Archives for May 2022

We hope you have a terrific Memorial Day Weekend and wish to extend a special word of gratitude to all those who have served or are currently serving in our country’s armed forces. We are grateful for the safety and freedom we enjoy because of your service!

Next week begins Presentations of Learning (POLs) for grades 9, 10, and 11! POLs give students the opportunity to develop their speaking and presentation skills and are an opportunity for students to reflect publicly on their learning. Because these are formal presentations, students are expected to wear formal attire. Our POL days are shortened days with a 1:40pm dismissal time. All students will be dismissed from school at 1:40pm starting on Tuesday, 5/31 and continuing through Wednesday, 6/8 (the last day of school). 

• 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. 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); masking is strongly recommended. 
• Students: Please know that this presentation is a great opportunity to practice public speaking in front of a live audience. This is an important skill to develop; 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.

There are a bunch of upcoming events for the Class of 2022! Stay tuned for an email specifically for the Class of 2022 and families with information regarding graduation and more.

In the meantime, here’s what’s coming up during these final two weeks:

• Tuesday, 5/31: POL Schedule Begins: Minimum Days – students dismissed at 1:40pm
• Thursday, 6/2: 12th Grade DTLA Field Trip
• Friday, 6/3: Disneyland Grad Night (12th Grade)
• Monday, 6/6: FUTURES Graduation
• Tuesday, 6/7: Senior Awards @ 9:00 & Graduation Practice @ 12:00
• Wednesday, 6/8: Last Day of the School Year
• Thursday, 6/9: Class of 2022 Graduation @ 11am (Invitation Only)

Sincerely,

Erin D’Souza, Principal

Dear DVC Students and Families,

The tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas has shaken all of our nation and our school family. We are deeply saddened by the horrific and heartbreaking events, as surely you are as well. Our hearts are with every family affected by this tragedy, and with the entire Uvalde community as they respond and grieve.

For educators, parents, and students, school violence is something we all feel deeply. Here are some resources that may be helpful in the wake of this violence:

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)

Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)

Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)

Trauma and Disaster Mental Health (American Counseling Association)

I join you in feelings of sadness, but I am encouraged by the collective strength of our school community.

Sincerely,

Erin D’Souza, DVC Principal

Good Morning 11th grade Parents and Students,

Every year, The Posse Foundation works closely with high schools to recruit Posse Scholars. Each Posse Scholar wins a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to attend one of Posse’s partner colleges or universities.  If you are interested in being nominated by your high school and demonstrate leadership and academic potential, please attend our Posse Foundation Scholarship Informational Meeting next Wednesday, June 1st from 5pm-6pm on Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/93781941509?pwd=MWwzQnlianNTZ242eGs5YmRVMkZudz09

Meeting ID: 937 8194 1509

Passcode: xgjb9k

The preliminary round includes Da Vinci Communications staff reviewing your application and selecting this year’s nominees to send to The Posse Foundation. Once your nomination status has been received by The Posse Foundation, you will go through several rounds of interviews with Posse. Part of the interview process includes you ranking your top three colleges from their partner institutions and finding the right match for you. While The Posse Foundation does its best to find the best match, it is not guaranteed that you will be matched with your first-choice college.

FAQ English – 2021- FAQs[62]

FAQ Spanish- 2021-FAQs (Spanish)[4]

For more information and to look at Posse’s partner colleges, visit https://www.possefoundation.org.

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Aldrete: maldrete@davincischools.org

Hello Da Vinci Scholars and Families,

Students who are interested in receiving 5 academic credits for summer internships/volunteer opportunities, must fill out the Unpaid Internship Agreement and submit a timesheet that demonstrates the completion of 60 hours of service. The Agreement must be turned in before the start of the internship/volunteer opportunity. The timesheet is due August 6, 2022. Please email all documents to Ms. Rodriguez at crodriguez@davincischools.org.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the medical field? Learn more about the Da Vinci Schools + Stepful Certified Medical Assistant program. The program begins on July 25th. To learn more, contact Val Green (v.green@davincischools.org) or see this flyer.

> Be job ready in 5 months
> Program includes coursework, an internship, and coaching support
> Tuition-free
> Earn a CMA certificate

Loyola Marymount University is offering a free Financial Literacy program from June 20th to August 5th. This program is ideal for students who want to learn how to make healthy financial decisions. To register, please click here.

Da Vinci Schools is thrilled to announce the long-awaited soccer field project at 201 N. Douglas Street is moving forward this summer. On March 8, 2022, the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees approved $1.5 million in reserve funds designated to complete the soccer field.

“Both Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified share a mutually beneficial goal and desire to complete the soccer field project for our students, families and community. It’s been four and a half years since the campus opened. As a long-term user of the facility, Da Vinci decided to assume financial responsibility for the completion of the soccer field,” said Dr. Don Brann, Da Vinci’s Board President.

A formal Facilities Use Agreement (FUA) between the Wiseburn Unified School District and Da Vinci Schools calls for the construction of playing fields at the high schools campus for the benefit of Da Vinci students, the Wiseburn District, and the Wiseburn community. With enough reserve funding on hand, the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees voted to fund and complete the project with the District’s cooperation.

The soccer field project is projected to begin in Summer 2022. The project scope includes removal of a large amount of existing dirt (estimated at 3,600 yards), grading, installation of new synthetic turf, bleachers and a scoreboard, among other work. The soccer field project is anticipated to be completed in time for use during the 2022-23 soccer season.