Blog

Let’s Get Social – Stay connected, engaged and informed

let's get social

Da Vincians are out and about learning by doing and embracing the world in ever-expanding ways.

We invite you to share in the adventure and stay up-to-date with all things Da Vinci by following us through our organizational social channels. Post, tag and tweet with the hashtags #DaVinciSchools and #DVProud.

Instagram
Follow us: @davincischools_org

Facebook
Like our Page: @dvschools

Twitter
Follow us: @dvschools

Athletics
Follow us @WDVAthletics

Sign up for the latest sports updates at our Wiseburn Da Vinci Athletics (WDV) blog. #GoWolves athletics.davincischools.org

Connect with us on our School Blogs & Social Accounts
Our school blogs and social accounts are also a great way to stay connected.

Da Vinci Communications
dvc.davincischools.org | @dvchighschool

Da Vinci Connect
dvconnect.davincischools.org | @dv_connect

Da Vinci Connect High
dvconnecths.davincischools.org | @dv_connect.crew

Da Vinci Design
dvd.davincischools.org | @dvdig

Da Vinci RISE High
dvrise.davincischools.org | @dvrisehigh

Da Vinci Science
dvs.davincischools.org | @dvshighschool

Don’t miss out on the fun & connect with us today!

By |2022-11-04T22:46:04+00:00November 4th, 2022|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Let’s Get Social – Stay connected, engaged and informed

LAX Aviation Career Day – Fill out your permission slip today!

 

Pick up your field trip slip at your school site front office. Wednesday, November 9th

Are you interested in the aviation industry and want to learn more about it? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore various careers within the industry and what you can do to get there!

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is hosting the Annual LAX Aviation Career Day next Wednesday, November 9. This event will bring awareness of careers in the aviation industry as well as specialized curriculums at local colleges. Students can explore aviation career opportunities, speak with, and discuss career paths with more than 30 companies, federal agencies and other airport employers.

Students can pick up a field trip slip from their Office Manager at the school site’s front desk. Spots are limited so we encourage students to turn in their slips no later than Monday, November 7.

Students will be leaving to LAX at 8:30 am and returning at 1 pm.

 

By |2022-11-04T17:43:20+00:00November 4th, 2022|Career, Real World Learning, Student Life|Comments Off on LAX Aviation Career Day – Fill out your permission slip today!

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (10.26.2022)

Hello Da Vinci Scholars and Families,

Check out the new RWL opportunities below:

For students interested in journalism, podcasting, photography, or video:
The LA Times is offering 10 weeks of intensive, hands-on internship experiences. They’re placing interns throughout the departments of the Los Angeles Times:

Metro/Local
Entertainment and Arts
Sports
Politics
Business
Features/Lifestyle (Fashion, Food, Travel, Home Design, Plants)
Foreign/National
Editorial Pages/Op-Ed
Photography
Video
Data and Graphics
Design
Digital/Engagement
Podcasting

These are paid internships and placements usually run from June to late August. They are also offering spring internships for Southern California students. The application for the 2023 Spring or Summer Internship Programs is open. The deadline to apply is November 15. Click here to apply. Applicants for spring will receive email notification of the committee’s decision by Feb 1, 2023. Summer internship applicants will be informed by March 1, 2023.

For students interested in art: 
The Vigilant Love Solidarity Arts Fellowship is a six-month program for Japanese & Muslim American young adults between ages 18 and 25 who have the desire to build meaningful & transformative relationships, experience multi-disciplinary arts & healing justice practices, and organize to resist Islamophobia & white supremacy. Fellows will gain access to facilitation, training, and mentorship from long-time, experienced leaders and artists from Muslim, Japanese, Black, Indigenous, and POC communities. All interested applicants must submit their responses by Sunday, December 4th, 2022. Click here to apply.

For students interested in science and engineering: 
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program places high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories where they take part in real Naval research for 8 weeks during the summer. SEAP is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in STEM and have the opportunity to learn about Naval research and technology while receiving first-class mentoring by top scientists and engineers. SEAP is a competitive program with around 300 placements in more than 30 labs around the country. Inters are selected based upon academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career and research interests. Click here to learn more. Click here to apply. Applications close November 2.

 

By |2022-10-26T23:10:25+00:00October 26th, 2022|Real World Learning|Comments Off on Announcements from Real World Learning Director (10.26.2022)

More Than a Meal Application…We Need Your Help by Oct. 31st!

don't leave money on the table. Complete a meal application by oct. 31

Da Vinci Families – We need your help!

Both the state and federal government require Da Vinci to report the number of students each year who qualify for free and reduced meals. Although meals are currently being provided to all students free of charge, Da Vinci’s percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced meals greatly impacts the amount of additional funding Da Vinci can receive.

