Archive for August 30, 2024

Week 3 Schedule

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We had another great week at DVS! Students started seminars this week and are enjoying the opportunity to explore unique interests. Thank you for a great Back to School Night! It was to see families on campus, and hopefully, parents and guardians could get a taste of their student’s daily experience here at DVS. If you were unable to make it, here are some links that may be helpful (these links are also on the DVS blog site): 

DVS Course Syllabi 

Staff Office Hours and Email Addresses

Directions for Parent & Guardian Access to Canvas and PowerSchool 

We hope all students and families enjoy the well-deserved Labor Day weekend! No School, Monday, September 2nd.

Announcements & Reminders for Week 3:

  • Seminars started on Wednesday, 8/28! Students have until Friday, 9/6 at 2:30pm to submit a seminar change request using this form (requires a student Da Vinci Google account). Please note that submitting a seminar change request does NOT guarantee fulfillment of the request; however, we will do our best to honor your interests as long as the request is received before the deadline. Requests received after that time will only be granted in special circumstances with counselor and/or admin approval. Please allow counselors two school days to process requests.
  • Honors work is available for many courses at DVS. Most honors courses are not a separate period but are integrated into the regular coursework. This could look like additional assignments and projects or the requirement to demonstrate higher levels of mastery and understanding. Below is the timeline for the Fall 2024 semester:
    • Honors Launch Week: Week 3 (9/3-9/6)
    • Honors Contracts due: Week 5 Friday, 9/20
    • Honors Commitment Deadline: Week 9 Friday, 10/18
    • Specific honors requirements for each course can be found in this Honors Programs & Contracts doc. Contract links will be updated after the Honors Launch week. 
  • 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. These coffee times will be held on Zoom; parents are welcome to attend in person. We will have our first DVS Families Coffee Time this Wednesday, September 4th, from 4:15-5:15 using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/3108950461  

Week 3 Schedule: 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

  • Monday, 9/2: Labor Day Holiday – No School
  • Tuesday, 9/10: Advisory Leaders leave for Overnighter
  • Wednenesday, 9/11 – Thursday, 9/12: Freshmen Overnighter
  • Friday, 9/13: Professional Development Day – No School
  • Friday, 9/20: Honors Contracts Due 
  • Monday, 9/23: Blood Drive
  • Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC Field Trip in Los Angeles 

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Youth and Government Office Retreat at Camp Whittle in Big Bear

 

Freshmen physicists looking for the relationship between shoe size and height

Chemistry students practice lab skills by making ice cream

Lunch Fun- Wolfie says hello!

 

   

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Photos Link

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Community Learning Days

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Dear Da Vinci Students and Families,

We are excited to introduce a new initiative for the 2024-25 school year called Community Learning Days (CLDs), in response to our community’s desire to provide more opportunities to bring students together across all our high schools. CLDs offer a day of choice and flexibility in learning for Da Vinci families enrolled at Communications, Connect High, Design, RISE, and Science.

Community Learning Days are designed to enrich the high school educational experience and foster a deeper sense of connection between students at all our high schools. CLDs advance our Da Vinci Schools’ vision of empowering a new generation of students prepared to lead, innovate and thrive in the modern world where learning can happen within and beyond the school walls. CLDs are scheduled four times throughout the school year (Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Feb. 10, Apr. 21), offering a unique blend of community, connection, flexibility, creativity, and accountability for both students and staff. 

What are Community Learning Days?
CLDs are a new initiative for the 2024-25 school year designed to provide students and families across our high schools with a menu of choices, including optional on-campus programming that brings students together from all our high schools from 8:00am-12:30pm at our 201 N. Douglas St. campus; extra learning time at home to catch up on schoolwork; or time for your family to take advantage of something that would not normally be available during regular school hours, such as going on college visits, exploring museums, and more. 

