Da Vinci Science

We had a very busy week coming back from the break. From CLD Day to a field trip to Belkin, to Collegewise Info. Session, to Earth Day, bag making, and Beats projects in Physics! We now have less than 7 weeks of school this semester, and still lots of learning, projects, activities, events, and fun in store for the remainder of the school year. It will go by quickly!

This month, we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. Our Leadership students look forward to hosting a fun and meaningful CD this Wednesday, April 23rd. May 1st is Decision Day, and we look forward to cheering on our Seniors- Class of 2025 as they share what their plans are for the next chapter in their lives. And of course, we look forward to PD day on Friday, which will give seniors extra time to get ready for Prom, May 2nd at 6:00. We look forward to creating lasting, fond high school memories for all our students. 

Week 32 Schedule:

Week 32 Announcements:  

• 11th Grade Statewide Testing: All 11th grade students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the CAST (California Science Test) this coming Monday and Tuesday, April 28th and 29th during school hours. Please see this State Testing Parent Notification Letter for more information.
• Parent/Guardians Needed for WASC: Da Vinci Science’s WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation visit is coming up May 5th-7th. The primary goals of accreditation are certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning. During this time, WASC Visiting Committee Members will be on campus, meeting with stakeholders and observing classes. We are in need of parents/guardians to meet with the WASC Visiting Committee to share your experience as a parent/guardian of DVS. This meeting will take place in a hybrid format (you can come to campus or join via Zoom) on Sunday, May 4th at 5:15pm. If you are available and willing to participate in this meeting, please fill out this form, and we will reach out to you with details.
• 11th Grade CHYA Refresh Presentations: Dr. Emily Green and Nurse Titsyana Lucero will be presenting a refresh of the health & sexual education curriculum (“CHYA”, or “California Healthy Youth Act”) during 11th grade biology classes Monday-Wednesday, May 12th-14th. Click this link to read the notification letter from Dr. Green. If you have any questions about the content that will be covered, please email Dr. Green at egreen@davincischools.org. Parents have the right to “opt-out” of this presentation for their child. If you wish to do so, please email Saya Wai, DVS Assistant Principal, at swai@davincischools.org. 
• FREE SAT/PSAT and College App/Essay Seminars: PJ Test prep is offering FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test & Results Seminars and FREE College Essay & App Seminars via Zoom in May and July. PJ Test Prep is a small, boutique SAT/ACT prep and tutoring company based here in the South Bay and West LA that has been providing support to DVS students during Test Prep Seminar for several years. Sign up for the seminars at this link.
• CollegeWise Slides: Thank you to all the juniors and their families who attended our Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application workshop prior to spring break. Here are the PPT slides to his presentation. You may contact Ian Parker from CollegeWise if you have follow-up questions: ianp@collegewise.com. 
• Junior College Planning Meetings: Ms. Marquez will begin the Individual Post-DVS College Planning Meetings with juniors and their parent/guardian in May and June. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss next year’s plan, including the college application process and students’ overall post-high school plans. Every Junior is expected to schedule a meeting and have at least one parent/guardian present. However, if a parent/guardian is unable to attend, students are still expected to sign up. This meeting can be in person, over the phone or via Zoom. These meetings can also be conducted in Spanish, if needed. Meeting information:
  • Meeting sign-up
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Complete the Parent/Guardian Letter
  • Build a college list using your A-G GPA as your baseline and SAT/ACT test scores, if applicable. For your reference, here is the Just for Juniors presentation Ms. Valle and I did prior to spring break which will support in your GPA calculation. and building your college list.
  • If you have any questions about the Individual Junior College Planning Meeting, please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, directly (fmarquez@davincischools.org). If you have questions about your transcript, please reach out to Ms. Valle, Academic and Wellness Counselor for the Class of 2026 (cvalle@davincischools.org). I look forward to meeting with each of you to discuss your Post-DVS Plans
  • 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.

