DaVinci Connection-November 13, 2018

In the weeks leading up to the mid-term election, I attended several sessions led by the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS) and the Center for School Change to discuss and develop proposals regarding the politics and policies that are critical for the ongoing support of charter schools in Minnesota and the success of our students moving forward.

Because of the discussions about “voucher” schools and misunderstandings about private, voucher, public and charter schools, it is important that we stay informed and help lead policy regarding public charter schools.  State laws regarding charter schools differ substantially, and our charter schools in Minnesota are often judged based on misinformation or data from other states.

The Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS) has adopted the following 3 high level agenda items.  There are 66 bullet points regarding these three agenda items that MACS is currently reviewing with members.  We will share more as the agenda becomes finalized for the next legislative session.

AN AGENDA TO FULFILL THE PROMISE – PROPOSED

When Minnesota’s charter school law was enacted in 1991 the underlying promise was that chartered public schools would have the autonomy and ability to be innovative in exchange for being accountable for student success and good stewardship of resources.

Twenty-seven years later that promise is still a work in progress.

While charter schools have been held accountable for student success and good stewardship of resources, public policies have not provided the autonomy, nor resources for charter schools to fulfill the innovative purposes outlined in the charter school law.

One measure of accountability is that 25% of chartered schools have closed, or never opened because they did not demonstrate results or fulfill their original promise.  One measure of public policy not fulfilling its promise is the growing disparity in funding for charter school students.

Twenty-seven years later that promise is still a work in progress.

Today, there are three significant areas of public policy which need to be addressed to provide the latitude promised to charter schools.

1] Equitable Funding for Charter School Students

2] A Rationale Policy Approach for Charter School Facilities

3] The Latitude for Innovation – Accountability vs Autonomy

As MACS and charter school boards and directors work on these policies, we will continue to share information with you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank You,
Debra Lach

Please double check the uniform policy  and make sure you are sending your student to school in clothing that meets the requirements.

• Students are allowed black or tan pants, but they need to be a chino/dress pant style. Yoga pants, jeans, leggings and sweatpants are not allowed.
• Also, while black or tan jumpers are allowed to be worn over a red polo shirt, please note that the red polo-style dresses are not permitted.  Each outfit must include a black or tan base/bottom.
• Students are asked to tuck-in shirts and remove non-uniform sweatshirts. According to the policy, when a student appears at school out of uniform, they will be required to correct the violation. Parents may be contacted to bring alternative clothing immediately to school. Refusal to comply with this policy may result in a discipline referral. Please help your students comply with the uniform policy.

The DaVinci Academy Music Department is excited to share our 2018-2019 school year performance dates. This year, performances fall into two categories: evening concerts and daytime informances, both of which families are invited to watch. An informance gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the foundations of music by covering multiple state standards and showcases how music connects to other subjects. Along with evening concerts, informances will give students a well-rounded and meaningful learning experience.

Kindergarten

• Penguin Party – Wednesday, December 19, 2018  time TBA (during the school day)
• Graduation – Wednesday, June 19, 2019  time TBA (during the school day)

1st Grade 

• Winter Concert – Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
• Informance at the Fiesta – Tuesday, June 18, 2019 time TBA (during the school day)

2nd Grade 

• Winter Concert – Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 6:45 p.m.
• Olympic Event – Friday, March 29
  

3rd Grade

• Spring Concert – Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. 
  

4th Grade (along with 5th Grade Choir) 

• Spring Concert – Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 6:45 p.m.

Middle School Ensembles – Winter

• 6-8 Band Winter Concert – Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
• 5th Band Informance – Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 10:27-11:12 a.m.
• 5th Orchestra Informance – Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 10:27-11:12 a.m.
• 6-8 Orchestra Winter Concert – Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
• 6-8 Choir Winter Concert – Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

Sincerely, DaVinci Academy Music Department

• Mrs. Ashley Fohrman – afohrman@davincicharterschool.org K-4 General Music
• Mr. Ben Hanson – bjhanson@davincicharterschool.org K-8 General and Choir
• Mr. Zack Sorenson – zsorenson@davincicharterschool.org 5-8 Instrumental Music