DaVinci Connection-March 5, 2021
School Links
Important Dates
(subject to change-see online calendar)
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 p.m.
4/1 Spring Conferences, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
4/1-4/6 No School
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:
This week marks the beginning of March, the feeling of spring, and our last “first” day of school for the school year. The building was bubbling with energy and excitement this week as our on-site learners and grades 6-8 came back to campus. As families have now all transitioned to their preferred learning environment for this school year, we have 24% of our students remaining in distance learning and approximately 9% of our staff teaching and supporting students from home. We look forward to the day we can all be together in-person again, but in the meantime continue to be #davincistrong through technology, which has been our greatest gift in navigating this pandemic.
As we near spring break, the start of trimester three, intersession, and then the close of the school year, please continue to make healthy choices so we can finish the school year strong! If you would like to keep an eye on our DaVinci Covid case numbers, you can find updated information on our Covid Resource Page. You can also track our county case rate here.
Have a great spring semester!
My very best to you and yours,
Ahava
Need to Know
Please Don’t Use Private Driveways as Your Personal Turn Around
It’s dangerous to take a left turn onto 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 go north in the morning or afternoon.
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 onto Bunker Lake Boulevard. You can enter that turn around when a teacher waves you in.
**Note: we are seeing cars pass others waiting in the turn lane to enter the school and then turn into the parking lot. Please don’t do that.
Afternoon Pick Up Reminder
We have early release on Friday afternoons. Dismissal starts at 12:30 p.m. and generally takes about 20-25 minutes. You can shoot for arriving to the lot by 12:45 p.m. to help congestion in the parking lot. Cars have been lined up in the street as early as 12:15 p.m.- this is dangerous and unnecessary. Arrive at the parking lot later so that we aren’t blocking traffic on Jefferson.
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.
Middle School Attendance Update
Middle School families, please review this attendance update as it pertains to attendance for both students attending in-person as well as distance learning students. Contact Mr. Shields with any questions.
Parent Dismissal Re-activated in Silent Dismissal
Parents will again be able to dismiss their children at the end of the day by using the Silent Dismissal app. We temporarily turned off access in an attempt to limit the number of students waiting on the sidewalk at a time. Now that the weather is warming up, students will be able to spread out along the sidewalk and maintain distance from others while waiting for parents to pull up.
If you would like to use the Silent Dismissal app to dismiss your children from your car and have not used the app in the past, here are the instructions for use:
- Download the Silent Dismissal app on your phone.
- Email Holly Fischer at hfischer@davincicharterschool.org with the following information:
- Your phone type (Android or Apple).
- The email address that you used to create your Silent Dismissal account.
- When the app has been activated for your phone you will be able to use it.
**Note: all families should display their family number at all times while in the parking lot. If you need an additional sign please reach out to the office. Hand written numbers need to be exchanged for official signage for security purposes.
Bus Stop Reminder
Please make sure your child is ready to board the bus when the bus pulls up to the stop in the morning. If they are not already in line, but waiting in the car, they should have their backpack on and be ready to jump out of the vehicle so that the bus is not obliged to wait. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Recess Attire—Spring is Coming!
With spring comes fluctuating temperatures and unknown weather. Please help your child be prepared for all types of weather so they can enjoy their recess to its fullest.
- 60°F or higher—short/long sleeve shirts
- 45-60°F—light jacket/hooded sweatshirts
- 44°F or lower—winter coat, hats, and gloves
- Snow pants and boots are required when there is snow
Nice to Know
COVID-19 Testing Resource for Families
MDH announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.
For more information, please visit COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families. Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Assessment Reports
Next Thursday, March 11, is the last day of the trimester. On March 12, teachers will be working on report cards and they will be sent out via mail at the beginning of the following week. In addition to your student’s report card, you will also receive a report on how your child performed on the FastBridge assessment. The FastBridge assessment is taking the place of NWEA and is administered for reading and math. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s results on the FastBridge assessment, please contact Terry Moffatt at tmoffatt@davincicharterschool.org.
Lost & Found
Is your child missing mittens, a hat, or other personal items? With warmer weather here, more and more outside gear is being forgotten on the playground. If your child is missing any items, please encourage them to visit our lost and found located just outside the library.
