We are thrilled to invite you to join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Wiseburn Da Vinci Soccer Field at 201 N. Douglas Street, which has generated immense excitement throughout our community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place this Monday, Oct. 21 at 4:45 pm. Following the ceremony, we invite you to watch the WDV Boys Soccer practice.
Everyone is invited to the ribbon-cutting of our new state-of-the-art facility!! We look forward to sharing this beautiful new space with our students, families, and the broader community.
This project is made possible through the support of Wiseburn USD Measure EE funds.
Do you want to make a difference at Da Vinci Schools? Do you want a seat at the table? Consider becoming a student board advisor or coordinator and make your voice heard!
Student board advisors present monthly to the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees and you will provide perspective, insights and regular school updates.
Your participation gives current and future students a voice for years to come. Click here to apply!
Student board advisors:
Two positions open from each of the following schools (a total of 10 positions)
DV Communications
DV Connect TK-8
DV Connect High
DV Design
DV Science
Student board coordinators:
Two (2) positions open
Can be from any school and assists student board members in preparing for meetings
You may submit applications for both coordinator and advisor roles. For more information and details, please speak with your school’s principal.
*Please note: Students can only access the application using their DV email*
All student board advisors and coordinators meet on the first Monday of the month with Dr. Matt Wunder, CEO of Da Vinci Schools, to discuss students’ daily experiences at school. After the first few meetings with the CEO, the rest will be student-led. The first board presentation will be November 20th.
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Hazel Health, an innovative service now available to support the mental health needs of all Da Vinci students in grades TK-12. As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive care and resources, Hazel Health offers access to licensed healthcare professionals and services, both at school and from home.
What is Hazel Health?
Hazel Health connects students with a mental health counselor for virtual visits directly from school, or the comfort of your home, at no cost to families. Hazel Health ensures that your child receives timely care for mental health support.
How it Works
School-Based Care: Students and families can work with the Da Vinci Counselors to set up appointments for teletherapy at designated times from campus. Students will be supervised in a safe and privatized space for therapy sessions.
If your student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and there is a concern or question about how this general education offered service would be incorporated into their school day with their current special education programming and services, please contact/consult with Dr. Lynn Rodriguez, Director of Special Education to answer any questions or seek clarification (lrodriguez@davincischools.org). Otherwise, families with an IEP or Section 504 plan should reach out to their case manager/counselor to meaningfully incorporate this service during your day.
At-Home Care: Families can schedule telehealth visits from home. Appointments are accessible and can be done on your own schedule between 7am-7pm, Monday through Friday.
Services Provided by Hazel Health:
Mental Health Counseling: Hazel Health provides support for anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health concerns.
Why Hazel Health?
Convenient Access: No need for appointments or travel time. Support is provided virtually when your child needs it.
No Cost to Families: Services are free for all students at Da Vinci Schools, ensuring that every family has access to care.
Confidential & Secure: All services are confidential, and student privacy is a top priority.
Getting Started
To begin using Hazel Health, simply complete the consent form listed on the website https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/davincischools. You can also reach out to your school counselor for assistance in signing up. We are thrilled to bring this important resource to our Da Vinci community and are confident that Hazel Health will help us keep students happy, healthy, and ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ well-being.
We recently shared with you information about an exciting new initiative this school year known as Community Learning Days (CLDs) in response to our community’s desire to provide more opportunities to bring students together across our five high schools. CLDs are all about options and designed to offer students the flexibility to explore their interests and build community with students and staff attending Communications, Connect High, Design, RISE and Science.
With our first CLD approaching on Friday, October 11th, we want to provide you with some important updates:
This week in Advisory, students learned more about CLDs and took a Student Survey to express their interest in learning experiences/activities for the first two CLDs (Oct. 11 and Nov. 8).
All students – whether they participate in on-campus or off-campus learning – will have access to free breakfast and lunch.
On-campus programming will run from 8:30am-12:30pm. We have some exciting on-campus options planned such as college and career workshops, financial literacy, Real World Learning experiences, hands-on learning in the Ceramics Studio, performing arts experiences, athletics activities, community service, and more.
Students requesting to learn off-campus must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. Permission slips will be provided to students by Sept. 13th.
During the week of Sept. 23, students will receive notice of enrollment for one of their selected workshops (on-campus) OR receive approval to engage in off-campus learning (permission slip required).
Oct. 11 is Da Vinci’s first CLD Day!
