Archives for December 2021

Hi DVC Families,

We are looking forward to the opportunity to prepare students on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for their Presentations of Learning (known as POLs). POLs begin on Thursday, 12/9 and continue through Thursday, 12/16. Most students will have two presentations (2 classes in one presentation, and 2 classes in another presentation). Each presentation will be scheduled on a separate date, so no student is expected to do two presentations on the same date. All information regarding dates and schedules will come from the student’s grade-level teachers during the “POL Prep” class on Monday. Click here for an overview of all policies and procedures related to this semester’s POLs.

One of the expectations for a Presentation of Learning is that students come in professional dress. At DVC, professional dress is defined as including the following:

• Button-down dress shirt (shirt must be tucked in) or or non-revealing blouse (must cover shoulders); Suit jacket (optional)
• Khaki pants or dress pants (no jeans); Dress or skirt that touches tops of knees when standing up straight
• Closed-toe dress shoes (no sneakers or excessively high heels)
• Hair should not cover the face

We understand that many families may not be able to put together attire that meets these standards in a short timeline. In order to help our families, the DVC staff is going through their closets this weekend in search of items that can be donated to students in need of professional attire. If you have clothing or shoes that meet these requirements and that you no longer need, please consider donating them to DVC. We will accept donations of professional clothing to our Wolves’ Den (which is the big conference room table at the top of the orange stairs upon entering the 3rd floor), and we welcome students to see if there is something donated that fits their need. We are hopeful that this professional clothing exchange helps us work together as a community to ensure that each student feels comfortable and confident in their presentation!

Parents & Guardians: We also know that Presentations of Learning (POLs) can be a stressful time for students and their families. The two most important things you can do to help your student during their POL is (1) assure them that it is ok to make mistakes and (2) have them practice their POL many times to as many people in your household as possible. And finally, if you are interested in watching your student’s POL, please contact their teachers and let them know. We would like to be sure that you don’t miss this opportunity. Also, please note the visitor policy if you plan to attend: Visitors to Da Vinci Schools must show proof of either a COVID vaccination or negative PCR/Antigen test (taken within the last 72 hours) in addition to wearing a face covering while indoors to ensure the safety of our school community. 

Students: Please know that this presentation, while important, is mainly an opportunity to practice public speaking in front of a live audience. This is an important skill to develop, and teachers understand that you have not had a chance to practice many live presentations due to the pandemic. We ask you to do your best, but we are not expecting perfection. Please practice your presentation for your friends and family as many times as you possibly can. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel on the day of your presentations.

We enter the final two weeks of school for the semester tomorrow. This is the time to encourage students to do their best and put in their best effort at the finish line! Students, we’re all cheering for you!

Warmly,

Erin D’Souza

Principal

Hi DVC!

We had a great week back from Thanksgiving Break at DVC! Some highlights included the Film Festival hosted by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council this evening and a great “CD” (i.e. all-school assembly also known as Community Dialogue) on Wednesday. This week was also the last week of our seminar classes.

We have a special schedule for the next two weeks, so please read the following carefully:

Presentations of Learning: POLs begin next week for all students! The Presentation of Learning (POL) is a tradition at the Da Vinci Schools in which students prepare and deliver a formal presentation to a panel of their teachers. POLs give students the opportunity to develop their speaking and presentation skills and in some cases are a final opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of a topic. Because these are formal presentations, students are expected to wear formal attire. Our POL days are shortened days with a 1:25pm dismissal time. All students will be dismissed from school at 1:25pm starting on Thursday, 12/9 and continuing through Thursday, 12/16.

Each student will earn a letter grade for their POL based on the total score and the grade scale shown. This letter grade will be reflected on the student’s transcript but is not calculated into their GPA. The POL is worth one credit, which is the same amount of credit earned for most seminar courses.  All POLs will be scheduled between Thursday, 12/9 and Thursday, 12/16. Students may also have final exams on days in which they are not scheduled to present their POL. Teachers will be reviewing specific information regarding POL preparation on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week during a designated period called “POL Prep.” 

Student Grades: This is an important time to sit down with your student and check their grades in Powerschool. Click here for the Powerschool website; please email Jackie Martinez at jmartinez@davincischools.org if you need your child’s username and password. The last day for students to submit late work is Wednesday, 12/8.

Please see this week’s schedule at this post and also at tinyurl.com/dvcwebsite.

Wishing you a great weekend,

Erin D’Souza

Principal

Hi DVC Families,

We have a School Site Council Meeting happening today at 4:30pm. The meeting is happening via zoom at this link. All DVC community members are welcome to attend. The agenda is below:

The agenda for this meeting is as follows:

1. Public Comment
2. Assessing Progress Toward Goals
3. Financial Update
4. School Safety Plan Review & Revision
5. Finalize School Safety Plan

Sincerely,

Erin D’Souza

Happy Wednesday DVC!

The 2022 LAMCF Scholarship program opens TODAY for graduating high school seniors who are dependents of an Armed Forces member or Department of Defense civilian and is accepting applications through Feb 28, 2022.  Eligible students can download the eligibility requirements and an application at https://lamcf.weebly.com.  Last year, LAMCF awarded $29,500 in scholarships to seniors from El Segundo, North, Villa Park, Troy, and Ambassador High Schools.  Please ensure this message gets out to all your students

In case you have difficulty reaching the website, I have attached the applications for your records.

2022 LAMCF Scholarship Application for HS Seniors FINAL

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Ms. Aldrete

College and Career Counselor