DaVinci Connection-February 19, 2021
School Links
Important Dates
(subject to change-see online calendar)
2/22 Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
2/23 PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
2/24-2/26 No school for Middle School (K-5 learning days as scheduled)
3/1 Back to in-person learning date for Middle School
3/4 Registration deadline for extra-curricular activities
3/11 End of Trimester 2
3/12 No school, Teacher Grading Day
3/15-3/19 No school, Spring Break
3/25 Picture Day
3/29 Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Attendance Line: 763-252-6130
Parents should call the attendance line at 763-252-6130 before 9:00 a.m. of the day your child will be absent. This phone number is available 24 hours a day to leave a message. Please leave the following information on the recording:
- Date your child will be absent
- First and last name of your child
- Reason for the absence
- Name of the parent/guardian who is calling
If you know your child(ren) will be gone more than three consecutive days, you will need to fill out an extended absence form four to six weeks in advance. Please send the Extended Absence Form to Ms. Moffatt.
Attendance Update
Please review the latest Attendance Update along with the details outlined below for using the attendance line. This update is for both distance and in-person learners.
You may view your child’s attendance record in your Campus Parent account.
Greetings!
To the left, you will find helpful links to important pages on our website.
Dear DaVinci Families:
I hope this message finds you well! We completed two weeks with our entire K-5 on-site learners back on campus and it’s going extraordinarily well! There is so much joy and energy in the building. We look forward to our transition for Middle School on March 1. A reminder that next week there will be no school for Middle School on Wednesday, Feb. 24- Friday, Feb. 26.
As we approach spring break in March, we ask families to continue to be diligent in practicing Covid-19 mitigation strategies. In accordance with the Department of Health, we recommend families limit unnecessary travel to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. As always, if you have a known Covid-19 exposure, please report it to covidreporting@davincicharterschool.org as soon as possible.
The CDC released updated guidance for school reopenings last week with a strong emphasis on the importance of wearing masks appropriately. Please take time to ensure your child has a mask that fits properly (tight to their face, covers their nose completely, includes multiple layers of fabric). This will be important as we have all of our students in the building and we want to ensure that students are able to wear their masks properly with ease. (It’s tough to concentrate when a mask continues to fall down.)
Thanks so much as always for your support.
My best,
Ahava
Reminders for In-person Learning
Label Your Chromebook
If your school issued Chromebook is going to come back to school for any reason (class work, testing, being brought back and forth) please make sure that it’s clearly labeled with your child’s name. You can use a piece of masking tape on the device and one on the charging cord so that they don’t get mixed up with others being returned for the same purpose. Thank you in advance.
Running Late? Please Sign Your Students In
Now that we’re back to in-person learning, all students who arrive after 8:00 a.m. must be signed in at the front desk by a parent or guardian. Please park in one of our visitor spaces near the front entrance and walk your student(s) into the main office. Here, you’ll need to check them in using our computer kiosk. Thanks for helping us keep your students safe and attendance accurate!
But I Need To Turn Left on Jefferson!
It is dangerous to take a left on to Jefferson when there are cars lined up waiting to enter the parking lot. We know that this is SUPER frustrating, but it is just as frustrating for the people driving on Jefferson who are concerned about getting into an accident with one of our parents exiting the lot. Please note these options if you NEED to get north in the morning.
Take a right on Jefferson and take a left at the 2nd turn (134th). DO NOT TURN AT 136TH and use a private driveway as a turn around.
Follow the blue/purple path to use the bus turn around lane for drop off. Then you will be exiting on to Bunker. You can enter that turn around when the teacher waves you in.
Afternoon Pick Up
We have early release on Friday afternoons. Dismissal starts at 12:30 p.m. and generally takes about 20 minutes. You can shoot for arriving to the lot by 12:40 p.m. to help congestion in the parking lot.
Cars can pass on the left to fill the open spaces in the front two rows when there are drivers waiting in the street. Children should cross at the crosswalk to get to their parked car. For safety, children should only get in the car if it is parked along the loading curb or in a parking spot.
Need to Know
4th Annual DaVinci Academy Read-a-thon— Reminders Came Home Today!
This year, we are excited to announce that we will hold our 4th annual Read-a-thon fundraiser for grades Kindergarten through fifth. This is our primary fundraiser for the PTO and allows us to keep supporting our students and staff.
*25% of this year’s proceeds will be used to fund wish list items for the library! The remaining funds will be used to continue to support our students and staff as well as plan for fun events like movie nights and carnivals once we can safely gather together again!
Read-a-thons are a great way to get your reader excited about reading and give friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more. Our Read-a-thon is a program that brings students together with family and friends to encourage reading and to build literacy skills.
