April 6, 2021
From Your Administrative Team
Greetings Connect TK-8 Families,

We are so excited to welcome students back from Spring break virtually AND on campus on April 12th! Please read the below updates to help make this transition as smooth as possible:

  • Our Landing Page is updated! You will be able to find all the info about our re-opening (and more) HERE!

  • As part of our transition back to campus, we are adjusting and re-allocating resources to meet everyone's needs. Please note the following changes:
  • Virtual Social Hour will be held 4 dys/wk from 1pm-2pm, so that any student staying virtual will have an opportunity to join virtual social hour BOTH cohort days! More info on how to access virtual social hours is in a blurb below

  • Virtual Office Hours are cancelled for the rest of the semester. You can continue to receive individual support and encourage you AND your student to make individual appointments with your teacher for any support necessary. Grown ups can also take advantage of Theresa's office hours (info below in Parent Center blurb)

  • Our front office remains closed for public use. Please continue reaching out to our front office team virtually, by e-mailing connect@davincischools.org or calling 310-725-5800 X 5100

  • Any student who would like a free lunch meal from Meal Services and who are NOT attending our morning sessions (and anyone wanting breakfast and weekend meals) should continue to use the drive thru Grab n Go service at 201 N. Douglas.  

  • Specific e-mails will be sent to families participating in morning and/or afternoon activities with additional information 


Whether you are staying virtual or preparing to return to campus, we are grateful to share this community with your family. We recognize that April 12th and the following weeks will be an important transition for everyone. My hope is that we navigate this monumental transition by extending grace, care, patience, and flexibility to one another. Please have conversations about this transition at home. If your child is not returning, that’s ok! Everyone's family is making the best choice for them. It’s helpful to have conversations with them about your family’s choice to stay home/ your “why”, and how to navigate possibly seeing friends on screen that are wearing masks and learning from a classroom on campus. Arming our students with as much information is one of the most caring gifts we can give them, especially during a time of change.


Take Good Care,
Tami, Michelle, and Kaitlin
Virtual Social Hour
1:00pm-2:00pm on your child's Cohort Days

For social hour with Alex, Core 3 and Core 4 will be learning to draw! Together we will watch videos, learn different techniques, and follow steps to create awesome art! Please come prepared with printer paper (or drawing paper), colored pencils (or desired coloring tools), a pencil, and a black marker. See you there!


Hello Davinci family I am Melvin Johnson and during social hour for grades 6th – 8th I will be having a debate class where students can choose their genre and topics to debate. There will also be rotations of Captains and selections of teams. Each team will get a week to gather research in order to debate!


Kelly Ann will be spending Social Hour with our Core 1 and Core 2 students. On Day 1, students will be doing activities related to the arts. They might draw, learn a dance, or any other arts related activity. On Day 2, students will play virtual games together.

FAN PRESENTS: Da Vinci Connect's Virtual Talent Showcase Series!
*UPDATE* April 30th

Thank you all for your interest in the 2nd Annual Virtual Talent Showcase! We are excited to report that, between the two dates, we have received approximately 20 sign-ups/participants willing to share their talents with our wonderful community. In order to provide our talented students with the optimum viewing audience and experience, we have decided to combine both the March 26 and April 30 events into one event on 4/30. This will help us to secure a balanced experience for all of our participants. Submission deadline for April 30 will be Friday April 23 by 5pm, however we do encourage early submission so that we have as much time as possible to plan and organize a quality event. If the demand for the Virtual Talent Showcase increases we will plan an additional event for May or June. Please stay tuned for updates and email jdurham@davincischools.org if there are any questions or concerns. 



Check out our promo video by DJ Henry below!
The Parent Center at Da Vinci Connect!
The Parent Center @ DV Connect
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WITH ALL WORKSHOPS: LIVE VIRTUAL & ASYNCHRONOUS RECORDINGS
 
Google Classroom (Code = w3yytj2) 249 people connected so far!
·        There is so much useful content here:
o  Supplemental Curriculum offerings + links and login credentials
o  Curriculum resources like webinar/workshop recordings, quick start guides and lesson planning tools
o  Podcasts
o  Links to articles and webinars + so much more!

Office Hours for 1:1 Meetings with Theresa
·        The link to my SignUp Genius can be found near the top of the Google Classroom and is updated monthly. Here’s the LINK for March 2021!
·        Remember, I am always willing to find a spot that works for your schedule if posted dates/times are not a good fit!

