As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and look ahead to the opportunities a new calendar year will bring.
Here are some highlights from December that showcase the vibrant life of our school:
- Academics remain a top priority. We completed our MAP and Fastbridge testing, setting the stage for continued growth.
- Student Council made an incredible impact. Under the guidance of Mandy Paumen, Cassy Anderson, and Summer Olson, our Student Council collected nearly 630 toys, which they presented as special guests on KARE 11’s 5 p.m. news on December 10.
- Kindergarteners celebrated with a Penguin Party, and our fourth graders enjoyed an enriching field trip to the Minnesota Zoo.
- Middle school Knowledge Bowl teams thrived under the leadership of Stephanie Severson, showcasing their skills in competitions.
- The music department brought the house down. Ms. Weaving directed jazz and band concerts, while Mr. Tweet hosted a Grades 6-8 choir concert. Both events were packed with enthusiastic audiences.
- Art and music joined forces as Ms. Amy Nguyen’s art show coincided with the choir concert, highlighting the creativity of our students.
- Homework Help launched successfully, giving students personalized tutoring support from local high school students.
Looking ahead to January, we have an exciting month planned:
- On January 6, teachers will engage in professional development sessions focused on differentiation, meeting the diverse needs of learners, and implementing the new science-based reading curriculum.
- In Rachel Boughton’s history class, students are preparing for the History Day competition, a tradition she has led for 10 years.
- Assemblies will recognize the achievements of our students and educators.
- Eighth-grade families are invited to a High School Information Night on January 7 to learn more about the transition ahead.
- Battle of the Books teams are gearing up for their competition on January 15.
- Teachers will administer interim assessments to guide instruction as the semester wraps up on January 17.
- On January 22, our Spelling Bee competitors will showcase their linguistic talents.
- Multilingual learners will begin preparations for ACCESS testing, with support from our new ESL educator, Julie Landswerk.
- We’ll continue our Pastries with the Principal event, focusing on this month’s character trait: empathy.
January is shaping up to be a month of growth, learning, and community. We’re excited for what lies ahead as we continue to support and celebrate our students and staff.
Wishing everyone in our DaVinci community peace and joy.
We look forward to seeing you on January 7, 2025.
Dr. Jessica Murphy, Elementary Principal
Dr. Rick Halley, Middle School Principal
As temperatures drop, it’s easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. While we often associate dehydration with hot summer days, winter can be just as taxing on our bodies. Dry indoor air, chilly winds, and reduced thirst cues during colder months can all contribute to dehydration. Here at the Health Office, we want to ensure every student stays healthy and comfortable throughout the season.
Why Hydration Matters in Winter
Water is essential for every system in our bodies, helping with digestion, regulating body temperature, and supporting immune health. During the winter, we lose moisture through our breath and skin more than we realize. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating — all of which can impact your student’s ability to thrive at school.
Tips for Staying Hydrated:
- Pack a Water Bottle: Encourage your student to bring a refillable water bottle to school each day. Sipping water throughout the day helps maintain hydration levels.
Dress for the Weather: Wearing removable layers can help reduce sweating, which conserves water in the body.
Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Snacks like oranges, cucumbers, and apples have high water content and make hydration fun and tasty.
Preventing Winter Dryness
In addition to hydration, protecting the skin from winter dryness is equally important. Sending students to school with a few key items can make a big difference:
Lip Balm: Helps prevent and soothe chapped lips caused by cold air.
Lotion: Keeps skin moisturized, especially for hands exposed to frequent handwashing and cold weather.
We appreciate your partnership in promoting your student’s well-being. Together, we can help them stay comfortable, focused, and ready to learn all winter long. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the Health Office.
Stay warm and hydrated!
Cassie Johnson, RN
School Nurse
DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science
We need volunteers to help with our Second-grade unit on Early Asian Civilizations, which includes studying ancient cultures, geography, religions, and technology. The students will also create their own Lunar New Year Parade costumes as a culminating project.
Volunteer Needs:
- We need 5 volunteers each day to assist with painting and constructing dragon parade boxes in art class from 2:10-2:50 PM from January 7-17.
- Please sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up.
- We also accept donations of craft supplies.
Lunar New Year Parade:
- The parade will be held on Thursday, January 30, from 8:20-9:15 AM. You are welcome to join us and celebrate!
Thank you for your support!