For any questions/concerns, please contact the College and Career Counselor, Mrs. Aldrete (maldrete@davincischools.org)
For any questions/concerns, please contact the College and Career Counselor, Mrs. Aldrete (maldrete@davincischools.org)
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
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:
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
by Erin D'Souza
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:
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:
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!
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:
Please use these links for easy access to school information:
by Gloria Perez
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
201 N. Douglas St. – Floor 3
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 725-5800