Voyager MS Family Bulletin
April 29, 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
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.
Friday: Learning Improvement Time (LIT) - Early Dismissal at 1:30pm
May 2 - May 6
Monday, May 2 - 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, May 3- 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 - 2:55 - 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, May 4 - 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
7th/8th Grade Coed Track & Field Meet - VO vs. Eisenhower - 3:45pm - VO Football Field
Thursday, May 5 - 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, May 6 - 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
Celebrate School Principals - May 1
Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1-7
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated in the first full week of May, from May 1 through May 8 in 2022, and is when teachers get the extra credit they deserve. The big day is Teacher Appreciation Day on May 5, but teachers are just so great that they get a whole week to savor our appreciation. Whether you have a teacher, know a teacher, or are a
teacher, there are endless ways to give a little extra support to teachers
and teachers organizations.
Teaching is known to be a time-consuming and challenging profession, so this week is our chance to say thank you to those that play or have played such a huge role in our lives. Who doesn’t have a fond memory of a teacher who inspired us in some way?
Visit TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - May 1-7, 2022 - National Today to learn more.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives.
Over the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and others within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and across the Federal Government, the public health community, and the general public have made efforts to increase the importance of understanding both prevention and treatment of mental health problems. These efforts have significantly improved the outlook for those affected by mental illnesses.
Successful efforts that have raised awareness about the importance of mental health and promoted acceptance, support, prevention and recovery from these mental health conditions include:
- The Affordable Care Act expands health insurance coverage to approximately 30 million Americans by 2016, and an estimated 11 million of these newly eligible beneficiaries will have substance abuse and/or mental health service needs.
- The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant provides financial assistance to states and territories to carry out state plans to offer comprehensive community-based mental health services and evidence-based practices to adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances.
- Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 eliminates the practice of unequal health treatment and improves access to much needed mental health and substance use disorder treatment services through more equitable insurance coverage.
- The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention Program facilitates coordination across government agencies and the private sector in the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth suicide prevention and early intervention plans among youth-serving institutions, such as schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, primary care, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other organizations.
Mental Health Month gives all of us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the tremendous strides this Nation has made in promoting mental health and increasing the public's knowledge that effective services and support are available.
Resources:
For further information about National Mental Health Month and related resources and events, visit:
Youth.gov’s May is National Mental Health Month | Youth.gov
Office of Adolescent Health, Adolescent Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health
To locate mental health services in your community, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/index.aspx or call 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727).
For more information about mental health, visit www.samhsa.gov.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage thousands of years old and have both shaped the history of the United States and had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history. Every May during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and throughout the year, we recognize the contributions and influence of
Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture,
and achievements of the United States.
You can find more information at several governmental agencies’ official pages for the Heritage Month:
- Asian Pacific Heritage Month - https://asianpacificheritage.gov
- National Archives - https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month
- National Endowment for the Humanities - https://edsitement.neh.gov/closer-readings/asian-pacific-heritage-month
- National Park Service - https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/asianpacificislanderheritage.htm
- Smithsonian Institute - https://smithsonianapa.org
Family Social Media Safety Webinar
Dear Mu.kilteo School District families,
Thank you to those who were able to attend last week's family safety webinar about social media. The presenter, Robert Hackenson Jr. from Dynamic Influence, shared a lot of helpful information and resources, some of which are available on his website. He also shared a recording which is available for you to watch in the next 30 days and includes the option for English or Spanish subtitles.
Watch “Parenting in a Digital Age”
Password (case sensitive): mukilteo
To use subtitles, click on the CC button in the lower right corner of the video and select English or Spanish.
District staff also shared several helpful resources that are included in the attached presentation slides.
Summer School Learning Registration is 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.
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
5/13/22: Madres Latinas Meeting - Via 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.
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)
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: https://www.flashalert.net/login/
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.
Add a bit of variety to your child’s reading
Experts agree that reading is the foundation of learning. But it doesn’t have to involve heavy, dusty volumes perched on tall shelves! Times have changed, and there are now more ways to expose your child to the benefits and satisfaction of reading.
To encourage your middle schooler to read more, “think outside the book.” Nudge him toward:
- Audiobooks. These recordings of books are great resources, especially if your child struggles with fluency. Listening to stories read aloud is a proven way to build reading skills. Audiobooks offer many of the same benefits as print versions, exposure to story structure, compelling plots and new vocabulary words. For an added boost, encourage your child to read along in the print version while listening to the audiobook.
As with traditional books, you can check out audiobooks from the library. You can also download free titles from websites like www.loyalbooks.com.
- E-books. Your child can read digital versions of books on a computer or a handheld device. While some e-books contain strictly text, others include graphics, videos and links. But be careful: Too many bells and whistles can distract readers. E-books are available at the public library and online at websites such as www.goodreads.com.
~ The Parent Institute
Help your child gain a deeper understanding while reading
As students begin to read more complex material in school, they will need to really think about what they’re reading. Encourage your middle schooler to focus on:
- The author’s purpose. Why did the author write this? Was it to inform the reader? To entertain? To influence thinking?
- The main idea and details. What is the author’s basic message? What elements does the author include that support and strengthens this message?
- Figurative language. “The ocean sang to me,” doesn’t mean the ocean really sang. It means that the ocean was appealing.
- The sequence of events. What happened first in the story? What happened next? What was the result?
- Relationships between things that happened in the story and its outcome.
- The characters’ feelings. What decisions did they make as a result of those feelings?
~ 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