Welcome to a New School Year!

We are excited to share that the school year is off to a fantastic start, and we are grateful for the patience and support you've shown as students, teachers, and staff settle into their routines. Across both elementary and middle school, we've focused on building a positive learning community, setting clear expectations, and fostering strong relationships.

Academic and Character Development

At DaVinci, we emphasize both academic excellence and character development. Our teachers are creating engaging, challenging lessons that meet the diverse learning styles of our students. We use project-based learning, artistic expression, collaborative activities, and technology to make learning meaningful and enjoyable.

This month, we are focusing on Respect, which is a key part of our SPARK and Character Strong programs. We encourage families to continue these discussions at home. Please see the Mental Health Minute for resources to support this focus.

Student Leadership and Activities

It has been inspiring to see students stepping into leadership roles and participating in community service. Both elementary and middle school Student Council members volunteered at Feed My Starving Children this week, exemplifying the values we strive to nurture.

In elementary, students have taken on responsibilities through programs like Bus Ambassadors and Student Safety Patrol. In middle school, classrooms are buzzing with dynamic activities—from debates and lab experiments to artistic projects and musical rehearsals.

Healthy eating is so important for children. At DaVinci Academy, we work hard to ensure students receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day to support their developing brains and bodies. Research shows that children who eat regular, nutritious meals are more likely to attend school and be engaged in learning. We are excited to partner with Every Meal to offer a free weekend meal program to all our students.

Every Meal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when they can’t receive food in school.

• Free for all families

• No qualifications required

• Enrolled students receive a 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, nonperishable food each week

• Every Meal does not collect information from families; privacy is protected

• Families may choose to participate in the program anytime throughout the school year

• Families may choose from a variety of different weekend food bag options

• Please contact Diana Muske to participate or for more information

Enroll in the Every Meal program

Sincerely,

Diana Muske

Licensed School Counselor

(O) 763-754-6577, ext 1310

dmuske@davincicharterschool.org

As we settle into the new school year and focus on learning and growth, I’d like to take a moment to share some important health and safety reminders.

Health Forms and Medications

Please ensure that all required health forms, including immunization records and medication authorization forms, are up to date and submitted to the Health Office as soon as possible. If your child has any health conditions (e.g., allergies) that have not been reported, please inform the Health Office immediately to ensure we have accurate information.

Preventive Health Measures

To help keep our school community healthy, please consider the following:

• Encourage frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer.
• Keep your child home if they exhibit any symptoms of illness, including:
  • Fever
  • New or worsening headaches
  • New or worsening fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
• Encourage the use of tissues to cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils, glasses, and towels.
• Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Ensure your child stays hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency response grab bags are located near the AEDs throughout the school for use in emergencies. If your child has a medical condition that requires an Action Plan, please review it with us if you haven’t already.

Thank you for your cooperation in making our school a safe and healthy environment. Here’s to a continued fantastic school year!

Warm regards,

Cassie Johnson, RN

School Nurse

cjohnson@davincicharterschool.org

(763) 754-6577, ext. 1110

According to the International Organization for Migration, treating someone with respect means showing regard for their abilities and worth, valuing their feelings and their views, even if you don't necessarily agree with them, accepting them on an equal basis and giving them the same consideration you would expect for yourself. Respect begins with oneself.

Here are some ways students show respect:

• Be polite

• Listen to others

• Respect differences in beliefs and opinions

• Think before you speak

• Practice compassion

• Be open and honest

Students may receive a character award and recognition for displaying this trait at school during the month of September!

• Sept. 17 — BoosterThon Registration Opens
• Sept. 18-20 — Middle School ELC Trips
• Sept. 23 — PTO Meeting, 4:30 pm
• Sept. 23 — School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
• Sept. 30 — No School
• Oct. 1-9 — BoosterThon Fundraiser