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DaVinci Connection

August 1, 2025

DaVinciConnectionAugust 1, 2025

Gearing up for the First week of school Gearing up for the First week of school

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🚗 Parking Lot Safety Reminder 🚸

Hello DaVinci Academy Families~


Following our parking lot guidelines is one of the simplest and most important ways we can keep our students, families, and staff safe each day.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures

  • Curbside Only: Students should only exit vehicles on the curbside within the designated student unloading zone. Drivers MUST stay in their vehicle.

  • Safety First: Students must not exit vehicles while waiting in the drop-off lines. Parents should park in an available space to safely let children out and escort them to the crosswalk area.

  • Traffic Flow: Please use the main entrance drop-off as directed to maintain smooth traffic flow. Vehicles utilizing the main entrance for drop-off must exit onto Bunker Lake Blvd.

  • Pull Forward: Please pull up as far as possible when dropping off students to maximize efficiency.

  • Turn Restrictions: Left turns onto Jefferson Street are NOT permitted until 8:15 AM

  • You MUST have a permit to park in the handicap parking spots

  • Bus Zone (entrance off of Bunker), you are not allowed to enter this zone during the hours 7:45-8:15

Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures

  • Main Entrance: Closed and reserved for buses only.

  • Pull Forward: Maximize efficiency by pulling up as far as possible when dropping off or picking up students.

  • Silent Dismissal App: For a smoother experience, please use the Silent Dismissal App to release your students. (Middle School will no longer use Silent Dismissal at the end of the day.)

  • Car Tags: If you're not using the app, ensure your Silent Dismissal car tag is clearly visible for staff to assist with pick-up.

  • Turn Restrictions: Left turns onto Jefferson Street are prohibited until 3:30 PM when exiting the parking lot.

  • Neighborhood Respect: Please show SPARK values by refraining from using our neighbors' driveways for U-turns.

  • Handicap Parking: A valid permit is required to park in handicap spaces.

📣 You’re Invited! 📣 You’re Invited!

Back-to-School Open House on Wednesday, August 13 from 3:00–6:00 PM! 🎒📚

Come meet your teachers, tour the school, drop off supplies, and get excited for an amazing new year at DaVinci Academy! ✨

BIG Changes for Silent Dismissal BIG Changes for Silent Dismissal

Update for Middle School Families – Silent Dismissal No Longer Required

Dear Middle School Families,


Starting this school year, middle school students will no longer need to have an end-of-day destination entered into Silent Dismissal.

Middle school students are expected to know their dismissal plan each day. Whether that’s riding the bus, after school activity, or being picked up. Students will depart promptly at dismissal, and will be responsible to board the bus in a timely manner. We will not be able to hold buses for students who are not present at the time of departure.

Please help your child prepare by discussing their daily dismissal plan and reminding them of the importance of going directly to their bus or other destination as soon as school ends.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students build independence and responsibility.

🍎 Leading the Way: Meet Your Principals! 🍎 Leading the Way: Meet Your Principals!

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Principal Dr. Murphy - Year 2 at DaVinci



I’m thrilled to be entering my second year as Elementary Principal at DaVinci Academy. This community has quickly become home. From the first morning bell to the last high-five of the day, our students fill the halls with curiosity, laughter, and creativity. It’s an absolute joy to walk alongside them as they grow, and am grateful to partner with you in that journey.


This will be my 23rd year in education. Time flies when you’re having fun! I started my career as a 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts teacher, and over the years, I’ve had the chance to wear many hats: reading interventionist, instructional coach, district equity specialist, and even coach for speech and tennis (despite never competing in either myself). I’ve loved creating opportunities and spaces for students to build confidence and understanding.


On the home front, my family enjoys weekend camping trips, time with our extended family, lots of LEGO building marathons, making art projects, and playing outside. When I have a quiet moment to myself, I love reading, doing diamond art, learning to sew with my mom, and organizing a neglected corner of my house.


At DaVinci, our goal is to create a joyful, engaging school where students feel a deep sense of belonging. We believe that learning should be exciting, empowering, and full of possibility. I am excited to see what this year will bring, and I look forward to celebrating together.


Dr. Murphy

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Middle School Mrs. Eggers

My name is Emily Eggers, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Middle School Principal at Davinci Academy of Arts and Sciences.

With over a decade in education—as a middle school language arts teacher, dean of students, and instructional coach—I’ve come to truly value the unique energy and potential of middle schoolers. This age group is creative, curious, and full of growth, and I’m excited to support their journey alongside an incredibly talented team of educators here at Davinci.

The passion that Davinci Academy’s teachers have for learning, paired with a close-knit school community, is what drew me to this role. I look forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff as we continue to grow a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for learning.

A bit about me personally—I live in Afton, MN with my husband, our two daughters, and our two dogs. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and heading outdoors for some 4-wheeling fun. I am a big fan of a night in with some yummy food and a good movie!

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K-8 Assistant Principal

Trish Harvey joins DVA with her most recent experience being at Hamline University as Associate Professor in the School of Education and Leadership. Trish’s background includes over 25 years of PK-16 experience including teaching social studies, advising/teaching graduate students, and serving as a digital learning administrator. When Trish is not at school, she enjoys biking, kayaking, and reading.

📲 DaVinci Academy Middle School Launches SmartPass! 📲 DaVinci Academy Middle School Launches SmartPass!

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DaVinci Academy Middle School has recently adopted SmartPass, a digital hall pass and student movement system designed to make transitions around campus safer, more efficient, and less disruptive to learning.

We understand you may have questions about how SmartPass works and what it means for your student.

👉 Click the link below to explore our Guardian Resource Page and discover how SmartPass supports a smoother school day for everyone.

https://www.smartpass.app/parents

🎉 New School Hours Reminder! 🎉

We’re excited to kick off the school year with our updated schedule!


đź•— School Start Time: 8:15 AM
🚪 Doors Open: 7:50 AM
đź”’ East Door Locks at: 8:13 AM sharp

📌 Please note: Any drop-offs after 8:13 AM must use the Main Entrance.

🌅 Need to drop off earlier?
Before-care is available from 7:30–7:50 AM for $2 per day.
âś… Must be signed up in advance through Infinite Campus > School Store.
đźš« No drop-ins will be accepted.

🗓️ Infinite Campus will open the week of August 11 for sign-ups.

Thank you for helping us keep our building safe and our students on time! ⏰🏫

DaVinci Academy Dress Code at a Glance DaVinci Academy Dress Code at a Glance

Polo Shirts

  • K–5: Solid red
  • 6–8: Solid navy blue
  • Short or long sleeve polos only
  • No long sleeve undershirts under short sleeve polos
  • Must be tucked in and fit appropriately
  • Required under all sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece

Bottoms
  • Chino, Dockers, or cargo style
  • Fitted or elastic waist
  • Colors: Black or khaki

For full uniform guidelines, please see the 2025–26 Student Handbook on our website.

đź“… Upcoming Dates

August 13- Back to School Open House 3-6 pm

August 18- NO SCHOOL

August 19- First Day of School for 1st-8th grade

August 21- First Day of School of Kindergarten

Food Service Menus Food Service Menus

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DaVinci August_September Lunch Menu SY 25-26 -.pdf
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DaVinci August_September Breakfast Menu.pdf
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📆 2025-26 School Calendar 📆 2025-26 School Calendar

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2025-26 School Calendar.pdf
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Cassandra Anderson
Director of Operations
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