DaVinci Connection
January 10, 2025
🚨 ACTION ALERT
(3 MINUTES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE)
YOUR ACTION: CONTACT GOVERNOR WALZ TO ASK HIM TO INCLUDE LEASE AID INCREASES FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS IN HIS UPCOMING BUDGET.
TAKE 3 MINUTES TO CONTACT GOVERNOR WALZ TODAY!
FOLLOW THIS TEMPLATE FOR EMAILS: Email Template
CALL GOVERNOR WALZ'S OFFICE: 651-201-3400
WHY NOW: The governor is currently determining his priorities for the proposed budget that he will submit to the legislature.
THE ISSUE: Charters are eligible to receive the lesser of 90% of total lease costs or $1,314 per pupil. In FY23, total lease costs of all charters amounted to $121.4 million dollars, with a Lease Aid appropriation of only $89.2 million. This means an additional $32.2 million was paid from the schools’ general funds. Lease Aid has not increased in over a decade (since 2013).
For more information: MACS Charter School Lease Aid Issue Primer
THE ASK: Tell Governor Walz to increase Lease Aid for chartered public schools in Minnesota.
🎭 Spring Play Auditions!
Auditions for Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother will be in Profe’s room on:
Wednesday, January 22 from 3:30-4:30 for 5th and 6th graders
Wednesday, January 22 from 4:30-5:00 ONLY for students who are currently working in the winter musical
Thursday, January 23 from 3:30-4:30 for 7th and 8th graders
All students interested in being part of the cast and/or tech crew must complete the Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother - Auditions Sign up Google Form. Interested students must also attend auditions (except if you are auditioning for tech crew. Tech crew only needs to fill out the sign-up form). The sign-up Google Form can be found in this message, in your advisory/homeroom Google Classroom, and linked below.
Information about the play:
The cast list will be ready on Monday, January 27.
Sign up for the entire week.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30 starting on Tuesday, February 4. (students working on the winter musical will be excused until the musical is done) plus a few additional days when we are closer to the performances.
Tech would start on April 1st.
Performances will be during the school day and on Friday, May 2 at 6:30 pm and Saturday, May 3 at 11:00 am
The fee to participate in the Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother spring 2025 play is $150. This fee will be available in the Infinite Campus School Store on Monday, January 27, and must be paid by Friday, January 31.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Buzzelli (cbuzzelli@davincharterschool.org) and/or Profe Lenny (lulloasilva@davincicharterschool.org).
Thanks
🛼 Community Skate Nights
The PTO is thrilled to invite you to our Community Skate Nights at Cheap Skate in Coon Rapids.
🎉 Middle School Skate Night
🗓️ Tuesday, January 28
⏰ 5:00–7:30 p.m.
💲 Admission: $7.75 (skate rental extra)
🎉 Elementary School Skate Night
🗓️ Tuesday, February 4
⏰ 5:00–7:30 p.m.
💲 Admission: $7.75 (skate rental extra)
💻 Buy Tickets Online & Give Back!
When you purchase your tickets online, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the PTO. Plus, every time you skate at Cheap Skate on a Tuesday and mention “DaVinci Academy,” the PTO will earn 15% of admission sales!
Please review Cheap Skate's Admission and Rink Policies before attending the event. A parent or guardian must accompany all children under the age of 18. Skating Rink – Parties – Events – Coon Rapids, MN
Check out the attached flyer(s) for more details. See you on the rink!
Middle School Party
Due to a scheduling oversight, the Middle School Party, a "Blast from the Past," is being rescheduled for early spring. We will update you with the new date as soon as it is confirmed. Stay tuned!!
PTO Meeting
Join us for our next PTO public meeting on January 27 at 4:30 pm in Ms. Severson's room (#304). Discover all the exciting details about what we have planned for 2025, and 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.
🗻 January Character Trait: Perseverance
At DaVinci Academy, we’re focusing on the character trait of perseverance this January. Perseverance means continuing to work toward a goal, even when it gets tough. It’s about not giving up, even when you face challenges or setbacks.
Perseverance is a key trait that helps us succeed in school and life. It teaches us that hard work and determination pay off in the end and that obstacles are just opportunities to grow stronger and smarter. Whether it's finishing a difficult project, improving a skill, or staying focused on long-term goals, perseverance reminds us to keep pushing forward.
As we move through the month, let’s encourage each other to embrace challenges and keep striving, knowing that persistence leads to progress and success. Together, we can achieve great things!
🏥 Notes from Nurse Cassie
As we navigate the peak of the viral season, We want to thank you all for your continued dedication to fostering a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. Your efforts are crucial in helping minimize the spread of illness within our school community.
Here are some key reminders and recommendations to keep in mind during this time:
Hand Hygiene:
Encourage children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Handwashing is more effective than hand sanitizer at removing certain germs.
Remind children that hand sanitizer is only effective if it is used properly, and it may not eliminate all viruses or bacteria.
Cough and Sneeze Etiquette:
Promote the habit of covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow to reduce the spread of germs.
Support Immune Health:
Encourage children (and remind yourselves) to prioritize healthy habits, including getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious foods.
Our "Too Sick For School" infographic below outlines when students should stay home and when they can return to school. It is attached to this email.
As a reminder, our school follows policy that aligns with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines. Students can only be excluded from school if they meet specific criteria, as detailed in the infographic.
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,
🧤 Outside/Recess Attire
Winter weather is here! Please remember to send your child to school with a warm jacket, hat, and gloves (labeled with their name) when cooler temperatures are in the forecast. Our students go outside daily, and we want everyone to stay cozy and comfortable. Be sure to check the forecast each morning to help your child dress appropriately for the day.
📅 Upcoming Dates
- Jan. 13-17 — FastBridge Assessment Testing
- Jan. 15 — Battle of the Books, 3:00 PM
- Jan. 17 — Last Day of Semester 1
- Jan. 20-21 — No School
- Jan. 27 — PTO Meeting, 4:30 PM
- Jan. 27 — School Board Meeting, 6:00 PM