DaVinci Connection – January 12, 2024

Dear DaVinci Families,

As we complete semester one, I am reflecting on all the learning our students have done this year. I am inspired every day by the creative ways teachers are engaging learners. If you want to see an excellent example of that learning, reach out to Rachel Boughton, our 7th-grade Social Studies teacher. She is looking for volunteers to judge the History Day Competition on February 6, from 9-11 AM. Last year, 11 of our students competed at the state level with two groups making the final round of judging and receiving honorable mentions. Please take advantage of this opportunity to give our students some well-deserved kudos for their hard work on these projects.

Sincerely,

Holly

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for DaVinci Academy’s highly anticipated ‘Great Gatsby Gala’ are now on sale! Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot at the most glamorous event of the year, set to take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the exquisite Majestic Oaks Golf Course.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
• Location: Majestic Oaks Golf Course

This spectacular evening promises to be a night to remember, filled with elegance, entertainment, and a touch of the Roaring Twenties. As we gather under the sparkling lights, we invite you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The Great Gatsby.

Why Attend? The ‘Great Gatsby Gala’ is not just a glamorous affair; it is also DaVinci Academy’s largest fundraiser of the year. Each year, our school faces a $2 million funding deficit compared to neighboring districts. Despite this challenge, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to do more with less. Now, envision the transformative possibilities that equal funding can bring!

Your involvement is crucial to guaranteeing DaVinci Academy thrives, delivering the exceptional educational experience our students truly merit. By attending the gala, you become an integral part of an extraordinary mission – bridging the funding gap and ensuring our students have access to the resources they deserve.

Secure Your Spot Today! Space is Limited. Tickets are now available for purchase. Act now to ensure you don’t miss out on this remarkable evening. Visit our registration page to secure your tickets and join us in making a difference.

Seize this opportunity to contribute to DaVinci Academy’s continued success and be part of a community that believes in the transformative power of education.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to welcoming you at the ‘Great Gatsby Gala’ for an unforgettable night of celebration and purpose.

DaVinci Academy is thrilled to extend an invitation to 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. Join us in supporting excellence in education.

Why Sponsor DaVinci Academy’s Gala?

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 customized 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 DaVinci’s vibrant and thriving community!

As we gear up for our highly anticipated Great Gatsby Gala, we are reaching out to you, our incredible community, for your support in making this event truly unforgettable. One of the highlights of our gala is the silent auction, and we are seeking your generosity to contribute items that will dazzle our attendees and help us raise funds for the continued success of DaVinci Academy.

We are on the lookout for unique and enticing items that will captivate bidders and elevate the excitement of our gala. Your contributions can truly make a difference. Here are some suggestions to spark your imagination:

• Resort Retreats: A relaxing getaway to a luxurious resort can be a dream come true for someone looking to unwind and create lasting memories.
• Vacation Homes: If you have access to a vacation property, consider offering a weekend or week-long stay. Your generosity could provide a fantastic escape for a lucky bidder.
• AirBnb Stays: A variety of accommodations can appeal to different tastes. Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or a chic downtown loft, diverse options add to the allure.
• Time-Shares: If you own a time-share, donating a week or a few days can provide a fantastic vacation experience for a winning bidder.
• Lake Home Experience: Lakeside retreats always have a special charm. If you have access to a lake home, consider offering a weekend stay with access to water activities.
• Exclusive Experiences: Unique and one-of-a-kind experiences always capture attention. Consider offering exclusive tours, private chef dinners, or behind-the-scenes access to special events.
• Tickets to Minnesota’s Professional Sporting Events: Sports enthusiasts in our community would surely appreciate the opportunity to attend a live game of their favorite team.
• Minnesota Orchestra Tickets: For those who appreciate the arts, tickets to a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra can be a delightful experience.

Your generous contributions will play a crucial role in the success of our silent auction and, by extension, the success of DaVinci Academy. The funds raised will directly benefit our programs, facilities, and educational initiatives.

If you can contribute or have any questions, please contact Dan Rhinhart at drhinhart@davincicharterschool.org or by phone at 763-754-6577. We greatly appreciate your support in making the Great Gatsby Gala an evening to remember.

Thank you for being an integral part of our DaVinci Academy community!

What is Honesty? “Honesty is telling the truth or being able to be trusted and not likely to steal, cheat, or lie. It entails showing respect toward others and having integrity and self-awareness.” – Cambridge Dictionary

Why is Honesty Important? Honesty is the foundation for trust and key in social relationships. It gives us hope, confidence, compassion, and improves decision-making. Honesty can improve mental and physical health. On the other hand, dishonesty can increase blood pressure and heart rate and lead to other adverse health consequences.

Promoting Academic Integrity in the Classroom:

• Talk about academic honesty often
• Expect high standards from students
• Be very clear about your expectations for papers, exams, and other assignments
• Anticipate problematic situations
• Get to know your students
• Engage students in the learning process

Books:

• Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema
• Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin
• The Honest-to-Goodness Truth by Patricia McKissack

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 

Dear DaVinci Families,

Get ready for an exhilarating second half of the school year with our PTO! We’re thrilled to share some fantastic upcoming events and activities:

1. Spring Middle School Party (Grades 6-8): An unforgettable celebration is in the works!
2. End-of-Year Carnival in June: Save the date for our notorious end-of-year carnival—it’s going to be a blast!
3. Monthly DaVinci Dinner Nights: Join us every month for our popular DaVinci Dinner Nights out.
4. New Year Kick-off at Raising Cane’s in Blaine (January 25): Kick off the New Year with us at Raising Cane’s. Check out the details in the attached flyer!
5. Public Meeting on Monday, January 22 (4:30 PM, Room 304): Mark your calendar for our next public meeting. We’d love to see you there and hear your thoughts!

Don’t miss out on the fun and community spirit. Join us as we make this school year even more memorable! Looking forward to seeing you at these exciting events.

Best regards,

DaVinci Academy PTO Committee

Meet our next Featured Volunteer: Michelle Lind

Why did you decide to start volunteering at DaVinci?

I started volunteering to (hopefully) take something off our teachers’ plates. I don’t like imagining staff taking work home or working off the clock, but I know from my professional life how often that happens. Teachers spread too thin lead to burnout and that creates a hard time in the classroom for students. Volunteering is a way for me to show support for teachers and the DaVinci community as a whole.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at DaVinci?

I love getting to know the kids and seeing Kiva and Lola in another environment.

What is your favorite volunteer activity?

My favorite volunteer activities are the Equity committee events.

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

P.S.

Please click here for a current list of volunteer opportunities!

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.

Get ready for an enchanting journey with “Dear Edwina JR.,” where the spirited advice-giver-extraordinaire, Edwina Spoonapple, leads the neighborhood kids in vibrant production numbers for the upcoming edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.” Join Edwina and her friends as they share wisdom on various topics through clever, catchy, and heartfelt songs.

Auditions:

• Date: Wednesday, January 24
• Time: 3:30-4:30 PM
• Location: To be determined – watch for more information!

Rehearsals:

• Days: Mondays and Wednesdays (for the whole cast)
• Additional rehearsals for lead roles: Thursdays
• Rehearsal Period: February 5 to May 2 (on school days)

Performances:

• School Performances: May 2-3
• Community Performances: May 3-4

Mark your calendars for these key dates, and don’t miss the chance to be part of this magical experience! Stay tuned for updates, and we look forward to seeing the talented performers at auditions.

Winter weather is here! 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.