From Your Administrative Team |
Greetings Connect K8 Families,
We hope you've enjoyed the changes in weather this week! In honor of Indigenous People's Day, we want to share with you this incredible resource from Smithsonian that shares ideas for celebrating, learning, and reflecting on Indigenous History in our country.
We also want to wish you an enjoyable week of Student Led Conferences as you hear from your learner(s) about their experience so far this year! Thank you for honoring their voice and allowing them to own their learning in this way.
We also recognize that this is the time of year often termed the "October Slump" in education--(check out this image for a visual!) maybe you don't relate to this idea at all, and maybe you've been feeling this since September! Wherever you might identify on the graphic--it's ok! Without the physical connection of spending time in classroom spaces and connecting with each other in-person regularly, we want to share with you some ways to feel connected to our community, philosophies, and past Parent Educator Conferences!
- First, Happily Family, a an organization founded by former Da Vinci family Jason and Cecilia Hilkey focusing on Mindful Parenting and Mental Wellness, is hosting their FREE Annual Happily Family Conference this week! Sign up to join virtual sessions with speakers like Dr. Dan Siegel, Carrie Contey, and more!
- While our staff continues to think through best ways to deliver workshops, Parent Educator Conferences and homeschooling/parenting support to our community, we invite you to explore our archived digital Parent Educator Conference HERE!
- Finally, our amazing counselor, Nydia, has created a Counseling Corner just for you! Her page includes resources and activities for both adults and children, a list of community resources, as well as a virtual calming corner! Moving forward, her page will always be linked at the bottom of our newsletter.
While it feels like the worst of the pandemic may be over and a hope/push for "normalcy" is ever present, we must recognize that the trauma, loss, vulnerability, and uncertainty of the future still lingers. Our community continues to "assess the damage of the storm" and as we rebuild our strength, energy, and stamina-- and confront new hurdles like nationwide substitute teacher shortages and new Independent Study Laws, we also must recognize that we are all doing the best we can. Thank you for trusting us with your children as we emerge from the last two years, and thank you for trusting that we are steadfast in our mission and vision to create a safe and caring school community where kids are curious and free to explore through project-based learning and social emotional development. We hope that the resources above speak to you in some way, and offer you a glimpse into the practices and big ideas to which we are always striving to achieve.
Finally, we hope to see you at our first "Admin Walk in the Park" with Kaitlin and Tami this week (blurb below for more details). We are looking forward to connecting with you in person!
Take Care,
Kaitlin and Tami
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SLC Week
Monday 10/11 is a Homeschool Day for everyone
Friday 10/15 is a non-school day. Staff will be attending the Transforming Learning Conference hosted by Da Vinci Schools
We hope that everyone enjoys their Student Led Conferences this week! If you haven't signed up for a virtual meeting with your teacher yet, please do so! This signature practice is a mandatory component of our program. Thank You!
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Learning Log #2
You should have been invited to Learning Log #2 by your child's classroom teacher--be sure to check your student's e-mail address for access!
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Admin Walk in the Park with Kaitlin and Tami
Tuesday 10/12 and Wednesday 10/14, 8:00 am-8:45 am @ Del Aire Park
Want an opportunity to spend some face to face time with Tami and Kaitlin in-person?! We would love to spend the morning with you! Bring your morning beverage of choice, a cozy sweater, and join us at the park for connecting and conversation. See you there!
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FAN's Fall Festival!
Date TBD--Calling All Core 3 Families!
If you enjoyed our Multi-Cultural Fair, we hope you will join us for our Fall Festival! We are looking for Core 3 families to help us dream up this exciting event! Share your ideas here and sign up for the planning committee here!
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FAN's Kindness Movement
Write letters to welcome refugees through Miry's List!
You may have noticed this table at our Multi-Cultural Fair (thank you parent Lauren for sharing this organization with us!) and we want to extend the letter writing opportunity! Miry's List is an organization that connects communities with incoming refugee families in a variety of ways. If you'd like to participate, they've provided a helpful Welcome Letter Writing Guide, including where to mail letters, on their website!
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Chromebooks for Students!
If you are a returning family who borrowed a chromebook last year and have not yet returned it, please return it and any other devices (chargers, hot spots, etc.) to the front office ASAP!
If you are a family who needs to borrow a chromebook for your student, you can complete this Request Form. If/When a chromebook becomes available to you, Kaitlin or Tami will reach out with next steps. Please know that we have a limited supply of chromebooks available for distribution, so only complete this form if it's a true need. Thank You! |
Meal Program at Connect!
We are so excited that the state of CA has announced that school meals (breakfast and lunch) are FREE for all students! You can drop your student off at Connect on their school day for breakfast as early as 8:45 am. You can browse meal menus HERE.
If your child has a dietary restriction, please complete this form and submit to our front office.
If you are in the Remote program or would like to take advantage of free meals on your homeschool day, you can pick up lunch (and breakfast for the next day!) at 201 N. Douglas St. from 11:00am-11:30 am every weekday!
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Art with Mr. Mason!
Every Wednesday 2-3pm on zoom!
Live art ZOOM Art with Mr. Mason. Every Wednesday 2-3pm starting Sept. 1st.
Supply suggestions in the Google Classroom:
Remember new art videos are uploaded twice a week on Tuesday & Friday.
You can find nearly 80 pre-recorded art videos to do anytime.
Classroom.google.com > + (join code: 3vs27ai)
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Daily Read A Louds with Julia!
One of our amazing teachers, Julia Rivera, will be offering a read aloud from 2:30-3:00 every weekday, M-F!! She will be reading some of her favorite picture books, that are enjoyable for students TK-8th grade. Feel free to join her at her zoom link for this wonderful way to end a school day!
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The Parent Center at Da Vinci Connect!
The Parent Center @ DV Connect Google Classroom
· Use this code (w3yytj2) to access all content all year!
· Check out this year’s supplemental curriculum, login details and more using this link
· This link is for The Parent Center @ DV Connect Calendar of Events
Office Hours for 1:1 Meetings with Theresa
Use this link to access the October sign up!
Curriculum Champions Meeting
10/13 & 10/20 – Choose your preferred time!
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Which piece of curriculum do I use most?
2. Which piece of curriculum does my child love?
3. Am I willing to share my knowledge (BIG or small) with others?
Our goal with this program is to have parents collaborate with each other to make the most of the DV Connect Supplemental Curriculum resources. There is great value in what you do for your kid's learning every day and sharing those tips and tricks will help others to find success!
Use this link to reserve your spot and join the conversation!
New (or New-Ish) Family Chat w/Jahmal & Theresa
If you have recently joined the DV Connect community--or simply still feel "new-ish"--join Theresa and parent educator Jahmal Durham to connect and hopefully gain some insights as you embrace homeschooling.
This is also a great opportunity to meet other parents and start building your network at Connect.
Use this link to reserve your spot!
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