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The Voyager MS Parent Bulletin is available in multiple languages
"Peace is not merely the absence of war, but it is the presence of justice"
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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.
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.
Activity Bus Leaves Promptly at 4:05pm
Season Three Sports Schedule - https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=33418
1/17 - Monday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
1/18- Tuesday - B Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
Homework Club - 2:50 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Cribbage Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# Library
Craft Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# B153
7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball Try-Outs - 2:50 - 5:00pm - Voyager Gym
1/19- Wednesday - A Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
STEAM Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room#C140
Homework Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - VO Library
7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball Try-Outs - 2:50 - 5:00pm - Voyager Gym
1/20- Thursday - B Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:30am
After School
Homework Club - 2:50 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Pride Club - 2:55 - 4:00pm - Room# A130
7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball Try-Outs - 2:50 - 5:00pm - Voyager Gym
1/21- Friday - A Day:
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Literacy Center 8:10 - 9:10am
After School
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.
Season Three Sports are starting SOON!
For GIRLS BASKETBALL:
Tryouts start on January 18!
If interested meet in the Voyager Gymnasium at 2:50pm on 1/18/22
To try out you must complete the following steps:
- Completed necessary paper work on FinalForms online
- Turned in a physical to Mrs. Tolstedt or to the student office
- Signed parent consent form to be rapid tested during the season.
- Must be a 7th or 8th grader.
For BOYS WRESTLING:
Practice starts on March 10
If interested meet in the Voyager Gymnasium at 2:50pm on 3/10/22
To try out you must complete the following steps:
- Complete all forms on FinalForms online
- Turn in a physical to the student office or Mrs. Tolstedt
- Signed parent consent form to be rapid tested during the season.
- Be a 7th or 8th grader.
- Rapid Testing Document (ENGLISH)
- Rapid Testing Document (SPANISH)
For additional information please visit Voyager's Sports Sign Up Guide at https://wa01819447.schoolwires.net/domain/2516
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 17
Martin Luther King Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January — on January 17 this year. King was an influential civil rights leader best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. His life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day.
This January 17, make the holiday more than just a day off and take time to reflect and consider taking action on civil rights issues across the globe.
To learn more about Dr. King please visit MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY - January 17, 2022 - National Today
SAVE THE DATE: National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony - January 27
National Junior Honor Society is a national organization that recognizes students in our schools who not only achieve academically but are also contributing members of their communities. The criteria to be inducted into NJHS requires students to submit an application and only students who have a 3.4 GPA or higher are invited to apply. Applications are carefully reviewed for GPA as well as service and recommendations from current and past teachers. If accepted, students and their families are invited to participate in an induction ceremony.
The ceremony for the 2021-2022 school year will be held on Thursday, January 27, 7:00 – 8:00pm in a webinar format.
Webinar Details
National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Voyager Middle School students will be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society
Start Date and Duration:
1/27/2022 - 7:00:00 PM (1 hr)
Use and share this link to join the webinar (the passcode is included in the link):
https://mukilteoschools-org.zoom.us/j/98850105348?pwd=M3lBSzZ4Mml4MTRFMXNnaE41TTA2dz09
Passcode: 818159
Need Help?
We care about and understand the importance of the Health and Wellness of our students, staff, and community. Our community thrives when all families have the information and resources they need to support each persons’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. If you are experiencing a crisis, need resources, or are struggling with other challenges, we are here for you.
The links within https://www.mukilteoschools.org/domain/2623 provide a variety of community-based resources that meet the diverse needs of our community. You may also contact the school counselors, social workers, and/or support specialists at your child's school for individual assistance.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
The Washington State Department of Health offers a comprehensive
list of testing sites throughout the State. Click your area on the map to find testing sites near you. You can also search for locations by typing in the city nearest you.
If you have a health care provider, you can also call them for an appointment. Choose the option that works best for you. For additional questions about testing sites, call 2-1-1.
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.
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 Middle School - YouTube
Revolution Prep. Academic tutoring accessible through the student portal (Free Tutoring Services for Middle and High School Students)
Upcoming Events
1/28/22: Teacher Work Day - No School
2/11/22: Teacher Work 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
5/30/22: Memorial Day – No School
6/17/22: Last Day of School (Early Dismissal @ 12:00pm) (Snow make up day)
Unsupervised time can lead to trouble for middle schoolers
Some parents think their middle schoolers don’t need to be supervised when they are home alone. But studies show that kids with too much time on their hands may be at higher risk
of substance abuse.
One study found that eighth graders who were unsupervised for 11 hours a week were twice as likely to use drugs and alcohol as those under some form of adult supervision.
Where can parents who work outside the home find after-school supervision for their kids? Here are some suggestions:
- Youth organizations. Scouting, 4-H and many other student organizations have programs designed specifically for middle school students.
- Volunteer work. Your child can gain job skills while making the world a better place. Visit dosomething.org for ideas.
- School activities. Whether your child stays after school for sports or a club, he will be involved in a positive activity.
- Community centers. Check out programs for preteens.
- Neighbors. Perhaps a neighbor or relative who is home during the day would be willing to check in on your child every few hours.
~ The Parent Institute
Questions & Answers
Q: I know I’m deciding too many things for my middle schooler. How can I help him start making choices for himself without letting him make poor ones?
A: Here’s the short answer: You can’t. Learning to make good decisions—and learning lessons from the bad ones—is part of growing up. So when your middle schooler makes a poor choice, don’t see it as “letting” him fail. Instead, view it as allowing him to figure out what good decision-making is.
Of course, there are certain areas where your child should not be allowed to decide things
for himself. These include:
- Health safety.
- Drugs and alcohol.
- Chores.
- School attendance.
Other areas, however, can be open for discussion—at least to a degree. Here are three:
- Studying. Doing homework is non-negotiable. But be flexible about how your child does it. If he claims he works best sprawled on the floor listening to music, let him try it. His grades will reveal whether he’s correct.
- Bedtime. If you’ve insisted on the same bedtime for years, revisit the issue. Let your child weigh in on an appropriate bedtime. If it’s reasonable, allow it—as long as he gets at least nine hours of sleep each night.
- His room. If you argue with your child about keeping his room clean, stop. Assuming it’s not so horrible that the health department intervenes, let him decide how tidy things should be.
~ The Parent Institute
Family Engagement Liaison