During the week of Oct. 21, we will send out a Feedback Survey to hear what you think so we can continue to improve!
As a reminder, there are four CLDs scheduled this school year (Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Feb. 10, Apr. 21). We can’t wait to embark on this exciting new journey together.
Gratefully,
Dr. Matthew Wunder
CEO/Superintendent
Da Vinci Schools
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
A special group of Da Vinci Science students in the Biomedical Pathway will present their Grand Rounds Presentation for a panel of medical professionals. Jeremy Wong, Biomedical Pathways Teacher, extends an invitation to DV community members as students showcase their mastery over the diagnostic process used by medical professionals.
If you are a medical professional interested in being part of the panel, please email Ms. Nordia Simmonds at nsimmonds@davincischools.org
We invite our DVS Community to be part of this special event:
Thursday, May 9th, 2024 @ 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM 2nd Floor of Da Vinci Schools
Graduates from across Los Angeles County will be celebrated during this special event at the Skirball Cultural Center onJune 8th at 3:00 pm.
Scholarship applications for the Los Angeles Urban League Black High School Graduation will open soon. Stay connected to their social media (@LAUrbanLeague_) for official the announcement! #LABlackLegacy
Inviting all Da Vinci high school students to join the cast and crew of Da Vinci’s first-ever musical: The Addams Family!
Please click here, or scan the QR code above, for detailed info about auditions, rehearsals, etc. Everyone who would like to participate will be accepted into the production! Auditions are necessary for casting, but no one will be turned away.
See below for information on important upcoming dates and times:
AUDITION PREPARATION RETREAT (optional)
Thursday, Jan. 18
4 – 7pm
Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo
We will distribute and review all audition materials, as well as chat about production themes, characters, concepts.
All those interested in being in the CAST must attend all three audition days (see information below for DANCE, VOCAL, and ACTING).
DANCE AUDITIONS
Tuesday, Jan.23 4 – 7 pm
Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo
Please come dressed to move. Sweats, dance clothes, etc. Dance shoes are not required, however if you have them, you are invited to wear them. Otherwise, please wear some type of tennis shoe you can dance in safely. EVERYONE ATTENDS FOR THE DURATION.
VOCAL AUDITIONS
Wednesday, Jan. 24 4 – 8:00 pm
Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo
All those auditioning will sign up for an individual 8-minute time slot. Click link and it will take you to the vocal audition sign-up spreadsheet.
Thursday, Jan. 25
4 – 7 pm
Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo
Everyone will share their short scene and long scene. Please be familiar with all scenes as you may be asked to read for a variety of characters in a variety of scenes. EVERYONE ATTENDS FOR THE DURATION
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CALLBACKS
Friday, Jan. 26
4 – 7 pm
Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo An email with specifics will be sent Thursday evening after Acting Auditions.
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CAST AND CREW PARENT/GUARDIAN MEETING
Tuesday, Jan. 30
6:30 – 7:30pm Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo Mandatory for all cast and crew to attend, as well as one parent/guardian.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: All those intending to participate as CAST MEMBERS will need to enroll in the new Tuesday/Thursday Musical Theatre Production Seminar. This provides us with an opportunity for some extra rehearsing!
We would like to invite you to a virtual information session to learn more about our Rivet School with Da Vinci program.
Rivet School is a reimagined college and career pathway program. Our college program is designed around the needs of students and provides both flexibility and structured accountability to support students in meeting their goals.
In partnership with Rivet School, Da Vinci seniors who choose to continue their journey through the Bridge Program will enroll in college at no cost (free!) to the student or their family. Students will participate in a flexible, online accredited degree program with opportunities for in-person meetings and career-connected learning on the Da Vinci Connect High campus.
Please join us to learn more about this program and if it may be a good fit for your student!
Rivet School with Da Vinci Student & Family Virtual Information Session
🗓️ Dates: Monday, January 22nd at 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Virtual Session (details provided upon RSVP)
Da Vinci is launching a new Apparel and Merchandise store that will be open for a limited pre-order period on MySchoolBucks!
Students, families and staff can pre-order pullover or zip-up hoodies and polo shirts in youth to adult sizes with your school’s two-color, silk-screened logo. In addition, you can order limited edition 15th Anniversary ceramic mugs and water bottles, and new Da Vinci tote bags!
Place your order today through MySchoolBucks.
The pre-order period ends on Sunday, Nov. 19th at 11:59 p.m.
Once the pre-ordered items are produced, they will be delivered to each school site for distribution through your front offices.
