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Greetings DVIA Families!
A Few Words From Our Principal
 Hello everyone!
I trust that you all enjoyed some family time this past week and that you are as excited to be back as we are excited to see you back!
I want to let you know that you'll see some exciting new construction on campus. DVIA has teamed up with Balfour Beatty (who are responsible for many amazing construction feats, including the boat in the Core 2 area) and Sharefest and we are creating a 16 foot long marble run near the mega-chess board. The final work will be completed on Saturday, May 3rd as we hold a Family Work Day to finish this project and revitalize campus a bit. We are looking for approximately 30 families to help us out. Stay tuned for a Sign-Up Genius link in your email.
I also wish to take a moment to address a question that has been popping up lately. At the Chat with Matt evening meeting on March 18th, a PowerPoint was presented that mentioned the "possible addition of 5-day model upon relocation" for DVIA. A few of you have asked questions such as "How long until that might happen?" and "Will DVIA still have a 2-day model?" Here are some answers that you might find helpful and as always, feel free to stop me to chat!
Q: How long until DVIA might have a 5-day option?
A: "Might have" is the operative phrase...this is a possible addition pending many factors: DVIA community interest (I know many of you are interested!), Da Vinci Schools interest and approval, Wiseburn interest and approval, acquiring a larger facility, effective planning for such a program... If this comes to fruition, it would not be for approximately 4 years, after the high schools have re-located and modernization has taken place on the Isis Avenue campus (currently Da Vinci Design and Communications). There is a long road ahead before this happens and it is yet to be determined whether the 5-day option would open with lower grades and grow to upper grades or open with all grades. The short answer: Please remain committed to homeschooling and making the DVIA 2-day model an effective match for your family :)
Q: Will DVIA still have a 2-day model (homeschool hybrid) IF a 5-day model is developed in the future?
A: YES! Da Vinci Schools and the Wiseburn Unified School District are completely committed to the success of DVIA's unique structure. This program was developed to fulfill a need in the homeschool community and any possible expansions of the program in the future will not detract from our commitment to this model. Many of you have told us "Please don't ever abandon the 2-day model!" We have heard you loud and clear!
If you would like to talk more about the topics above or any other topics, please feel free to join me at Pastries with the Principal this week. I'm hoping to expand the pastries crowd...we will be gathering in the Innovation Lab. See you there!
Cheers!
Tyler's Two Cents
I sincerely hope that all of you had a wonderful Spring Break and really had an opportunity to connect with your families.
I wanted to give you all a heads up about a change that we are making to the way that we are running our Community Dialogue time at DVIA.
Starting this upcoming Thursday, April 24th and Friday, April 25th, we will be holding our Community Dialogue session during lunch time. We have decided to make this change for several reasons. First, it will give kids more time at lunch to connect with their family groups as all students will be out during this time from 12:30-1:30. Second, eating, chatting, and playing together are ways in which humans have always found connection, so it just makes sense that our kids should be doing the same thing if we want their relationships to grow. Third, it won't take away class time from the kids at the end of the day as the previous time we've held this gathering has been from 2:45-3:15.
As always, we are constantly thinking of ways in which we can help your kids have a great time while they are at school, and we believe this change for the next two Community Dialogue times will strengthen relationships with school mates.
What you need to know this week:
Earth Day Lunch Activities!
4/21 and 4/22 at Lunch
Thank you to parent Johanna Mytko, an Earth Day activity will be available at lunchtime on Monday and Tuesday. Interested students can plant milkweed seeds to attract Monarch butterflies and help their population once again flourish!
No Pizza Day This Week - Rescheduled
Pizza Day will be held on Thurs, May 1st and Fri, May 2nd. Please stay tuned for a sign-up from FAN. Your volunteer help is crucial to Pizza Day success!
Work Journal #6 Is Due
Thursday and Friday, 4/24 and 25
Wednesday, 4/23 is the last day of WJ #6. Please be sure to turn in your work journals to your core teacher this Thurday and Friday! Due no later than 4:45pm Friday. Thank you!
We Need Your Cans & Bottles!
Collecting from March 31st to April 30th
To promote awareness of Earth Day and to help fund eco-friendly activities on campus, we are collecting your empty bottles and cans during the month of April.
Please bring your plastic bottles, glass bottles, and tin cans with a California Redemption Value symbol to the front lawn at drop off and pick up.
Pastries With The Principal
Tues, 4/22 & Thurs, 4/24 | After Drop Off
DVIA Yearbook for Sale...deadline soon!
Until May 2nd only, no exceptions!
DVIA's yearbook is being created by students through Infinite Learning's Enrichment Program. The deadline to order your child's yearbook is May 2nd. Any student who was not at "Picture Day" in October will still be in the yearbook! Please use this flyer and order form to order your yearbook.
Good To Know!!
Math MOOC
Math expert Jo Boaler is offering a Math MOOC through Stanford University. Click here to learn more about MOOCs. This particular MOOC is free and designed to give math learners a positive relationship with math. Get more information and register here.
Summer Camp and Summer School!
 DVIA's summer camp opportunities this summer are June 16-July 11, M-Th, from 12:00-3:00. We have four exciting afternoon camps lined up and can't wait to see you there! Limited spaces available so please register early! Find a copy of the flyer here.
 We will also be running summer school for students who need extra reinforcement over the summer. Email invitations were sent out just before Spring break. If you have any questions about Summer School, including whether you should have received an invitation, but didn't, please email Brianne. Summer school will take place June 16-July 11, M-Th, 9:00-12:00.
Mark Your Calendars! Coming Soon!
Standards For Mathematical Practices Workshop
Wed, 4/30 | 4-6 pm
The Standards for Mathematical Practices are the Habits of Mind that mathematically proficient students demonstrate. These habits and strategies are at the core of thinking like a mathematician. Join Janette as we watch a webinar presenting Cathy Carroll, of WestEd's STEM Program, who will provide an overview of the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs), including math tasks and classroom vignettes that highlight the practices "in action" as well as a look at the role of the SMPs in Smarter Balanced Performance Assessments.
Wiseburn Education Foundation Fundraiser
Sat, 5/3 | 10 am - 2 pm | Dana Middle School
Rock Around The Block is a district-wide festival for students, parents and community members. The event kicks off with a community walk around the block for everyone, followed by carnival rides, game booths, arts & crafts, petting zoo, assorted food/beverages, silent auction and music from Wiseburn schools.
DVIA Campus Workday
Sat, 5/3 | 9 am - 3 pm | DVIA
Please keep your eye out for a Sign-Up Genius this week. Thanks to Balfour Beatty Construction and Sharefest, DVIA will be getting an amazing marble run and a chance to spruce up campus! We need approximately 30 families to help us finish the marble run, give our landscaping a facelift, clean classrooms and other general clean up. Thank you!
Have a great week!
Your DVIA Team |
