Da Vinci Science

We hope our 9th grade students had an amazing Overnighter experience at Camp Pondo this week! We enjoyed the fun activities, thoughtful discussions, and meaningful time we spent together. We can’t wait to continue to learn and grow with the Class of 2028! 

Our Leadership team, clubs, and students groups put on a wonderful, celebratory Hispanic Heritage Month Community Dialogue (CD) this past Thursday. We are grateful to be able to celebrate students’ cultures, talents, and hard work together through this special event.

Friday, 10/11 was Da Vinci Schools’ first-ever Community Learning Day! What a neat experience to see students from all Da Vinci high schools participating in workshops and activities throughout the 201 campus! We hope students who remained off campus also had a productive day to learn and access opportunities. Don’t forget: ALL students MUST fill out this Community Learning Day Attendance Form to receive attendance credit. This form must be completed by a student using their Da Vinci Schools Google account. 

Announcements & Reminders for Week 9:

• Student-Led Conferences begin next week! Conference times were pushed out by Grade-Level teachers. Please check your email and this SLC Information for Families if you have not received your SLC time.
• Parent Association Meeting: The DVS Parent Association is in place to build a strong parent community who support the needs of the school as directed by the school administration. Come connect with other DVS parents at our first meeting of the year on Wednesday, 10/16 at 4:30pm in-person on the DVS floor (after SLCs)! You’ll learn more about this year’s projects and ways you can be more involved in the DVS community. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and there is nothing formal you need to do to “join.” Questions or to express interest in helping lead the DVSPA or a project can be directed to parent Lori Bowker at lj.bowk@gmail.com. Future meetings will be held alternating Zoom and in-person. See the DVS Planning Calendar for dates and times.
• SAT/PSAT School Day: The DVS SAT/PSAT School Day is on Monday, October 14th! All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered. Practice resources were posted on Canvas. It is crucial that students arrive at school on time. Per College Board rules, students will not be able to participate if testing has already begun. Questions should be directed to Saya, DVS Assistant Principal (swai@davincischools.org).

• • 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
  • 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 12th Grade: SAT (opt-in registration deadline has passed)

• Honors Commitment Deadline: Students who submitted their Honors Contracts by 9/20 have until Friday, October 18th to notify their teacher if they choose not to continue with honors in that course. Otherwise, Honors at DVS this year is a semester-long commitment, as noted on the Honors Contracts.

• Great California Shakeout is a statewide initiative to bring earthquake awareness and preparedness to California schools. DVS will be participating in the Great California Shakeout earthquake drill on Thursday, October 11th.

• Week 9 College Rep Visits: Both meetings will be in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students from all grade levels (9-12) are welcome!
  • Friday, October 18th at 8am:  UCLA
  • Friday, October 18th at lunchtime: University of San Francisco

Week 9 Schedule (10/14-10/18):

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday, 10/14 SAT/PSAT School Day
• Monday-Thursday, 10/14-10/17 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Wednesday, 10/16: DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 4:30pm at DVS
• Thursday, 10/17 Great California Shakeout @ 10:17am
• Friday, 10/18 Honors Commitment Deadline
• Friday, 11/1 PD Day, No School for students
• Friday, 11/8 CLD Day #2
• Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day- No School
• Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/29

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Overnighter was a blast! Find more photos from the Freshmen Overnighter at this link.

Team Ten celebrated these sophomores with awards this week! Congratulations!

Many students contributed to the Hispanic Heritage Month CD, including our amazing Baile Folklórico Club and students who showcased their beautiful quinceañera dresses.

DVS teachers hosted some CLD workshops, including this Athletics workshop.

We hope all families have a wonderful, safe, and restful three-day weekend! It was great to see 12th-grade families at this week’s college planning workshop and at DVS Families Coffee time. We enjoy seeing our students and families and appreciate your support. 

We also want to take the opportunity to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month from September 15 to October 15, we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including advocacy work, beautiful art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

We look forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at our first Community Dialogue next week. The student leadership team has done an excellent job preparing for this celebratory event for our school; thank you, Leadership Team!

Announcements & Reminders for Week 8:

• Freshmen Overnighter is happening this week!  Hopefully, things continue to be positive for fire containment and the San Bernardino area. Camp Pondo confirmed that they are ready and expecting us next week. We are still planning for Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 8-9th.  Overnighter Leaders will leave Monday10/7, and Freshmen Campers will leave Tuesday, 10/8. All students will return on Wednesday, 10/9. Information and permission slips have been given in class and posted in Canvas. Here is the link to Overnighter Permission Slip with revised dates. Please note that all school policies and expectations apply during the Overnighter. We look forward to spending this precious, formidable, and fun time with the Freshmen!
• Student-Led Conferences SLC conference times were pushed out by Grade Level teachers. Please check your email if you have not received your SLC time. 
  • SLC Information for Families 

• SAT/PSAT School Day: The DVS SAT/PSAT School Day is on Monday, October 14th! All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered. Practice resources were posted on Canvas.

