Voyager MS Family Bulletin
April 1, 2022 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 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 4 - April 8
Monday, April 4 - A Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 PM – 2:40 PM
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 5 - B Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 PM – 2:40 PM
After School
Homework Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Craft Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# B153
Beauty & the Beast Play Practice - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Room#B141
Voyager Band Concert - Live Audience - 7:00 - 8:00pm - VO Gym
6th/7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Practice - 3:00 - 4:45pm - Voyager Football Field
Wednesday, April 6 - A Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 PM – 2:40 PM
After School
STEAM Club - - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#C140
Wolvy Book Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
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 7 - B Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center
8:10 - 9:30am
1:15 PM – 2:40 PM
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 8 - A Day
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
After School
No after school activities
Friday - Learning Improvement Time (LIT) - Early Dismissal at 1:30pm
Social Emotional and Well-Being Survey - Open Through April 8
Please take a moment to complete these important surveys by April 8.
We encourage you to have your children take the survey too if they are in grades 3-12. The access code is the student’s ID number.
Thank you for helping us get a sense of how people are doing and how we can better support students and families.
If you have any issues accessing the survey, please contact SUPPORT+MUKILTEO@PANORAMAED.COM.
Upcoming Spring Break: April 11 – April 15
Parents/Guardians, please note that we have Spring Break coming up:
- April 11 – April 15, 2020
As a reminder, if your student will be absent for a period of three or more days beyond the scheduled spring break time, please notify the school by completing a Pre-Arranged Absence Form.
The staff at Voyager greatly appreciates your thoughtful consideration of any prearranged absences. If your child MUST be out for a period of three or more days for reasons other than illness, please fill out the form below, print and submit to Voyager. You can also obtain a printed copy at the front office.
PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCE FORM (Middle School)
For any questions, please contact Voyager’s front office at (425) 366-5300.
Last Day of School Now Friday, June 17!
Season Four Sports Are Starting SOON!
Does your child want to participate in Voyager's Track & Field in the Spring? Interested students were notified of an informational and paperwork gathering meeting that took place on 3/31/22 during school to hear all about track & field.
Open to all grades. No tryouts required. 6th graders participate but do not compete.
To participate you and your child will need to complete the following steps.
- Completed necessary paper work on FinalForms online
- Turn in a physical to Mrs. Tolstedt or to the student office.
Season Four Sports Schedule - Team Details (arbiterlive.com)
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
4/11/22 - 4/15/22: Spring Break – No School
4/19/22: Madres Latinas Meeting - Zoom - 10:00 - 11:00am
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)
Volunteers
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 that the following items must be presented in person:
- Completed Volunteer Application Packet.
- Proof of vaccination (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.)
- Identification Card
To learn more about volunteering, please review the Volunteer Brochure.
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.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide - FREE Tax Preparation & Filing
Visit AARP Tax-Aide for more information.
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.
Preparation is key for test success in middle school
Many middle school students suffer from test anxiety. They seem to come unglued at the thought of facing a test—whether big or small. Fortunately, the cure for most text anxiety is simple: Preparation.
When teachers announce an upcoming test, encourage your child to:
- Find out as much as possible in advance. What’s the purpose of this test? What does a high score—or a low one—mean for your child? Is the test multiple-choice? True or false? The more students know what to expect, the more relaxed and confident they may feel on test day.
- Ask the teacher about the best ways to prepare. Are there practice tests your child can take? Websites to visit? Would reviewing certain textbook chapters help?
- Remain calm. Review the studying and prep work your child has already done. Then provide perspective: One test grade won’t change your student’s entire future.
- Focus on physical well-being. Insist that your child get plenty of sleep the night before test day. Offer a healthy breakfast in the morning, and remind your child to dress comfortably in layers.
~ The Parent Institute
Create a written discipline plan to curb arguments
Some middle school students are respectful and cooperative, while others seem to resist rules and enjoy arguing over every point.
A written discipline plan can help you improve behavior and limit misunderstandings. It reminds your child of your expectations and the consequences of not following the rules. The plan also eliminates the need to argue because you can point to it to remind your child exactly what you both agreed to.
To create an effective plan:
- Keep it simple. Too many rules will overwhelm both of you. Think of the top five issues that are most important to you. Post the rules and consequences for those.
- Involve your child. A child who needs a written discipline plan is also a child who does not like to give up control. Ask for input about rules and consequences—but remember that you have the final say.
- Monitor progress. When you notice that your child is able to stay consistently within boundaries, it’s time to review and possibly revise the plan.
~ 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