Black History Month at Belkin
Many thanks to Evelyn Hernandez, Real World Learning Coordinator at Connect High School, for coordinating and supporting students with so many real world experiences: among them was the Black History Month event at Belkin.

Belkin’s Black History Month event, The Cookout: Generational Visions Ongoing Action, brought together professionals and Da Vinci Connect High School student leaders for an inspiring morning of storytelling and connection. The panel featured the founder of the Black Gxming Society, a writer, musician, and co-creator of the PBS series Phoebe & Jay; a digital copywriter and eCommerce leader, the president of Black Excellence in Tech VIBE; a Da Vinci Connect Entrepreneur student, and the Da Vinci Connect BSU President. Each speaker shared their personal and professional journeys, emphasizing the importance of representation, innovation, and creating access for the next generation. Collectively, they demonstrated how perseverance, purpose, and their platforms become meaningful through continued action and community building.

Students from Da Vinci Connect High School had the opportunity to engage directly with these industry leaders and share more about their journey. Alaya Johnson, known as “Lay”, is an 11th-grade entrepreneur who spoke passionately about her drive for business and growth. Already managing several businesses, she shared her vision of expanding into fashion and scaling her entrepreneurial pursuits. Her current business, “Love Lay,” offers beautiful jewelry that reflects unique styles and empowers people to express their authentic style. Lay’s confidence and ambition are a true reflection of the emerging leader she is today.

This event also featured a powerful moment from Ce’Lena Johnson, President of the Black Student Union at Da Vinci Connect, who recited, “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde. Her performance honored the legacy of Black Women’s Voices and the event’s theme of generational empowerment. Overall, The Cookout was a meaningful celebration of culture, excellence, and the continued commitment to uplifting voices across industries and communities. 

NWEA/MAP ASSESSMENTS Next week..

As we head into the last week of February, we want to remind you that ALL students will be taking the NWEA/MAP assessments. 

Why MAP Assessments?

MAP, or the Measure of Academic Progress, is an adaptive test* which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and assist them in making informed decisions that promote a child's individual academic growth.

*Adaptive test -Computer-adaptive tests are designed to adjust their level of difficulty—based on the responses provided—to match the knowledge and ability of a test taker. If a student gives a wrong answer, the computer follows up with an easier question; if the student answers correctly, the next question will be more difficult.

MAP assessment data is also used to help us place students in ELA or Math Supports class, in addition to giving students an opportunity to be exposed to a texting environment, which they of course will experience throughout their educational journey. In order to accommodate school-wide testing, we have adjusted our class schedule for next week, see below:


8:30 - 10:55 - NWEA MAP Testing in Period 1 (10 minute break at end) 

Period 1 11:00- 11:50 

Lunch 11:50 - 12:20 

Period 2 12:25 - 1:15  

Advisory 1:20 - 1:50  

W.I.N. 1:55 - 2:25  

Period 3 2:30 - 3:20  

Please have your student bring their Chromebook fully charged (and with the charger to school). Students who are unable to test will have to make-up their MAP Assessments

Yes, we will have asynchronous support next week, the sign up is below. As always please review our school wide announcements here:

DV Schoolwide Student Announcements

Have a good weekend!!

Tami and Robert

Coming up:
Coffee with Admin on Monday, March 2nd

VIA ZOOM at 5pm

ASYNC link for the week of February 23 (sign up by Sunday February 22 at 6pm).

https://calendly.com/davinciconnecths/on-campus-async-support-week-of-february-23-2026

Best School Safety Practices:

**Please be prepared to show your ID when you pick up your student early.**

Drop Off and Pick up Routes Please watch the Connect HS Pick up and Drop Off Route video. This is to ensure the safest entrance and exit for all our families, and please drive slow in the parking lot. Click here to see the map of the flow of traffic for drop off and pick up of students.

2025-26 Da Vinci School Calendar

Please click here to view our upcoming 2025-2026 calendar.

Click on the link below to view all athletics update!

Wiseburn Da Vinci Athletics Blog

Parent Resources: 

• Starting the conversation with kids “Talk, they hear you” 
• Discussion Starter Videos | SAMHSA
• Drug Awareness Hot Topics (English/Spanish)
• Vaping : Parent Guide 
• Fentanyl : Parent toolkit
• Da Vinci Substance Use Treatment Resource Sheet
• Da Vinci Mental Health Resources New webpage!
• Substance Use Counselor Resource: Steve Cagle, LACDPH. SCagle@ph.lacounty.gov  
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline | SAMHSA