Da Vinci is so close to qualifying for additional funding… Even a small increase in eligible forms collected results in significantly more money for ALL students.

We need every family to complete a federal Meal Application by October 31st to maximize funding for ALL Da Vinci students.

Please fill out the application online at MySchoolApps.com. Only complete one application per family. This information will not be shared or utilized for any other purpose.

Based on your circumstances, your family may qualify for P-EBT food benefits, low-cost internet access, utilities assistance, fee waivers for college applications, SAT/ACT and Subject Test fee waivers, scholarships, and more!

Don’t delay — you may be eligible for significant savings while helping Da Vinci maximize funding for ALL students.

Please complete a meal application no later than Oct. 31st at MySchoolApps.com. We thank you!

If you need assistance, please contact Sara at meals@davincischools.org or visit www.davincischools.org/meals.

By |2022-10-26T19:31:33+00:00October 26th, 2022|Student Life|Comments Off on More Than a Meal Application…We Need Your Help by Oct. 31st!

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (10.17.2022)

Hello Da Vinci Scholars and Families,

Check out the new RWL opportunities below:

For students interested in sports, hospitality, and fitness:
Bay Club is offering a 12-week course that exposes students to different areas of the Bay Club business while providing valuable experience to those interested in a career in hospitality, sports, fitness, and more. The course runs from Monday, October 24-Saturday, December 31, 2022. For more information and to attend a career fair, fill out this form today.

For students interested in music:
The Music Foundation is offering virtual modules for young people who are exploring careers in the music industry. Check out their sessions here

For students interested in exploring different careers:
Kollab Youth will be launching its Winter Cohort Virtual Workforce Development Program for Teens 13-19.  This program will start January 16, 2023, and helps youth to explore different career industries every week like Technology, Entertainment, Food Science, Money Management, Mental Health, Construction, Carpentry, and more! Participating companies include Kaiser Permanente and Target.  Virtual classes are held every Wednesday and Thursday at 4:15 pm. Students are eligible for field trips, jobs, and internships after they complete the 9-week program. Low-income youth are encouraged to apply. To apply, click here.

For students interested in film:
Applications are open now for the Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking Program! Join the Film Crew and make movies every Thursday starting October 27! The program is 100% FREE and no experience is necessary! Space is limited so APPLY NOW! Registration ends October 20! Virtual options are also available. In-person classes are held at the Boys and Girls Club at Los Angeles Harbor. 

For students interested in video games, art, production, music, and journalism:
Women in Games offers a free digital-only event on Discord on October 26th – 28th. Students will see industry professionals including a few well-known faces who will drop into a Discord channel to take part in roundtables. Professionals will advise students on pathways into video games, review portfolios and share insight into what they do. There will also be a series of keynote speakers, who will join a line-up of programmers, artists, producers, musicians, journalists, voice actors and many more for three days of expert advice. Students can sign-up for free right here.

By |2022-10-17T22:48:25+00:00October 17th, 2022|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Announcements from Real World Learning Director (10.17.2022)

Marissa Crook Named as New Wiseburn Da Vinci Athletics Director

welcome new athletics director

We are excited to announce that Marissa Crook has been named Athletics Director of the Wiseburn Da Vinci Athletics program. Marissa assumed her duties last week.

For the past 12 years Marissa has worked to create and improve Physical Education and Athletic programs at the schools she has served. Marissa brings experience in building athletic teams and programs from the ground floor as an inaugural coach and athletic director. As a former high school and college athlete, Marissa has a passion for providing students with opportunities to thrive in both their academic and athletic endeavors.

Marissa’s focus is on building a positive and respectful culture of athletics whose members represent our schools and the WDV Athletics program with pride. “I am excited to be part of Da Vinci Schools and to serve in the Wolves’ Athletic Program. I hope to see many student leaders and athletes engaged in the community as exceptional ambassadors of the spirit and dedication of Da Vinci Schools and Athletics.”

Marissa is coming at an exciting time for Wiseburn Da Vinci Athletics which moved to the Pioneer League this school year. The new league benefits our student-athletes by providing a more competitive experience, more consistent game schedules, additional team levels, shorter travel times, and more.

Marissa earned her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology-Physical Education from Cal State Northridge, a teaching credential from Cal State Bakersfield, and a Master’s in Kinesiology from Fresno Pacific University.

Marissa was selected from a pool of 146 candidates. The top three candidates were interviewed by a joint Wiseburn Da Vinci Interview Panel composed of Wiseburn and Da Vinci administrators, Wiseburn community members who are parents with students attending both Wiseburn and Da Vinci schools, student-athletes, and coaches. We are deeply grateful to our panel members, as well as to Wiseburn Superintendent Dr. Blake Silvers for his athletic director expertise and for helping us through this process. We also wish to express our gratitude to Tori Grafeman, WDV Assistant Athletics Director, who did a wonderful job in her role and continues to be a highly valued member of the Da Vinci organization.

