Article about digital book readers

Nifty article about the Kindle 2 and other digital book reading devices, and how these new technologies may change the way we look at the book buying/selling/consuming business entirely.

Final Take-A-Chance Raffle Items

Remember you must be present to buy tickets for and win these fantastic items!

HP Mini Netbook with Intel Atom Processor

This compact netbook features a built-in webcam and wireless connectivity so you can easily video chat with friends and family from your home network or area hotspots.

Some of the features of this HP Mini Netbook N270:
16G Solid State Drive
Built-in Webcam and Memory Card Slot
2 USB ports
1.6GHz processor speed
Built-in Wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
Built-in 10BaseT ethernet port (to connect to the internet without using Wireless)
Weighs just 2.5 lbs and is 1" thin

Includes a Targus carrying bag and USB optical mouse.

Donors: Da Vinci Academy’s First and Third Grade Class
Value: $ 354.00

Billy Joel vs. Elton John - Dueling Pianos
Experience two Rock-n-Roll legends on one stage.
John and Joel plan to open the concerts with a series of duets, playing dueling pianos and trading vocals, then they will play solo spots with their band and end the evening with the piano men teaming up again for a grand finale. The shows are expected to include some of their greatest hits alongside a selection of rock n’ roll classics.

2 Seats on the field for this incredible concert! Field section K, Row 8 Seat 15 & 16. Expires: 07/21/09

Donors: A Friend of Da Vinci Academy
Value: $ 350

iPod Nano
16GB Ipod Nano (Blue)
Lady Bug limited edition docking station
$60 of Itunes gift cards

Donors: Da Vinci Academy’s Forth Grade Class
Value: $275

One Night Away at the Historic and Charming Hotel Baker in St. Charles

Bed and Breakfast Package includes overnight stay in a Deluxe Room and a $20.00 breakfast coupon.

Donors: Hotel Baker
Value: $199.00

Nintendo DS Lite and Games
Nintendo DS Lite and a package of games:
∗ Mario Kart - On your mark, get set, GO!!!
∗ Guitar Hero on Tour: Decades - Be a Rock Star
∗ Pokémon Ranger - A whole new way to capture Pokémon

Donors: Glenn and Mary Leonard and Jeff and Julie Martin
Value: $240.00

Play Station 3
Play games, access the internet, and watch Blue Ray DVDs
∗ Includes PlayStation 3 80 GB system, Dualshock 3 wireless controller, and free PlayStation Network membership
∗ Internet ready Wi-Fi
∗ 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
∗ Built-in Blue-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality
∗ Play your entire catalog of CDs and DVDs

Donors: Da Vinci Academy Advisory Groups of Ms. Burns and Mr. Allen
Value: $400.00

Kodak Easy Share- Digital Picture Frame
Wireless access to your pictures is now at your fingertips!
∗ 8 in. (20.3 cm) high-quality display
∗ Wi-Fi enabled
∗ Kodak's Quick Touch Border
∗ Access the latest news, weather, sports, and more
∗ Automatically send and receive pictures from KODAK Gallery members right on your frame with the Picture Mail feature

Donors: Cheryl Covino and Richard Novak
Value: $220.00

Amazon Kindle 2

A few of the features of the Kindle2:
∗ Large Selection: Over 260,000 books plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs available
∗ Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
∗ Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback
∗ Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
∗ Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

For more information, check out the Kindle 2 on Amazon.com.

Donors: Da Vinci Academy’s Second Grade and Pre-Kindergarten Classes
Value: $400.00

Palm Treo
The Palm Treo 750 Smartphone goes where you go. It combines a world GSM phone, email, broadband wireless, and Windows Mobile - all with world-renowned Palm ease. And the sleek, midnight blue design with a soft-touch finish feels great in your hand.

Review and edit business documents and access corporate data. Answer calls as you check email. And with Microsoft's Direct Push Technology built-in, you can get your Outlook email, as well any changes to your Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks in seconds. Or kick back, play music, shoot videos, and surf the Web. All the functionality is elegant and seamless thanks to Palm enhancements on the Windows Mobile platform that will save steps and your valuable time. Get the all-in-one Smartphone that puts you in control.

