Voyager MS Family Bulletin
April 8, 2022 Weekly News
Home of the Wolverines
Our mission is to prepare our youth today for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Next Week is Spring Break: April 11 – April 15 - NO SCHOOL
Have an awesome and restful spring break!
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 Family Bulletin is available in multiple languages
Thought of the Week
Updated COVID Guidelines, Health and Safety and Family Resources.
Masks
As of March 12 the statewide indoor mask mandate was lifted. That means masks are now recommended but optional on school buses, and in schools and district offices. Here's the updated guidance from Washington State Department of Health and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
We understand that these changes may be concerning for some. We know that some staff, students and families will decide they are done wearing masks all together, while others will continue wearing them. We support and respect people’s decisions. We’ve included a few additional resources on the district website for supporting students through this transition.
Masks are still recommended (but not required) in certain situations such as high-risk indoor sports and performing arts.
It’s important to note that we don’t know if or when masks may be required again. As public health experts monitor COVID-19 in our community, the guidance may be temporarily updated in the future. We will update you if such changes are necessary.
Symptomatic persons, positive cases, additional guidance
Please see the district website and this updated flowchart for what to do if your child has symptoms or tests positive for COVID. Several circumstances listed on this webpage will still require masks.
Additional changes
- Contact tracing for COVID-19 exposure will no longer be conducted by school employees, but we will notify staff and families if there is a positive case so people can monitor for symptoms, etc. For instance, if a positive case occurs in a classroom, we will notify the families of that classroom so we are sure to reach anyone who may be considered high risk or immune-compromised.
- We are still required to report positive cases to the Snohomish Health District and track for district records. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please notify the nurse hotline at 425-366-7745 (for elementary schools, middle schools and ACES), or your school nurse (for Mariner and Kamiak high schools).
- We will continue to maintain the district COVID Dashboard to show positive cases throughout the district for the previous week.
Testing reminder
The district testing site near Mariner High School (12310 Meridian Ave. S., Everett) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is open to all and now provides rapid antigen and PCR tests. No appointment needed, but you can save time by registering ahead of time.
We know how incredibly difficult this pandemic has been for our school district community, and we appreciate your continued efforts to protect the health and safety of staff and the families we serve.
Sincerely,
Mukilteo School District
New Nurse Hotline
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
Stay home if you’re sick.
Thank you for your help in keeping Voyager Middle School as safe as possible.
April 18 - April 22
Monday, April 18 - B Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 – 2:40pm
After School
Homework Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
ELL Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# B151
Literacy Center Staff Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Beauty & the Beast Play Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Room#B141
6th/7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Practice - 3:00 - 4:45pm - Voyager Football Field
Tuesday, April 19 - A Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 – 2:40pm
Madres Latinas Meeting - 10:00 - 11:00am - Zoom
After School
Homework Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Beauty & the Beast Play Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Room#B141
6th/7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Practice - 3:00 - 4:45pm - Voyager Football Field
Wednesday, April 20 - B Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 – 2:40pm
After School
STEAM Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#C140
Homework Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Games Club - 2:45 - 3:50pm - Room#B251
BSU Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - Room#B244
Beauty & the Beast Play Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Room#B141
6th/7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Practice - 3:00 - 4:45pm - Voyager Football Field
Thursday, April 21 - A Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 – 2:40pm
After School
Homework Club - 2:50 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Pride Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# A130
6th/7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Practice - 3:00 - 4:45pm - Voyager Football Field
Friday, April 22 - B Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
After School
6th/7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Practice - 3:00 - 4:45pm - Voyager Football Field
Friday - Learning Improvement Time (LIT) - Early Dismissal at 1:30pm
Summer School Registration is Now Open
Mukilteo School District will be offering summer learning to currently enrolled Mukilteo School District students in grades K-12.
July 5 - July 29, 2022
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Middle and High School registration are now available on-line. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register early. For general information and registration on-line please visit
- Middle & High School Summer Learning will be held at Explorer Middle School
- Modified/limited bus routes will be available
- Free breakfast and lunch will be provided
All Summer Learning opportunities are in-person. There are no virtual learning options.
SAVE THE DATE: Trimester 2 Academic Awards Assemblies - Tuesday, April 26!
