2010-2011 School Year

• Data-driven assessments in Math: Friends of Education provided training on Data-driven instruction and we then implemented interim assessments in math. These assessments helped to ensure that student performance was on thee same level of rigor required by state standards. Teachers were also able to see where students were struggling and reteach topics as needed.

• IXL Math: IXL assesses students' understanding as they practice, and generates detailed performance reports to give valuable insight about students' abilities. Reports can be generated which include data on grade-level proficiency, trouble spots, and even progress toward meeting state standards.

• Mandatory Intersession: As a result of a later start to the school year, we changed one of the intersession periods to a mandatory session. This was very successful and was enjoyed by teachers and students alike!

• Addition of iPads for classroom use: Throughout the school year, we purchased 10 iPads to supplement classroom instruction. Numerous educational apps were added and this is an area we continue to explore.

• Regional and State Science Fair: This year we had 6 students go on to the Regional Science Fair in St. Cloud. We learned that there is certainly a lot of paperwork involved in participating at that level! We had two students who were chosen to participate in the state science fair which was held in Bloomington. The hope for the future is to have many more students qualify for the state event.

• Expansion of Music Program: This year we added band, orchestra and choir. We were able to have winter and spring concerts in our own gym. Approximately 65 students participated in the music program.

• First School Play: Along with the first music concerts was the first school play. This was a full-length play written and directed by Mr. Cauley, our fourth grade teacher.

• State Art Winners: During the Art in Minnesota week, two of our students were chosen to display art at the state capitol.

• State Basketball tournament: Our first boy's basketball team participated in the MYAS league and ended their season by winning the Minnesota State Recreation Tournament. 

Educational Best Practices

• Accelerated Reader: The Accelerated Reader program was used in first through eighth grade.  Students read and took quizzes on books they read throughout the school year.  Our students read an average of 350,000 words and took an average of 16 quizzes per student.  This accomplishment earned us a nomination for a national award from Renaissance Learning.

• Small Class Sizes: We continued to cap each class at 26 students in first through fifth grade, 25 in grades 6th through 8th and 18 in kindergarten.  This small class size ensures that students are able to receive more individualized attention from the teachers.

• Back to Basics Math: In order to focus on math throughout the year and boost the knowledge of fundamentals, the first ten days of each academic quarter were spent on “Back to Basics” in math.  Teachers designed games and created lessons that helped to reinforce basic math facts for all students. 

• Individualized Learning Plans: Each student at DaVinci Academy has an individualized learning plan.  All students learn differently and need different degrees and areas of modification in order to be successful.  The ILP for each student is completed at the end of the school year and given to the teacher for the upcoming year prior to the student’s arrival.  These ILPs allow for a higher degree of differentiation for each student.

• Math and Reading Groupings: In the areas of math and reading, students are placed in ability groups rather than homeroom groups.  This ensures that students who need extra help are able to receive that assistance and that students who need more of a challenge are at a level equivalent to their abilities.  Groups for reading and math are kept as small as possible to allow for maximum academic growth in these areas.

• Homework Club: Homework Club is offered after school several days per week. Homework Club is staffed by DaVinci teachers on a volunteer basis and is a time for 3rd through 8th grade students to get extra help in specific areas, work on late or make-up work for classes, or get that last piece of homework done for the next day. Homework Club is only for those students who need to use it and, therefore, students must be invited to attend by teachers or they may request an invitation to attend Homework Club from a teacher.