Da Vinci Science

We had a wonderful Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Students engaged in Neurodiversity lessons during Advisory, discussed that “disability is not a bad word” and “differences are not deficits,” held lunch-and-learn activities, and shared their experiences as students with neurodiverse differences. Thank you, Neurodiversity Committee, for an amazing week of awareness, advocacy, and celebration! 

Next week is a four-day week with PD Day on Friday. 

This Week’s Schedule

This Week’s Announcements

• Community Learning Day #3: The third Community Learning Day (CLD) of the year is coming up on Friday, February 13th! In order to request an on-campus workshop or to indicate that they will be learning off-campus that day, students must use this 2/13 Community Learning Day Workshop Request Form (DV account required) by the February 4th deadline.
• FREE Cardiac Screening for Youth & Young Adults: Da Vinci Schools, in partnership with Saving Hearts Foundation and UCLA, invites families and community members ages 12-35 to a FREE cardiac screening event on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the Da Vinci Schools Blackbox Theater. Pre-registration is encouraged (appointments are seen first), but walk-ins are welcome. See more information on this Instagram post.

• Upcoming Emergency Drills: The 201 N. Douglas Street campus will be doing a series of planned safety drills during the month of February. By practicing these procedures in advance, we help ensure that everyone knows what to do in order to respond calmly and effectively in the unlikely event of a real emergency. As you know, preparation is key to minimizing fear, confusion, and risks. We will be reviewing emergency procedures during Tuesday announcements for the next couple of weeks, but we also encourage you to talk to your students as well.
• UCLA Blood Drive: Da Vinci Science is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, February 10th. Every donation gets a #10 gift card redeemable at AMC/Regal Theaters, Chipotle, Amazon, Starbucks, Panda Express, Shake Shack, Subway, McDonald’s, or Target! You must be 16 years or older to donate. Please sign up at this link.
• Black College Expo: DVS is going to the Black College Expo on Saturday, February 14th at the Pomona Fairplex! All students are welcome! Space is limited. We will leave DVS at 9am and return around 1:45pm. DVS will pay for student’s entry fee and transportation. If interested in attending, please complete this field trip permission slip. Permission slips are due by Thursday, February 5th at 3:30pm to Ms. Marquez or until all spots are filled.
• The Da Vinci Family CFO Training Series: Please join the FREE 6-workshop series hosted by DV Communication’s College Readiness teacher, Christopher Jackson, and designed to help families shift from financial stress to financial clarity. The first workshop is next Thursday, February 5th 6:00-7:00pm at 201 N. Douglas Street in room 3203 on the 3rd floor and is titled “Money Story & CFO Mindset: Identify limiting beliefs and adopt a strategic decision-making framework.” See all the workshop dates and details in this blog post and secure your spot in using this form.
• DVS Family Coffee Time: Every first Wednesday of the month, we have “Coffee with the Principal,” where parents, guardians, and students can drop in to ask administration and staff questions and receive updates on school happenings. There will also be various topics for discussion as requested by parents. This week’s DVS Families Coffee Time is this Wednesday, 2/4/26, from 4:30-5:30 using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/3108950461. This week’s topic: Teenage Mental Health Resources
• DVS Parent Association Bingo Night: The 2nd Annual DVS Parents Bingo Night is Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 5-8pm @ Five Point Five Brewery in El Segundo! $10 tickets get you a reservation at a table and two bingo cards for a night of fun and socializing with fellow Da Vinci parents.Bingo Prizes include Reserved VIP Parking to DVS Exhibition on March 25th, DVSPA Merch items, and more!  Proceeds from ticket sales go toward the DVS Advisory Fundraiser which supports the purchase of supplies and activities for advisory classes. Get your tickets now at this link. Send questions to DVS parent Lori at lj.bowk@gmail.com. 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Wednesday, 2/4 DVS Families Coffee Time Topic: Teenage Mental Health
• Wednesday, 2/4 Earthquake Drill
• Friday, 2/6 Professional Development Day – No School for Students
• Tuesday, 2/12 Fire Drill
• Wednesday, 2/11 Parent Advisory Committee Meeting #3
• Friday, 2/13 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 2/16 Presidents’ Day Holiday – No School
• Tuesday, 2/17 Critical Incident Drill
• Sunday, 2/22 DVS Parents Bingo Night @ 5:00pm at Five Point Five Brewery
• Monday – Thursday, 3/2 – 3/5 Student-Led Conferences
• Wednesday, 3/25 DVS Exhibition Night
• DVS Class of 2026 Graduation: Thursday, June 11th (more info. to come)