Based on community input, the decision to introduce CLDs grew out of a desire for additional opportunities to bring together students across our high schools to foster deeper connections, for more student choice in pursuing learning that is most meaningful to them, and for new strategies to promote and support student and staff well-being.  

How does it work?
Students will learn more about CLDs this week during Advisory classes. A Student Survey will be launched during the week of September 5 for students and families to make selections about what they would like their first CLD to look like on Friday, October 11. Students and families will make a choice to participate in On-Campus Learning or Off-Campus Learning. Students and families will be notified of their CLD approved selection during the week of September 23. 

Students are encouraged to plan their activities thoughtfully and productively. Students will track progress and accomplishments in Canvas, ensuring that these days are both enjoyable and productive. All students will learn and earn attendance but in different ways. Follow-up surveys will help us plan for future CLDs. 

What learning can students participate in?
ON-CAMPUS:  High school students will have an array of diverse on-campus learning experiences to choose from at the 201 N. Douglas campus, such as:

  • Explore and engage with hands-on equipment in the Ceramics Studio, CTE Lab, shop materials, and learn how to use advanced tools like laser cutters and 3D printers
  • College and career workshops
  • Financial Literacy
  • Special community service or volunteer field trips
  • Open Lab (space for students to complete work or study)
  • Other planned offerings that will be shared in the upcoming survey

OFF-CAMPUS:  Students can “leave to learn” and engage in a learning experience off campus independently, such as going on a college visit, service learning, job shadow, internship, etc.  Or, students can complete work from home – get caught up or get ahead!  A permission slip is required to be signed by the parent/guardian for Off-Campus Learning.

All students – whether they participate in on-campus or off-campus learning – will have access to breakfast and lunch on all Community Learning Days. 

How will staff be involved in CLDs?
Staff will create new on-campus learning experiences based on their personal passions, while forming deeper connections with colleagues across our school community. Staff also will have flexible work time to prepare instructional materials and lessons, participate in professional development, and more. 

We hope you are excited about Community Learning Days as we are. We believe that CLDs will be a transformative addition to our educational program, fostering a joyful and connected environment for our entire learning community. We look forward to seeing the creative and productive ways our students and staff will utilize these days to grow, learn, and thrive.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting new journey together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew Wunder
CEO/Superintendent
Da Vinci Schools

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Week 2 Schedule

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It was a great first week of school! Students were happy to see old friends, meet new friends, and jump right into learning and community building. It’s going to be a great school year! 

We are excited to invite parents and guardians to Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 29th, 2024. Please note that this is an evening designed for parents and guardians to be in their children’s classrooms and learn about the courses they are taking. Students are not required to attend. Parents and guardians will go directly to classrooms for a meet and greet with teachers (there will be no whole school assembly). Since space in each classroom will be limited, some parents/guardians may need to stand when the room is full.

The schedule for this evening will be as follows:

5:30-5:40 Greetings and Welcome 

5:45-5:55 Period 1

6:00-6:10 Period 2

6:15-6:25 Period 3

6:30-6:40 Period 4

6:45-6:55 Period 5

7:00-7:10 Period 6 

7:15-7:30 Advisory

Please be on the lookout for an email next week with the Back to School Night (BTSN) information and your student’s schedule.

Week 2 Schedule (8/26-8/30):

Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you at BTSN next week! 

 

9th grade Physics – Design Your Own Experiment Vocabulary Activity

Advanced Physics- Frozen T-shirt Challenge 

9th Graders sharing what they want out of their high school experience at DVS

Sophomores racing to complete puzzles during Grade Level Time!

Pre-Calculus Students already grinding as they finish their summer packets! 

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Enroll Now! Fall 2024 Da Vinci Schools/El Camino College Partnership Courses (Dual Enrollment)

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Welcome back! We hope everyone is having a first week of school. This fall semester, Da Vinci Schools is offering 4 dual enrollment partnership courses with El Camino College. All courses are asynchronous online and start next week! Course details are listed below:

**VERY IMPORTANT**

In order to enroll in these classes, Da Vinci Schools will be hosting an application workshop in the RWL Center computer lab (1st floor) on Monday 8/26 from 3:00pm-4:30pm. Students should know their SSN# (if they have one) and whether or not their family is considered a military family when they come.

