Greetings, DaVinci Academy Families,

We have nearly reached the close of another school year. As I look back on my first year at DaVinci Academy, I am overwhelmed with joy reflecting on the relationships I’ve built and the connections formed with families, students, and staff. This is truly a special community to be a part of.

I look forward to another year of growth and learning ahead. But first, I hope you can take time this summer to rest and celebrate all we’ve accomplished together this year.

I want to thank you for trusting me—and the entire DaVinci Academy staff—with the care of your children each day. Being an educator is a tremendous honor, and one I do not take lightly.

This year, I made it a personal goal to connect with at least one student each day. That practice helped center me and remind me who is at the heart of this work. Along the way, I’ve collected countless stories and memories through the relationships I’ve built with our students—memories I will carry forward with gratitude.

For those families moving on from DaVinci after this school year, I wish you well on your next chapter. I know you will continue to soar. For those returning next year, we look forward to creating even more meaningful opportunities to connect and grow as a community.

Enjoy your summer!

Antonio Kuklok

As we close the chapter on another wonderful school year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you. This year has been filled with connection, learning, and growth for students, and we are so proud of their achievements. Thank you for sharing them with us each day.

To our wonderful parents and guardians: Thank you for being our partners in learning. Your involvement, encouragement, and belief in your children make a world of difference. Whether you helped with homework, volunteered your time, or simply asked about your child’s day—you’ve helped build a strong foundation for their success.

To our dedicated staff: Your passion, commitment, and care shine through every day. You’ve gone above and beyond to create a safe, inspiring environment where students can thrive. Your tireless efforts are sincerely appreciated.

As we head into summer, I encourage all of our students to keep learning in joyful, meaningful ways. Read often. Explore the world around you—whether it’s through travel, time in nature, creative projects, or new experiences. Ask questions, try new things, and stay curious. Summer is the perfect time for children to learn through discovery and play.

Thank you for making this school year a special one. I hope your summer is filled with fun, rest, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to welcome you back in the fall, refreshed and ready for a new adventure. Please stay tuned for information about back-to-school dates, open house, and supply lists.

With gratitude,
Dr. Murphy

Anoka-Hennepin School District is participating in the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

Meals are provided to all children 18 and under without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Use the link below to find a site near you:

What is the Free Meals for Kids App?

The Free Meals for Kids App uses your phone’s GPS to show nearby locations where kids can receive free meals throughout the summer. You’ll see:

✅ Schools, parks, libraries, and community centers offering meals
✅ Dates and times of meal service
✅ Directions and distance to each location
✅ Information on whether registration is needed (most do not!)

The app is updated daily to provide the most current information, and includes other helpful links for families through the Resources+Food button—connecting you to support programs like United Way 211, SNAP, WIC, MFIP, and Hunger Solutions.

We’re also helping promote SunBucks (Summer EBT), which provides additional food support for families.

Download the App for Free

Search "Free Meals for Kids" in your app store or use the links below:

📱 Apple App Store: Download here
📱 Google Play Store: Download here

Students are invited to participate in the Father Hennepin Festival Talent Show on Saturday, June 14, at Mississippi Crossings in Champlin. Our own Executive Director, Mr. Antonio Kuklok, will be a guest judge!

👉 Check-in: 3:30 pm | Show starts: 4:00 pm
👉 Register online: Champlin Parks & Rec
👉 Questions? Email: asingleton@ci.champlin.mn.us

Learn more at fatherhennepinfestival.com.

As summer break approaches, many children will have more free time, and for some, that may mean spending long hours on tablets, phones, or video games.

While technology can be a valuable tool for learning and having fun, it’s important to help children develop healthy screen habits. Without clear boundaries, excessive screen time can negatively impact their well-being.

As a parent or caregiver, you play a key role in guiding their tech use and encouraging a balanced, enriching summer.

Why It’s Important to Limit or Monitor Screen Time

While screens can offer entertainment and educational value, too much time on devices, especially without supervision, can lead to:

• Disrupted sleep – Screen use, especially before bed, can interfere with natural sleep rhythms.

• Shortened attention spans – Constant stimulation can make it harder for kids to concentrate during offline tasks.

• Mood changes – Excessive screen time is linked to irritability, anxiety, and decreased emotional regulation.
  

• Reduced physical activity – Sedentary habits can affect physical health and limit opportunities for active play.

• Inappropriate content exposure – Without filters or supervision, children may encounter unsafe or mature content online

Benefits of Engaging in Other Activities

Encouraging screen-free time helps kids explore new interests and develop key skills—like creativity through play and art, social skills through face-to-face interaction, physical health via outdoor activity, independence through self-directed tasks, and academic growth with reading and hands-on learning.

Even when caregivers are busy, children can enjoy plenty of fun, screen-free activities such as:

• Read a book or listen to an audiobook

• Draw, paint, or work on a craft

• Build with blocks, LEGOs, or recycled materials

• Journal, write a story, or create a comic

• Complete a puzzle or play a quiet board game

• Help with age-appropriate chores (watering plants, folding laundry)

• Play outdoors—ride a bike, play with chalk, or explore nature

• Dance to music or create a backyard obstacle course

• Organize toys, books, or school supplies

• Establish screen time routines and limits: Children thrive with consistent routines. Setting daily or weekly screen time limits—such as allowing screens only after chores or play—helps prevent overuse and teaches time management, showing that technology is just one part of a balanced day.
• Create device-free zones and tech-free times: Create screen-free zones—like bedrooms, the dining table, and family time—to promote connection, improve sleep, and set healthy boundaries. Tech-free times before bed or during meals support mindfulness and strengthen relationships.
• Use parental controls and privacy settings: Most devices have parental controls to filter content, limit use, and monitor activity. Using these tools helps keep your child safe and ensures age-appropriate access, giving you greater confidence in managing their digital use.
• Talk regularly about safe and respectful tech use: Open, ongoing talks about technology help kids feel supported, not restricted. Discuss appropriate content, online behavior, and how to handle upsetting situations to build trust and teach digital responsibility.
• Model balanced screen habits yourself: Children follow our example more than our words. When you limit your own screen time, they’re more likely to do the same, learning that screens are tools—not essentials—in daily life.
• Involve children in creating a family media plan: Involving your children in screen-time discussions helps them feel heard and invested. Use the AAP Family Media Plan together to set personalized device rules, fostering ownership and responsibility.

• Balance screen time with meaningful activities: Plan enriching activities like library visits, playdates, sports, or family games to build skills screens can’t provide. These fun alternatives make cutting screen time feel positive, not punitive.

Helping your child develop healthy screen habits takes patience and consistency, but the rewards are well worth it. By setting clear limits, modeling balanced use, and encouraging enriching activities, you’re supporting their overall growth and well-being.

For more tips and personalized guidance, explore resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Family Media Plan at healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan.

• June 11 - 7th Grade Field Trip
• June 12 - 4th Grade Harry Potter Day
• June 16 - 8th Grade Last Day of School
• June 17 - Kindergarten Graduation
• June 17 - Last day of School, K-7