DaVinci Connection
March 6, 2026
It’s that time of year when we start thinking about class lists for next year. I wanted to take the opportunity to explain the process of class assignments at DaVinci Academy. It is our goal to place students in a classroom that will best meet their needs. To do that, we balance classes based on gender, academic skills in math and reading, behaviors, and students receiving special services. Due to all of these factors, we will not be accepting specific teacher requests.
Our rationale for not taking specific teacher requests are the following:
Children will have many teachers throughout their educational careers and need to learn how to adjust to different personalities and environments.
We can’t accept teacher requests so that children can be with their friends. Each year provides new opportunities to make new friends. Grade levels have lunch and recess together each day so they have plenty of time to see their friends.
We want to create equity for all of our students and maintain balanced classrooms that are optimal for learning.
Our grade level teachers collaborate with one another and are regularly sharing ideas, strategies, and supporting students as a team. This means that each child is benefiting from the knowledge and ideas of all of our teachers, not just one.
I am very confident in all of our teachers here at DVA. If you have any questions or want to talk more about the classroom placement process, please feel free to contact me at jmurphy@davincicharterschool.org.
Again, thank you for all of your support. Your partnership ensures that our students at DaVInci Academy of Arts and Science find success!
The character trait for April is Courage.
Courage for kids is the ability to face fears, try new things, and do the right thing even when it is difficult, uncomfortable, or scary. It is not the absence of fear, but rather persevering despite it, helping children build confidence, resilience, and independence. Key examples include standing up for others, telling the truth, and attempting challenging tasks.
How to Foster Courage in Children
Celebrate Effort: Praise the attempt, not just the result.
Model Behavior: Talk about times you felt scared but did something anyway.
Gradual Exposure: Help children face fears in small, manageable steps.
Use Stories: Discuss characters in books or movies who showed bravery.
Normalize Mistakes: Teach that failure is a part of learning and requires courage to overcome.
Examples of Courageous Actions for Kids
Raising their hand in class, even if they aren't sure of the answer.
Apologizing when they make a mistake.
Making a new friend.
Trying a new food or activity.
Saying "no" to peer pressure.
Students may receive a character award and recognition at Pastries with the Principal for displaying this trait at school during the month of April!
Hello families,
As we approach the end of the school year, the Health Office is beginning preparations for summer and the upcoming school year.
Families of students with medications in the Health Office will receive a permission slip in May indicating how they would like medications sent home (with student, parent pick-up, disposal). Please note that controlled substances must be picked up by a parent/guardian and cannot be sent home with students.
We would also like to send a friendly reminder to families who are not current on their immunizations, and current 6th grade students. Please ensure requirements are met prior to next school year. Remember that students entering 7th grade are required to have two additional immunizations per Minnesota State Law. We encourage you to begin scheduling these appointments now, or making other arrangements for compliance, so your student is ready to start the school year without any delays.
As always, please reach out to the Health Office with any questions. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Cassie Johnson, BSN, RH, PHN, LSH
School Nurse
Office: (763) 754-6577, ext. 1110