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Voyager MS Family Bulletin
December 9, 2022 Weekly News
Voyager is a diverse, inclusive learning community where each student is valued, supported, and inspired.
Early Dismissal Friday, December 16
Voyager students will be dismissed at 12:00pm on Friday, December 16. There are no after school activities or activity buses on early dismissal days.
Upcoming Winter Break - December 19 - January 2, 2023 - NO SCHOOL
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
Universal Human Rights Month - December 2022
For some cultures, December marks the season for holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and sometimes even Milad un Nabi are just a few of the celebrations that American citizens will commemorate this month, not to mention the closing of the calendar year. But December is also observed for another, lesser-known reason: it is the Universal Month for Human Rights.
In honor of this observation, please take the time to learn about another culture that is different from yours. Research their history or perhaps make a new friend that is a member of that culture. You’ll start to see quickly how similar all people really are. You’ll start to see just how important it is that everyone be treated with dignity, respect and kindness.
Universal Human Rights Month – Everything You Need to Know ...
Important Health and Safety Reminders
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 more information, please visit Health / When Your Student is Sick (schoolwires.net)
For free rapid antigen and PCR COVID tests visit: https://www.mukilteoschools.org/Page/15966
Updated COVID Guidelines
Mukilteo School District (parentsquare.com).
For more information, please visit the district’s COVID Resources website. Given the new guidelines, the district COVID dashboard webpage has been deactivated.
Please contact Attendance when your student needs to stay home: (425) 366-5300 or contact the School Nurse for more information.
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)
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.
December 12 - December 16
Monday, December 12
Before School
Girl 7th Grade Volleyball Practice - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Morning Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10am - 9:10am
10:11am - 2:45pm
After School
Homework Club - VO Library - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Hispanic Alliance Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - B177
BSU Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - B255
Build Cool Stuff Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - B267
Boys & Girls Soccer Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Field
7th & 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Game vs. Evergreen MS– 3:45pm @ Evergreen MS
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Game vs. Evergreen MS– 3:45pm @ Voyager MS
Tuesday, December 13
Before School
Girl 7th Grade Volleyball Practice - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Morning Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10am - 9:10am
10:11am - 2:45pm
Madres Latinas Meeting - 9:00 - 10:00am - Voyager Commons
After School
Homework Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Jazz Band Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - A130
8th Grade Volleyball Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Commons
7th & 8th Grade Boys Soccer Game vs. North MS - 3:45pm @ Lincoln Field
7th & 8th Grade Girls Soccer Game vs. North MS - 3:45pm @ Lincoln Field
Winter Choir Concert - 7:00pm - VO Commons
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM - VO Gym
Wednesday, December 14
Before School
Girl 7th Grade Volleyball Practice - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Morning Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10am - 9:10am
10:11am - 2:45pm
After School
Homework Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Game Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - VO Library
Pride Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - A130
Art Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - C112
EL Club - - 2:45 - 4:00pm - B151
7th & 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Game vs. Eisenhower MS– 3:45pm @ Voyager MS
Boys & Girls Soccer Practice – 2:45-4:30 PM – VO Field
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Game vs. Eisenhower MS– 3:45pm @ Eisenhower MS Gym
Thursday, December 15
Before School
7th Grade Volleyball Practice - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Morning Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center hours
8:10am - 9:10am
10:11am - 2:45pm
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 Football Field
Jazz Band Club - 2:45 - 4:00pm - A130
7th & 8th Grade Boys Soccer Game vs. Explorer MS - 3:45pm @ Mariner HS
7th & 8th Grade Girls Soccer Game vs. Explorer MS - 3:45pm @ Mariner HS
7th & 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Game vs. Kellogg MS– 3:45pm @ Voyager MS
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Game vs. Kellogg MS– 3:45pm @ Kellogg MS Gym
Friday, December 16 - EARLY DISMISSAL @ 12:00PM
Before School
7th Grade Volleyball Practice - 6:45 - 7:45am - VO Gym
Morning Library Open 7:40 - 8:00am
During School
Writing Center - Read Aloud
After School
No After School Clubs or Sports on this day
It's Spirit Week at Voyager - December 12 - 16
Voyager Families - Free Food Pantry Shopping
Throughout the month of December while school is in session, Voyager will be hosting a FREE food pantry for our Voyager families! Students and their immediate families are welcome to stop by the front office during the times below, grab a bag and shop for food items. Please help yourselves and take what you need.
Students:
Before school: 7:30am - 8:00am
After school: 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Parents/Guardians
Any time between 7:30am - 3:45pm
2nd Annual Operation Community Holiday Cards Drop
In the spirit of the World Kindness Movement, Voyager students have been writing holiday cards to local elderly neighbors living in nursing/retirement homes.
Accepting Holiday Card Donations
In support of our student's kindness efforts we would like to ask parents/guardians to consider donating new blank holiday cards to Voyager so that every student is able to send cheer to a senior resident through a hand written holiday card. In consideration of our diverse community, we ask that cards donated remain inclusive. “Happy Holidays” is accepted as the broadest and most inclusive greeting at this time of year.
