Voyager MS Family Bulletin
November 4, 2022 Weekly News
Voyager is a diverse, inclusive learning community where each student is valued, supported, and inspired.
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
Important Reminders
Veterans Day - Friday, November 11 - No School
Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, Nov 6, 2022
Thought of the Week
Important Health and Safety Reminders
Please keep your student home if they have even one COVID-like symptom -- such as a runny nose, sore throat, or cough. If they have symptoms, they are required to complete at least one COVID test before they return to school. If symptoms persist, consider repeating the test or getting a PCR (or NAAT lab test) which may be more accurate. Even if your child tests negative they should stay home until their symptoms are under control, to avoid recurrent coughing or blowing their nose which can spread the "common cold" or other contagious conditions.
If your student exhibits symptoms at school that are not attributed to a chronic condition, they may be sent to the health room and sent home during the day. So please keep them at home until they are feeling better.
For free rapid antigen and PCR COVID tests visit: https://www.mukilteoschools.org/Page/15966
Please contact Attendance when your student needs to stay home: (425) 366-5300 or contact the School Nurse for more information.
Attendance Awareness
Good attendance helps children do well in school and in the workplace.
Good attendance matters for school success, starting as early as prekindergarten and throughout elementary school. By middle and high school, poor attendance is a leading indicator of dropout. Developing the habit of attendance prepares students for success on the job and in life.
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.
Pre-Arranged Absences
To request a pre-arranged absence, please complete the Middle School Pre-arranged Absence Form, print, sign and submit to Voyager’s front office.
For questions regarding attendance guidelines please review Mukilteo School Board policy #3122P for more details or contact Voyager’s front office at (425) 366-5300.
Monday - Thursday: 8:05am - 2:45pm
Fridays - Learning Improvement Time (LIT) – EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE: 8:05am - 1:30pm
Visit General Information / Bell Schedule (schoolwires.net) for class/bell schedules for all grades.
Please note: All external school doors are locked during the school day.
November 7 - November 11
Monday, November 7
Before School
Girl 7th Grade Volleyball Try outs - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
After School
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Hispanic Alliance Club - 3:00 - 4:00pm - VO Commons
Boys & Girls 7th & 8th Grade Soccer Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Field
Girls 8th Grade Volleyball Try outs – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Gym
Boys 7th & 8th Grade Basketball Try outs – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Gym
Tuesday, November 8
Before School
Girl 7th Grade Volleyball Try outs - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
After School
Homework Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Jazz Band Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - A130
Girls 8th Grade Volleyball Try outs – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Gym
Boys & Girls 7th & 8th Grade Soccer Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Field
Boys 7th & 8th Grade Basketball Try outs – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Gym
Wednesday, November 9
Before School
Girl 7th Grade Volleyball Try outs - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
After School
Games Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
EL Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - B151
Art Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C112
Pride Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C216
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Girls 8th Grade Volleyball Try outs – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Gym
Boys 7th & 8th Grade Basketball Try outs – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Gym
Boys & Girls 7th & 8th Grade Soccer Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Field
Thursday, November 10
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
After School
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
STEAM Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C140
Intramural Sports Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm -VO Gym
Boys & Girls 7th & 8th Grade Soccer Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Field
Friday, November 11
Veteran’s Day – No School
General Election Day - November 8 - Exercise your right to vote!
For more information, including registration and ballot tracking, please visit See What's on the Ballot | Snohomish County, WA - Official Website (snohomishcountywa.gov)
Veterans Day Assembly - November 10
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11th, for honoring military veterans, that is, persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We will be holding a virtual Veteran’s Day Assembly for students on Thursday, November 10 during school hours.
Parents/Guardians Tour Days at Voyager - November 17 & 18
Dear Voyager Parents/Guardians, Voyager will join the National Education Association (NEA) and thousands of schools nationwide in celebrating the annual American Education Week from November 13-19, 2022. November 17 is also National Parental Involvement Day. As part of the celebration, we will be organizing two "Parents/Guardians Tour Days" to provide you with a firsthand look at what the school day is like for your child.
- On Thursday, November 17 we will conduct a tour in Spanish.
- On Friday, November 18 we will conduct a tour in English.
This initiative is designed to honor and highlight the powerful contributions parents and caregivers provide at school and home to support student success and to spotlight the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education.
The day will start promptly at 9:00am with coffee, tea and light refreshments and will proceed with a 20-30 min. tour of Voyager lead by our Family Engagement Liaison, where you will get a chance to see the school grounds where your children spend their days learning.