Service Provider AT&T

Donors: Martin and Milanka Schray
Value: $250.00

iTouch

Take the internet anywhere you go, play games, listen to music and watch your favorite television shows and movies. Need we say more…

Donor: Da Vinci Academy Advisory Group of Ms. Ulharik-Boller
Value: $250.00

Selection of Terlato Wines

Three bottles of wine from the Terlato wine family,
Chimney Rock – Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sanford- Pinot Noir 2007
Terlato – Cardinals’ Peak 2005

Donor: A Friend of Da Vinci Academy
Value: $156.00

Razor e200 Electric Scooter

Cruise around the neighborhood in style with the Razor E200 electric scooter. Boasting an adjustable handlebar that adapts to riders of all sizes, an ultra-quiet chain-driven motor, and a handy twist-grip throttle accelerator, the E200 is the perfect device for teens and adults wanting to speed over to a friend's house or head to the park. Unlike Razor's E300S and E500S scooters--which offers a seated ride--the E200 requires you to stand while zipping through town. But standing in the E200 isn't a problem thanks to the full-size deck and frame, which are custom designed for ages 12 and up. Once you're on the move, the variable-speed motor ramps up to 12 miles per hour--fast enough to have fun, but not fast enough to be a menace on the street or sidewalk. Protection Plan included.

Donors: Da Vinci Academy Advisory Group of Ms. Detzler
Value: $235.00

Digital Camera and Printer

Capture your family memories with The Samsung SL30 Digital Camera and SD memory card.
∗ 10.2-megapixel resolution for large, photo quality prints
∗ 3x optical zoom; 2.5-inch Intelligent LCD screen
∗ Digital image stabilization; Face detection
∗ Movie mode (VGA 30fps, MJPEG)
∗ Capture images to SD/SDHC/MMC cards

The Kodak Easy-Share ESP 7 All-in-One printer will let you print all your pictures to share with family and friends.

Donors: Da Vinci Academy Advisory Group of Senora Schnecke and the Kindergarten Class
Value: $320.00

Another great Take-A-Chance Item!

The Take-A-Chance raffle is for attendees of the auction only, you must be present to participate in these raffles. If you haven't already submitted your RSVP for the auction, do so NOW, so you don't miss your chance to win this awesome item, or one of the other great items featured in Take-A-Chance. More details to follow.

Netbooks are a fantastic new take on mobile computing. Ultra-small laptops, netbooks are able to connect to the internet, do basic word processing or computation, and are small enough to fit into a purse or child's schoolbag. The scaled-down keyboards are great for small hands, but even the larger-handed users find the convenience of having a small portable laptop worth the slightly more compressed keyboard.

The HP Mini laptop available in the Take-A-Chance raffle represents some of the newest thinking in mobile computing. It has a 16G solid state drive, meaning the computer performs tasks very quickly because it doesn't have to wait for hard-drive spin times. It also has an Intel Atom processor, designed specifically for this type of computer. It also has a built-in webcam, so you can video conference with friends and family!

In addition to the small laptop, also included in this package are a Targus brand carrying case and USB optical mouse.

Fund-A-Project

Fund-A-Project is a way to donate directly to a specific school program or need. During this part of the Live Auction, Da Vinci parents and guests will be able to make contributions to school programs that will directly enhance and enrich each child’s education. In previous years, Fund-a-Projects have included United Video Streaming, school wide math, science, and world language upgrades, art and music equipment, supplies and instruments, library renovation, staff professional development, and display cases for the many awards and recognitions that Da Vinci has received over the years.

On auction night, the auctioneer will ask if anyone wants to fund a complete program, section, or specific item within a project. Then funding levels of $5000, $2500, $1000, $750, $500, $250, $100, $50 and $25 will be called out in that order. Simply raise your bid card when the level of funding you wish to participate at is called.

It is our hope that every attending family will participate in Fund-a-Project on some level.

The Fund-a-Projects for 2009 are listed below.

Curriculum and Academics

Math
Funding Goal: $10,000
Throughout the second part of this year, we have been testing a computerized math program, ALEKS, in some of our classes. We have determined that ALEKS will supplement our current Math program by allowing assignments to be tailored to each child’s specific needs through the application of artificial intelligence software. It not only reinforces the lessons taught by our teachers, but also provides us with better ways to assess what students have already mastered and what they still need to learn. This approach fits perfectly with Da Vinci’s student-focused philosophy. Our free trial period with ALEKS has been so successful that we want to move forward and purchase licenses for next year at a cost of $3,200 for the year.