Marissa can be reached at mcrook@davincischools.org. Welcome to the pack Marissa! Go Wolves!

For the latest Athletics news and announcements, subscribe to our new WDV Athletics blog at athletics.davincischools.org.

 

By |2022-10-17T22:24:07+00:00October 17th, 2022|News|Comments Off on Marissa Crook Named as New Wiseburn Da Vinci Athletics Director

Survey: Expanding our Arts and Languages Options

Dear Da Vinci Students and Families,

We are exploring adding additional language and arts offerings during Zero period (which will be approximately 7:25-8:35am) next semester. The goal is to make any additional offerings available to all high school students, regardless of school site.

Please complete the survey below by Friday, Oct. 14th to share your thoughts and ideas about what additional language and arts classes we should offer. There is also space on the survey to share any other thoughts or ideas you think we should know. There are two separate surveys — one for students and one for parents/guardians.

Student Survey Link: https://forms.gle/JypEbSfU138b1W34A

Parent/Guardian Survey Link: https://forms.gle/y6hbKrNGMfJvVcBS8

We thank you!

By |2022-10-07T18:32:08+00:00October 7th, 2022|News|Comments Off on Survey: Expanding our Arts and Languages Options

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (9.28.2022)

Hello Da Vinci Scholars and Families,

Check out the new RWL opportunities below:

For students interested in health and vision care:
Cal State LA is having a Vision Fair on October 15. Students will have an opportunity to learn about careers and majors related to vision and medicine, as well as free vision screenings. The organization Guide Dogs will also be bringing dogs who are in training to help visually impaired folks. For more information visit: https://www.visionfair.org/ 

For students interested in advertising:
T.E.A.M. Woo (Teens Engaged in Advertising Mentorship) is a customized mentorship program aimed to help expose students who have a passion for creativity to the possibilities of pursuing a career in a creative field!  You’ll get a chance to team up with fellow creatives and work on a real-world advertising campaign for Supergoop! while being mentored by seasoned professionals along the way. You’ll also walk away with tons of knowledge on strategy, branding, conception/execution, and presentation skills. The program includes 5 sessions held over 4-6 weeks, each session being three hours (6 PM-9 PM). The program will begin on Monday, January 16th and there are 18 spots available. The deadline is October 15. Apply here.

For students interested in animation:
The deadline to sign up for Story Xperiential is fast approaching! This program starts on October 3rd. Story Xperiential is offering a 9-week online experience that takes you behind the scenes at Pixar and introduces you to world-class storytellers. You’ll follow the Pixar process to create a storyreel of your own short story. You’ll livestream with different Pixar storytellers every Monday, submit your work to a gallery and receive ongoing feedback. At the end, your work will be showcased in an online exhibition. Artistic experience is not required, the program is all about story. The program costs $25 for youth ages (13-18) and $250 for youth ages 18+. To learn more & register, click here.

By |2022-09-28T22:47:29+00:00September 28th, 2022|Real World Learning|Comments Off on Announcements from Real World Learning Director (9.28.2022)

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (9.22.2022)

Hello Da Vinci Scholars and Families,

Check out the new RWL opportunities below: 

For students interested in the environment: 

SOAR Green Leadership Academy is a forward-thinking program that empowers motivated high school students to lead with an environmental mindset.  With mentorship and real-world guidance from Grades of Green staff and corporate partners, these students will collaborate together to help develop and drive better environmental standards and outcomes for industries today and for generations to come. Students will emerge from the program with a broad view of global environmental issues through a corporate lens and will prepare to enter college or the workforce with diverse, sustainable, and innovative perspectives. 

SOAR is taking off! Join a diverse group of eco-conscious high school peers in the Los Angeles area who can dedicate 5-10 hours per month to this academy. Discover a vast array of industries and the environmental impact they make and gain knowledge to develop and drive better environmental standards, impacts and outcomes. To learn more, click here. You must apply before September 30th.

For students interested in film:

Learn all the ins and outs of filmmaking as you produce short films, music videos, documentaries, and more! You will get hands-on experience with professional film equipment and be mentored by Hollywood pros at Sony, Paramount, Discovery Networks, Roku, and more! The program is 100% FREE and no experience is necessary! After the weekly program, you can intern with Fresh Films! Take your skills to the next level and work on set of TV shows & films (where 93 youth did that this summer!) Classes are available in person at The Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor, as well as virtually. Space is limited so apply now. Registration ends October 20. To learn more, click here

To see a complete list of Real World Learning opportunities, please click here

By |2022-09-22T21:12:51+00:00September 22nd, 2022|Real World Learning|Comments Off on Announcements from Real World Learning Director (9.22.2022)

August 29, 2022
Dear RISE community,

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about a recent loss in our school community. On Sunday, August 15th, one of our beloved students, Joshua Montes DeOca, tragically lost his life due to gun violence. Our condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of Joshua during this difficult time. As a student at RISE High School, Joshua remained attentive and actively participated in our instructional program at A Place Called Home campus. Joshua joined our Da Vinci RISE community towards the end of the 21-22 school year and he brought great love and light to all those he encountered at RISE. He was kind, respectful and placed school as a top priority. This was evident even when he was absent, as he would reach out to share his absence or request assignments to complete from home. Joshua was a true representation of a responsabile and empowered citizen and inspired our RISE community.