·        ThinkCERCA Middle School Parent + Student Jam (Meets weekly on Thursdays from 12:45-2pm)
o  Hosted by parent educator ThinkCERCA “Champions” Laura Caputo, Lena Garcia & Jahmal Durham. This will be an on-going space for parents and students to collaborate on writing using the CERCA Framework and the ThinkCERCA platform
o  Use this link to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87917820269
o  Password = thinkcerca

·        Support & Hope in Community (Meets First and Third Wednesdays at 7-7:45am)
NEXT MEETING IS ON:
April 21st: “Perception & Projection” w/Grace Bader & Theresa Leone
This workshop series is a collaboration between FAN, The Kindness Committee and The Parent Center
o  This workshop series was designed to create a safe space to connect, share, listen and lift each other up. FAN members, Jahmal Durham, Grace Bader, Dominique Seeley, Beth Griffin, Da Vinci parents Johana Mytko & Melissa Liebeskind, as well as DV Connect Staff members Kene Washington and Theresa Leone will take turns offering up content that promotes conversation, exploration, reflection, hope and maybe even a call to action. No matter what, the gathering is meant to feel like home—a place where we all belong.
o  The SignUpGenius has the link to join the Zoom meeting.

·        Establishing Writer’s Workshop Routines at Home (Meets every Wednesday in March from 2-3pm)
o  We know teaching writing is hard if you do it well. Let’s get together to talk about how it can be productive, fun and systematic!
o  Sometimes teaching writing can feel like a cross between hunting for a mythical creature and herding cats.
·        Some days you just don’t know if you can do it—or maybe you don’t want to explain to your child (for the millionth time) why their first draft is not finished.
·        If either of these scenarios resonate with you, join Patrick and Theresa to discuss the writing process.
Participants should come prepared to:
·        Go home and try some things and come back with samples and stories to share…
·        Use this link to sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044ba8af2ea0f85-establish
o  The SignUpGenius has the link to join the Zoom meeting.
Making Mistakes is GOOD! (Meets on 4/27 from 3-4pm)
·        Let’s explore why creating a culture that embraces mistakes is necessary in your homeschool classroom.
·        This workshop is based on Colleen Cruz’s book, “Risk. Fail. Rise. A Teacher’s Guide to Learning From Mistakes.”
·        Participants will read and discuss an expert from the book to learn about types of mistakes and the amount of learning that happens as a result of them. Too, attendees will participate in a model lesson that they can take home and repeat with their children.
·        Use this link to sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044ba8af2ea0f85-mistakes
o  The SignUp Genius has the link to join the Zoom meeting.
 
Parent-Student Book Club
·        A book club for Parents and Students!
Thank you to Julie and Andrew Hill for the idea and for championing this event :)

·        We will meet twice a month on Tuesday afternoons, from 1-2pm
Do this!
1)     Please get your hands on a copy of "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" and "How to Read Literature Like a Professor... For Kids"
2)     Check out the link on The Parent Center Google Classroom to see options to purchase and check out from the public library!
2) Read accordingly--the more prepared everyone is, the better our conversations will be!
3) Come ready to discuss!

SEE YOU THERE!
March
3/30: Chapters 2 & 10 NEXT MEETING!
** STUDENTS AND PARENTS COME TO THE MEETING PREPARED TO SUGGEST THE NEXT TWO CHAPTERS FOR THE GROUP TO READ--WE WILL VOTE TO DECIDE AS A GROUP! ***
April
4/13
4/27
May
5/11
5/25: Resources, Appendices, Extras



New (or New-ish) Family Chat w/Theresa & Jahmal (Meets on 4/1 from 3:30-4:15pm)
·        If you have recently joined the DV Connect community--or simply still feel "new-ish"--join Theresa and parent educator Jahmal Durham to connect and hopefully gain some insights as you embrace homeschooling. This is also a great opportunity to meet other parents and start building your network at Connect.
·        Topics to be explored +++
  • Champions and Ambassadors: Events, Curriculum, Workshops
  • Co-ops IN/OUT of school: Sharing talents and resources of all kinds with other families--play to each other's strengths!
  • Exploring local culture & museums, parks, beaches... Use your environment at a teaching tool
  • Sharing Parent Educator Best Practices -- How do I actually teach my student?
  • Incorporating supplemental curriculum into your homeschool plan
  • Office Hours to talk to Theresa 1:1 + The Parent Center Google Classroom
  • Here’s the link to sign up (the link to join is embedded in the SUG) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044ba8af2ea0f85-newor


Gizmos Math & Science Simulations (Grades 3-8) (Meets on 4/30 from 1-3pm)
·        Please join us for a Gizmos webinar to get started -- or review features -- of this amazing science and math simulation platform!
·        Friday, April 30 from 1-3pm
 

·        Here's how to attend the live webinar:
o  Click on Guest and log in by typing your name in the Guest Box.
·         If you are using a Chromebook, please have them select
             to enter through browser.
Audio Information: Computer audio is recommended. If unavailable, please use the following Gizmos Conference Line: 1-866-705-2554, Participant Code 524855#
PRIOR to attending the webinar, please do the following:
1. Set up your Gizmos Teacher Account - NEW USERS ONLY: Use this Reg Key and link to set up your new Gizmos account: RegKey: EA2B-GFMS
*** Returning users simply log in with your existing credentials. You can reset your password if you have forgotten it. ***
2. Watch this short video before the webinar. This video will acclimate you to basic mechanics of the website and helps them create their accounts from the registration key that you distribute. The video link is: https://kvgo.com/explorelearning/pre-gizmos
 
