Hello Da Vinci Connect Families,

As we head in to a week of rest and gratitude, we want to extend a huge Thank You to our Fall Festival planning committee, Jahmal, Core 3, and everyone who attended this beautiful event on a rainy afternoon! Our community continues to be a special place because of each of you!

The Connect Staff would also like to specifically thank the families who generously shared breakfast items with us this week--we are so grateful for your kindness!

To everyone who will celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Gratitude is a central theme during this holiday and Fall in general, and we invite you to explore these family gratitude activity ideas . For families looking to expand the story of Thanksgiving and honor the Indigenous perspective, this story does a beautiful job. Our friends at Roots ConnectEd shared this article recently that helps engage in critical literacy skills as we examine stories told and the perspectives of Thanksgiving traditions and history.

Whatever this week may bring for your family, we hope it is met with rest, gratitude, and joy. Enjoy a well-deserved week away!

Kaitlin (she/her) and Robin (she/her)

Fall/Thanksgiving Break

11/20-11/24

No school or homeschool--campus will be closed. Enjoy a well-deserved break!

A Note From Our School Nurse

As we enter the winter months and look forward to the upcoming holiday breaks, there is increased travel and indoor gatherings for the holidays.

Parents are encouraged NOT to send their child to school if they appear ill. A child should remain at home for their own welfare and for the protection of other students if they have a fever >99 degrees or if they are sick with symptoms such as productive cough, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Please continue to report all cases of COVID to egreen@davincischools.org. Students are asked to isolate for 5 days from illness onset or positive test per LA County Public Health protocols and we will assist in calculating the return timeline. Contact notices will be sent to families if there are 3 or more linked cases confirmed in our community. Da Vinci Schools has ample, free over-the-counter COVID-19 Antigen Tests available for schools and districts to use for students during the upcoming school breaks and holidays. Feel free to pick up from front office.

More information can be found at https://www.davincischools.org/health-services/

Thank you and here is to a safe, healthy and fun school year! 

Winter Performance Showcase!

12/5 at 6:30pm at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center

All theatre students – grades TK – 12 – will bring the stage to life with material that honors our 2023 Performing Arts theme, "Family"! Come enjoy the show!

Exhibition!

Tues 12/12 and Thurs 12/14

4:30-5:15pm and 5:30-6:15pm

One of our most important signature practices, Exhibition, is quickly approaching! Exhibition is a mandatory event for all students and families to attend. This signature practice is a culminating event for the semester, where all students across grade levels have the opportunity to present to the wider community about their products/deliverables, and learning process throughout this semester's project! Students will have specific presentation times, and should expect to many community members, including their family. During the evening, families should expect to participate as active audiences for all classrooms, not just their own children.

Because this is such an important event, we ask that all students and staff dress professionally--slacks, button down t-shirts, ties, professional dresses/skirts, dress shoes, etc. are all examples of what professional attire might look like.

More specific details will be coming from your child's teacher--we can't wait to celebrate this important event and spend a magical evening with you!

Donations and Volunteers for new outdoor projects on campus!

In relation to the playground/body break/ athletics conversations we have been having with students, staff, and families, we working on adding new additions and transforming spaces on campus to continue to meet student needs!

We are hoping for donations of the following items:

• Bags of sandbox sand for a new sandbox coming to the blacktop/garden space
• Outdoor rug, outdoor plants/decor for a new relaxation space we are building for older students

We are hoping for volunteers to assemble the following items:

• A climbing dome (requires at least two people)
• A sandbox



If you are able to donate any of these items or can volunteer, please contact Kaitlin directly! Thank You!

Da Vinci Schools Enrollment Season for 24-25 School Year!

Opens 11/1

If you have a family member or friend interested in applying to any of the Da Vinci Schools for the next school year, let them know that our application opens on 11/1! More info can be found on our enrollment page. This also applies if you are a current family and would like to enroll an additional child!

*This does not impact currently enrolled students, EXCEPT for graduating 8th graders--8th grade students MUST submit an application for Da Vinci High Schools in order to be considered for enrollment

Middle School Leadership Seminar Call for Donations!

Now through 12/1

In community service, students are asking for donations for the Marine Mammal Care Center and the SPCALA animal shelter. For the Marine Mammal Care Center we are asking for paper towels, disinfecting bleach, small, medium, and large nitrile gloves. For the SPCALA animal shelter we are asking for cat/dog food, blankets, new pet toys, and dog and cat treats. All donations can be put in a box in the front office of Da Vinci Connect k-8 and the deadline is December 1st. Thank you.