DaVinci Connection – December 15, 2023

Dear DaVinci Families,

As we bid farewell to books, lessons, and early morning alarms, we wanted to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a fantastic winter break filled with warmth, joy, and all the good vibes that this festive season brings.

Whether you’re jetting off to tropical destinations or cozying up at home with loved ones, we hope this break is everything you’ve been yearning for. It’s time to recharge, unwind, and revel in the holiday spirit.

As the year comes to a close, we also want to express our heartfelt gratitude for being part of the DaVinci family. Your enthusiasm, support, and smiles have made this year truly special. We’re so grateful to have you as part of our community.

Mark your calendars because we can’t wait to see those familiar faces back at DaVinci Academy on January 3rd, 2024. Until then, savor the moments, make memories, and here’s to an incredible New Year filled with exciting opportunities and growth.

Happy holidays, DaVinci families! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.

Warmest regards,

The DaVinci Academy Team

Winter is fast approaching, and officially begins on Thursday, December 21st! This is a great time to showcase Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month and discuss ways to care for our mental health during winter.

“SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that is related to the change in seasons” (Mayo Clinic). Typically, it’s connected with the amount of sunlight available during the day.  

Please pay attention to any shift in your mood during a change in seasons, especially during the winter months. This includes oversleeping, low energy, and feeling down or hopeless. Maintain good mental health during this time by checking out the ideas listed below. They can help boost your mood and stay motivated. Refer to your doctor if symptoms persist for days at a time.

Ways to care for your mental health during winter: 

• Increase Gratitude:  Throughout the week, jot down things that brought you joy on small pieces of paper, and put them in a designated “Joy Jar”. At the end of the week, read them aloud. You can do this as a family to boost connection!

• Evening Routine: Before bed, check in with your children and ask them to share a funny moment from the day or something that made them smile. Make sure to share your funny moment, too!

• Move Your Body: Play some of your favorite music from childhood and invite your whole family to dance with you. You can allow your children to DJ and bust out your favorite dance moves. If dancing isn’t your thing, make it a music lounge night where everyone contributes their feel-good tunes! 

• Share Ideas: Have everyone write on a slip of paper an activity they would love to do with the family. Put the ideas in a hat or bowl (you may want to approve your children’s choices first), have someone close their eyes, and select a slip of paper. That’s your family activity for the day! 

• Try Something New!

• • Things to do in the Twin Cities 
  • Winter Warm-Up at US Bank Stadium
  • Sunday Night Yoga 12/17, 6-7 pm
  • Duluth, MN- Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” 11/18-12/26
  • Winter Break Camps

There are many ways we can find or create joy in our lives. What you focus on grows. Keep watering the moments of joy with your family, and watch them grow. 

Please reach out with any questions or concerns. You can also set up a meeting with any member of our team for resources and support.

Have a wonderful Winter Break! 

Sincerely,

DaVinci Academy Mental Health Team

Phoenix Hathaway, K-4 School Counselor, phathaway@davincicharterschool.org 

Diana Muske, 5-8 School Counselor, dmuske@davincichrterschool.org 

Dom Jefferson, K-8 School Social Worker, djefferson@davincicharterschool.org 

Huge thank you to all who participated in the PTO Butterbraid/Pizza fundraiser! We were able to sell over $10,000 worth of products, resulting in a profit of over $4,000 for the PTO. This is huge and will continue to help us support our teachers and their classroom requests. Thank YOU!

Our next fundraising event will be another DaVinci Dinner Night Out on January 25, 2024 at Raising Cane’s in Blaine. Watch for more information after Winter Break!

If you have any questions, please contact us at DaVinciMNPTO@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

The DaVinci Academy PTO

DaVinci Academy is thrilled to extend an invitation to both businesses and individuals looking to make a meaningful impact on education in our community. We are currently offering exclusive sponsorship opportunities for our upcoming Gala event, and we invite you to join us in supporting excellence in education.

Why Sponsor DaVinci Academy’s Gala?