• Parent Association 

• • Teacher and Staff Appreciation week is right around the corner, May 5th – 9th. There are lots of ways to contribute to the celebration. SIGN UP today to help make this week extra special for our amazing DVS faculty and staff.  More details in the sign up.  
  • Orders for DVSPA Spring Merch Fundraiser are still being accepted. Place your ORDER HERE (make sure you’re logged into your MySchoolBucks DaVinci Schools account if you also have a Wiseburn account).  Images and more details in this DVSPA Spring Merch flyer. Questions to DVS parent Lori, lj.bowk@gmail.com. 

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday and Tuesday, 4/28-4/29: SBAC Testing-11th Grade
• Thursday, 5/1 College Decision Day
• Friday, 5/2 Professional Development Day – No School
• Friday, 5/2: Senior Prom Night
• Monday – Wednesday, 5/5-5/7 WASC Accreditation Visit
• Friday, 5/9: Cal Poly SLO Field Trip- 11th Grade Pathways
• Monday, 5/12 Senior Beach Day
• Monday, 5/12 9th Grade Fulcrum Day
• Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 1:00 pm

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: 

CLD Workshop- Soap Making in the Chemistry Lab

Collegewise Guest Speaker, Kate Strzelecki, came to speak to 9th and 10th grade families about college planning

SWE- tote-ally cool bag making at lunch for Earth Week

Beats by DVS Speaker/Headphone Dissections- thank everyone who donated!

Thank you for a great Exhibition Night! The students did a fantastic job showcasing their work and sharing their learning experiences with the community. Thank you to all those who came to our Exhibition Night. It meant a lot to our school to see friends, family, and the community care and support and get a sampling of the thoughtful work we do here at DVS!

Spring Break is here! The school campus will be closed during Spring Break, 4/14-4/18. If families need assistance, office staff will be available remotely Monday-Wednesday, 4/14-4/16, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. For assistance, please contact Liz Diaz at ediaz@davincischools.org or Brittany Alvarez at balvarez@davincischools.org. 

School resumes with a CLD Day on Monday, 4/21. 

Happy Spring Break! We hope all DVS families have a wonderful break. We encourage students to stay safe, have fun, eat good food, enjoy quality time with family and friends, and rest well. You will need the recharge to finish the rest of the semester strong!

Week 31 Schedule:

Week 31 Announcements:  

• Community Learning Day #4: The fourth and final Community Learning Day (CLD) is after Spring Break on Monday, April 21st. Students who filled out the request form with their preference should be receiving workshop info via email. All students will need to fill out this Community Learning Day Attendance Form (DV account required) on 4/21 to receive attendance credit. Even if students did not sign-up for an on campus CLD workshop, they may come to school and attend if they would like – here is a list of workshops available as space permits.
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• 9th and 10th Grade Benchmark Testing: 9th and 10th grade students will be completing ELA and math standardized benchmark assessments (NWEA MAP) during April and May. These benchmark assessments provide valuable information on student levels and growth to inform our classroom practice and supports. We encourage students to get plenty of rest, have a healthy breakfast, and to do their best. 
• 11th Grade Statewide Testing: All 11th grade students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the CAST (California Science Test) on April 28th and 29th during school hours. Please see this State Testing Parent Notification Letter for more information.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come hear from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DVS students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room. 
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.
• Parent Association
  • Come spend time with other DVS Parents at our next DVSPA Meeting, Wed, April 23rd at 5:30pm on campus the first week back from Spring Break.  We will have snacks and a hands on project for Teacher and Staff Appreciation week, as well as updates on our other current projects.  
  • Orders for DVSPA Spring Merch Fundraiser are being distributed as they arrive and the sale is ongoing.  Place your ORDER HERE (make sure you’re logged into your MySchoolBucks DaVinci Schools account if you also have a Wiseburn account).  Images and more details in this DVSPA Spring Merch flyer. Questions to DVS parent Lori, lj.bowk@gmail.com.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5th -9th. DVSPA is organizing several different opportunities for families to show their support of our amazing faculty and staff!  Look for a sign up genius with specific item requests and dates in the upcoming blog (after spring break).  It’s never too early to take time to write a note of appreciation.  You may donate funds now via e-gift cards to DVSappreciation@gmail.com or cash donations can be dropped off at the DVS front desk beginning Tues 4/22.  

