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Archives for May 2025

Andrew Daramola Selected as Principal of Da Vinci Communications

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Dear Families and Friends of Da Vinci Communications,

We are excited to announce that Andrew Daramola has been selected as Principal of Da Vinci Communications, replacing Erin D’Souza who is transitioning into a new role. This change in leadership at DVC will take place on July 1, 2025.

Andrew was selected following a comprehensive review and selection process involving input from DVC students, parents, teachers, staff, and Da Vinci leadership. He began his journey at DVC in 2017 as a World History and U.S. History teacher before moving into administration. For the past six years, Andrew has served as Assistant Principal at DVC, where he has been a highly effective and respected school leader. He played a key role in DVC earning a full six-year accreditation from WASC—the highest level possible. Andrew has also led the implementation of new structures to better support students with special needs and English learners, and has developed improved systems for academic intervention, positive school culture and behavior management, and attendance.

With Andrew at the helm, DVC is well-positioned to continue its strong trajectory of growth and success. His leadership, experience, and deep commitment to the DVC community will ensure continued excellence in academics, school culture, and student support.

Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Andrew spent time on the East Coast before eventually settling on the West Coast. He earned his B.A. in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple University, his M.Ed from Marquette University, and administrative credential from the University of Southern California. Andrew began his career as a history teacher in Milwaukee and Philadelphia, later serving as a director at Teach For America before moving to Los Angeles.

I hope you will join me in congratulating Andrew. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Erin D’Souza for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the DVC community. DVC is thriving as a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school with a strong culture of high expectations for all. Erin led the recent WASC re-accreditation, where DVC was praised for its inclusive culture and strong staff collaboration. Erin will soon transition to a new role as Executive Director of LifeLaunch, Da Vinci’s new adult career training program for graduating seniors.

Gratefully,

Matthew Wunder, Ed.D.
CEO & Superintendent
Da Vinci Schools

 

College and Career Rep Visits This Week: 5/5-5/9

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Hello DVC,

I hope you all had a restful Spring Break! Here are the list of college/career reps that will be visiting us during lunch this week:

  • Monday, May 5th @ 11:45 am: Savannah College of Art and Design

All college/career rep visits will take place in Mr. Jackson’s room (3203). As a reminder, please grab your lunch and head upstairs to Jackson’s class. No extended lunch passes will be given.

Students of all grade levels (9-12) can attend the college rep visits.

 

If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me or stop by my office,

Mrs. Aldrete

College & Career Counselor

Week 33 Schedule

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We celebrated the start of APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander & Desi American) Heritage Month during our first ever APIDA CD! Huge thank you to DVC’s Asian Representation Club for leading this special event as well as all the student and staff performers. Our entire school community did a great job of showing up and honoring APIDA voices and traditions.

Follow DVC’s Class of 2025 (@dvcco25) on Instagram to see the plans our seniors have for after high school! We are excited to celebrate them on Wednesday, May 21st at our College & Career Signing Day taking place after lunch in the gym.

WASC Accreditation Update: We are thrilled to announce that Da Vinci Communications has been awarded a six-year accreditation—the highest level possible—by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). This recognition reaffirms DVC’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education and promoting long-term success for all students. Visiting team members identified the following strengths about Da Vinci Communications, including:

  • DVC provides a safe, inclusive environment that offers an opportunity for students to engage in a diverse, rigorous curriculum designed to help them succeed in life beyond high school.
  • DVC’s culture prioritizes student well-being, academic success, collaboration, and respect to create a positive learning experience for all and make it a happy place.
  • DVC has positive, supportive student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions that support student success.
  • The staff at DVC is diverse, welcoming and collaborative.
  • DVC does an outstanding job communicating to its families.
  • Students feel that DVC is a safe environment where teachers really care about their success.
  • Project-Based Learning creates meaningful, real world-learning experiences that engage students and prepare them for post-secondary success.

For the full article about our WASC accreditation and what it means for us, please visit this link.

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting: All are welcome to attend our Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 5/6 @ 5pm – 201 N. Douglas or via zoom (link here). The agenda for the meeting is as follows: 

  1. Public Comment
  2. LCAP: Goal 4 and 5 Review
  3. Meeting Reflection (Plus / Delta)

Staff Appreciation Week: We are celebrating teachers and staff at DVC this week! Please write notes of appreciation – this is the most important part of our recognition and we need more notes! 

  • WRITE NOTES HERE – This is the easiest way to give back!
  • DONATE HERE – Select “02 Da Vinci Communications” and note that it’s for Staff Appreciation!
  • VOLUNTEER HERE – Sign up to help us put on these special events!

Summer Career Training Clinics – application deadline is MONDAY, 5/5: This summer, the Real World Learning Program is offering Da Vinci students hands-on career training clinics in Aviation, Art, and Advanced Manufacturing. Descriptions of each clinic can be found in the flyer below. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 5 at 5 pm. CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Please note: The application form must be completed by both the student and a parent/guardian to ensure we have accurate emergency contact information. If you have any questions, please contact Nordia Simmonds at nsimmonds@davincischools.org. 