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Lin

Highlights from the Week:

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Asian Student Union had a mochitsuki (mochi making) evening to ring in the new year!

A message from Christopher Jackson, College and Career Readiness Teacher at DV Communications:  I am inviting DV families from all campuses to a FREE, 6-workshop series designed to help you shift from financial stress to financial clarity.

Workshop dates and details : Occuring every 3 weeks, on Thursdays from February-May 2026

• Workshop 1 (Feb 5): Money Story & CFO Mindset: Identify limiting beliefs and adopt a strategic decision-making framework
• Workshop 2 (Feb 26): Retirement Planning Essentials: Secure your oxygen mask first (401k, IRA, Roth strategies)
• Workshop 3 (March 19): 529 Mastery: Maximize tax advantages and avoid costly mistakes
• Workshop 4 (April 16): Balancing Priorities: Navigate competing goals with the CFO Decision Filter
• Workshop 5 (May 7): Investment Fundamentals: Demystify investing and match strategies to your timeline
• Workshop 6 (May 21): Personal Financial Roadmap: Create your customized action plan

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: In person” 201 N. Douglas St. Campus/DVC:3rd floor, Room 3203
Cost: FREE

This series is designed for any Da Vinci parent who wants to take control of their family’s financial future, whether you’re just starting to save or already investing.  You don’t need to attend all 6 workshops, though recommended for maximum impact. Each one builds on the last, but families can join where it makes sense for you.

Seats are limited and registration is required. Click HERE to secure your spot.

Hello DVS families,

On Saturday, February 14th, DVS will take students to the Los Angeles Black College Expo held at Pomona Fairplex.  This field trip is open to ALL DVS students! The Expo will host a variety of colleges: public, private, independent, military, and trade schools. Some colleges will accept seniors for admission, waive college application fees and give away scholarships on the spot! DVS will pay the admission fee as well as provide transportation. We will depart from 201 N. Douglas promptly at 9:00am and return at 1:45pm. Students must bring their own lunch or bring money to purchase food.

We only have a limited number of spots available and spots are on a first-come, first serve basis.

If interested in attending, please complete this field trip permission slip.  Permission slips are due by Thursday, February 5th at 3:30pm to Ms. Marquez or until all spots are filled.

Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, if you have additional questions: fmarquez@davincischools.org 

Thank you for another great week! We truly enjoy seeing students on campus every day, ready to learn and participate. A reminder that attendance is essential for student achievement and for DVS to offer the best educational experience possible.

This Week’s Schedule

This Week’s Announcements

• Class of 2026 Seniors Activities: Senior Activities and the Senior Activities Agreement were shared during CCL class this week. We hope and expect that every senior will be able to participate in Senior Activities. In order to be eligible for Senior Activities, students must abide by the senior activities agreement and have the agreement signed by the student and parent/guardian by Friday, 1/23/26. Please turn in signed agreements to Mr. Perez. Students with chronic absences or tardies will be put on a senior contract. Again, our expectation is that seniors will finish their senior year well and enjoy these activities!
• Parent Association Meeting: The first DVS Parent Association meeting of the second semester is Tuesday, January 27th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Galileo Room on the DVS floor! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet other DVS parents and guardians and get involved with the upcoming service projects to support your DVS community.