The main focus of the Read-a-thon is for everyone to know we are committed to improving reading skills. To that end, the Read-a-thon promises to be a fun, exciting journey for all participants as they begin a personal Reading Adventure that challenges each reader to complete at least 10 reading sessions over our 2-week event. Our Read-a-thon will start February 22, 2021.
In-person teachers sent home an instructional sheet this weekend explaining how to activate your student’s personal Read-a-thon page. Instructional sheets for students in Ms. Rischmiller’s and Ms. Marta’s class will be included in their material pick-up on Monday. Those students in distance learning who do not have material pick-up on Monday will receive their instructional sheets in the mail.
We understand that, as parents, you have high expectations for the quality of your child’s education but also have limited time. That’s why we chose to hold a Read-a-thon. You will find this to be the easiest fundraiser possible. By simply activating your reader’s personal page and using the promotional tools found there, friends and family anywhere in the world can show their support for your reader by making a donation to our Read-a-thon. The reader page is also where you will be able to view and record their progress.
Your involvement in the Read-a-thon will help your child develop a lasting love of reading. We hope each one of you will activate your child’s personal page the day your child brings home their paperwork.
We hope all K-5 students participate.
DaVinci Academy PTO
Registration for DVA Extracurricular Activities
Registration for trimester 3 extracurricular activities is now OPEN. Classes fill up fast… sign up now!
The deadline to register is Thursday, March 4. No late registrations will be accepted.
This year, we began using a new registration process for activities. Please register for activities offered by DaVinci Academy faculty and staff using the School Store in Infinite Campus (Instructions: Session 3 Extracurricular Registration). Activity fees are due at the time of registration and families who have outstanding bills will not be able to register for classes until those charges are paid.
If an activity becomes full, it will no longer show up as an option for you within the School Store. To join the waitlist for an activity, contact Julie Kresh.
Activities will run from Monday, March 22 until Friday, May 7 (7 weeks). *NO ACTIVITIES APRIL 1-6*
Activities end at 4:30 pm.
*NOTE: DaVinci Academy DOES NOT offer bus transportation after activities. All children must be picked up from school promptly after their activity has ended.
DaVinci Academy will offer only in-person activities during trimester 3. There are many options for additional, and virtual, activities within our community for your families as well. The following are some great options:
-
- Camptastic (Non-School Day Program)
-
- Join DaVinci in its new partnership with STEM Builders!
- Check out what is coming up!
Nice to Know
Bus Driver Appreciation Week Next Week
“Wheras bus drivers play a crucial role in our school systems and have a positive influence on a student’s educational experience”—bus drivers are being honored next week! Please take some time to acknowledge your child’s school bus driver in some way.
Congratulations to our DaVinci students who have advanced to the final round for the Zooms competition this year, and to their amazing Science teachers Ms. Brown and Ms. Ginder for their support! Best of luck to everyone!
| Ruchira P.
Seno O. Reeha I. Ava S.
|
Addy W.
Sydney W. Cassidy C. Eleanore J.
|
Ari H.
Yara A. Alayna D. |
Chloe Z.
Tenzin T. Kaitlyn P. |
| Dru P.
Ava B. |
Saivya S. | Hank K. | Echo N. |
If you are a parent of a child that receives Special Education services, consider attending our DaVinci Special Education Advisory Council on Tuesday, February 23 from 5-6 p.m. virtually.
Please contact Kari Peterson, Special Education Director, at kmpeterson@davincicharterschool.org if you are interested or would like more information.
From The School Board
Board Election Closes Monday
The February 2021 DaVinci Academy School Board election is here and the polls are open. The ballot is an online form this year to make it easier for all to access. This is your opportunity to select board members who will represent and serve the school over the next three years. We have three seats up for election this year: two teacher seats and one community seat.
Please click here for the Voting Guide. It provides information on this year’s candidates, the election timeline, and how the election process works.
You are invited to the Annual Meeting on Monday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m., when the election results will be announced and other updates on the status of our school will be presented.
Key Election Dates:
- Monday, February 22 – poll closes at 5:00 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m. – Votes counted
- 6:00 p.m. – Annual Meeting via Zoom; election results announced
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84739269074?pwd=bEY2RzE1THpBZU9QS05Qb0xoeFZXUT09
- Meeting ID: 847 3926 9074Passcode: D02831
Your involvement in our school is critical to the continued growth and success of DaVinci Academy. We look forward to your participation in the election and seeing you (via Zoom) at our Annual Meeting. Again please click here, for the Board Ballot.