1. Invest in Education: By becoming a sponsor, you contribute to fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation at DaVinci Academy. Your support directly impacts the students and helps provide them with enriching educational experiences.
2. Prominent Visibility: Sponsors will enjoy prominent visibility before, during, and after the Gala. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to education and community involvement to a diverse audience.
3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and businesses passionate about education. The Gala serves as a networking hub where sponsors can forge valuable relationships within the community.

How to Become a Sponsor:

Visit our Gala Sponsorship page to explore the available sponsorship packages and learn more about the benefits of each level.

We look forward to welcoming you as a valued sponsor and celebrating together at DaVinci Academy’s Gala. For inquiries or to discuss sponsorship options, please contact Dan Rhinhart at drhinhart@davincicharterschool.org. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to invest in education and be a part of the vibrant and thriving DaVinci community!

The DaVinci Academy Gala is not just an event; it’s a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. As we gear up for an unforgettable evening, we are reaching out to our community, seeking support to elevate the live auction experience. We invite businesses, individuals, and philanthropists to contribute extraordinary items that will not only captivate our guests but also help raise funds for the academy’s continued pursuit of excellence.

Resort Retreats: A Gateway to Relaxation

Imagine the allure of a tropical paradise or the charm of a mountain retreat – resort stays are timeless auction items that promise unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a beachfront escape, a ski resort adventure, or a secluded spa retreat, your contribution can transport our guests to a world of luxury and relaxation.

Time-Share Extravaganza: Share the Joy of Vacation Ownership

For those who own time-shares, this is an excellent opportunity to share the joy of vacation ownership with others. Donate a week or weekend at your time-share property and provide our bidders with the chance to create lasting memories in a home away from home.

Lake Home Weekend: A Tranquil Getaway

If you own a lakefront property or have access to one, consider donating a weekend getaway. A tranquil lake home escape can be the perfect auction item, offering a serene environment for relaxation, water activities, and quality time with loved ones.

Airbnb Adventures: Local Charm and Global Exploration

In the era of shared economy, Airbnb experiences have become a hot commodity. Whether it’s a cozy city loft, a countryside cottage, or a beachfront bungalow, donating an Airbnb stay allows bidders to choose their own adventure, promoting flexibility and personalized travel experiences.

Exclusive Experience Events: Unleash the Extraordinary

Beyond traditional accommodations, consider donating unique experience events. This could range from hot air balloon rides, and gourmet cooking classes, to behind-the-scenes access to exclusive events. These one-of-a-kind experiences will not only make our live auction unforgettable but also showcase the creativity and diversity of our community.

As we strive for excellence at DaVinci Academy, your support in providing exceptional live auction items will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education. Your generosity will not only enhance the gala experience, but also contribute to the continued success of our academy. Join us in creating a night to remember, where every bid is a step toward a brighter future for the next generation of innovators and leaders. Together, let’s make DaVinci Academy’s Gala an event that echoes with the spirit of excellence and community.

For inquiries or to discuss potential auction items, please contact Dan Rhinhart at drhinhart@davincicharterschool.org 

Meet our next Featured Volunteer: Eman Younus

Why did you decide to start volunteering at DaVinci?

I’ve volunteered at DaVinci to support my daughter’s education actively. Being present allows me to contribute to her learning environment, assist teachers, and foster a positive atmosphere. Whether involved in classroom activities, helping with individual student needs, or collaborating with teachers, my goal is to enhance the educational experience for both my kids and all DVA students. Given that this semester marks my final period of formal schooling, I’ve decided to dedicate my free time to supporting my kids and providing assistance to hardworking teachers who deserve our support.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at DaVinci?

The most enjoyable aspects of volunteering at DaVinci involve engaging with the kids and collaborating with the fantastic 1st-grade team.

What is your favorite volunteer activity?

My preferred volunteer activity is serving as a field trip chaperone, guiding the kids, and adding positive and enjoyable moments to their experience. Additionally, playing math games with the kiddos adds a delightful dimension to my volunteering experience.