• • 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
  • 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 12th Grade: SAT (opt-in registration deadline has passed)
  • Questions should be directed to Saya, DVS Assistant Principal (swai@davincischools.org). Remember that students can also register to take the SAT outside of the SAT School Day offered at DVS through the College Board at this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration.

• Community Learning Days: Our first CLD Day is coming up Oct. 11th. This week, all students were given a new student survey to fill out. The survey asks students whether they plan to have their learning experience on campus or off campus. If students select the off-campus option, a CLD Off-Campus Permission Slip must be signed by a parent/guardian and turned in to the Advisory teacher (students were provided a copy of this permission slip during Advisory this week). All students will need to fill out an attendance form to receive attendance credit for that day.
• College Rep Visits: El Camino College will be on campus Tuesday, October 8th during lunch time. We encourage students to come learn about community college, transferring to a 4-year university from a community college and the South Bay Promise Program, which offers FREE tuition at El Camino College for two years. This meeting will be held in Mr. Perez’s room during lunchtime and all grade levels are welcome.
• Thank you to all students and families who attended their grade-level College Planning Information Session. Presentations are posted on the DVS Blog as well as Canvas.  Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, with any follow-up questions.

Week 8 Schedule (10/7-10/13):

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/08-10/09: 9th Grade Overnighter @ Camp Pondo
• Friday, 10/11 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 10/14 SAT/PSAT School Day
• Monday-Thursday, 10/14-10/17 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Thursday, 10/17 Great California Shakeout @ 10:17am
• Friday, 10/18 Honors Commitment Deadline
• Friday, 11/1 PD Day, No School for students
• Friday, 11/8 CLD Day #2
• Monday, 11/11 Veteran’s Day- No School
• Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Test
• Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/29

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

 Some Highlights from the Week:

Advanced Physics field trip to Del Aire Park to collect data for Westy’s World Playground Project

Biomed student trying to save Mr. Perez by stopping the bleed!

Juniors working on Reconstruction DBQ. Working in groups to respond t to the statement: “To what extent was Reconstruction successful at improving the lives of African Americans?”

Amazing Hispanic Heritage Month display made by students from the Leadership Team and Latin American Crafts Seminar

Did you know that Da Vinci Schools are included among 115 South Bay Families Connected Partner Schools? Through this partnership, our parents and staff have free access to resources and educational events addressing a wide array of youth wellness topics, from healthy tech use to substance use prevention. We invite you to attend any of their upcoming events, including screenings of the new Screenagers film and the fentanyl prevention film “Come Back Home”, as well as the monthly Families Connected Parent Chat support group. Be sure to check-out this month’s Families Connected newsletter and sign-up to gain access to new resources and events each month. For our own unique youth wellness resource page, visit Da Vinci Families Connected. Together as a community, we strive to help our youth thrive.

As usual, DVS had an eventful and busy week! 11th graders had an informative time at NACAC’s College Fair at the LA Convention Center. Over 1800 colleges and universities were represented, and our students had a great time asking questions and checking out different college booths. Counselors also continued to offer college planning workshops for 10th and 11th-grade students. This is the season for seniors going through the application process and all grade levels to explore and plan for post-secondary options. 

Students in the Biomedical Pathway also had the opportunity to visit Loma Linda University. Students took a field trip, toured the high-tech bio simulation lab, and engaged in lectures and an interactive cadaver lab tour. Through Monday’s Blood Drive, many lives were saved through our collaboration with UCLA Health.

Clubs have officially started, and it’s been great to see students pursuing their interests and having fun together during lunch and after school. 

Due to School Holiday, there will be no school this Friday, Oct. 4th.

Announcements & Reminders for Week 7:

• Community Learning Days– Our first CLD Day is coming up Oct. 11th. This week, all students were given a new student survey to fill out. The survey asks students whether they plan to plan to have their learning experience on campus or off campus. If students select the off-campus option, a CLD Off-Campus Permission Slip must be signed by parent/guardian and turned in to the Advisory teacher (students were provided a copy of this permission slip during Advisory this week). All students will need to fill out an attendance form to receive attendance credit for that day.  
  • Student Community Learning Day Survey
  • CLD Off-Campus Permission Slip
• College Planning Information Sessions continue into Week 7! We welcome 12th grade families on Wednesday, October 2nd. Come learn more about solidifying your college list, the college application process, financial aid applications and more! This meeting  is from 5:30pm-6:30pm and held on the DVS floor.  Click here to reserve your spot!
• College Rep Visits: All college rep visits happen during lunch time in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students of all grade levels (9-12) are welcome. College Rep Visits for Week 7:

• Monday, 9/30: CSU Dominguez Hills
• Tuesday, 10/1: Cal Tech
• Wednesday, 10/2: Syracuse University
• Thursday, 10/3: UC Merced