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday – Friday, 4/14 – 4/18 Spring Break – No School! 
• Monday, 4/21: Community Learning Day
• Wednesday, 4/23: Parent Association Meeting at 5:30pm at DVS
• Monday and Tuesday, 4/28-4/29: SBAC Testing-11th Grade
• Friday, 5/2: PD Day- No School
• Friday, 5/2: Prom Night
• Friday, 5/9: Cal Poly SLO Field Trip- 11th Grade Pathways
• Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 1:00 pm

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: 

9th graders enjoyed their college visit to UCI. Go Anteaters!

Thank you for a fantastic Exhibition Night!

DVS Exhibition Night is TONIGHT! Our students are looking forward to seeing you tonight, Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:30pm. This is a whole-school event where students publicly showcase their projects and provide our guests with a taste of what their learning experiences are like at DVS! Current families, staff, community members, industry partners, and prospective families are all welcome to attend. It’s open house-style — feel free to drop in anytime. All students are expected to attend and present. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Here’s a campus map and a list of the exhibits you can look forward to seeing.

DVS Exhibition Night is coming up next week, Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:30pm! This is a whole-school event where students publicly showcase their projects. The students have been working hard and are looking forward to showcasing a sampling of their hard work this year. Current families, staff, community members, industry partners, and prospective families are all welcome to attend. It’s open house-style — feel free to drop in anytime. All students are expected to attend and present. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Week 30 Schedule:

Week 30 Announcements:  

• SAT Opt-In Day: This coming Monday, 4/7. Please encourage students who are taking the SAT on Monday to get plenty of rest this weekend, eat a healthy breakfast Monday morning, and be at school on time. Room assignments will be posted on campus in the morning.
• Community Learning Day #4: The fourth and final Community Learning Day (CLD) is coming up after Spring Break on Monday, April 21st. Students should their preference for their CLD activity on this REQUEST FORM by next Tuesday, April 8th. 
• 9th and 10th Grade Benchmark Testing: 9th and 10th grade students will be completing ELA and math standardized benchmark assessments (NWEA MAP) during April and May. These benchmark assessments provide valuable information on student levels and growth to inform our classroom practice and supports. We encourage students to get plenty of rest, have a healthy breakfast, and do their best. 
• 11th Grade Statewide Testing: All 11th grade students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the CAST (California Science Test) on April 28th and 29th during school hours. Please see this State Testing Parent Notification Letter for more information.
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• Negotiating Your Financial Aid Workshop Series: If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take place in room 3203 on the DV Communications floor from 6:30-7:30pm on April 4th or April 11th. See this blog post for more information and RSVP for one workshop at this link.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come hear from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DVS students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room. 
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.

• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • Congratulations DVS community!  DVSPA is so happy to announce that we have met our fundraising goal this school year for our Advisory Fundraiser! A sincere “Thank You!” to all who donated to support DVS Advisory in this way. Every DVS student will be impacted by your generosity!
  • Last chance to get discounted pricing on DVSPA Merch Sale is Tues 4/8.  Look for the DVSPA table at Exhibition with sample shirts or in this Merch flyer.  
  • DVSPA is gearing up for our next service project, Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, May 5-9th.  If you are interested in being a lead for this project, please reach out to DVS parent, Lori asap.  lj.bowk@gmail.com  More details on other ways to help coming soon.
  • We will also be working on items for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at our next DVSPA Meeting, Wed, April 23rd at 5:30pm on campus.  Join us!

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday, 4/7: Opt-in SAT School Day (10th & 11th grade)
• Monday, 4/7: 9th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 4/7: 12th Grade Park Field Trip
• Tuesday, 4/8 Exhibition Night 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Thursday, 4/10 State Seal of Biliteracy Exam
• Monday – Friday, 4/14 – 4/18 Spring Break – No School! 
• Monday, 4/21 Community Learning Day
• Wednesday, 4/23 Parent Association Meeting at 5:30pm at DVS
• Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 2:00 pm

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: 

Collegewise consultant, Ian Parker, shared College Admissions information to our 11th grade families

Congrats to DVS Data Science Club!

Physicists Climate Catalyst Innovation Challenge!

CEA Honors visited SoFi Stadium on an architecture and engineering tour

Spanish Fashion Show-students described their outfits and the price of each item in Spanish!