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, including volunteering. Check with your student’s school to see how you can help.
We encourage you to participate in this important day. To register for the tour, please RSVP below in your preferred language. For questions, please contact Olga Mantilla, Voyager Family Engagement Liaison at (425)366-5313.
Parents/Guardians Tour Day at Voyager - In Spanish
Thursday, Nov 17, 2022, 09:00 AM
11711 4th Avenue West, Everett, WA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Parents/Guardians Tour Day at Voyager - In English
Friday, Nov 18, 2022, 09:00 AM
11711 4th Avenue West, Everett, WA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
November is National American Indian Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage
Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges. Join us in honoring the past and celebrating the future.
Visit National Native American Heritage Month to learn more.
Comprehensive Sexual Health Curriculum Materials Preview
Comprehensive sexual health education is required by Washington State Law (RCW 28A.300.475). In Mukilteo School District, instruction on sexual health is provided annually from grade four through high school. This instruction is provided by the classroom teacher in grades four and five, and by the PE or Health teacher in grade six through high school.
Washington State Law also requires that parents/guardians have the opportunity to preview the instructional materials and opt their child out of sexual health instruction. If you would like to preview the curriculum materials, you may access the videos and lesson slides online at: Comprehensive Sexual Health Curriculum Materials Preview
After viewing the materials, if you want to opt your child out of receiving comprehensive sexual health instruction, you can do so by filling out the electronic Google form below. The opt out must be completed and submitted by November 10, 2022. Opt Out Form for Sexual Health Instruction
If you have questions, please contact burdjj@mukilteo.wednet.edu.
If you need interpretation of the videos or lessons, please contact Tina Leger at legertm@mukilteo.wednet.edu or 425-356-1202.
Thank you for partnering with Mukilteo School District to provide the best education for your child.
Medication at School
Does your student need medication at school?
The school district Medications webpage Health / Medications at School (mukilteoschools.org), has links to medication order forms. You can print the form and take it to your medical provider, they fill it out, you sign it and then they can fax it to the school (425) 366-5302. All medications at school require an order form, even if the student is self-carrying it. (like inhalers)
11/17: VO Parent/Guardian's School Tour Day - Spanish - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Front Office
11/18: VO Parent/Guardian's School Tour Day - English - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Front Office
11/23: Early Dismissal at 12:00pm
11/24: Thanksgiving Day – No School
11/25: Native American Heritage Day – No School
11/30: Tri 1 Ukulele Concert - 7:00pm - VO Commons
12/13: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
12/16: Early Dismissal at 12:00pm
12/19/22 - 1/2/23: Winter Break – No School
1/13: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
1/16: Martin Luther King Day – No School
2/3: Teacher Work Day - No School
2/14: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
2/20/22 - 2/24/22: Mid Winter Break – No School
3/10: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
3/26/22: Willy Wonka Musical Performance - 12:00pm @ PAC Kamiak High School
4/10/22 - 4/14/22: Spring Break – No School
4/19: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
5/12: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
5/29: Memorial Day - No School
6/14: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
6/22: Last Day of School - Early Dismissal at 12:00pm
Voyager School Counselors
6th Grade Counselor
Margaret Peterson
PetersonMJ@mukilteo.wednet.edu
425-366-5332
7th Grade Counselor
Brenna Reid
425-366-5334
8th Grade Counselor
Vincenza Moody
425-366-5333
School Resources
If your child has a need for school supplies, food, clothing or community resources, please contact:
Kristen Anderson
Student Support Advocate
andersonkm@mukilteo.wednet.edu
(425)366-5322
Olga Mantilla
Family Engagement Liaison
mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu
(425)366-5313
Hablo Español
English | Korean | Russian | Spanish | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
Washington COVID-19 Immigration Relief Fund
Please visit Home - English - Immigrant Relief Fund (immigrantreliefwa.org) for information.
- You can apply if you’re over 18, you live in Washington State, you are not eligible for federal stimulus funds or unemployment insurance due to your immigration status, and you’ve experienced difficult times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It’s safe to apply. No information goes to the government, and the public charge rule should not apply.
- You can apply in Spanish, English, Chinese, Korean, or Tagalog, or call to get help in more languages.