Thank you,
Melanie P. Persellin
President, DaVinci Academy Board of Directors
Support Space
Random Acts of Kindness
Hello DaVinci Community!
It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week! From Sunday, February 14 through Saturday, February 20. Take time to celebrate the special people in your life and “spread kindness like confetti”!
Also, here are some Kindness Bingo boards that you can try at home!
Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. If your family is faced with new or ongoing needs and challenges throughout this time, please let us know by filling out this survey and someone from our team will reach out to further assist your family!
Phoenix Hathaway (K-4 School Counselor) www.calendly.com/mshathaway (763) 200-1338
Melissa Derby (5-8 School Counselor) www.calendly.com/msderby (763) 200-1281
Courtney Rowe (K-8 School Social Worker) www.calendly.com/msrowe (763) 200- 6081
Hello Families!
Your children (K-6) LOVED hearing NED Show’s message this week: Never Give Up, Encourage Others, and Do your best! NED’s message inspires students, promotes academic achievement, and supports our school goals.
Our school received this program at no-cost because another school community paid-it-forward to us. Now it’s our turn—you can help by purchasing a NED-messaged yo-yo and accessories. A yo-yo is both a mindset tool and tangible reminder of NED’s message. While learning to yo, children will make mistakes, try again, and improve.
The sale started 2/18 and will run until 2/25.
If you haven’t already done so, here is how you can purchase:
In-person learning families: An order form was sent home with your child.
- Please circle the option(s) your child would like to purchase and attach your payment.Checks strongly encouraged. If you are unable to send a check, please send exact change. If you send more than the expected amount, we cannot guarantee that we will have exact change to return to you.
- Please send your completed form to school with your child and have them deliver it to their teacher (not the front office).Their teacher will get it to our staff who are handling money and packaging orders.
- Your child will have their yo-yo delivered to their classroom the following school day after their order is turned in. (Orders received Monday will be delivered Tuesday, etc.)
Distance learning families (6th grade included):
- Please complete orders via the included Google Form by today, Friday, February 19, to have your purchase ready for supply pickup on Monday! https://forms.gle/9Ci7M1oNJP1Rr8ZK9
- Please bring a check (made out to the school) to supply pickup on Monday. We will not be able to make change, please bring exact cash if you need to pay in cash.
- Let our staff know you have a yo-yo to pick up in addition to your other materials.
Please reach out to Ms. Derby with any questions. mderby@davincicharterschool.org
Know that we are receiving a high volume of orders and questions at this time, so we appreciate your patience.
Nutritional Services
Frozen Meal Pick Up
Our next meal pick up day will be Monday, February 22, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at the main entrance. Curbside assistance will depend on staff availability.
Please note: Students participating in in-person learning will no longer have access to the distance learning meal program as they will have access to free breakfast and lunch at school.
If you have children in distance learning and would like to sign up for frozen meals, please contact canderson1@
Looking for a meal site? Use these resources to find an SFSP site near you:
- Download the Free Meals for Kids app provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device.
- Call the 2-1-1 Hotline or from cell phones – Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-291-0211, Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709, TTY: 651-291-8440.
- Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151, available from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Central Time.
- Text “Food” to 877-877. Spanish speakers, text “comida” to 877-877.
Student Eligibility for P-EBT
Students who attend eligible schools and qualify for free or reduced-price (FRP) meals (e.g., children who are directly certified, certified by application or enrolled in a Community Eligibility Provision school) will receive P-EBT benefits based on a calculation that includes the number of distance learning and hybrid days each month. This calculation will be shared once it is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
IMPORTANT: Households that qualify for FRP meals but have not yet submitted an Application for Educational Benefits for the 2020-21 school year should do so immediately to qualify for the most benefits. In addition, households must have a current mailing address on file with the school in order to receive the P-EBT card in the mail.
The months in which a student is eligible for P-EBT benefits depends on when the Application for Educational Benefits was submitted to the school. Applications received by February 28, 2021 will be eligible for retroactive benefits to September 2020. The table below shows the months eligible for P-EBT benefits based on the submission date of the Application for Educational Benefits.
| Submission Date of Application for Educational Benefits | Months eligible for P-EBT benefits* |
| By February 28, 2021 | September 2020 through June 2021 |
| March 1 – June 11, 2021 | March 2021 through June 2021 |
*Eligibility dates subject to change pending USDA approval
Volunteers Needed
Looking for Volunteers
We’re currently looking for a volunteer or two to assemble a number of stand-up desks (pictured) for teachers who will be switching rooms once Middle School is back in session on March 1. If you can help with this project, please reach out to Maintenance Custodian Chad Holm at cholm@davincicharterschool.org. Thank you in advance!
