From Your Administrative Team | |
Hello Da Vinci Connect Families,
We hope everyone had a restful Spring Break! Before we left for break, we ended March with two incredible events--our STEAM Carnival and Parent Educator Conference #4! Thank you to EVERYONE who showed up, spent time planning and organizing, and shared space and time together as a community. We had so much fun!
Next week is Exhibition! We can't wait to celebrate student learning and the culmination of their second semester projects with you. Kids and staff have been working incredibly hard to be presentation ready! Please remember to participate fully in Exhibition as an audience--actively participate in as many classrooms as possible, keep small kiddos with you, and enjoy the experience! Please also practice our Good Neighbor Policy by parking respectfully in the neighborhood and not blocking any driveways, walking on lawns, or leaving any trash behind. This parking reminder is applicable at all times and for all events, not just Exhibition ;) Thank You!
If your child still needs an Exhibition outfit, check out the Exhibition blurb below!
Starting on Monday 4/22, our 3rd-8th grade students will engage in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This testing is mandated by the state of California. Each student will take two language arts tests, and two math tests. Students in 5th/7th grade will also take the Physical Fitness Test, and students in 5th/8th will also take the California Science Test (CAST). Students will be given several breaks throughout each testing session--tests are untimed and students will be given additional time as needed. You can view our tentative schedule HERE. To find out more about the statewide assessments, parents can visit the CAASPP website. The state requires at least 95% student participation in these assessments to avoid specific consequences. Please watch this archived video to hear more about our stance on state testing and some important information about how state testing impacts our school HERE. Thank you in advance for trusting us to navigate this experience humanely with your students!
Finally, we want to share some VERY exciting updates---two tiny new members have joined our community, and we are thrilled to share that Katrina and Natasha have had their babies!
World, Meet Marlow Mae, Katrina's sweet baby girl!
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World, Meet Kal-El, Natasha's adorable baby boy! | |
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We hope both families are enjoying all of the baby snuggles they can get!
Enjoy Your Weekend,
Kaitlin (she/her) and Robin (she/her)
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STEAM Carnival Update!
Thanks to all our students, families, and friends who participated in Da Vinci Connect's STEAM Carnival 2024! We'd like to acknowledge our planning committee for preparing space and hosting more than 20 exhibits. Their presence and creativity were well-received: Victoria Ingram, Kyle Roberts, and student Alumni Ava De Jesus. Our guests this year took part in live science experiments provided by the Society of Women Engineers and Charles Drew University. Among the many wonderful student-led exhibits there were two wonderfully crafted, interactive ART experiences, the 1st from the Borrero family in support of Women's History Month and the 2nd from the legendary Mr. Mason who helped students explore this year’s theme “Curiosity” with a Chalk Mural activity. A very special thanks goes out to our Real-World Learning team for their support with bringing the Los Angeles Beekeeper's Association, the LINX, and Chicas Verdes organizations to engage and share information with our school community. Lastly, two of our returning fan-favorite experiences included a demonstration by the First Lego League's Robyn Wong and to close the event there was a performance from our very own award-winning Odyssey of the Mind Teams, who are headed to Iowa for the World Championships this May! We are looking forward to many more wonderful STEAM adventures and events provided by the -Family Action Network. For more information and ways to get involved please email activities coordinator Jahmal Durham at jdurham@davincischools.org ~
Please click HERE to enjoy a few 'Art' submissions from our students who continue to celebrate STEAM concepts.
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Girl's Day in Sports!
Tomorrow 4/13!
The Department of Park and Recreation Sports Division will be hosting the 2nd Annual Girls’ Sports Day Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park.
The event is FREE and will provide girls ages 9-17 the opportunity to THIRVE and have FUN through sports and physical activity. Participants will have an opportunity to be part of 4 different sports clinics, be inspired by successful women athletes and receive free SWAG gifts.
Event supporters include, The Los Angeles Clippers, Ella Sports Foundation and Latina Golf Association. A meal will provided to all participants. Transportation will be provided at designated locations throughout the department. Registration is required and is open on Active Net! The goal for the department is 400 Girls to participate in the event.
The following Sports clinics will be offered, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and Softball and are designed to motivate, build confidence and self-esteem in participants.
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Coffee with Admin
Tuesday 4/16 and Friday 4/19
Join Kaitlin and Robin after drop off on Tuesday and Friday to talk about anything on your mind, spend time together, and connect over hot beverages!
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PAC Meeting
Monday April 15th at 5:00pm via ZOOM
During this Parent Advisory Committee meeting, we will preview our proposed LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan) Goals that will guide our planning, funding and support of students for the next three years!
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Exhibition!
Tues. April 16 and Thurs. April 18 from 4:30pm-6:15pm
Student Presentation Schedules have been shared--please check Canvas or with your teacher directly!
Our students and staff are preparing for Spring Exhibition! This signature schoolwide community practice (and mandatory event) is one of the most special evenings of the year--it's a beautiful opportunity to support all students in celebrating their learning and the opportunity to present to many members of our community!