Please drop off new holiday cards at Voyager Middle School's Front office in the donation box anytime between now and December 9. Thank you in advance for your kindness.
InvestED - Dedicated to Impacting the Lives of Students in Need
InvestED provides funding to almost 700 secondary schools all across Washington State. Our mission is to help children from low-income families and communities Get to School, Engage in School, and Graduate.
With support from generous donors and partners, we help bridge the gap between what families can afford, what schools can support, and what students urgently need to achieve.
Each year, public schools and educators use our funds to cover students' costs for college application fees, shoes, ASB cards, athletic equipment, nutritional health, remote learning support, and more. Little things that make a big difference in a child's life.
We need your help! LEARN MORE about InvestED's impact and how you can get involved.
We believe in Small Acts of Kindness
Are You Moving Over Winter Break?
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: The Little Mermaid 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
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
English | Korean | Russian | Spanish | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
* Forms available in multiple languages.
Washington COVID-19 Immigration Relief Fund
Please visit Home - English - Immigrant Relief Fund (immigrantreliefwa.org) for information.
- You can apply if you’re over 18, you live in Washington State, you are not eligible for federal stimulus funds or unemployment insurance due to your immigration status, and you’ve experienced difficult times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It’s safe to apply. No information goes to the government, and the public charge rule should not apply.
- You can apply in Spanish, English, Chinese, Korean, or Tagalog, or call to get help in more languages.
2022 Community Holiday Resources & Events
Bethany Compassion Center
Holiday Food Baskets. Sign up On-line
https://forms.fellowshipone.com/?formId=88899d43-2ec2-4884-bdc9-db69571991f3
Everett, WA Free Kids Events | Eventbrite
Events | Sno-Isle Libraries | BiblioCommons
Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots is now accepting applications for Christmas. You cannot fill the application out on your phone, a laptop or desktop is needed.
https://everett-wa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx
Angel Tree
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree is now accepting applications for Christmas. https://saangeltree.org/
Clothes For Kids
Clothes For Kids has appointments in November for clothing. You don’t need an application, you can book your own appointment online here: https://clothesforkids.org/book-an-appointment/
Christmas House
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and also to apply for Christmas gifts assistance, please visit www.christmas-house.org
Hand in Hand - Foster Family Christmas
This event is for families struggling to provide gifts for the kiddos during the holidays. Each child under 18 in the home are provided with a fun item and a need item such as clothing, shoes, coat, etc.
- Pre-registration required, for children under the age of 18 living in the home.
- ID and income verification are required, acceptable documentation includes a TANF approval letter or a provider one card.
Check back in for updated information, like our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/handinhandkids), or call our admin offices at 425-374-2461. Tentatively, the Foster Family Christmas event is scheduled for December 15th, 2022.
VOA/Everett Food Bank
1230 BROADWAY EVERETT, WA 98201
PICK UP A HOLIDAY FOOD BOX WITH ALL FIXINGS FOR A HOLIDAY MEAL.
CHRISTMAS DISTRIBUTION DATES: DEC 19, 21 & 22; 10AM-2PM
Need Help Paying Bills?
For a list of assistance programs, please visit Get help with electric or utility bills (needhelppayingbills.com)
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
Promote pleasure reading for better school performance
It’s true: Reading for pleasure boosts academic achievement. Studies show that children who
read for pleasure have higher scores in English, math, science and history than those who rarely read outside the classroom.
To encourage your middle schooler to read for enjoyment over the winter break:
- Keep reading materials handy. Fill your home with books, magazines and other reading resources.
- Set aside time in your child’s schedule for reading every day.
- Take trips to the library or bookstore together. See what books appeal to your child.
- Talk with librarians and booksellers. Ask what books they recommend for middle schoolers.
- Get everyone in the family reading. Show that it’s fun.
- Don’t force your child to finish reading a book that’s “boring.” It’s OK for kids to stop reading something they aren’t enjoying.
- Read aloud. Middle schoolers aren’t too old for this. Take turns reading to each other. Or have your child read to a younger sibling.
- Discuss books. Tell your child about a book you liked. Or ask your child to tell you about a favorite book.
Take a look at your child’s attendance
December usually contains a winter break from school. And once your child returns in January, the school year will be about half over.
This is a great time to review the first part of the year and make plans for the next. Looking at your middle schooler’s school attendance should be part of this process.
Did your child attend school every day—except in the case of illness or family emergency? If so, congratulations! Encourage your child to keep up the good work for the rest of the year and beyond. Regular attendance is a strong predictor of success in school.
If attendance was lacking:
- Remind your child that regular school attendance is a priority in your family.
- Emphasize the need for rest, nutrition, exercise and health safety measures to stay in school.
- Consider the reasons you take your child out of school. Is it possible to make future appointments outside school hours?
- Establish consequences for missing classes. Let your child know that skipping school erodes your trust.
Contact Voyager
Voyager Office Hours
7:30am-4:00pm
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