
Voyager MS Family Bulletin
September 30, 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
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.
Thank you.
Amy Stengele, Voyager MS Nurse
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
Middle school attendance matters! Because attendance matters, vacations or travel should not be scheduled while school is in session. If a family vacation must occur while school is in session, it must be pre-arranged prior to the absences and approved by the principal (or designee). The principal (or designee) may excuse up to five (5) school days for a prearranged absence per student each school year, if it is requested at least one week prior to the first absence. An absence may not be approved if it causes a serious adverse effect on the student’s educational progress.
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 any questions, please 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.
October 3 - October 7
Monday, October 3
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10-9am
10:15-11am
11:50-12:40pm
12:50-1:40pm
After School
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 3:00 - 4:00pm @ Voyager
Girls Softball Game vs. Eisenhower MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45pm @ Voyager
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:00 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
Tuesday, October 4
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10-9am
10:15-11am
11:50-12:40pm
12:50-1:40pm
After School
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 3:00 - 4:00pm @ Voyager
Softball Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:00 - 4:30pm @ Voyager
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:00 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
Wednesday, October 5
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10-9am
10:15-11am
11:50-12:40pm
12:50-1:40pm
After School
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 3:00 - 4:00pm @ Voyager
Girls Softball Game vs. Evergreen MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45pm @ Voyager Evergreen MS Everett Softball Field.
Boys Football Game - 8th Grade - vs. Alderwood MS 3:45pm @ Voyager
Thursday, October 6
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10-9am
10:15-11am
11:50-12:40pm
12:50-1:40pm
Vision & Hearing Screening - 7th Grade
After School
Coed Cross Country vs. Alderwood MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45pm @ Alderwood MS
Softball Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 2:45 - 4:30pm @ Voyager
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 2:45 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
Friday, October 7
Before School
Donuts with your Grown Ups - 6th Grade Event - 7:15 - 8:00am
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center - Read Aloud
8:10am
10:45am
11:50am
12:50pm
1:50pm
After School
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 1:30 - 2:30pm @ Voyager
Softball Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 2:45 - 4:30pm @ Voyager
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 2:45 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
Panorama Student Well-Being Surveys Begin October 3
As part of our commitment to supporting the well-being of staff, students and their families, we will administer social-emotional well-being surveys to students beginning October 3. It is optional, but it is highly encouraged as it will provide valuable data to help gather your perceptions and needs to improve supports for students.
Students in grades 3-12 will receive survey questions appropriate to their grade level. The questions differ depending on the participant role and cover several topics that align with the state social-emotional learning standards for students as well as cultural awareness, relationships and safety. The survey will be given to students in the fall and again in the spring. Families will receive the survey this spring.
Family responses will be anonymous, but student information is identifiable so that teachers and school leaders can access student information to help support student needs by classroom or at an individual level.
Families were able to preview the student questions and have the option for their child/children to participate in the survey or opt out by September 25 at 10 p.m. Families will have the opt-out option again before the spring survey is given.
RSVP for Donuts with your Grown Ups - 6th Graders
Friday, Oct 7, 2022, 07:15 AM
11711 4th Ave W, Everett, WA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Donuts with your Grown Ups - 7th & 8th Grade Event - Friday, October 14
Please join us for our annual “Donuts with Your Grownups”! This is an opportunity for you and your 7th and/or 8th grade Voyager student (s) to start the day off together and meet some of our staff members over relaxing morning treats. No agenda, just treats and mingle. Parents/Guardians/Grandparents are welcome to attend with a student.
7th and 8th Graders and their families - Friday, October 14th - 7:15am – 8:00am at Voyager MS
Voyager Middle school will serve complimentary (free) donuts, coffee, juice and milk in the Commons area.
We hope to see you there!
Please RSVP below. For any questions, please contact Olga Mantilla, Voyager Family Engagement Liaison, at (425)366-5313 or via e-mail at mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu
RSVP for Donuts with your Grown Ups - 7th & 8th Graders
Friday, Oct 14, 2022, 07:15 AM
11711 4th Ave W, Everett, WA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Schoology Parent Account - Sign up today!
In Schoology, Guardians will be able to quickly and easily see what their children are working on in their classes.
Visit the Schoology parent and guardian resources page here https://www.mukilteoschools.org/Page/14919 to learn more about Schoology and how to communicate with your child's school and instructors as well as sign up for your parent account!
* Available in multiple languages.
In addition, you can Join the MSD Schoology Family Academy Course to learn more about the basics of Schoology and how to navigate your student's connected account. Enter this access code to join: FVC6-9TFV-KTW3V
Below is a short video on how to get started!
