The 7th annual Johnstone Scholarship application is now open and ready for Da Vinci Seniors to apply! Applications are due Friday, April 25th. No late applications will be accepted. The application link is below.
They intend to select one deserving scholarship recipient from each Da Vinci school.
About the Johnstone Scholarship:
Through the Wiseburn Education Foundation, Dr. Tom and Terry Johnstone have set up a scholarship to help five lucky Da Vinci seniors get a head start their freshman year of college. Dr. Johnstone was the superintendent in Wiseburn for many years and played a significant role helping to open the high school. With his help, Wiseburn Education Foundation is thrilled to be able to offer scholarships to our high school seniors.
Da Vinci Schools is thrilled to announce a powerful, practical, and proven workshop designed to help families decode, dispute, and decrease their college costs. If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you!
What You’ll Learn:
How to analyze, assess, and adjust financial aid award letters.
Strategies for writing clear, compelling, and convincing financial aid appeal letters.
Proven methods to negotiate, navigate, and knock down your college’s cost-effectively.
*You only need to sign up for ONE workshop as all workshops will repeat the same information.
What to Bring:
Your student’s financial aid award letter(s)- applicable to senior families
A notepad or laptop for notes
Any relevant financial documents or estimates
This engaging, enlightening, and empowering workshop will give you the confidence and tools to secure the best financial outcome for college. Don’t miss this opportunity to plan, prepare, and prosper.
Student Led Conference (SLC) week at Da Vinci Design is happening March 10th-13th. We are excited to have you on campus with us! SLCs are an important time when parents and teachers come together for a meeting led by the student. It is a time to highlight a student’s strengths and hard work, to encourage students to set new goals, and to ask guiding questions so students can take ownership of their learning. Every student is expected to participate in leading an SLC with a parent/guardian present this semester. SLCs will happen in-person. See below for SLC schedules and details presented by each grade level teaching team.
Reminders for families arriving for SLCs:
Families can find parking anywhere in the lot north of 201 N. Douglas St.
Please check-in on the 1st floor upon arriving to get a name tag and find which classroom to report to.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time to park and check-in.
Student Led Conferences (SLCs): Grade Level Resources
Here is the Week 26 Bell Schedule for Da Vinci Design:
Thank you to the families who joined us for our Coffee with Admin meeting on Wednesday! It is great getting the chance to meet with families, hear what is on your mind, and share the great things happening at DVD. If you did not get a chance to meet with us this week, click here for the Coffee with DVD Admin slides from March 2025. Coffee with DVD Admin happens at 8am and 5pm via Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month.
WDV Performing Arts Presents: GREASE
Don’t miss the electrifying Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts spring musical, GREASE! Join us for a unforgettable story of friendship, love, and adventure through the 1950s. The first show opens Friday, February 28th and runs through Sunday, March 9th. Grab your tickets today–– this is a show you don’t want to miss!
Come show your support for the talented GREASE cast and crew, who have dedicated countless hours to bringing this show to life. Space is limited––get your tickets today!
Upcoming Events and Key Dates:
Mon, Mar. 10th – Thurs, Mar. 13th: Student Led Conferences (SLCs)
Fri, Mar. 14th: NO SCHOOL – Professional Development Day
Mon, Mar. 31st: NO SCHOOL – Cesar Chavez Holiday
Thurs, Apr. 10th: Exhibition Night!
9th / 10th / 11th Grade presentations
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Mon, Apr. 14th – Friday, Apr. 18th: NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
Mon, Apr. 21st: Community Learning Day – No Classes
Tues, Apr. 22nd: Classes Resume – Return from Spring Break
I am writing to share the news that Da Vinci Schools has accepted the resignation of Da Vinci Design Principal Russell Stoll, who is stepping down, effective June 30, 2025.
Russell joined Da Vinci Schools in 2011 and has served as principal of Da Vinci Design since 2021. Under Russell’s leadership, Da Vinci Design has flourished, recently being recognized as a Top 10 Charter School in California for Boosting College and Career Success.
Russell has had a tremendous impact on the culture and climate of Da Vinci Design, most recently leading the WASC re-accreditation process during which Design was recognized as a “model school for project-based learning and innovative projects.” Russell has provided thoughtful leadership in collaborative professional development, in commitment to innovative teaching practices, and in cultivating a school culture of inclusion and student empowerment. He has witnessed the growth of each student at Design since the first graduating class of 2013.