To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, the student will need to pass all their academic classes, have no credit recovery for a-g classes, and be a rising senior or junior student. Space is limited and we are accepting forms on a first come first serve basis!

AJ 100- Introduction to Administration of Justice
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units

This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process are examined in a cross context, emphasis is placed on the United States justice system, particularly the structure and function of police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, sentencing, and incarceration policies.

9th-12th Grade students can enroll in this course

BUS 101- Introduction to Business
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units

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.

Only 11th and 12th Grade students can enroll in this course

FILM 110- Film Analysis and Appreciation
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units

This course provides an introduction to the art and language of film. It covers the critical analysis of film form, narrative structures, genres, and the historical development of cinema. The course explores the major elements of film, including cinematography, editing, sound, and production design, as well as the cultural, social, and ideological contexts in which films are made and received. Students will view and discuss a variety of films, developing skills in film analysis and an appreciation for the artistic and cultural significance of cinema.

Only 10th-12th Grade students can enroll in this course

HDEV 110- Strategies for Success in College and life
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units

HDEV 110 is designed to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for academic success and personal development. The course covers topics such as goal setting, time management, learning styles, study strategies, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Additionally, it addresses the social and emotional aspects of college life, including stress management, motivation, and interpersonal communication. The course encourages students to explore their educational and career goals while equipping them with tools to navigate the challenges of college and beyond.

Only 11th and 12th Grade students can enroll in this course

 

If you have any questions, please see have your student see their counselor.

 

Thank you!

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Welcome Back, DVS!

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Welcome Back to School, DVS Families! We hope you had a wonderful summer!

Thank you for coming to our Welcome Orientation last night. It was so great to meet new families and reconnect with returning families. We are excited for a great school year!

For those of you who were unable to attend last night’s welcome orientation, the slide deck is available here: Welcome Orientation 2024

Our First Day of School is this Monday, August 19th! 

School start time is at 8:50am and dismissal is at 3:55pm. In the morning, students will be in the backyard until 8:50am. We will then have an all-school gathering outside before students head upstairs with their advisory teachers (students, be sure to stay with DVS as other schools will be going inside).

Week 1 Schedule:

A copy of students’ schedules will be given during Advisory at the beginning of the day. Schedule Change Requests are now open. If you would like to make a change to your schedule, please fill out this form Fall 2024 Schedule Change Request. Please allow your hard-working counselors 1-2 school days to process your request. Note that not all requests can be accommodated, but we will do the best we can. All course requests must be submitted by Friday, August 30th 2:30pm.

Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday! 

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Welcome Orientation, August 15th!

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Hello DVS Families! 

We are excited to invite you to the DVS Welcome Orientation on Thursday, August 15th! 

This will be a time for families (students and guardians) to come to campus by grade level to hear pertinent school information, receive student schedules, and tour the campus. Some staff and student leaders will be on campus to greet and help you. If students are unable to attend this event, they will receive their schedules on the first day of school, Monday, August 19th.  

Da Vinci Science’s Welcome Orientation will follow the schedule below:

9th Grade

3:00-3:30 9th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

3:30-4:00 Schedule Pick-up, Meet & Greet with teachers on the DVS floor (2nd floor)

10th Grade

4:00-4:30 10th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

4:30-5:00 Schedule Pick-up, Optional Self or Student-led Tour on campus floor (2nd floor)

11th Grade

4:30-5:00 11th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

5:00-5:30 Schedule Pick-up, Optional Self or Student-led Tour on campus floor (2nd floor)

12th Grade

5:00-5:30 12th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

5:30-6:00 Schedule Pick-up, Optional Self or Student-led Tour on campus floor (2nd floor)

We hope to see you there!

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