The Exhibition closet is open! Check out ready-to-wear Exhibition clothes of all sizes that you can borrow for the event and return after! The closet will be available before and after school through Exhibition week.
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Odyssey of the Mind!
Did you hear? This year, Da Vinci had 6 Odyssey of the Mind teams shine at the regional competition, 4 rock at the state level, and 2 teams now headed all the way to the World Championship at the University of Iowa to compete with kids from Poland, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, and all over the world! Now onto the next impossible of fundraising for all 14 state champions and accompanying chaperones to equitably finance registration, transportation, and accommodations in just a few short weeks. Impossible? Not with you on our team 🙂
Ways to help:
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-Join us for ICE SKATING on Monday, April 29th(PD Day) from 2:30 to 5:00 pm at Toyota Sports Performance Center. $24 cash or Venmo (@Saba-Bholat) per person includes skate rentals! Sign Up Here!
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-Come out to EAT breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner at any of these yummy, local restaurants Eat Fantastic , Al Hamra, or Zacatecas on both Tuesday, April 16th and Thursday, April 18th. Show the flyers or mention Da Vinci Odyssey of the Mind.
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-Contact kpvellenga@gmail.com if your company would like SPONSOR and be advertised all over the city (and the country) on our t-shirts!
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EssayPop Training!
April 17 11:30am-1:00pm
Join us virtually on the 17th to become an expert on one of our most consistently used ELA resources! See below for details:
Use these links to get set up before the workshop:
Click HERE to Reserve Your Spot!
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It's Time to Order Yearbooks!
We are excited to offer a yearbook again this year! To purchase, scan the QR code below or go to THIS LINK to log in/create an account. You can find more information about our yearbook and purchasing options HERE!
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Exhibition!
Tues. April 16 and Thurs. April 18
Our students and staff are preparing for Spring Exhibition! This signature practice (and mandatory event) is one of the most special evenings of the year--it's a beautiful opportunity to support all students in celebrating their learning and the opportunity to present to many members of our community!
As you begin to prepare, please remember that there is a Business Attire Exhibition Dress code for students. We will have an Exhibition closet available for families after Spring Break to shop and borrow Exhibition clothes as needed!
More details, including student presentation times, will be coming from classroom teachers in the next couple of weeks!
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Middle School Dance! SAVE THE DATE!
Friday May 3rd at the Black Box Theater 201 N. Douglas St
6:00pm-8:00pm
Dear Middle School Families of Core 5, please join us in making the 2024 Middle School Dance a memorable experience for all our middle school students! We are asking families to consider donating the suggested items listed inside the Sign-Up Genius that our Student-Led committee has created. Please take a moment to review the snacks, decorations, and other 'Wish List' items highlighted in the SIGN-UP!
For more information, please email jdurham@davincischools.org
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FAN Annual Talent Showcase!
Friday May 17th
Who: Connect Students are invited to showcase their talents!
What: Annual Talent Showcase
When: Friday | May 17 | time: TBA
Where: Black Box Theater 201 N. Douglas St, El Segundo
Talent offerings from students will include:
Singing, Dancing, Comedy, Visual Arts, Fine Arts & Crafts, & Musicians demonstrating the mastery of their chosen instruments!
**Attention Core 5 Families**
The stage is being prepped and we are eager to get the planning started with you and your talented students. We are looking for 5-6 committed parents to help our Activities Coordinator Jahmal Durham in executing a few specific tasks to ensure that the Talent Showcase will be successful for ALL of our K8 students.
Invitation to visual and digital artists, painters, and creators of fine arts
We are planning to have a space inside of the event to exhibit and highlight these offerings from our students. Please plan to use the Student-participation Sign-up genius to book a space!
For questions, please email jdurham@davincischools.org for further details.
All participating students can Click HERE to review the Sign-up Genius for more information.
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Mr. Mason's Virtual Art Classes Are Back!
Every Wednesday from 2-3pm
Live ZOOM Art Class with Mr. Mason. Join us virtually for art classes each week!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2029821176
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Summer Athletics Camps Hosted by WUSD + Da Vinci Schools!
Registration Opens March 1
Is your 4th-8th grade student interested in participating in a summer athletics camp? Learn more about this first time offering HERE!
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Daily Read Alouds on Zoom!
M-F 9:00am
Want a connective way to begin your homeschool days? Join Nancy each day at 9:00am on zoom for a virtual read aloud! This invitation is for all ages, regardless of grade level or cohort! You can join her on zoom HERE
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Da Vinci Connect Gear!
we are excited to share that we have an online store with new t-shirt designs for the 23-24 school year! We are honored to partner with Mychal's Learning Place for our printing needs. Take a look at our online store to purchase Da Vinci Connect t-shirts and hoodies, in youth AND adult sizes!
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Have a great week!
~ Your DV Connect Team
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