DaVinci Connection
December 12, 2025
At DaVinci Academy, our north star is simple: every child who walks through our doors should feel safe, valued, and supported with the highest-quality education we can provide. Our teachers show up every day committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. And we know families want the very same things for their children.
To make that vision a reality, we need a strong partnership with you.
When families and schools work together, students thrive. Here are a few high-impact ways you can support your child’s success and reinforce our shared expectations:
Hold your child accountable for completing homework and staying engaged in their learning.
Support classroom expectations by encouraging your child to follow directions, stay focused, and uphold positive behavior.
Model kindness and respect in conversations at home, especially when discussing teachers, staff, or school decisions.
Reinforce empathy by reminding your child to treat peers with kindness and understanding.
Together, we’re helping each child reach their full potential because when families and educators collaborate, amazing things happen!
My Best,
Antonio Kuklok - Executive Director
Beginning this school year, the Minnesota Department of Education requires students in grades 4 and above who are not reading at or above grade level to be screened for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. The only screener approved by the Minnesota Department of Education is Capti ReadBasix.
Students in grades 4-8 who are not reading at or above grade level will be screened with Capti ReadBasix between January 7-23, 2026. For your child’s exact testing date, please contact their language arts teacher. These results will be shared with families during conferences in February.
Please reach out to Amy Erendu, Director of Teaching and Learning, at aerendu@davincicharterschool.com if you have any questions.
Because our families are spread across multiple counties and rely on community bus stops, DaVinci Academy takes a more cautious and proactive approach to weather-related closures. While we generally align with Anoka-Hennepin, there are times when we must make an earlier decision to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We closely monitor weather conditions through specialized webinars and regional coordination with other schools. Whenever possible, we work to finalize snow day decisions the evening prior so families and staff have adequate time to plan. Safety remains our highest priority.
When a closure is determined, we will communicate through text, email, robocall, and major news outlets. If after-school activities are canceled, all buses will operate on their regular schedules. Please remember to update your child’s Silent Dismissal account accordingly. Should you need assistance, the main office is always here to help.
As we move deeper into cold and flu season, this is a great time to revisit what the Health Office is and what it is not.
The Health Office is a place where students are triaged for injuries, illnesses, and medical needs, and where we provide basic first aid based on that assessment. We also work closely with families to support students with chronic health conditions, such as asthma. Friendly reminder that if your child has asthma or another ongoing medical need, please ensure that any required medications are kept on site along with the necessary paperwork.
The Health Office is not an urgent care clinic. We cannot diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatment, or administer medication unless:
You have provided the medication,
It arrives in a new, unopened, and unexpired and
All required paperwork is completed and signed. (This includes cough drops!)
If your student becomes ill at school, our expectation is that they are picked up within 30 minutes so they can rest and recover at home. Please take a moment to review emergency contacts and make a backup plan to ensure your child can be cared for by someone you trust when they’re feeling “under the weather.”
Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and healthy!
Stay well,
Cassie Johnson, RN
School Nurse
DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science
(763) 754-6577, Ext. 1110
cjohnson@davincicharterschool.org
Northwest Passage High School in Coon Rapids offers experiential learning with small class sizes, 16:1 students to staff ratio. Free travel learning expeditions.
Headwaters cohort for 9th grade students uses an advisory model of 16 students to build skills necessary for project-based learning, supported by teacher-led seminars.
Headwaters info night: January 13, 6:30pm
Reserve your spot before the April waitlist.
11345 Robinson Dr. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 763-862-9223 – www.nwphs.org
School Breaks: Keeping Kids Engaged and Parents Sane
Surviving school breaks involves balancing structured fun with downtime by planning activities (free and paid), setting routines (but allowing flexibility), managing screen time, and prioritizing self-care for parents, all while involving kids in the planning and embracing simple joys like outdoor play, library visits, and creativity to avoid burnout and make lasting memories.
Planning & Structure
Create a flexible schedule. Plan activities but allow for spontaneity.
Involve kids in planning. Let them choose activities to increase buy-in and reduce demands on you.
Mix routines. Maintain some daily habits like meals and chores, but relax others.
Stay on budget. Set clear expectations about what you can afford and encourage free activities.
Activities & Engagement
Embrace free activities like picnics, library visits, nature walks, den building, backyard camping, or DIY science.
Get creative with activities like cooking, crafts, painting stones and gardening
Stay active with activities like cycling, swimming and playing outdoors to tire them out.
Manage screen time. Set clear limits and balance with indoor/outdoor and active/quiet time.
Parent Survival & Sanity
Prioritize self-care. Schedule "quiet-time” or short breaks, to recharge.
Tag-team with a partner or other parents or family for childcare swaps.
Lower expectations. It's okay if not every day is completely structured, boredom fosters creativity!
Connect and be present. Focus on simple moments like playing games or being silly together.
Key Takeaways
Don't be a full-time entertainer. Kids need to learn to amuse themselves.
Downtime is crucial for kids to recharge and decompress.
A blend of structure, flexibility, and fun helps everyone thrive, not just survive.
School breaks don’t have to feel overwhelming. With a mix of structure, flexibility, and simple moments of connection, families can enjoy the time together while still keeping a sense of balance. Remember, progress is the goal, not perfection. Keep things simple, stay flexible, and care for yourself too. A balanced break helps everyone return to school rested, recharged, and ready for a strong start.