• AMC Math Competition: DVS will be administering the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 and 12 on Tuesday, November 12th 3pm-5pm (during seminar and after school) to those who sign up. The AMC 10/12 are both 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice examinations in high school. Find out more at this link: https://maa.org/student-programs/amc/ Interested students should sign up via this form by 9:00am on Monday, September 30th (DV Google account required). For questions, contact Saya at swai@davincischools.org. 
• DVS Family Coffee Time: Every first Wednesday of the month, we will have an open “Coffee Time” where parents, guardians, and students can drop in to ask administration and staff questions and receive updates on school happenings. This week’s DVS Families Coffee Time will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd, from 4:15-5:15 using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/3108950461   

Week 7 Schedule (9/30-10/4):

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Wednesday, 10/02: DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:15pm
• Wednesday, 10/02: 12th Grade College Planning Info Session
• Friday, 10/04: No School – School Holiday 
• Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/08-10/09: 9th Grade Overnighter @ Camp Pondo
• Friday, 10/11 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 10/14 SAT/PSAT School Day
• Monday-Thursday, 10/14-10/17 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Thursday, 10/17 Great California Shakeout @ 10:17am
• Friday, 10/18 Honors Commitment Deadline
• Friday, 11/1 PD Day, No School for students

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

 Some Highlights from the Week:

We had a wonderful week! The students did a great job and had a great time at the Club Fair. We encourage students to join clubs and to be engaged with the school community while pursuing their interests. Check out our Club Website for more information.   

Announcements & Reminders for Week 6:

• DVS Parent Advisory Committee: The first PAC meeting of this year is next Wednesday, September 25th 4:15-5:15 at this Zoom link. Parent Advisory Committee is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, review data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in joining our DVS Parent Advisory Committee, please complete the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form. PAC Meeting Dates are planned for Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:15-5:15pm on these dates: 9/25, 11/20, 2/12, 3/26, 5/14.
• DVS Parent Association: The DVS Parent Association was formed last year to create and build a strong parent community that supports the needs of the school as directed by the school administration. We are excited about the new projects we plan to bring to our community this school year. Our goal is to have at least one parent from each advisory group participating in the DVSPA meetings/projects. Could that be you?  Everyone is encouraged to get involved and there is nothing formal you need to do to “join.”  We will meet once a month, alternating between in person and on Zoom.  Questions or to express interest in helping lead the DVSPA can be directed to parent Lori Bowker at lj.bowk@gmail.com.  Come connect with other DVS parents at our first meeting of the year to learn more about this year’s projects and ways you can be more involved in the DVS community on Wednesday, 10/16, 4:30pm in person (after SLCs).
• South Bay Families Connected: SBFC is a great resource for our families: “SBFC’s mission is to improve K-12 students’ social-emotional wellness. We do this by connecting parents, guardians, and teens with valuable resources, education, and support, as well as reducing stigma around mental health issues and sparking conversations that inspire people to reach out for help when they need it.” Check out South Bay Families Connected Events Calendar
• PSAT/SAT School Day: The DVS PSAT/SAT School Day is on Monday, October 14th. All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered.
  •  9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
  • 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 12th Grade: Opt-in to take the SAT (opt-in form posted on Canvas)

• 11th-grade students interested in taking the SAT instead of the PSAT/NMSQT should reach out to Saya (swai@davincischools.org) by Monday, September 30th, 2024.
• Remember that you can also register to take the SAT outside of the SAT School Day offered at DVS. Register through the College Board at this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration 

• College Planning Information Sessions continue into Week 6! We welcome 10th-grade families on Tuesday, September 24th, and 11th-grade families on Thursday, September 26th. Come learn more about college and career readiness, graduation requirements, college admissions tips and more! Meetings are from 5:30pm-6:30pm and are held on the DVS floor.  Click here to reserve your spot!
• Freshmen Overnighter: Overnighter has been rescheduled for October 8-9th. All students should have received a new permission slip from the English class. Please have new permission slips signed and returned by October 2nd. 
• College Rep Visits: All college rep visits happen during lunch time in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students of all grade levels (9-12) are welcome. College Rep Visits for Week 6:
  • Monday, 9/23: United States Air Force

Week 6 Schedule (9/23-9/27):

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday, 9/23: UCLA Blood Drive
• Tuesday, 9/24: 10th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Tuesday, 9/24: Picture Make-Up Day
• Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC College Fair Field Trip in Los Angeles
• Wednesday, 9/25: Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting #1 @ 4:15pm on Zoom 
• Thursday, 9/26: 11th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Wednesday, 10/02: DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:15pm
• Wednesday, 10/02: 12th Grade College Planning Info Session
• Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/08-10/09: 9th Grade Overnighter @ Camp Pondo
• Friday, 10/11: CLD Day 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Juniors and Seniors attended the Latino College Expo at the University of La Verne last Saturday, 9/14.

Students in Advanced Calculus gave an informal presentation on their classwork from CPM. They shared about finite differences, slope statements, and the patterns they noticed in the graphs.

Advanced Physics successfully pieced together clues to solve a Kimematics Crime and proved who destroyed the historic valuable vase by using free fall acceleration equations

CEA Downtown LA Tour- students presented their research on architectural structures and designs and got to visit Cal Trans!

DVS Club Fair- students had a great time representing and signing up for clubs!

Ichi Ice Cubes Advisory Dinner at Northern Cafe