Da Vinci Communications

Week 34 Schedule

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Thank you, DVC Families! We had a great staff appreciation week, complete with breakfast burritos on Monday, catered lunch on Wednesday, and notes of gratitude on Friday! Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and wrote messages – we felt the love!

A special shoutout to Mr. Christopher Jackson who was featured in this article in Education Week about teachers who go above and beyond for their students! We are so proud of the amazing teachers, counselors, and support staff at DVC.

Congratulations to last week’s All-Star Award Winners as well as the Class of 2025 Co-Valedictorians, Sophia Alexander and Micah Burton! We are proud to honor and celebrate you. 

Progress Reports: This week, we will be mailing home progress reports. There are only four weeks of school left – please have a conversation about how to finish the school year strong. If you have any questions about your student’s grades, follow up with your child’s teachers directly using this staff email list.

Technology Misuse: Messages have been sent to all Da Vinci Schools families informing you of a concerning and dangerous trend called the “Chromebook Challenge”. It is currently circulating on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and has recently impacted schools across the country—including Da Vinci. Help us keep our campus safe by talking openly with your child about the dangers of participating in harmful online trends.

Spring Survey: We Want to Hear From You – Take the Da Vinci Family Survey! Look for an email or a text from “Kelvin.” The spring survey includes questions about school culture, teaching and learning, student experiences, and overall satisfaction. Your honest input helps us celebrate what’s working and identify areas where we can improve. Please take the survey by Friday, 5/21.

Pathway & Elective Presentation for the Class of 2027 (10th graders): During seminar on Monday, 5/19, students in 10th grade will watch a presentation of the pathway and elective courses that will be available for their 11th grade year. Students will have about a week following the presentation to complete a form to submit their requests. Stay tuned for more information following the presentation.

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

  • Tuesday, 5/13: Progress Reports Mailed Home
  • Monday, 5/19: Pathway & Elective Showcase during seminar (10th grade only)
  • Monday, 5/19: Studio Orchestra Performs at Knotts Berry Farm
  • 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:

allcove Beach Cities Leadership & Wellness Conference- Sat. 5/31

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Join young leaders from more than 30 organizations across the South Bay to connect, collaborate and uplift our voices together at our annual South Bay Leadership & Wellness Conference. This event will include conversations about advocacy, mental health, wellness and important topics facing our generation today.

You’ll also have the opportunity to share these priorities with local, state and federal leaders who will join us to kick off the event.

Picture this: young people sharing their concerns, their priorities and the ways we want to care for and support one another towards a healthier future. Through workshops and engaging wellness activities, the Conference is an opportunity to develop and expand your leadership skills and gain innovative tools to engage your peers in conversations that matter to them.

For young people ages 12-25. Free food and prizes are included! Plus, get community service hours.

Please RSVP by Sunday May 18, 2025. Please see attached flyer.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/331cf700fd394f719324314019772d48

South Bay Leadership & Wellness Conference
Saturday, May 31, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

allcove Beach Cities
514 N. Prospect Ave., 4th floor
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

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

Da Vinci Communications

201 N. Douglas St. – Floor 3

El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 725-5800