Dear Da Vinci Students and Families,

We are excited to introduce a new initiative for the 2024-25 school year called Community Learning Days (CLDs), in response to our community’s desire to provide more opportunities to bring students together across all our high schools. CLDs offer a day of choice and flexibility in learning for Da Vinci families enrolled at Communications, Connect High, Design, RISE, and Science.

Community Learning Days are designed to enrich the high school educational experience and foster a deeper sense of connection between students at all our high schools. CLDs advance our Da Vinci Schools’ vision of empowering a new generation of students prepared to lead, innovate and thrive in the modern world where learning can happen within and beyond the school walls. CLDs are scheduled four times throughout the school year (Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Feb. 10, Apr. 21), offering a unique blend of community, connection, flexibility, creativity, and accountability for both students and staff.

What are Community Learning Days?
CLDs are a new initiative for the 2024-25 school year designed to provide students and families across our schools with a menu of choices, including optional on-campus programming that brings students together from all our schools from 8:00am-12:30pm at our 201 N. Douglas St. campus; extra learning time at home to catch up on schoolwork; or time for your family to take advantage of something that would not normally be available during regular school hours, such as going on college visits, exploring museums, and more. 

Based on community input, the decision to introduce CLDs grew out of a desire for additional opportunities to bring together students across our campuses to foster deeper connections, for more student choice in pursuing learning that is most meaningful to them, and for new strategies to promote and support student and staff well-being.  

How does it work?
Students will learn more about CLDs this week during Advisory classes. A Student Survey will be launched during the week of September 5 for students and families to make selections about what they would like their first CLD to look like on Friday, October 11. Students and families will make a choice to participate in On-Campus Learning or Off-Campus Learning. Students and families will be notified of their CLD approved selection during the week of September 23. 

Students are encouraged to plan their activities thoughtfully and productively. Students will track progress and accomplishments in Canvas, ensuring that these days are both enjoyable and productive. All students will learn and earn attendance but in different ways. Follow-up surveys will help us plan for future CLDs. 

What learning can students participate in?
ON-CAMPUS:  High school students will have an array of diverse on-campus learning experiences to choose from at the 201 N. Douglas campus, such as:

• Explore and engage with hands-on equipment in the Ceramics Studio, CTE Lab, shop materials, and learn how to use advanced tools like laser cutters and 3D printers
• College and career workshops
• Financial Literacy
• Special community service or volunteer field trips
• Open Lab (space for students to complete work or study)
• Other planned offerings that will be shared in the upcoming survey

OFF-CAMPUS:  Students can “leave to learn” and engage in a learning experience off campus independently, such as going on a college visit, service learning, job shadow, internship, etc.  Or, students can complete work from home – get caught up or get ahead!  A permission slip is required to be signed by the parent/guardian for Off-Campus Learning.

All students – whether they participate in on-campus or off-campus learning – will have access to breakfast and lunch on all Community Learning Days. 

How will staff be involved in CLDs?
Staff will create new on-campus learning experiences based on their personal passions, while forming deeper connections with colleagues across our school community. Staff also will have flexible work time to prepare instructional materials and lessons, participate in professional development, and more. 

We hope you are excited about Community Learning Days as we are. We believe that CLDs will be a transformative addition to our educational program, fostering a joyful and connected environment for our entire learning community. We look forward to seeing the creative and productive ways our students and staff will utilize these days to grow, learn, and thrive.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting new journey together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew Wunder
CEO/Superintendent
Da Vinci Schools