or other trusted figure in his life. Work together to discover and help your child manage whatever is going on.
~ 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