To fully implement the ALEKS program, we will also need to expand our laptop access so that our current laptop carts are still available for other classes. It is our goal to purchase an additional eight laptops to be able to utilize the ALEKS program in grades 3-8. (approximately $800.00 per laptop)

Writing and Art
Funding Goal: $3,000
The writing program at Da Vinci is evolving and it is our wish to purchase curriculum resources for this program. These enhancements and tools will give our students more ways to demonstrate their knowledge and improve their ability to share it with peers. We would like to further expand our Art Program so that our students and continue to learn new ways to express their selves through Art. To accomplish this, we would like to purchase Photoshop, a scanner, and a color printer for the Art room.

Physical Improvements to our Building
Funding Goal: Open-ended
Last year’s Fund-A-Project provided the necessary resources to restructure our library, increasing our area to house and display our books while preserving to open feel of the library.

This year we would like to continue with this project by improving the acoustics of the front of the building, mainly in the Library/Computer Lab and Lobby. Our goal is to minimize noise levels so that activities in the lobby are not disruptive to the classrooms or to classes that utilize the computers in the library for test taking.

The other component of this project would be to address the challenge our school faces in our classrooms. Classrooms would receive a new magnetic whiteboards, and we would work closely with each teacher to improve storage of teaching materials, creating a more calm and spacious classroom for our students.

Da Vinci Educator’s Fund honoring Lynne Cluchey
Funding Goal: Open-ended
For the past seven years, Mrs. Cluchey has been a constant positive force in the lives of our children. Her warm, nurturing presence has been felt from the time the first child enters the building in the morning to when the last student leaves. Her departure will be deeply felt as she retires from Da Vinci to spend more time with her husband, George. We would like to honor Mrs. Cluchey’s service to Da Vinci by creating a scholarship fund. This fund will make the benefits of a Da Vinci Academy education more accessible to students regardless of family finances.

More awesome class projects

Kindergarteners became little painters and decorated an assortment of clay pots and saucers using acrylic paints. These were then assembled into a collection of whimsical turtles and sealed for outdoor use. They are sure to brighten any garden space.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery in this beautifully crafted set of Adirondack chairs. These pieces were decoupaged entirely with maps of the United States. Sit for hours and see what places you can discover or reminisce about through the maps on these chairs.

Class Project Pictures!

Oh my goodness, the work the students have done to create these works of art is astounding. take a look at some of the fabulous class projects that will be up for bid at the auction. Have you returned your RSVP yet? You should, just so you have the chance to bid on these items!

This first item is the First Grade project, titled: Cherry Blossoms and Bluebirds
Size: 36 x 40
Our 1st grade class created this stunning stretched canvas piece. First, the background was painted with acrylic paints. Then, students painted unique designs on individual canvas that they then cut out into the shapes of birds and cherry blossoms and applied to the background.


Pre-K created a Da Vinci Alphabet by photographing objects around school that looked like letters of the alphabet. Size: 24 x 36
The Pre-K students explored Da Vinci Academy to find and photograph objects that resembled letters of the alphabet. The photographs were then Photoshopped to create a delightful, professionally printed, framed poster.

Auction Highlights - look at what's coming!

You won't believe the amazing events at this year's Da Vinci Academy Auction. Check out this list of only some of the special items available for auction:

Da Vinci Academy 2009 Auction
Donation Highlights

Unique, Date-Specific and Big Ticket Items
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Presents “Scorched” on May 23, 2009, Two Box Seats – Value: $400.00
Dinner with Wine and Chocolate Tasting hosted By Betty Watanabe and Peter Barickman on September 12, 2009 – Value: $800.00
Three Day Getaway to Door County – Value: $690.00
Bruce Springsteen at United Center on May 12, 2009 - Four Tickets – Value: $412.00
Airplane Ride on 1951 Cessna – Value: $300.00
Day with Kane County SWAT – Value: Priceless
#23 Devin Hester Signed Jersey of the Chicago Bears – Value: $250.00
One Week in Bonita Springs – Value: $1, 500.00
U.S. Men’s Team vs. Honduras Soccer Match at Soldier Field on June 6, 2009 – Four Tickets – Value: $300.00
Orlando Florida - 2 bedroom Condo, Week of December 21, 28, 2009 – Value: $2000.00
Sutton Studios Photography Package for Family/Dog – Value: $725.00
Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros on July 29, 2009 – Value: $72.00
Billy Joel vs. Elton John – Dueling Pianos at Wrigley Field on July 21, 2009 – Two Tickets – Value: $350.00
U2 At Soldier Field on September 12, 2009 - Four Tickets – Value: $350.00
#54 Brian Urlacher Signed Jersey of the Chicago Bears – Value: Priceless
Three Nights in Turks Caicos – Value: $500.00
Da Bears Suite for Four Guest – Game to be Determined – Value: $6,500.00

Pre-K and 2nd Grade Class gift - Amazon Kindle2!