Thank You, Eman for all that you do to support the DaVinci community!!

P.S.

Huge shout out and thank you to those of you who have been so helpful with the recent MAP testing in grades K-5!  We appreciate you!  Please click here for a current list of volunteer opportunities!

Greetings! We are thrilled to share the incredible happenings, achievements, and memorable moments that make our school community truly exceptional. We understand the power of community engagement, and we invite every one of you to be an active participant in spreading the word about the extraordinary things taking place within our walls.

Follow DaVinci on Social Media

Facebook – @davincicharterchool 

Instagram – @davincicharterchool

X (Twitter) – @DaVinciAcad

Why Share?

DaVinci Academy is more than just a school; it’s a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and innovation. By sharing our social media content, you play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and pride within our community. Your support not only celebrates the achievements of our students and faculty but also showcases the unique educational experience that sets DaVinci Academy apart.

Connect and Engage

Follow us on our various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and achievements. By connecting with us online, you gain a firsthand look into the dynamic and inspiring activities that shape the DaVinci experience.

The Power of Your Voice

Your voice matters, and it has the potential to reach far beyond our immediate community. When you repost, share, like, and comment on our content, you contribute to a wider conversation about the value of education, creativity, and community. Your friends, family, and colleagues may discover DaVinci Academy for the first time, thanks to your advocacy.

How to Share Effectively

Repost and Share: Don’t hesitate to repost our content on your personal and professional social media accounts. Share your thoughts about why you love being a part of the DaVinci community.

Tag Us: When you share our content or post about your own DaVinci experiences, make sure to tag us! This not only helps us acknowledge your contribution but also enables others to find and connect with us.

Encourage Others: Spread the word by encouraging fellow DaVinci families, friends, and alumni to join the movement. The more voices we have, the louder our collective message becomes.

Together, We Shine

DaVinci Academy is more than a school; it’s a community that thrives on shared experiences, support, and collaboration. By actively participating in our social media efforts, you become a vital part of this community narrative. Let’s join forces to showcase the incredible achievements, talents, and moments that define DaVinci Academy.

Thank you for being a crucial part of our DaVinci family, and we look forward to seeing the wave of excitement and pride you generate through your social media engagement.

Sincerely,

Dan Rhinhart

Our upcoming Young Rembrandts after-school drawing activities still have space for you! Register at https://bit.ly/davinciart24. Beginners welcome. 

DaVinci Academy is excited to announce a partnership with COMPAS to bring an after-school dance residency to students in grades 3-5. COMPAS Teaching Artist Alanna Morris will be joining us for nine sessions in February and March, guiding students through various dance concepts and styles. Limited to 30 students, this exclusive opportunity awaits those who register through the Infinite Campus School Store today. 

For more details, and to sign up, visit our school website, and feel free to contact Julie Kresh with any questions.

Dear Edwina JR. follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver-extraordinaire, Edwina Spoonapple, as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of buoyant production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.” Edwina and her friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends, through clever, catchy, and poignant songs.

DaVinci fourth through eighth graders are invited to audition for the Spring Musical on Wednesday,  January 24 from 3:30-4:30. (Location to be determined – watch for more information!)

Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays after school for the whole cast, with additional rehearsals for lead roles on Thursdays.  Rehearsals will run from February 5 to May 2 on school days.

School Performances May 2-3, Community Performances May 3-4

Attention Middle School Families,

DaVinci Academy will be hosting representatives from five different high schools including Blaine High School, Northwest Passage, North Lakes Academy, PACT Charter School, and the Fair School for Arts. Each school will give a short presentation about their school and how to register. 

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

6-8 PM

Winter weather is right around the corner. Please remember to send a jacket, hat, and gloves (labeled with your child’s name) with your child when cooler temperatures are forecasted. We do go outside daily and we want to ensure students are not chilly.  Check the forecast, and then dress appropriately.