Voyager MS Family Bulletin
October 7, 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.
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
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 questions regarding attendance guidelines please review Mukilteo School Board policy #3122P for more details or 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 10 - October 14
Monday, October 10
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
After School
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 3:00 - 4:00pm @ Voyager
Girls Softball Game vs. Kellogg MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45pm @ Shorecrest HS Softball Field
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:00 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
Tuesday, October 11
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
After School
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
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 12
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
After School
Games Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
EL Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - B151
Art Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C112
Pride Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C216
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 3:00 - 4:00pm @ Voyager
Girls Softball Game vs. Gateway MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45pm @ Voyager Softball field
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:00 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
Thursday, October 13
Before School
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours - 8:10am - 1:40pm
After School
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
STEAM Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C140
Intramural Sports Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm -VO Gym
Coed Cross Country vs. College Place MS & Olympic View MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45pm @ Voyager
Softball Game vs. Heatherwood MS - 7th & 8th Grade - 3:45 - 4:30pm @ Voyager
Football Game - Boys 8th Grade vs. North MS - 3:45pm @ North MS Football/Soccer Syn Turf
Friday, October 14
Before School
Donuts with your Grown Ups - 7th & 8th Grade Event - 7:15 - 8:00am
Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
After School
Coed Cross Country Practice - All Grades - 1:30 - 2:30pm @ Voyager
Football Practice - 7th & 8th Grade - 2:45 - 5:00pm @ Voyager
National Principals Month
Each October, National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great. Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success.
Each October, NASSP, NAESP, and AFSA seek to honor these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.
Join us in celebrating National Principals Month!
Thank you Dr. Zirkle and Ms. Porter for all you do to make Voyager great!
After-School Clubs
Effective afterschool programs bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families and communities. Afterschool programs can boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe, structured environment for children.
6 Benefits of Afterschool Programs
1. Create a sense of belonging.
2. Improve social skills.
3. Provide academic support.
4. Make learning more fun.
5. Provide safety and supervision.
6. Build confidence.
For additional information on the benefits of after-school programs, please visit:
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/afterschool-programs
Current Clubs at Voyager
Throughout the school year, depending on seasons, Voyager offers a wide range of after-school activities to our students to foster the aforementioned benefits. Please take advantage of the wonderful programs our school has to offer and encourage your student to join today!
Below is a list of current Voyager Clubs for the 2022/2023 School year:
Homework Club – 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Games Club – 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
EL Club – 2:45 - 4:00pm -B151
Art Club – 2:45 - 4:00pm - C112
Pride Club – 2:45 - 4:00pm - C216
STEAM Club – 2:45 - 4:00pm - C140
Intramural Sports Club – 2:45-4:00pm - VO Gym
An official schedule of all clubs will be shared soon.
RSVP for Donuts with your Grown Ups - 7th & 8th Graders
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.
Friday, Oct 14, 2022, 07:15 AM
11711 4th Ave W, Everett, WA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Volunteer Information and Application
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.
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.
To learn more about volunteering, please watch the video below or review the Volunteer Brochure.
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
- Identification Card
For any questions, including volunteer opportunities, please contact Olga Mantilla at mantillaoy@mukilteo.wednet.edu or (425)366-5313.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October in National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying. During this month, many groups across the country will release new resources, campaigns, and efforts aimed at bringing awareness to the issue of bullying.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Bullying can also take place through technology, known as cyberbullying. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.
There are many other types of aggressive behavior that don’t fit the definition of bullying. This does not mean that they are any less serious or require less attention than bullying. Rather, these behaviors require different prevention and response strategies.
To learn more about bullying prevention please visit National Bullying Prevention Month | youth.gov
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)
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.
10/25: PTA Open House - 6:00 - 7:00pm - 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
Schoology Parent Account - Sign up today!
Visit the Schoology parent and guardian resources page here Schoology / Schoology for Guardians (mukilteoschools.org) to learn more about Schoology, how to quickly and easily see your student's classes and grades, as well as how to communicate with your child's school and instructors. sign up for your parent account!
* Available in multiple languages.
English | Korean | Russian | Spanish | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
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
Regular family meals support well-being and school success
What does your middle schooler really want for dinner? You. Families live busy lives and you may wonder whether gathering for a family meal is worth all the hassle. Well, it is. In fact, family meals can make a difference to your child’s school success.
Studies have found that kids who eat dinner with their families four or more nights a week are less likely to try cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana. They also perform better in school.
To make family meals work for you:
- Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t eat together every night. Try to have dinner together a few times each week.
- Include your child in mealtime conversations. Ask a few specific questions. Instead of the standard “How was your day?” ask for specifics. “What’s one interesting thing that happened at school?” Then try to keep the conversation going.
- Keep it pleasant. Don’t use mealtime as an opportunity to argue or interrogate your child.
- Laugh. Humor makes dinnertime fun for everyone. Be flexible. If evening meals are hard to schedule, share breakfast with your child. You’ll have the same chance to connect.
- Go low-tech. Don’t try to compete with digital devices for your child’s attention. You’ll lose. Turn off the TV and keep phones and tablets away from the table.
Help your child adopt some healthy habits
Healthy habits make it easier for children to do well in school. Do you know if your child is getting the nutrition, sleep and exercise kids this age need? Health experts agree that middle schoolers need to:
- Get enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends between nine and 10 hours of sleep each night for peak performance in school.
- Focus on nutrition. Children should eat a healthy breakfast every morning and make nutritious choices for school lunches and snacks.
- Drink plenty of water. Brains can’t store water, but they need it to work properly. Staying hydrated is one way kids can keep their brains sharp.
- Make exercise a habit. PE class isn’t enough! Adolescents need 60 minutes of physical activity every day—biking, running, shooting hoops, playing a sport, dancing, walking, etc.
- Wash their hands regularly. Hand-washing is an essential part of preventing the spread of many illnesses. And fewer illnesses lead to fewer school absences.
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