The Pre-K and 2nd grade classes have teamed together to donate an Amazon Kindle 2 with a leather case to the Auction! Thanks to all families who contributed, what an excellent gift for the auction! You will be able to win the amazing Amazon Kindle 2 if you join us the night of May 2, 2009 at the Q Center. This item will be in the Take a Chance raffle, tickets available night of the event only, must be present to win. Other class gifts to be announced shortly - stay tuned!

A few of the features of the Kindle2:

Large Selection: Over 260,000 books plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs available

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots

Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

For more information, check out the Kindle 2 on Amazon.

Take a look at the incredible list of auction donors!

In the right column of this blog is a list (including website links) of some of the incredible donors to the 2009 Da Vinci Academy Auction. Please take a look at the fantastic array of businesses represented in the donor list. We are excited to present these items at the auction. Be sure to submit your RSVP to attend. With such great donations, it's hard to resist!

Speaker Breakfast April 24 - Don't forget to RSVP!

The Da Vinci Academy Auction Committee
Presents
Breakfast and Guest Speaker Program

Friday April 24, 2009
9-10:30 AM
The Elgin Country Club (directions below)

Resilience and Motivation: the Social/Emotional
Vulnerabilities of Gifted Learners

Discussion and talk led by Paula Altekruse
Learning Specialist & Coordinator of Academic Support
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)

Sponsored by the Da Vinci Academy Parent Association

To attend this event, we ask for a donation of cash or gift card (suggested value:
$20.00 per family) for the Auction.

RSVP with your donation to Mrs. Bruns at the Da Vinci front desk by April 22th to
secure your reservation.

Address and Directions:
The Elgin Country Club
2575 Weld Road
Elgin IL 60124
Clubhouse (847) 741-1716
Directions: From the school, go north on Randall Road to Weld Road on left (Otter
Creek Shopping Center) to Club driveway on left.
Note: Weld Road comes in just before Route 20.

Auction Meeting Status Updates

Great meeting this morning. (Pictures to the right of auction committee members meeting at Panera this morning.) We discussed a wide range of topics. Primary outcomes:



- Still need to procure more items for the Buy a Bottle giveaways. Gift cards work really well for this, but so do tickets to sporting events or memberships or passes to museums.
- More items for the silent and live auction. We have an impressive collection of items for both the silent and live auction, however more items would be wonderful.
- RSVP for the event! And invite your friends, family members. Auction attendance is one of the biggest drivers of the success of the event. Please be sure to come, it's an enjoyable night and the items available for bidding will be exceptional this year!
- Sell Golden Tickets - a great way to involve far-flung family and friends. An email solicitation to my family members has resulted in a dozen ticket sales just this morning!
- Contribute to a class gift. Auction Ambassadors will be contacting classes to request donations to a class gift. Please consider donating to these gifts, which will be used in a variety of ways at the auction (either silent or live auction, or the take-a-chance raffle which is available only the night of the event.)

Stay tuned for an auction update to come via Friday Folders this week or next with a more complete listing of what we have and what we still need. Thank you for your support!

Golden Ticket Sales!

Remember to sell Golden Ticket Raffle tickets this week! Two fantastic raffle items this year -

24" iMac desktop computer
or
LG 47" LCD HDTV and Sony Blue Ray DVD player

Approximate value of each prize is $1500. Winner does not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50. This is a great way for grandparents are family and friends who may not be able to attend the auction to get a chance to participate in the auction, and maybe win a fabulous prize in the process!

Auction Meeting - Wednesday April 8

The Auction committee will be meeting this Wednesday, April 8 at Panera just after drop-off in the morning. Please join us to hear latest status and strategize on how to get everything done before the auction - which is now less than a month away! (How did that happen?!) Hope to see you there!