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Tuesday, 1/27 Parent Association Meeting @ 5:30pm in DVS Galileo Room
• Wednesday, 2/4 DVS Families Coffee Time Topic: Teenage Mental Health
• Friday, 2/6 Professional Development Day – No School for Students
• Wednesday, 2/11 Parent Advisory Committee Meeting #3
• Friday, 2/13 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 2/16 Presidents’ Day Holiday – No School
• Sunday, 2/22 DVS Parents Bingo Night @ 5:00pm at Five Point Five Brewery
• Monday – Thursday, 3/2 – 3/5 Student-Led Conferences
• Wednesday, 3/25 DVS Exhibition Night

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Lin

Highlights from the Week:

Students in Principles of Bio Med showing their understanding of the phases of mitosis with Oreos and sprinkles

We hit the ground running with the first week of Semester 2! New projects, new units, new field trips, it will be a busy and great semester.

During this MLK Jr. holiday weekend, we remember Dr. King’s enduring commitment to equity and compassion. DVS strives to emulate that kindness here at school and in our community. Happy three-day weekend!

This Week’s Schedule 

This Week’s Announcements

• Seminars: The first day of Spring 2025 seminars is Tuesday, 1/20. Most seminars are year-long, so most students were enrolled in the same seminar they had during the fall semester by default. There are some exceptions, however, and students had the opportunity to request a seminar change this past week. There will be an opportunity for students to request seminar changes again once seminars begin. All information is posted on the DVS Student Hub Canvas.
• Honors: According to the honors contracts (see each course’s contract in this document) and schoolwide honors policies, honors is a year-long commitment as all honors programs (except Government and Economics) are designed to be year-long courses for the 2025-2026 school year. Students who opted in to honors last semester will continue with honors this semester.

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday, 1/19 MLK Jr. Day Holiday – No School
• Tuesday, 1/20 1st Day of Seminars for Spring 2026
• Tuesday, 1/27 Parent Association Meeting @ 5:30pm in DVS Galileo Room
• Wednesday, 2/4 DVS Families Coffee Time Topic: Teenage Mental Health
• Friday, 2/6 Professional Development Day – No School for Students
• Wednesday, 2/11 Parent Advisory Committee Meeting #3
• Friday, 2/13 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 2/16 Presidents’ Day Holiday – No School
• Sunday, 2/22 DVS Parents Bingo Night @ 5:00pm at Five Point Five Brewery
• Monday – Thursday, 3/2 – 3/5 Student-Led Conferences
• Wednesday, 3/25 DVS Exhibition Night

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Lin

Highlights from the Week:

The Da Vinnovators and the Da Winnovators placed 5th and 11th for their league and will move on to ILTs in February! 

 

Happy New Year, DVS! 

We hope our students had a restful winter break and enjoyed time with family and loved ones. DVS staff have been working hard this week prepare and welcome students back on Monday. We look forward to a fresh start to the second semester. Students will be starting the day in Advisory.

Welcome back and see you on Monday, January 12th! 

This Week’s Schedule 

This Week’s Announcements

• Fall 2025 Report Cards: were mailed home after the end of the semester, and grades can also be accessed through PowerSchool. Please see this document if you need help accessing PowerSchool.
• Grade Correction Policy and Process: According to the DVS Handbook, students have 30 school days from when a grade is received to request a correction. For Fall 2025 grades, this would mean that grade corrections requests will only be accepted through Wednesday, February 25th, 2026. Requests must be emailed to DVS Principal, Grace Long (glong@davincischools.org) and should clearly explain the reason for the request (for example, a grading or calculation error), along with any relevant supporting information. Please note that after review, the final grade may remain unchanged, be raised, or be lowered according to the information available. 
• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA) Announcements: 
  • Join your fellow DVS Parents and Guardians at the Jan DVSPA meeting, TUESDAY, Jan 27th 5:30 – 6:30 on DVS campus.  Come connect with your community while we plan our 2nd Annual Bingo Night and other projects for second semester.
  • Save the Date – 2nd Annual DVS Parent Bingo Night, Sunday, February 22nd, 5-8pm.