Project Based Learning (PBL) at Home (ALL GRADES, WE PROMISE!) (Meets on 5/12 from 2-4pm)
·        In this workshop Rita & Theresa will focus on the mindset, framework, strategies and tools you need to collaborate with your child to create a fantastic project based on your child’s passions!
·        Wednesday, May 12th from 1-3pm
·        Topics include:
o  How do I involve my child in PBL project planning at home?
o  A deep dive into what PBL IS and what is ISN’T
o  Learner agency: Why it is essential and how to cultivate it in your student and your project
o  Helping your student find their “SUPER POWER”
o  Establishing quality indicators for excellence and the tools to execute
·        Use this link to sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044BA8AF2EA0F85-project
 
UPCOMING CONTENT, STAY TUNED!
·        Growth Mindset at Home

 
RESERVE YOUR 20-21 YEARBOOK TODAY!
**UPDATED!**
It's not just a yearbook, it's YOUR book!

Spring is upon us, which means we are getting closer to finishing the yearbook! But, we can't have a completed yearbook without your child(ren)'s lovely faces!  
 
How to upload your photo:
 
  1. Take a photo with a greenery background, like this one of me  
  2. Go to this link to upload photos: https://uploads.picabooyearbooks.com/9059625
  3.  You will see a screen with this information:
Share photos with project: Da Vinci Connect 2020-2021
To send photos to your school or organization's yearbook project: fill out the form below then Click "Choose photos" to begin uploading your photos. That's it!
Enter your email address
Choose the book section that best matches your photos (optional)
Select...
[ ]I agree to the End User Agreement
  1. Fill out with parent email address and choose a section:
      TK-5th grade (choose teacher name/cohort if adding portrait)  (choose teacher collage if adding candid photos-up to 2 candid photos per student)
  
      6th-8th grade (choose grade level/cohort if adding portrait or updating portrait) (choose grade level/collage if adding candid photos-2 candid per student) 
 
      8th grade (choose baby photos if adding baby or young child photo)
 
 
  1. Due date to upload a portrait photo is April 30th. Any students missing a photo will have an "unavailable photo" placeholder in the yearbook.
 
  1. Due date to share candid photos is April 30th.
 
  1. Deadline to create your 4 FREE Personalized pages and purchase a yearbook is May 14th. ​ 
  2. Go to this link to purchase, create your personalized pages, and share your photos: https://store.shopyearbook.com/dvconnect
 
Please reach out to Darlene Wonggaew at dwonggaew@davincischools.org with any questions or concerns.  
 
 


Make sure to click on the correct store:

Connect K8 Yearbook Store: https://store.shopyearbook.com/dvconnect


Pricing is based on the number of pages per book:  
  • Connect K-8 has 100 pages ($25-$33)
  • Connect HS has 40 pages ($16-$26)

Do you want to share photos from homeschooling or update your student's portrait?  
  • You can do that easily through our yearbook stores: Find this button "Share photos with this yearbook" 
  • All portraits have a soft greenery background, so please use a similar background for your new portrait photo.
  • Families may load 2 collage photos of each student

When uploading photos, there is a dropdown button:
  • If you want to replace/upload a portrait, then click your child's teacher/grade AND cohort.  
  • If you want to share a candid photo, then click "Collage" for your child's teacher/grade.
  • Once you upload, add a note: Student name, activity
  • All uploaded photos will need to be approved by Darlene or Lauren 
  • 8th Grade Families: Please upload a baby photo and a young (age 5-7) photo with note: Student Name
Da Vinci Schools Families Connected!
We realize that the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with winter days and the holiday season may be impacting our families and community in a variety of ways. If you, your family, or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. You can also visit the Da Vinci Families Connected tab on our Parent Resource Site (click HERE) or go to www.dvconnectresources.org (pw is DVConnect2021)>Resources from Da Vinci Connect >Da Vinci Schools Families Connected.

This partnership between Da VInci Schools and Beach Cities Health District provides a multitude of resources and support for students and their families. Feel free to share with anyone in your community who may benefit from this support.
Receiving our Blog?
We've entered parent email addresses to our K-8 and High School blog so you should now receive blog emails periodically (we've sent out 2 to each group so far). They arrive in your inbox like an email from "Da Vinci Connect" and the subject line is "Da Vinci Connect Updates" (K-8) and "Da VInci Connect High School Updates" (HS).
If you aren't receiving them, check your spam/clutter/junkmail box and if there's nothing there, try subscribing directly on our blog site (you can check back here periodically as well). Connect HS Blog found HERE and Connect K-8 Blog found HERE.
Have a great week!
~ Your DV Connect Team