About his work at Da Vinci Design, Russell shared the following:
“I don’t have the words to express what an honor it has been to have Da Vinci Design as my home and my family for the last 14 years. I have the deepest gratitude for the opportunity to have grown so much within Da Vinci Schools over that time. I am so proud to have been a part of a school community that is so innovative, collaborative, caring, and does such incredible student-centered work.”
We are moving thoughtfully to hire the next Da Vinci Design principal. Russell will be part of this process to ensure a smooth transition. Da Vinci Design is well-poised for continued success.
We are extremely grateful for Russell’s outstanding leadership, positive energy, and commitment to supporting all students. We wish Russell our very best as he moves into the next chapter of his life.
With gratitude,
Matthew Wunder, Ed.D.
CEO & Superintendent
Da Vinci Schools
This upcoming Spring semester, Da Vinci Schools is offering three dual enrollment courses.
COMS 100- Public Speaking
(Online)
BUS 101- Introduction to Business
(Asynchronous, Online)
HDEV 110
(Asynchronous, online)
In this course, students will compose, present, and evaluate original speeches. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, topic selection, research, evidence, organization, delivery, and critical analysis of persuasive communication. Students are required to attend out-of-class speaking events.
3 units
Transfer CSU, UC
*meets graduation requirements at most CSUs
Start Date: February 18th, 2024
This course is a survey of organization and management factors influencing the establishment, location, and operation of businesses. This course emphasizes the functional area of accounting as well as the legal framework within which business activities are conducted. The course also emphasizes the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) in a multicultural and globalized environment.
3 units
Transfer CSU, UC
Start Date: February 18th, 2024
This course provides an exploration of cognitive, psychological, social and physical factors influencing success.
Topics include personal responsibility, critical thinking, motivation, self-efficacy, lifelong learning, health and
wellness, and interpersonal communication in a diverse world. Students will identify and utilize strategies and
resources for success in college, careers, and life.3 units;Transfer CSU, UC
Start Date: February 18th, 2024
Who: Juniors and Seniors from DVC, DVD, and DVS. Based on academic performance and review. 10th grade students will need El Camino dean approval (this means students will need to email the dept. dean at El Camino directly before submitting the dual enrollment form – please see Miss Pam for directions).
What: College courses at Da Vinci Schools, through El Camino College. Courses meet transfer requirements for most Cal State and UC campuses, as well as most private colleges and universities.
Why: Get a start on your college credits! It looks great on your college applications.
Cost: Free! The state of California and Da Vinci Schools pick up the costs, including textbook fees. Donations to help cover the cost of the textbooks from families that can are appreciated.
Where: Classes will be held virtually on the El Camino College student portal (Canvas & MyECC).
To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, the student will need to pass all their academic classes from first semester, have no credit recovery for A-G classes, and be a junior or senior student. Space is limited and we are accepting forms on a first come first serve basis!
For more information click on the following links:
The Black College Expo is back, February 1, 2025! NEW LOCATION – SoFi Stadium. This is your chance to speak with over 200 HBCU college reps. College acceptances on the spot so bring multiple copies of your transcript.
Come and experience the Battle of the Bands – an HBCU college tradition! Click on flyer below for more information!
Rivet School invites you to join our virtual information session on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00 pm.
In partnership with Da Vinci Schools, our Rivet School Bridge Program offers a supportive and free college and career experience. Da Vinci Seniors who choose to pursue their bachelor’s degree through Rivet School will enroll at no cost to the student or their family.
Why Rivet School?
1:1 Support: We understand the unique needs of students and provide flexibility with structured accountability.
Affordable College Pathway: Students partnering with Rivet School through DaVinci Schools enjoy a cost-free college experience.
Designed for Success: Our program is crafted to guide students seamlessly toward graduation and future career success.
Curious if Rivet School is the right fit for your student? RSVP for our upcoming info session to meet our Rivet School College Coach, and discover more about the program and how it can shape a brighter future for your senior.
Hello senior families! A reminder that the “FAFSA Fridays Workshop Series” continues with a workshop THIS, Friday, January 17th from 6:00pm-7:30pm at Da Vinci Communications (DVC) in Room 3203 . Please see flyer below for details. Please use the QR Code to register or you can register here for upcoming workshops. Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.