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• First Day of Semester 2: Monday, 1/12 
• DVS Family Coffee Wednesday, 1/14
• Monday, 1/19 MLK Holiday
• Friday, 2/6 PD Day 
• Friday, 2/13 CLD Day

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Lin

Winter Break has begun! The students did a great job learning and working hard through Semester 1. The semester ended well with impressive POLs, final projects, and finals. Now is the time to rest and recuperate. From our Family to Yours, “Happy Holidays From the DVS Family.” 

We wish our families a warm, cozy, and restful Winter Break! We encourage students to lean into pajamas and sweats, catch up on sleep, and enjoy some well-deserved rest over the holidays. We’ll see you in 2026!

This Week’s Announcements

• Fall 2025 Report Cards: will be mailed home at the end of next week, we will restore PowerSchool access at that time as well.
• Grade Correction Policy and Process: According to the DVS Handbook, students have 30 school days from when a grade is received to request a correction. Requests must be emailed to DVS Principal, Grace Long (glong@davincischools.org) and should clearly explain the reason for the request (for example, a grading or calculation error), along with any relevant supporting information. Please note that after review, the final grade may remain unchanged, be raised, or be lowered according to the information available.
• School will be closed during Winter Break: During this time, families may contact the front office via email, and we will respond as soon as possible. The front office will open on Monday, 1/5.
• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA) Announcements: 
  • DVSPA Meeting, TUES Jan 27th 5:30 – 6:30pm on DVS campus.  
  • 2nd Annual DVS Parent Bingo Night, Sunday, February 22nd, 5-8pm.  
  • Looking forward to seeing you in the new year!

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Winter Break: 12/22-1/9 
• First Day of Semester 2: Monday, 1/12 
• DVS Family Coffee Wednesday, 1/14
• Monday, 1/19 MLK Holiday

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Lin

Highlights from the Week:

Winter CD last day before the break; congratulations to our Holly Jolly Award Winners. Thank you for bringing cheer to our campus!

Happy last day of instruction! Students were busy finishing up their last projects, assignments, and tests for the semester. We are excited to see our students’ Presentations of Learning next week! Alumni share that POLs is a DV signature practice that they remember and find helpful even after high school. Parents and guardians are welcome to see their student’s POL. 

Next week, school dismissal is at 2:25 pm, and it is a four-day week as we gear up for Winter Break!

Week 17 Schedule 

This Week’s Announcements

• Presentations of Learning: POL is this week! Week 18, 12/15-12/18. Grade Level Teachers provided POL times and assignments. Please see the Presentation of Learning Information for Families Document Fall 2025 for more information on POLs, including links to schedules for 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, as well as the 12th-grade Finals schedule. 
• PowerSchool will be turned off on Monday as teachers finalize grades. Report Cards will be sent home over the break.
• College & Career: This is the last college rep visit for the semester.  Please join us at lunchtime in Mr. Perez’s room. This visit will be on Zoom. All grade levels are welcome!
  •  Week 17: College Rep Visit: Wednesday, December 17th: MIT 
• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA) Announcements: 
  • Save the Date – We are excited to announce DVSPA will be hosting our 2nd Annual DVS Parents Bingo Night to create a space for DVS Parents and Guardians to gather and connect.  SAVE THE DATE – Sunday, Feb 22nd, 5-8pm.  
  •  DVSPA is revisiting when to do our monthly meetings to see if Wednesdays are still the best day, for the most people.  Please complete this short form by Friday, Dec 12, to let DVSPA know which day works best for you to attend meetings or work on service projects.  No December meeting.  Jan meeting details to come.  Have a restful break. 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday-Thursday, 12/15-12/18: POL Week
• Thursday, 12/18: Last Day of the Semester
• Friday, 12/19: PD Day
• Winter Break: 12/22-1/9 
• First Day of Semester 2: Monday, 1/12 
• DVS Family Coffee Wednesday, 1/14
• Monday, 1/19 MLK Holiday

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Highlights from the Week:

Geometry students using teamwork to make angles

Last week of instruction: presentations and Socratic Seminar

There are only two more weeks left in the semester! Students got right back to work this week. They’ve been busy finishing projects, learning the last unit of study, and engaging in cumulative review of the semester. Next week will be the last week of instruction, followed by POL week. We hope all students finish the semester strong- you’re almost there! 