Support Space
National School Social Work Week
Hello DaVinci Community!
Next week, March 7-13, 2021 is National School Social Work Week! Courtney Rowe is our school’s one and only amazing school social worker! Read below for a brief explanation of her role, and why she is so important to our community.
School social work is a specialized area of practice within the broad field of the social work profession. School social workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team. School social workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy.
Check out this PDF to learn more about what school social workers do for our students and school communities. Ms. Rowe is happy to serve DaVinci Academy and support our students and families.
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
Free Behavior Webinar!
Families, please check out this free webinar if you are concerned about your child’s behavior:
Just Call: What To Do If You’re Worried About Your Child’s Behavior
Monday, March 8 | 12 – 12:30 p.m. CST | Free
It goes without saying that this last year has been very challenging for families. Parents and kids have been called to manage in close quarters and without outlet. And now we face yet another transition as our kids go back into the classroom.
While many are eager to get back to their friends, going back to school will again require parents and kids to adjust. And kids may struggle. In this free webinar, the presenters will:
- identify how to recognize when kids’ behavior is something to worry about;
- discuss where to find resources;
- encourage parents and family members to call, earlier rather than later, for help.
Live Webinar
Unable to join us live? Stay tuned for a recording of the webinar to be posted on the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health website. If you plan to watch the recording, you do not need to register.
Certificates of Attendance
Those who join us live will receive a Certificate of Attendance via email by the week of March 15.
Nutritional Services
Frozen Meal Pick Up
Meal pick up days for the month of March will be on the following days from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the main entrance:
- Monday, March 8
- Monday, March 15
- Monday, March 22
- Monday, March 29
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.
2020-2021 P-EBT Facts & Questions
To receive benefits, your child must be enrolled in SNAP, the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or approved for free or reduced-price school meals through their school. There is no separate P-EBT application process for the school year 2020-2021.
Your family’s eligibility for the 2020-2021 P-EBT program may be different from your eligibility for the 2019-2020 P-EBT program. To ensure your child is considered for benefits covering the full school year:
- Make sure your school has your current address and contact information.
- Apply for free or reduced-price school meals by asking your school for an Application for Educational Benefits if you are not already approved for free or reduced-price meals for the 2020-2021 school year.
When can we expect our P-EBT cards? The first extract from the P-EBT portal will happen on March 1, 2021. Benefits will be calculated for September and October. Families can expect to receive their benefits based on this schedule: • End of March: September and October payment • End of April: November and December payment • End of May: January and February payment • End of June: March and April payment • End of July: May and June (partial) payment.
Will each family receive a separate P-EBT card for each eligible student? Yes. Each student will receive a separate P-EBT card.
Do families that received P-EBT cards for the 2019-20 school year get funds placed on these same cards? No. Everyone is issued a new card. P-EBT cards from last summer are not valid.
Whose name will be on the cards? Students’ names will be on the cards, but the cards may be used by a parent or guardian.
What if students do not receive their card in the mail? How will undeliverable cards be handled? The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will reach out to families of students with undeliverable cards to try and update their mailing address, where possible. DHS will rely on the phone number and email address entered in the P-EBT data portal. In addition, schools may advise families to call the P-EBT Hotline to update their address and request a new card.
How much will I get? Each child in the family will get a unique P-EBT amount. For children who spent the majority of the month in a distance learning model, they will receive $130. For children who spent the majority of the month in a hybrid learning model, they will receive $75. Children who are approved for free and reduced-price school meals before February 28, 2021 will begin to receive benefits in late March. All children will receive benefits retroactive to September on a staggered monthly schedule.
Volunteers Still Needed
Our Search Continues!
We still have an urgent need for a few more 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 Updates:
Minnesota Department of Health—March 3, 2021 Bulletin
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.
Vaccine Tracking
Minnesota has launched a public vaccine data dashboard to detail the progress of COVID-19 vaccine allocation, distribution and administration across Minnesota. The dashboard provides a visual and user-friendly way to view key vaccination data. The dashboard includes information on the number of doses promised (allocated) to the state by the federal government; shipped to Minnesota providers; and administered to Minnesotans. Information is updated daily at 11 a.m.
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 [...]