Please join us on Tuesday, April 26 for an in person Academic Awards assembly as we recognize student excellence for Trimester 2 by grade level for those students who have earned a 3.0 - 4.0 GPA. Invitations will be send out shortly.
Below are the times for each grade level. The assembly will be held at Voyager in our Commons area.
6th Grade – 8:10-9:05 AM
7th Grade – 9:15-10:00 AM
8th Grade – 10:05-11:00 AM
We hope to see you there!
Mukilteo School District - Family Academy
Beach Clean Up!
Each year, MYAC students vote on their annual projects that serve youth in Mukilteo. For 2022, MYAC students chose to do a beach cleanup event for Earth Day. Thank you for supporting their important work and beautifying our community.
April is National Celebrate Diversity Month
April is National Celebrate Diversity Month started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. It’s a designated time to help diverse people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other. Throughout this month, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the diversity that surrounds you.
To learn more about National Celebrate Diversity Month, please visit https://myamericanmeltingpot.com/2019/04/15/april-national-celebrate-diversity-month/
Attention 8th Grade Families and Students
This year our yearbook is showcasing our 8th graders in different ways. One of those ways is by creating a spread of 8th-grade baby pictures. Please submit yours!
Three ways you can submit!
1) Yearbookforever.com Search Voyager Middle School. Use Code Voyager2021
2) Download YearbookSnap App. Use Code Voyager2021
3) E-mail your pictures to Mr. Hare @ haremj@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Please include your student's name with your picture submission.
Any questions? Please email Mr. Hare @ haremj@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Friday - Learning Improvement Time (LIT) – EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE
8:05 - 9:30am - Core
9:35 - 10:50am - Elective
10:50 - 11:20 - Lunch
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
Upcoming Events
4/26/22: Voyager Music Booster Club Meeting - 7:30pm - Via Zoom
5/13/22: Madres Latinas Meeting - Zoom - 10:00 - 11:00am
5/24/22: Voyager Music Booster Club Meeting - 7:30pm - Via Zoom
5/28/22: Beauty & The Beast, Jr. Play Performance - 7:00pm @ Kamiak High School
5/29/22: Beauty & The Beast, Jr. Play Performance - 1:00pm @ Kamiak High School
5/30/22: Memorial Day – No School
6/14/22: Madres Latinas Meeting - Zoom - 10:00 - 11:00am
6/17/22: Last Day of School (Early Dismissal @ 12:00pm) (Snow make up day)
Helpful Resources
Voyager School Counselors
6th Grade Counselor
Brenna Reid
425-366-5334
7th Grade Counselor
Vincenza Moody
425-366-5333
8th Grade Counselor
Margaret Peterson
PetersonMJ@mukilteo.wednet.edu
425-366-5332
Student and Family Support and Resources
Kristen Anderson
Student Support Advocate
andersonkm@mukilteo.wednet.edu
(425)366-5322
Olga Mantilla
Family Engagement Liaison
mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu
(425)366-5313
COVID-19 Testing Locations
Mukilteo School District
Covid Testing Even Easier
The COVID testing location at 12310 Meridian Ave. S., Everett, 98208 (near Mariner High School) is now accepting walk-ups! While appointments are still encouraged, they have capacity to see students, staff and community members even without an appointment.
Please see attached map for entrance and exit locations.
Please use the registration and appointment sign-up link if you plan to make an appointment.
Additional testing locations within the community
Return to School / COVID testing locations (mukilteoschools.org)
Everett Mall Vaccination Site - Snohomish Health District
Everett Mall Vaccination Site | Snohomish Health District, WA (snohd.org) For those with limited or no internet access, the call center at 425-339-5278 is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays (closed weekends and holidays).
Free at Home Covid-19 Tests from Government and State
Government: COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
WA State: Home - Say Yes! To Covid Test (sayyescovidhometest.org)
Volunteer Information and Forms
Voyager is always looking for volunteers to assist with various events throughout the school year. Volunteers play an essential role here at Voyager and we believe that when schools, families and the community work together to support learning, everyone benefits. It is also a great opportunity for families to stay connected within the school and community and enrich our students’ academic experience.