Here’s what’s coming up THIS WEEK and beyond:

  • Monday, 5/5: CAASPP Math Testing Begins (11th)
  • Monday, 5/5: Staff Appreciation Week Begins
  • Tuesday, 5/6: Parent Advisory Committee Meeting @ 5pm – 201 N. Douglas or via zoom (link here)
  • Tuesday, 5/13: Progress Reports Mailed Home
  • Monday, 5/19: Pathway & Elective Presentation for 10th Graders (during seminar)
  • Wednesday, 5/21: Senior Signing Day (11:50am – 2:30pm)
  • Wednesday, 5/21: Senior Awards Night @ 5:30pm (by invitation only)
  • Monday, 5/26: No School – Memorial Day Holiday
  • Wednesday, 6/11: Last Day of School
  • Thursday, 6/12: Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony @ 9am (tickets required)

Please use these links for easy access to school information:

LifeLaunch Virtual Info Session May 7th!

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Did you know Da Vinci is launching a new adult program in Fall 2025, called LifeLaunch, designed for graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in Healthcare or Aviation?

Students will gain valuable skills, certifications and licenses, earn college credits through El Camino College, and receive personalized career planning and coaching — all while staying connected to their community at Da Vinci Schools, at no cost to students and families.

LifeLaunch Virtual Info Session – Join Us!

When: May 7, 2025 | 6:00-7:00 pm

Where: Via Zoom

Submit a LifeLaunch Interest Form today to stay on top of the latest news!

Questions? Contact Ebony Bobadilla at ebobadilla@davincischool.org.

Da Vinci Communications and Da Vinci Design Granted Full, Six-Year Accreditation by WASC

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We are thrilled to announce that both Da Vinci Communications and Da Vinci Design have been awarded six-year accreditations—the highest level possible—by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). This recognition reaffirms Da Vinci’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education and promoting long-term success for all students.

Last year, Da Vinci Connect and Da Vinci RISE also earned full six-year accreditations. Next week, WASC will be visiting Da Vinci Science as part of its ongoing accreditation process.

WASC accreditation is a voluntary process through which schools demonstrate that they meet rigorous standards of educational quality and excellence. This well-respected accreditation can impact important factors such as credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and overall institutional credibility.

The Commission granted accreditation for Da Vinci Communications and Da Vinci Design through June 30, 2031. Each school underwent a rigorous evaluation process that included a comprehensive self-study, peer review, and the successful completion of an on-site, three-day accreditation visit by a team of experienced educators.

“We are incredibly proud of Da Vinci Communications and Da Vinci Design for earning this highest level of accreditation,” said Dr. Matthew Wunder, Da Vinci’s CEO/Superintendent. “This achievement reflects the dedication of so many team members who contributed to this outstanding result and who work every day to ensure the quality and impact of Da Vinci’s programs and services.”

“I wish to extend my deep appreciation to all the staff, faculty, and student leaders at Da Vinci Communications and Da Vinci Design and especially to the Da Vinci leaders who led the WASC accreditation process, including DVC Principal Erin D’Souza, DVD Principal Russell Stoll, and Michelle Rainey, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction,” Dr. Wunder continued.

Visiting team members identified the following strengths about Da Vinci Communications, including:

  • DVC provides a safe, inclusive environment that offers an opportunity for students to engage in a diverse, rigorous curriculum designed to help them succeed in life beyond high school.
  • DVC’s culture prioritizes student well-being, academic success, collaboration, and respect to create a positive learning experience for all and make it a happy place.
  • DVC has positive, supportive student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions that support student success.
  • The staff at DVC is diverse, welcoming and collaborative.
  • DVC does an outstanding job communicating to its families.
  • Students feel that DVC is a safe environment where teachers really care about their success.
  • Project-Based Learning creates meaningful, real world-learning experiences that engage students and prepare them for post-secondary success.

Visiting team members identified the following strengths about Da Vinci Design, including:

  • Da Vinci Design has a welcoming environment that gives access to opportunity through real world experiences, industry collaborations, and a focus on collaboration and presentation skills.
  • Project-Based Learning engages students and connects them to real-world ideas and the outside community.
  • DVD students feel prepared for adulthood.
  • Da Vinci Design is fostering a culture of inclusivity, providing robust counseling support, implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports and restorative practices, and high behavioral and academic expectations for all students.
  • All staff genuinely care about students and students feel the support.
  • Presentations of Learning and other performance-based assessments allow for students to be self-reflecting learners and provide a real world element of professionalism.
  • Staff are passionate about the ability to be creative and innovative in their instruction.

We are so proud of our school communities!

Da Vinci Communications

201 N. Douglas St. – Floor 3

El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 725-5800