DVS also commends all students who participated in our Youth & Government’s annual Bill Hearing Night that was held Friday, November 21st in the BlackBox theater. Bill Hearing Night celebrates student learning as delegates showcase their research, critical thinking, and communication skills by presenting and defending the bills they’ve crafted. This event, modeled after a formal legislative hearing, fosters civic engagement and deepens students’ understanding of policy-making, preparing them to become informed and active citizens. Congratulations to the Public Goods committee, whose winning bill funds fresh fruits and vegetables grown in CA to families in need.

Week 16 Schedule 

This Week’s Announcements

• Presentations of Learning: POL week is coming up, Week 18, 12/15-12/18. Grade Level Teachers provided POL times and assignments. Please see the Presentation of Learning Information for Families Document Fall 2025 for more information on POLs, including links to schedules for 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, as well as the 12th-grade Finals schedule.
  • Families are invited and encouraged to attend their student’s POL.
  • Please note that attendance is still required every day of POL week. When not presenting or watching presentations during POL week, students will be learning in Extended Learning Rooms. ELR Topics include: A-G & College Prep. Information from counselors, preparing for State Testing, and Career guest speakers. 
  • Students who have perfect attendance during POL week will be entered to win free Jersey Mike’s coupons! 

• Career Speakers for POL Week: Seeking Career Guest Speakers! Do you have a career that you would love to share with our students? During POL week, we have Extended Learning Rooms for students who are not in POL session. The purpose of ELRs is to provide educational opportunities we may not otherwise have during a regular school day. Many of our students are still exploring the various career options available. Having parents or guest speakers share their experiences would provide our students with exposure to multiple careers. If you are interested or available during POL week, Monday, December 15, to Thursday, December 18, for a 20–30 minute time block, please let us know by filling out this POL Week Career Guest Interest Form. We will reach out to you for more details. Thank you! 
• HOSA:will be collecting items to donate to local hospitals until December 18! You can drop items off in Jeremy’s room. All items must be new, here are some ideas: Toys (LEGOs, dolls, puzzles), art & craft supplies (crayons, coloring books, play-doh), books for all ages, or tabletop games (Uno, deck of cards), earbuds or headphones.
• DVSPA: is revisiting when to do our monthly meetings to see if Wednesdays are still the best day for the most people. Please complete this short form by Friday, Dec.12th to let DVSPA know which day works best for you to attend meetings or work on service projects.  No December meeting.  Jan meeting details to come.  Have a restful break.  
• FAFSA/CADAA Workshop for DVS Families: We are excited to announce a hands-on FAFSA/CADAA Workshop next week, Tuesday December 9th, from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on the DVS Floor. Come get your financial aid questions answered and submit your  FAFSA/CADAA that night! Please RSVP HERE so we know how many computers will be needed. We ask that both student and parent have an FSA ID created and verified before the event. Please contact Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, with any questions: fmarquez@davincischools.org
• Yucatan Adventure- Spring Break in México! If you are still planning on joining us, THIS Sunday is the last day to sign up to secure a slot!! After that prices may go up or spaces may be unavailable!
  •  Yucatan Adventure Spring 2026.pdfDownload Yucatan Adventure Spring 2026.pdf
  • For details about the trip visit: explorica.com/Magana-3077Links to an external site.
  • A few things to know:
    • You will need to have a valid passport at the time of the trip, but you can still sign up at this time while you process one
    • You do not need to pay in full at this time and can set up monthly payments once you register
    • Missed the meetings and have questions?? Feel free to contact Ms. Magaña at: emaganayucatan@gmail.com

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday-Thursday, 12/15-12/18: POL Week
• Thursday, 12/18: Last Day of the Semester
• Friday, 12/19: PD Day
• Winter Break: 12/22-1/9 
• First Day of Semester 2: Monday, 1/12 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26

DVS News YouTube Channel

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Y&G Bill Hearing Night

CEA students toured West Basin to see how they are recycling sewage water

Students enjoying their favorite time of day – lunch time outside our beautiful campus