DaVinci Connection
October 31, 2025
Principal’s Spotlight
National Bullying Prevention Month
In classes this month, we are focusing on being Responsible for our behavior and words and learning about bullying. As we move into November, classes are focusing on Bullying Prevention as well as identifying what bullying is and is not. Our goal is to help students understand the difference between being rude, mean, and bullying, so they can recognize behaviors, respond appropriately, and help create a caring and respectful community. Just so families can be on the same page as all of the students at DaVinci, we are using the following definitions:
Rude = Inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else.
Mean = Purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once (or maybe twice).
Bullying = Intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power.
Cyberbullying=willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices
If you want to have some fun, test your own knowledge with our Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying Kahoot!
For more information about National Bullying Prevention Month, check out PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center website linked here.
In partnership with you,
Emily Eggers, Middle School Principal
Dr. Jessica Murphy, Elementary Principal
A Reminder About Uniforms
As the weather gets colder, it can be tempting to get into our comfy clothes when coming to school. We have been noticing students coming to school in non-uniform clothes more and ask that families help us make sure that students are in weather-appropriate uniforms for school.
Long Sleeve Shirts
Please remember that students should be wearing long sleeve polo shirts. They should NOT be wearing a long sleeve under their short sleeve polo.
Sweaters, crewneck sweatshirts, and fleeces are okay as long as they do NOT have a hood and are solid colored: white, black, or red (for elementary) or navy (for middle school).
Pants & Bottoms
Finally, for bottoms, students should be wearing dress pants, chinos cargo, linen pants, or denim in either black or khaki. Athletic pants like sweatpants, yoga pants/leggings, or bicycle/spandex shorts are not allowed.
For the full uniform policy, please see page 43 in the Student Handbook linked here
For recess during the colder months, we do not require jackets for our middle school students.
We strongly recommend that students bring jackets, hats, gloves, and other warm clothing during winter.
We will not allow students to stay inside if they choose not to bring appropriate clothing.
Students WILL go outside for recess unless the temperature is below zero.
After-School Activities
It's almost time to register for winter activities at DaVinci Academy!
If you're new to our after-school activities, be sure to read the activity information on our school website and then explore the available options here.
Registration is open November 1-10 (use the Infinite Campus School Store for activities offered by DaVinci Academy staff). Some activities are on a slightly different schedule, shown on the website at the link(s) above.
Activities fill up fast!
Reach out to Julie Kresh with any questions.
jkresh@davincicharterschool.org
🎭 DaVinci Academy Proudly Presents: High School Musical JR!
Our talented students have been working hard to bring this incredible show to life and they can’t wait to perform for you! Come cheer them on and experience all the energy, fun, and heart that makes High School Musical JR unforgettable.
🎟️ Tickets: Cash or check only at the door
PTO Updates
Butter Braids and Luige’s Pizza Fundraiser!
Stock up for winter with the DaVinci Academy PTO's Butter Braids and Luige’s Pizza Fundraiser!
Proceeds support PTO events for our students, teachers, and staff, including the Middle School party and end-of-year carnival.
Key Dates to Remember
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Instructions and Order Forms Sent Home: Monday, November 10
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Order Window: November 11 – December 2
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Order & Payment Deadline: Thursday, December 4
(Please return forms and payments to your student’s teacher.) -
Delivery Day: Wednesday, December 17, from 3:30 – 6:00 PM
DaVinners
A big “THANK YOU” to all the families who participated in October’s DaVinner at Dave’s Hot Chicken!
DaVinner’s profits are used to support teacher’s classroom requests and other PTO sponsored events. Most recently, we were able to show our appreciation for our AMAZING teachers, and purchase both lunch and dinner for them during conferences.
Middle School Career Exploration Fair – Career Representatives Needed!
The PTO is thrilled to announce the upcoming Career Exploration Fair on December 2nd.
The event is designed to inspire and guide our Middle School students in exploring a wide range of career paths. This is a valuable opportunity for students to learn firsthand from professionals in various fields, both traditional and non-traditional. Students will gain insight into day-to-day job activities and see how their classroom learning connects to real-world careers.
We would like to thank all the professionals who have already replied to our request.
We are excited to have them join us!
We are still seeking professionals from diverse industries.
If your interested or know someone who would love to participate, please complete the interest form at http://tinyurl.com/DVACareerFair
CheapSkate
Lace up those skates and join us for a night of fun, family, and community!
🗓 Date: Tuesday, November 11
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Cheap Skate – Coon Rapids, MN
💵 Admission: $7.75 (skate rental extra)
✨ 100% of online ticket sales go directly to the PTO!
Tickets must be purchased online before the event to support DaVinci Academy.
Bonus! If you skate on any Tuesday and mention “DaVinci Academy,” our PTO earns an extra 15% of admission sales!
PTO Meeting
Join us for our next PTO public meeting on December 1st at 4:30 PM in Ms. Severson's room (#304)
Explore how you can get involved with our next big event. We’re also looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Middle School Party or Carnival Committee—your help can make a big difference!
For more information, send an email to pto@davincicharterschool.org.
A Note from the Health Office
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we enter the peak of viral season, we want to thank you for partnering with us to keep our school community healthy. Your support is essential in minimizing the spread of illness and ensuring a safe and thriving learning environment for all.
Here are some important reminders to help protect your student’s health and the health of others:
Handwashing:
Encourage your student to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Handwashing is more effective than hand sanitizer at removing certain germs.
While hand sanitizer can be useful, it may not eliminate all viruses or bacteria, especially if not used correctly.
Cough and Sneeze Etiquette:
Remind your student to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
Supporting Immune Health:
Help your student maintain a healthy immune system by ensuring they get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious foods as a part of a well balanced diet.
As a reminder, our school follows policy, which aligns with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. Students will only be excluded from school if they meet specific criteria outlined in the policy and infographic.
As another reminder, if you are calling your student out ill, please give us a brief description of their symptoms.
Thank you for your cooperation and efforts in keeping our students, staff, and families healthy.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.
Stay healthy and be well,
Cassie Johnson, RN
School Nurse
(763) 754-6577, Ext. 1110
Mental Health Minute
Supporting Families During the Federal Government Shutdown
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits will be delayed for November. Benefits will resume once the shutdown ends or when the federal government provides further guidance.
If your family is impacted and needs food support, please visit Hunger Solutions’ Find Help map or call 1-888-711-1151 to locate nearby food resources.
We know this situation may put extra strain on families and local food shelves. If you’re in a position to help, we’re accepting donations of money or gift cards to support DaVinci families in need. Donations can be brought to Ms. Muske, 5–8 grade counselor.
Together, we can make sure every member of our school community feels supported and cared for during this challenging time.
DaVinci Academy Mental Health Team
Phoenix Hathaway, K-4 School Counselor
phathaway@davincicharterschool.org
phone extension 1203
Diana Muske, 5-8 School Counselor
dmuske@davincicharterschool.org
phone extension 1310
📅 November Events
November 7- High School Musical JR- 6:30
November 8- High School Musical JR- 11:00
November 10- RTI Camp, Read S'more Event: 6:30-8:00
November 18- 3rd grade Concert 6:30-7:30
November 20- Heritage Night 6:30-8:00
November 24-28- NO SCHOOL