Voyager News

February 2023

Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Greetings, Parents,


For the last two months, I have been participating in virtual training from the Minnesota Department of Education on Educator Well-being and Resilience. During the first session, facilitators asked a key question: How do we measure staff well-being and resilience?


One suggestion was to conduct “Principal Chats,” ten-minute meetings with each staff member with the goals of building relational trust, being responsive to needs, and learning about the VES experience. So between Thanksgiving and Winter Break, I met with all staff individually. Some questions that I asked include:

  • What are your biggest priorities right now, either at work or home?

  • What’s your biggest source of stress right now?

  • How are you taking care of yourself?

  • What are we getting right here at VES?

  • What should we be doing differently?


These meetings strengthened my connections with staff and also made me aware of challenges, many of which were “quick fixes.” What’s more, they affirmed that there are many things we are doing right at VES and that the overall culture and climate are strong. We know that when educators feel supported, they are 1) better able to manage the daily stresses of teaching, and 2) able to cultivate supportive and caring relationships with students. Your child surely benefits from a robust spirit of teamwork, caring, and community amongst adults at VES.


Parents, I want to thank you for the role you provide in supporting our VES educators and contributing to our positive culture. Should you ever have any input regarding what we are doing well or what we should be doing differently, I would be glad to listen to your input.


Regards,


Dana Christenson

Principal's Message

Mark Your Calendar

Two Hour Late Start..........................................................................................................2/1

Registration Opens for Fall 2023 Kindergarten..............................................................2/6

PAC Festival Planning Meeting, 6:30 PM, VES Media Center.......................................2/7

No School..........................................................................................................................2/17

Professional Development Day; No School....................................................................2/20

Conferences/Science Showcase, 3:30-7:30 PM............................................................3/9

No School - Conferences/Science Showcase, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM............................... 3/10

Conferences/Science Showcase, 3:30-7:30 PM............................................................3/13

No School.......................................................................................................................... 3/17

Two-Hour Late Start......................................................................................................... 3/29

Easter Break...................................................................................................................... 4/6-10

MCA Science Testing - 5th Grade....................................................................................4/12

VES "Spring" Festival, 5:30-8:00 PM...............................................................................4/14

MCA Reading Testing - Gr. 3-5........................................................................................4/18-20

MCA Math Testing - Gr. 3-5..............................................................................................4/25-27

VES Exemplary Students Earn Code Kid/Code Cash Recognition

Let’s celebrate these Voyager students who have earned January Code of Conduct Awards! They were seen demonstrating our Code of Conduct traits of responsibility, honesty, respect, fairness, and kindness. Thank you, students!

Kindergarten Registration Opening Soon

Kindergarten Registration Opening Soon

It’s almost time for kindergarten registration for the upcoming Class of 2036! Online registration opens Monday, February 6. See details on the attached document. Please share this information with other parents who have students eligible for kindergarten. Children must be five years old by September 1 to be eligible. If any parents are “undecided,” I would be more than happy to meet to answer questions and/or give a tour of the building. Contact Dana at 320-762-3325.

Kindergarten Registration Opening Soon
Reserve your student's yearbook today!

Reserve your student's yearbook today!

Hold on to every best memory Voyager has to offer, all in one book. Order your yearbook online today! Order at www.jostensyearbooks.com or use the QR code shown in this message.
Reserve your student's yearbook today!
Youth and Family Ice Skating Day Coming This Sunday

Youth and Family Ice Skating Day Coming This Sunday

Ice Skating! Food Trucks! Free Skate Rental! It will be a fun day at DMS this Sunday. See flyer for details.
Youth and Family Ice Skating Day Coming This Sunday
Every Kid Healthy Week February 6-10

Every Kid Healthy Week February 6-10

This third annual district-wide event is organized by the district Student Wellness Committee. It is a celebration of healthy habits, good nutrition, emotional wellness, and physical activity. Part of this week will include an option for students to receive free fruits and vegetables for snack on Tuesday, February 7th.

Every Kid Healthy Week February 6-10
Do You Have an Incoming Kindergartener?

Do You Have an Incoming Kindergartener?

If you have a 3-5-year old child and haven't scheduled an Early Childhood screening, this is a good time to do so. Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing, developing and learning and provides the school district very helpful information in preparation for kindergarten. Please schedule online at www.alexandria.ce.eleyo.com or call 320-762-3305.
Do You Have an Incoming Kindergartener?

Website Resources

Parents, please know that you can access many school-related resources, such as the Student Handbook, school menus, etc., by checking under the “Important Links” on the Voyager page of our website. Check it out!
Voyager Elementary School

Voyager Elementary School

Voyager Elementary School

203 Voyager Drive, Alexandria, MN, USA mronning@alexschools.org 320-762-3325 alexschools.org

Voyager Elementary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.