We also have an urgent need for volunteers from the parent community. As children are returning to school and more and more families are taking advantage of free school lunches, there is
a real need for an emergency back-up team to come in and take over in the event that the lunch team needs to quarantine due to a COVID exposure. Here is where you can help! If you would be willing to be one of six people to be trained in the next couple of weeks on food service protocols, we would love to hear from you! If we ever needed to call in the emergency team, the hours would be from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. until our lunch staff would be cleared to return to the kitchen.
Please extend this call for volunteers to anyone who you think may be interested in helping us out in food service during this unusual time, and have them contact Cassandra Anderson at canderson1@davincicharterschool.org. Note: this could also be a paid position if someone is looking for a part time job through the rest of the school year. Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Ongoing
COVID-19-Community Testing
- Sign up for an appointment: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. Those who are unable to sign up online or need interpretation can call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.
- More about nasal swab and saliva tests: Types of COVID-19 Tests
- Testing is free, you do not need insurance or identification
- You can get tested even if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19.
- To avoid long lines, people are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot, using the registration link listed for each location.
All Minnesotans are now able to order an at-home saliva test at no cost. For more information, visit COVID-19 Test at Home.
Help Wanted
DaVinci Connection – April 5, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
DaVinci Dominates Regional History Day Competition
Family Night-In, April 25
April’s Character Trait – Respect
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Summer Camps
A Note from Nurse Cassie
Volunteer Spotlight
Girls on the Run
PTO News
Dear Edwina Jr. – Community Performances
Community Theatre Opportunity
Parking Lot Etiquette.
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – March 8, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
Gala Recap and Thank You!
State Assessment Testing
February’s Character Trait – Perseverance
DaVinci Shines at ZooMS STEM Challenge
A Note from Nurse Cassie
Volunteer Spotlight
Girls on the Run
PTO News
Busing Update
Parking Lot Etiquette.
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – February 8, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
Community Healing Night Invitation
February’s Character Trait – Compassion
Congratulations Brenda Maulik – Teacher of the Year Nominee
Volunteer Spotlight
Gala Tickets Almost Sold Out!
Girls on the Run
PTO News
Drumming for a Difference
Cereal Drive
Student Success Options Room
Parking Lot Etiquette.
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – January 12, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Note from Holly Fischer
Gala Tickets on Sale Now!
Gala Sponsorship Opportunities
Gala Live Auction Items
January’s Character Trait – Honesty
PTO News
Volunteer Corner
Battle of the Books
Musicville Community Performances
After-School Activities
After-School Dance Residency
Spring Musical Auditions – Dear Edwina JR.
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – December 15, 2023
IN THIS ISSUE:
Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year
Winter Wellbeing
PTO News
Gala Sponsorship Opportunities
Gala Live Auction Items
Volunteer Corner
Share Our Social Media Content!
After-School Activities
After-School Dance Residency
Spring Musical Auditions – Dear Edwina JR.
High School Information Night
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – November 24, 2023
IN THIS ISSUE:
Upcoming NWEA MAP Assessments
Focus on Character – Empathy
National Homelessness Awareness Month
PTO News
Gala Sponsorship Opportunities
Gala Live Auction Items
Volunteer Corner
District Advisory Committee
A Note from Nurse Cassie
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – November 3, 2023
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Time to Heal Our Community
BoosterThon Recap
DaVinci Heritage Night
Suicide Awareness Month
Focus on Character – Growth Mindset
PTO News
Volunteer Corner
Upcoming Author Visit
Website Refresh
DaVinci Alumnus Eagle Scout Project
Bring a Veteran to Lunch
MAP Assessment
A Note from Nurse Cassie
DaVinci Academy Student Council Update
World Kindness Day
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – September 29, 2023
IN THIS ISSUE:
AmazeWorks Resources
BoosterThon – Dynamite Fun Run
Parent-Teacher Conferences, October 16-17, 2023
Suicide Awareness Month
Focus on Character – Citizenship
PTO News
Volunteer Corner
Food Service Account Balances
Student Growth and Achievement Scores
Parents’ Right to Know
A Note from Nurse Cassie
Recess Attire
DaVinci Connection – August 31, 2023
DaVinci Academy's New Logo!!! Earlier this year DaVinci began an extensive school-wide rebranding project in which we tasked ourselves to rethink the” who”, “what”, and “why” of our school, and [...]
DaVinci Connection – August 11, 2023
From the Executive Director Holly Fischer The DaVinci students and staff began the school year this morning with our annual flag-raising ceremony. All 1,000 students gathered at the flag pole [...]
