August 22nd, 2026

Hello Da Vinci Connect Families,

Wow! We are SO lucky to share this magical community with all of you! We had lots of fun at our Welcome Back Party yesterday, and meeting (or re-connecting) with you during 1:1s this week was really special. It's going to be a wonderful year!

We want to make your start to the school year as easy as possible! While it won't be without some bumps, we hope that this START OF YEAR GUIDE feels helpful--it is a one stop shop to give you all the beginning of year information you might need, including technology support, homeschool curriculum choice menus, sample homeschool days curated by your teachers, all things Learning Logs, and MORE! Please take some time to review this Start Guide, click the links embedded, and access your curriculum options as you begin the school year.

We can't wait to welcome students on campus for the start of classes on Monday! If your child is feeling anxious about the school year beginning--lead with curiosity! Ask them questions they can wonder about aloud with you. Validate any feelings that come up and make plans for how you might support them. You might also model self-talk (ie "I remember that I felt really scared to start a new school in 2nd grade. I was worried about...and then it turns out I felt...it ended up being A-OK!"). You can also help prep your child with information about what to expect by reading back to school themed children's books, make your plan for what drop off will look like, etc. Please be prepared to drop your child off at the front gate, even on the first day of school. There will be plenty of grownups available to help! Thank You!

We want to remind you that our 26-27 Family Handbook and 26-27 Planning Calendar are available, both of which will always be linked at the bottom of our newsletters, and the calendar will be published in Canvas, as well.

As you make your way to campus next week for the first day of school, please use our designated drop off and pick up route, or park in the visitor parking lot-please make sure to follow our good neighbor policy by not blocking any driveways, walking in neighbor's lawns, or leaving trash in the neighborhood. Please also note that we share a parking lot with a WUSD preschool program, so look out for small children when entering and exiting! Please review our drop off and pick up procedures below. DO NOT park your car on the sidewalk along the front of campus. This is our valet route and parked cars will pose a danger to the flow of traffic. Thank You!

If you haven't yet, please consider joining our private FB group--this is where families build community outside our school walls, and there are already opportunities to join homeschool groups/activities for the year!

We are so excited to get this new school year started and to welcome everyone back! We feel so lucky to be part of this community and are grateful for all of the families who make Da Vinci Connect such a special place to learn, grow, and be together.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Robin (she/her) and Nydia (she/ her)

Care and Comfort Kits!

Each year we ask families to provide a Care and Comfort Kit for their student(s) in the case of an emergency on campus. Please see (and print!) this form for directions on how to build your child's care and comfort kit.

Please drop off Care and Comfort Kits during drop off and pick up during the next two weeks!

Drop Off and Pick Up

Please be best prepared to drop off and pick up safely and on time by understanding the procedures below:

• Drop of will happen at the entry gate each AM starting at 8:55 AM. Please prepare to say goodbye at the gate. Campus is closed to parents in the AM.
• Pick up will also happen at the entry gate at 3:15pm. Please see the pickup route in the image below. Campus is open to parents at pick up and you may either 1) walk in to campus to retrieve your child 2) meet them at the front gate 3) use our valet line or 4) if your child is in Core 4-5, you may sign the independent walker form to allow them to exit campus independently. Email connect@davincischools.org for more info
• When using our valet line, please do not stop or park your vehicle, or exit your vehicle at any time
• Please don't cut the valet line. Follow the protocol to ensure safe flow of traffic--this also means no U-turns on Isis Ave.
• Always follow our Good Neighbor Policy, especially when parking in the neighborhood. Do not block driveways, do not walk on neighbor's property, and please ensure that no trash makes its way into the neighborhood.

Map for TK8 Drop Off and Pick Up

Dress Code

The purpose of Da Vinci’s dress code policy is to foster a physically and emotionally safe and respectful environment at school. Please review our handbook for more specific information on our dress code.

Cell Phone Policy

Please familiarize yourselves with our cell phone policy before arriving for on campus classes:

No cell phones/smart watches/tablets or devices during the school day (phones should be off and in your backpack.) If your phone is seen or heard (if it makes sounds):

● First time: Asked by teacher to put and keep device away

● Second time: Get it back after class from teacher

● Third time: Cell phone goes to Principal, Assistant Principal or main office for safekeeping and parent must retrieve it on your behalf



This policy includes any “smart” device/watch in addition to cell phones. Use of personal music devices are not allowed in class unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for that occasion. Headphones and cords are considered a part of your cell phone. They must also be put away.

We understand the importance of being able to contact a family member throughout the day--families should contact the front office to reach their child during the school day. Teachers will help students know how to contact family during the school day if needed. Thank you for your support as we maintain a safe and learning-centered community!

Interested in joining 

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND? 

Curious about what this creative problem solving program even is?

Come join us for the 

REQUIRED 

OM Interest Parent Meeting at Del Aire Park

Next Wednesday, August 26th @ 12:30pm 

Come join us for this informational parent meeting, to learn about all the exciting new changes this year, including opportunities to participate in our introductory 5-week program and how to save your spot on a team. This meeting is REQUIRED for new families and highly RECOMMENDED for returning families. 

Bring a picnic lunch, pull up a blanket, and let your little ones play at the park, while you get to know the grownups, the program, and all the new innovations this year. 

Girls Flag Football Opportunity:

Da Vinci Connect Gear!

We are honored to partner with Mychal's Learning Place for our printing needs. Take a look at our online store to purchase Da Vinci Connect t-shirts and hoodies, in youth AND adult sizes!

Email Connect K-8 Front Office |

Email Nydia | Email Robin | Office Phone (310) 725-5800

K-8 Parent Educator Resource Website | Family Handbook| School Calendar