Community Holiday Resources
Free Community Fall Family Activities & Events
Hand in Hand - Thanksgiving Dinner
Join us on November 18th, 2022 for a community Thanksgiving dinner! Dinner will be served along with all the fixings! This event is FREE and ope to the public. For more information and to stay up-to-date on details, please like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/handinhandkids
Westgate Chapel - Thanksgiving Dinner
You are invited to Westgate’s Free Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28. There will be 3 seatings at 11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. On Thanksgiving Day, guests will experience: Thanksgiving dinner, Family photos, Children’s crafts, Games, Access to food & clothing bank, Prize drawings. For more information, visit Thanksgiving Dinner - Westgate Chapel
Everett, WA Free Kids Events | Eventbrite
Events | Sno-Isle Libraries | BiblioCommons
Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots is now accepting applications for Christmas. You cannot fill the application out on your phone, a laptop or desktop is needed.
https://everett-wa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx
Angel Tree
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree is now accepting applications for Christmas. https://saangeltree.org/
Clothes For Kids
Clothes For Kids has appointments in November for clothing. You don’t need an application, you can book your own appointment online here: https://clothesforkids.org/book-an-appointment/
Christmas House
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and also to apply for Christmas gifts assistance, please visit www.christmas-house.org
Hand in Hand - Foster Family Christmas
This event is for families struggling to provide gifts for the kiddos during the holidays. Each child under 18 in the home are provided with a fun item and a need item such as clothing, shoes, coat, etc.
- Pre-registration required, for children under the age of 18 living in the home.
- ID and income verification are required, acceptable documentation includes a TANF approval letter or a provider one card.
Check back in the fall for updated information, like our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/handinhandkids), or call our admin offices at 425-374-2461. Tentatively, the Foster Family Christmas event is scheduled for December 15th, 2022.
Mukilteo School District Facebook Page
School Board News Subscribe
Voyager Staff Directory / Home (mukilteoschools.org)
Mukilteo School District 2022-23 School Calendar.
2022-23 School Calendar (Spanish)
ParentSquare Communications and Public Relations / ParentSquare (schoolwires.net)
FAMILY ACCESS: link
FlashAlert Newswire and Messenger: https://www.flashalert.net/login/
Emergency Information: Communications / Emergency Information (mukilteoschools.org)
Free Student Meals for the 22-23 School Year! Complete the application
Mukilteo School District's Online Payments Portal: TouchBase Signin (intouchreceipting.com)
Transportation Department (425)356-1306 or visit Find Your School Bus Route.
VO Facebook @voyagermiddleschool
VO Instagram @voyagerwolverines
Mukilteo School District's Online Payments Portal
For any questions, please contact Ms. Nelson at NelsonMJ@mukilteo.wednet.edu or (425)366-5316.
Weekly Tips
Your middle schooler can still benefit from read-aloud time
Middle schoolers are too old to be read to, right? Absolutely not. Most young middle schoolers are still better at listening than they are at reading. When you read aloud to your child, you introduce new concepts, ideas and vocabulary. The key is to keep it short and to the point.
Here are some strategies to try:
- Review the news. Choose a news article to read aloud to your child at breakfast. Have your child do the same for you after dinner.
- Share what you are reading. Read aloud a small part of something you are reading. Watch for signs of interest in your child. If they appear, read a little longer.
- Select a book to read together. Choose a genre that neither of you is familiar with. Considerscience fiction, historical fiction or a biography and read for a few minutes each evening.
Find the value in different types of reading material
Is your middle schooler a reader? Some kids don’t read many novels, but that doesn’t mean
they are not readers. Avoid labeling your middle schooler a nonreader—if you say it, your
child is likely to believe it.
Nearly every kind of reading has value that you may not have considered. Whenever you see
your child reading, recognize and encourage it.
When middle schoolers read:
- Articles, they learn the value of reading for pleasure and interest. As long as the material is age appropriate, this is a constructive activity your child.
- Sports scores, they learn to read for information and that print and online news outlets are valuable resources. Ask your child questions that require a bit of research.
- Nonfiction books, they build fluency, comprehension and vocabulary skills. Consider giving your child a biography of a person you both admire.
- Instruction manuals books, they learn that reading can teach practical skills. Help your child look for how-to books on topics of interest.
- Text messages, they learn to use reading and writing to communicate. But if texts are the only things your child reads—it’s time to set limits and introduce a bit more variety!
Contact Voyager
Voyager Office Hours
7:30am-4:00pm
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