Happy Sunday, Voyager families! I’m back home in Nashville after a wonderful trip to Alaska, and so grateful to my team for holding things down at Voyager while I was away. Thank you for your patience, and I hope the last few weeks have gone well for our students and families.
I’d love to share a few highlights from the trip:
- Joining the Denali 30% Club and actually seeing the mountain!
- Learning about the rich Native history in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Vancouver.
- Drinking water on top of the Mendenhall Glacier.
- Walking in the forest and feeding baby reindeer.
- Soaking up lots of wonderful time with my mom and sister.
As always, if there’s anything you still need help with, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Week of August 30The Voyager Weekly Principal’s Update
Upcoming events, campus announcements, and family engagement updates.
On Campus
Campus Announcements
🎉 MS Q&A Session: September 8th
Monday, September 8, 2026, 7:45–8:45 a.m.
Compass Center
This year we’ll be holding a sequence of regular, open meetings with leadership. Families will have the opportunity to:
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Learn more about the systems, procedures, and vision at Valor.
- Build relationships with members of the leadership team.
We’ll post notes from the meeting in the Principal’s Update following the meeting. Please submit your questions using the form linked here at least 24 hours prior to the Q&A so leadership can be prepared — we’ll cover these questions first, and cover new questions as time permits.
Parking will be provided at the Compass Center and the Tractor Supply area (the building between Voyager and Flagship).
✈️ Trip to Ecuador & the Galapagos
A Note from Mr. Ly
Greetings!
Have you ever had the desire to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos? At the start of Summer 2028, I will be leading a tour there for members, friends, and families of our community. In 2025, we went to Costa Rica. In 2026, we went to Japan. In 2027, we are heading to France & Italy. So if you can’t wait for 2028, or your dream trip is more aligned with France & Italy, we’ve got a few spots left open for that one as well. Please email me at winstonnly@gmail.com
These tours are designed for students, but we often have family members join us too. This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.
If you’re interested in learning more about our 2028 tour to Ecuador and the Galapagos, please RSVP for the informational meeting (to attend or to receive more information) here:
https://rsvp.eftours.com/kth7jgz
Spots are limited!
Why attend?
- Learn how to save $250 with early enrollment.
- Get first access to limited spots.
- Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more.
- Gain eligibility for scholarship opportunities!
These tours are through a student travel organization called Education First. Although I am a teacher here at Flagship, this is not a Valor sponsored event.
Please reach out to me at winstonnly@gmail.com with any questions!
Best,
Winston Ly
Community
Celebrations & Community Connection
We love highlighting local opportunities that uplift, educate, and empower our scholars, staff, and families across the Nashville area. Here are meaningful ways to engage over the coming weeks:
5th Annual Suicide Awareness & Prevention Event
When: Wednesday, September 9 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Where: Lentz Public Health Center | Free (lunch provided)
Details: Metro Public Health presents “Hope Is Available: Being The Perfect Stranger™,” focusing on mental health awareness and community support. Registration Link
Rooted In Justice: Stand Against Injustice Program
When: Thursday, September 10 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Where: Harambee Auditorium, Scarritt Bennett Center (1701 18th Ave S)
Details: Community rally featuring the Carrie Hull Award presentation to Dr. Sekou Franklin, alongside local advocacy groups and a Black Mental Health Village. Register here
Bridges CommunityFEST Weekend
When: September 11–13, 2026
Where: Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Details: Kick off Deaf Awareness Month celebrating Bridges’ 100th year of service through family-friendly community events. Learn more here
Fiestas Patrias at Plaza Mariachi
When: Sunday, September 13 | 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Where: Plaza Mariachi, 3955 Nolensville Pike | $10
Details: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with traditional live music, food, and cultural activities.
Civic Engagement — Voter Registration
When: Ongoing, ahead of the November 2026 election
Where: Online at GoVoteTN.gov
Details: Make your voice count! Check your registration status or register online using Tennessee’s official voter portal.
Go Wildcats
Athletic Announcements
- Sept 12: MS Baseball Tryouts
- Sept 12: 3×3 Middle School Basketball Fundraiser
Middle School Baseball Tryouts
Saturday, September 12
6th Grade: 9:00–10:15 a.m. · 7th–8th Grade: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Nashville Collegiate Prep Baseball Field — 14446 Old Hickory Blvd, Antioch, TN 37013
We partner with Nashville Collegiate Prep for Middle School Baseball. If possible, we’ll create a 6th grade team separate from our 7th/8th grade team. If you’re interested in trying out, please fill out this form.
MS Boys Basketball Information Meeting + 3×3 Fundraiser Tournament
If your son is interested in MS Boys Basketball, coaches held an informational meeting at Voyager Friday morning, and will be at Flagship on Tuesday morning. Information covered can be found in the slides here, along with our coaching philosophy and how to prepare for tryouts. More details to come about Open Gyms in September.
Information about the 3×3 Fundraiser basketball tournament can be found on the VCA Instagram and the Valor Wildcats website.
🏀 3×3 Middle School Basketball Fundraiser
If your scholar is interested in signing up for the 3×3 Middle School Basketball Fundraiser tournament, they should form a team of 3–4, and have an adult pay for it here! We’ll have spots for 8 teams.
Valor Family Group
Family Engagement Announcements
🎉 You’re Invited! Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Valor Family Group & Family Engagement wants you to Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage on Saturday, September 19th at the Voyager Outdoor Area from 10am-3pm!
Come be a part of this vibrant event, filled with cultural activities, music, food, and more. Your support will help make this celebration a memorable experience for our community. Bring your family, friends, neighbors etc.
Let’s come together to honor the rich heritage and contributions of Hispanic cultures.
Fine Arts, Clubs & Enrichment
Valor Theatre & FACE Announcements
Valor Theatre Announcements
No updates this week! Tickets go on sale soon for HS shows, and MS Audition Days will be announced next week. Questions? Email Mr. Waid, our Director of Fine Arts & Enrichment and Fall show director, at jwaid@valorcollegiate.org.
FACE: Fine Arts, Clubs & Enrichment
✨ Clubs Begin: September 8, 2026 ✨
Reminder: Late scholars will be charged a late fee of $1 per minute. Late scholars are to be picked up at Voyager and an ID is required.
Boys & Girls Club After School Program
If you’re in need of aftercare, the Boys and Girls Club is accepting new applications for the 2026–2027 school year at the Valor Middle Clubhouse, Monday–Friday, 3:00–6:30 PM. Questions? Email dschaaf@bgcmt.org or call (629) 203-1360.
Valor Voices Choir
Semester 1: Valor Voices (MS) is returning! Join choir singing, songwriting, and stage movement with Ms. Lindsay — Wednesdays, 3:30–4:45 PM at Flagship. Register now at valorface.com. Questions? Contact Ms. Lindsey at valorvoicesms@valorcollegiate.org.
Semester 2
Valor has partnered with Girls Inc. and AMEND Together to support our Middle School Scholars after school for enrichment opportunities to grow strong leaders in our community. This program will begin 2nd Semester, but parents can sign up now through valorface.com.
Official applications will be sent out to everyone who has signed up in November.
Girls Inc.
Girls Inc., in partnership with YWCA Nashville, inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold — covering personal growth, healthy choices, and life skills. Meets Tuesdays; free to join (application required). Contact Shay Turner at shay.turner@ywcanashville.com.
Amend Together
Amend Together engages boys in reducing violence in our community, building skills around identity, coping, and community outreach. Meets Tuesdays; free to join (application required). Contact Anissa Hayes at anissa.hayes@ywcanashville.com.