During this time, as the school community processes these tragic news and copes with grief, we will offer counseling and bereavement services to all of our students and school personnel. We encourage you, as parents and stakeholders, to also feel free to use our resources. Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. Many of us may be confronted with a variety of emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school, especially our students.

Students may have had no experience in coping with loss of a classmate or for some, this may be far too familiar. We are working to support our students through counseling by our Student Support Services Team (SSS) and our staff through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If you feel that your student needs to speak to a counselor or other adult, please do not hesitate to call the school and let us know. We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your student as you need.

If you are interested in providing further support to Joshua’s family, below you can find a GoFundMe link that will collect funds to be contributed to funeral expenses and any other needs the family has at this time. We know that a sudden loss can be jolting, for this reason we want you to know of our care and support.

Joshua’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/95k7c-joshua?qid=c554f2caa9df2c900c4014806e2e5be3

Sincerely,


Edith M. Funes, M. Ed.
Assistant Principal
Da Vinci RISE High School

Naomi Lara
Principal
Da Vinci RISE High School

Erin Whalen
Executive Director
Da Vinci RISE High School

29 de agosto del 2022
Estimada comunidad de RISE, 

Con gran pesar les informamos sobre una pérdida reciente en nuestra comunidad escolar. El domingo 15 de agosto, uno de nuestros queridos estudiantes, Joshua Montes DeOca, perdió trágicamente la vida debido a la violencia armada. Nuestras condolencias y pensamientos están con la familia y los amigos de Joshua durante este momento difícil. Como estudiante de RISE High School, Joshua se mantuvo atento y participó activamente en nuestro programa de instrucción en el campus de A Place Called Home. Joshua se unió a nuestra comunidad Da Vinci RISE hacia el final del año escolar 21-22 y trajo un gran amor y luz a todos los que conoció en RISE. Fue amable, respetuoso y puso la escuela como una prioridad. Esto era evidente incluso cuando estaba ausente, ya que se acercaba para compartir su ausencia o solicitar tareas para completar desde casa. Joshua fue una verdadera representación de un ciudadano responsable y empoderado e inspiró a nuestra comunidad RISE.

Durante este tiempo, mientras la comunidad escolar procesa esta trágica noticia y se enfrenta al duelo, ofreceremos servicios de consejería y duelo a todos nuestros estudiantes y personal escolar. Los alentamos, como padres y partes interesadas, a que también se sientan libres de usar nuestros recursos. La muerte puede ser difícil de entender para nosotros, especialmente cuando es repentina. Muchos de nosotros podemos enfrentarnos a una variedad de emociones, preocupaciones y preguntas para toda nuestra escuela, especialmente para nuestros estudiantes.

Es posible que los estudiantes no hayan tenido experiencia en hacer frente a la pérdida de un compañero de clase o, para algunos, esto puede ser demasiado familiar. Estamos trabajando para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes a través del asesoramiento de nuestro Equipo de Servicios de Apoyo Estudiantil (SSS) y nuestro personal a través de nuestro Programa de Asistencia al Empleado (EAP). Si cree que su estudiante necesita hablar con un consejero u otro adulto, no dude en llamar a la escuela e informarnos. Nos entristece la pérdida de nuestra comunidad escolar y haremos todo lo posible para ayudarlo a usted y a su estudiante según lo necesiten.

Si está interesado en brindar más apoyo a la familia de Joshua, a continuación puede encontrar un enlace de GoFundMe que recaudará fondos para contribuir a los gastos del funeral y cualquier otra necesidad que tenga la familia en este momento. Sabemos que una pérdida repentina puede ser una sacudida, por eso queremos que sepas de nuestro cuidado y apoyo.

GoFundMe de Joshua: https://www.gofundme.com/f/95k7c-joshua?qid=c554f2caa9df2c900c4014806e2e5be3

Sinceramente, 

Edith M. Funes, M. Ed.
Subdirectora
Da Vinci RISE High School

Naomi Lara
Principal
Da Vinci RISE High School

Erin Whalen                   
Director Ejecutivo
Da Vinci RISE High School

By |2022-09-01T17:44:21+00:00August 31st, 2022|Uncategorized|Comments Off on
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