If you would like to donate your time, you can print a Volunteer Application Packet in your preferred language by visiting Volunteers / Volunteer Information and Forms (mukilteoschools.org) or visit our Front Office to obtain a Volunteer Application Packet.
Please note: As of March 7, 2022, volunteers must show proof of vaccination as part of the approval process. Boosters are not currently required for volunteers. Vaccination exemptions or accommodations are not available for volunteers at this time.
For any questions, including volunteer opportunities, please contact Olga Mantilla at mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu or (425)366-5313.
Mukilteo School District - Past Family Messages
Voyager MS Family Bulletins - Past Issues
Links
Mukilteo School District Web Site
Mukilteo School District Facebook Page
Voyager Middle School Web Site
Voyager Staff Directory / Home (mukilteoschools.org)
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
2021/2022 Voyager Yearbooks – Now on Sale!
Yearbooks are now available for sale at $15. The last date you can buy a yearbook is the last day of school, Friday, June 17. Yearbooks can be purchased at Voyager with Ms. Nelson, Bookkeeper. Cash or Check accepted. In person credit card purchase is also accepted.
Yearbooks will be distributed the last week of school.
For any questions please e-mail Mr. Hare at haremj@mukilteo.wednet.edu
How to Get Information About School Closures or Delays
In the event of inclement weather, a power outage, or some other emergency making it necessary to close or delay schools, you can find that information in a number of ways:
CHECK YOUR PHONE Connect to Blackboard Connect.
Visit here if you want information about emergencies, such as the procedures for school closures, lockdowns, and shelter-in-place. Emergency Information. Or call the school district’s Emergency Information Line at 425-356-1299 or the 24-hour information line for your child’s school.
CHECK THE WEBSITE Mukilteo School District Web Site.
You can go directly to the Flash Alert website.
Free Tutoring Services for Middle and High School Students!
Students in grades 6 through 12 have access to free online tutoring services 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.).
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 sessions may fill up.
Watch this five-minute video to get started!
For more information, please access recordings here Free tutoring for middle and high school students! Additional family webinars in other languages will be presented in January.
New Convenient Digital Vax Record
Mukilteo School District is Hiring!
Virtual Career Fair - RESCHEDULED to March 26
Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with information about job opportunities.
Anyone interested in learning more about Mukilteo School District or interviewing for a certificated, paraeducator, or bus driver position is encouraged to register for the Career Fair on the district employment website.
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 schoolwide and 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.
Families can guard against the abuse of prescription drugs
The fastest-growing drug problem in the United States is prescription drug abuse. Unfortunately, these drugs are usually easy for middle schoolers to get their hands on—
and they’re often “free.”
To prevent prescription drug abuse:
- Talk to your child about the dangers of taking medicine prescribed for someone else.
- Be aware of the prescriptions you keep in your home. Know which medications family members take and monitor their use closely.
- Consider keeping prescription drugs in a locked cabinet.
- Take special care if someone in your family takes medicine for pain or for ADHD. These are the most popular drugs for kids to sell or abuse.
- Dispose of expired or unused medications. Call your health care provider or search online to find a collection site near you.
Also keep track of your child’s use of over-the-counter medicines. Cough and cold medicines are commonly abused by middle schoolers.
~ The Parent Institute
“Among people aged 12 or older in 2020, 9.3 million people misused prescription pain relievers.”
—2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health
Are you helping your child handle academic issues?
For many students, there is one class that is a real challenge. Perhaps the teacher isn’t their favorite. Perhaps the subject is more complex. Whatever the issue, their grades begin to suffer.
If your middle schooler is struggling in a class, are you taking effective steps? Answer yes or no to the questions below to find out:
- 1. Have you talked with your child about the class? What does your child think the problem is?
- 2. Have you encouraged your child to spend time studying for this class every day? Minds are like muscles that get stronger with practice.
- 3. Have you encouraged your child to talk with the teacher to develop a plan for improvement?
- 4. Have you helped your child explore resources, such as tutoring?
- 5. Do you celebrate every sign of your child’s progress?
How well are you doing?
More yes answers mean you are helping your middle schooler overcome struggles. For no answers, try those ideas in the quiz.
~ 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