Hometown Actor Delivers Big at Voyager Middle School
Students in Voyager's drama class were excited to meet former Voyager student, Jon Meggison, now an accomplished actor, who recently spoke to the students about his self-discovered acting career. Now 29 years old, Jon attended the district K-12 and graduated from Mariner. He began his acting career in 2020 and has been highlighted in several L.A. magazines, completing over 20 films, and was named Best Actor in a Lead Role. His newest film Conjuring the Beyond, can be viewed on Apple TV and Xfinity.
Jon answered student's questions about preparing for an audition, locating auditions, producing reels, networking and tips on improvement. He even gave an opportunity to critique an aspiring actress who performed her monologue in front of the class. "Wow, this is so great!" said Jon. "I had such a great time talking with this class. I’m so glad and honored that you had me. It was an honor to walk these halls again. I hope for an opportunity to come back and follow up with this great group."
Teacher Annamarie Jordan said Jon’s willingness to come back to Voyager and help aspiring actors and actresses speaks highly of who he is as a person: grounded, humble, and generous.
Natural Leaders Program
The WABS (Washington Alliance for Better Schools) Natural Leaders Program uses an asset-based model to help families identify and cultivate the skills necessary to overcome systemic barriers. Parents take on leadership roles in order to build stronger relationships with families and their children and identify best practices. They take action in order to help families be successful in the school system and implement their ideas in partnership with the schools.
To learn more about the Natural Leaders program please visit Home : Washington Alliance for Better Schools (wabsalliance.org.
The Natural Leaders Training Academy is an opportunity for families/caregivers and school staff to learn about equitable family engagement and the importance of honoring family voice.
To register for the Fall 2022 Natural Leaders Online Training Academy via Zoom, please visit https://forms.gle/CPdKkZGGcLSMsvmRA. The four session class series begins October 17.
* Stipend available for families/caregivers.
Spanish and Portuguese interpretation available. Other language interpretation available upon request. Materials available in 9 languages.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide September 15 to October 15. It's an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the culture, traditions, and contributions of people whose ancestry can be traced to the Caribbean Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, and Spain. This celebration highlights the ways in which the Latino and Hispanic communities continue to play a key part in building our country.
To learn more, please visit HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH -September 2022 - National Today
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)
Immunizations
7th Graders need TDAP booster shots!
The TDAP booster is the last immunization that is required for school thru 12th grade. Please submit your paperwork to the nurse ASAP. The school district Immunization page can be found at: Health / Immunizations (mukilteoschools.org)
10/11: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
10/14: Donuts With Your Grown Ups - 7th & 8th Grade - 7:15 - 8:00am - Voyager Commons
10/26: Picture Retake Day - VO
10/28: Teacher Work Day - No School
11/10: Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
11/11: Veteran’s Day – No School
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
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
Free On-Line Tutoring
Free homework help/tutoring services through "Revolution Now" is available for middle and high school students.
- Watch the five-minute instructional video below to get started, or simply go to the orange Revolution Prep icon in the student portal.
- Homework Help Tutoring Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcLViv1FrYg&t=1s
Get Started! Just log in with your MSD student login: https://api.revolutionprep.com/users/mukilteo/saml/sign_in
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
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
Understand the essential role of middle school counselors
School counselors have become key players on the educational team in middle schools. They also play a vital role in the pandemic recovery. Middle school counselors strive to help all students be productive learners. They also assist students to:
- Develop skills that will help them navigate changing expectations and environments.
- Set academic goals.
- Select courses that will prepare them for future classes.
- Get back on track after facing academic problems.
- Build social skills.
- Solve problems with friends. This can include mediation or counseling sessions for an individual student or a small group.
- Strengthen coping skills. This includes skills for dealing with bullies or with grief.
- Develop study skills.
- Make plans for high school and beyond.
- Explore and plan for different careers.
- Connect with community agencies in times of crisis.
- Locate additional professionals for academic and personal support.
Remember to be patient when contacting a counselor. They each deal with many families.
Questions & Answers
Q: My eighth grader struggles with self-confidence, and often says, “I can’t do anything right!” This isn’t the least bit true. How can I help my child see the smart, capable person I see?
A: If there’s ever a time when self-doubt and insecurity are likely to rear their ugly heads, it’s during adolescence. Middle schoolers are discovering the pressure of trying to measure up, and it can be scary when they feel like they’re falling short.
Although you can’t make your child’s insecurity go away altogether, you can do things that will boost your child’s confidence. Here’s how:
- Focus on strengths. Look for opportunities that will allow your child to experience success. Sign an athletic child up for a sports team. If theater is more your child’s speed, look into a drama club.
- Give your child responsibilities. Middle schoolers often gripe about having to take out the trash or wash the dishes, but chores are an effective way to help children feel capable and needed.
- Avoid harsh criticism. The messages kids hear about themselves from others affect how they feel about themselves. Be patient when your child makes a mistake and focus on what to do next time.
- Celebrate effort. When your child does something nice for the family, or works really hard on a school project, draw attention to it. Tell your child how proud and appreciative you are.
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