Archive for May 27, 2022

Week 37 Preview: 10th Grade Pathways Selection & POLs Begin Next Week!

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Greetings Designers and Designer Families,

We’ve almost made it! We are in the final stretch of the semester, and POLs are around the corner. POL Schedules means that we follow minimum day schedules May 31st – June 8th – school begins at 8:55am and school ends at 1:55pm every day.

See the Week 37 and 38 POL schedule here:

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. Thank you for your service!

Next week is the beginning of Presentations of Learning! 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. Any student in need of formal attire, please contact the front office and we will do our best to accommodate.

For specific details and schedules regarding POLs, please reach out to your student’s grade level teachers.

10th Grade Design Pathways Selection Resources

10th grade students and parents: After CD today, Sophomores received a presentation about the Design Pathways Selection Process. Please look at the resource posted here so that you can help discuss this important decision as a family:
Additionally, DVD will host a Pathways “Open House” on Tuesday, May 31st, from 2pm-3pm in Pathways Classrooms (4th floor). ALL Sophomore should attend! Parents/Families are welcome to attend provided that they follow Covid protocols and procedures.
The final decision will be made in their Sophomore art classes as part of their POLs. ALL Sophomores must complete the Pathways Selection Survey in order to have their preference considered for their 11th grade courses.
For questions, please reach out to your counselor.

Key Events & Upcoming Dates:

  • May 30th, Monday: NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday
  • May 31st – June 7th: POL Schedules (minimum days – school ends at 1:55pm)
  • June 8th, Wednesday: Last Day of School (minimum day – school ends at 1:55pm)
  • June 9th: Graduation Ceremony, 5:00pm *Time Corrected* – at 201 N. Douglas St. Campus (must have ticket to attend)
  • June 14th: Summer Session 1 begins (by referral from counselors)
Posted in Grade 12

Resources and Supports In Response to School Violence in Texas

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Dear Design Students and Families,

As a school community today, we joined in a moment of silence for the students and staff lost in the tragic shooting yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. We felt it was important to take a moment this morning to recognize the hurt and fear being felt across the nation as a result of the violence that happened. For educators, parents, and students, school violence is something we all feel deeply. We encourage all students, and families too, check in with yourself today, to recognize how you are feeling affected by this, and to reach out to those around you if you need support today. For students, this means reaching our their counselors for support.

Here are some resources that may be helpful as you navigate your classrooms 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)

Teaching in the Wake of Violence (Facing History and Ourselves)

As principal, I want reassure all of you that these events, while too common, are rare, and that our school is safe. I join you in feelings of sadness today, but am encouraged by the collective strength of our school community.

Russell Stoll
Principal
Da Vinci Design

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (5.25.2022)

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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.

Posted in Grade 12

Soccer Field Project Moving Forward, Construction Expected to Begin This Summer

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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.

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, Sports

Costa Rica Travel Opportunity for Spring 2023

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Hello Future Travelers,

This is a final reminder if you haven’t yet enrolled for my Costa Rica’s Natural Wonder’s trip! Our trip with EF Educational Tours will take place next Spring 2023. There has been an overwhelming amount of interest and excitement around this destination. We’ve been blown away by the response and wanted to give everyone one final chance to enroll. We have filled 35 spots and only have 5 spots available!

Make sure to enroll by the deadline of Tuesday, May 31st to reserve your spot risk-free*. Enroll and see our trip website at www.eftours.com/2485599JW

Enroll by 5/31 to receive a $100 discount!

If you have questions, please reach out to Ms. Ada Wood (awood@davincischools.org) or Mr. Frank Solis (fsolis@davincischools.org), or call EF traveler support at 1-800-665-5364.

*EF is offering a Risk-Free Enrollment Period – Travelers who enroll now can cancel for any reason 30 days after enrollment for a full refund of 100% of the money paid to EF.

Posted in Grade 12

Week 36: POL Prep, Senior Showcase, and More!

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Greetings Designers and Design Families,

This week, we are getting ready for POLs. This is a reminder that starting next week, Da Vinci Design will follow a minimum day schedule. From Tuesday, May 31st through the last day of school on Wednesday, June 8th, start time will be at 8:55am and end time will be at 1:55pm. See the bell schedule below.

Join us at South Bay Customs for the Senior Project Showcase on Thursday, May 26th! 

The Senior Showcase is a free event, open to the public, hosted by Da Vinci Design each year! This student led event is created to showcase dozens of senior projects. Senior projects use the skills students learned in their respective pathways to research and address an issue or interest in their communities. This Showcase is a Da Vinci Design tradition that every graduating class gets to complete leading up to graduation. There will be food, live music, and all of Design’s student’s final projects! Funds from sales will go to the cost of the venue, food, invitations, etc. We hope to see you there!

Date: Thursday, May 26th
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Location: 115 Penn St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Key Events & Upcoming Dates:

  • May 23rd, Monday: POL Prep Week begins (No Seminars)
  • May 26th, Thursday: Senior Showcase Event @ South Bay Customs (free event!)
  • May 27th, Friday: 10th Grade On-Campus Activity Day w/ Fulcrum
  • May 27th, Friday at 6pm: Paint Night Fundraiser (click here for details)
  • May 30th, Monday: NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday
  • May 31st – June 7th: POL Schedules (minimum days – school ends at 1:55pm)
  • June 8th, Wednesday: Last Day of School (minimum day – school ends at 1:55pm)
  • June 9th: Graduation Ceremony, 5:00pm *Time Corrected* – at 201 N. Douglas St. Campus (must have ticket to attend)
Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade

Senior Class of 2022 – How to order your final official transcript

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Hello Srs!

Da Vinci schools partners with Parchment: Digital Credential Services.

Parchment provides you with the ability to request your final official transcripts online and have them sent electronically and securely to the colleges, universities, or scholarship programs that you select.  An email with your registration code and instructions on how to create your online account with Parchment has already been sent to your DVD email. Once you create your account, you will have the opportunity to request your official high school transcript be sent to the college you select. After you make your request, your official (and final) high school transcript will be processed once your final semester grades have been added into PowerSchool. When your request has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation.

Please click here for more information on ordering through Parchment. Ordering transcripts is FREE of charge until August 1st.

If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.

Thank you,

DVD Counseling Team

Posted in Grade 12

Kirk Takeyama Selected as Next Assistant Principal of Design

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Da Vinci Schools is pleased to announce that Kirk Takeyama has been selected to serve as the next Assistant Principal of Da Vinci Design, effective July 1, 2022.
Kirk is an experienced school administrator. During the last six years, he has served as Assistant Principal of Culture and Climate at Bert Corona Charter School. He is experienced in positive behavior interventions and support strategies, and in coaching and supporting new teachers.
Kirk received his B.S. from Cal State Northridge and a M.A. in Education from National University.
We are excited to welcome Kirk to our Da Vinci family!
Posted in Grade 12
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